Starting a YouTube channel can feel daunting, especially as a small creator. But what if I told you that my very first YouTube video earned me over $300, even though I had less than 400 subscribers? It’s true, and today I want to share my journey with you—how I got here, what I’ve learned, and how starting a channel has changed my life in ways I never imagined.
Why I Started My YouTube Channel
Hi, I’m Allie Mac, and I started my YouTube channel to share my experiences as an artist, encourage women to embrace their creativity, and help them build confidence in their art journeys. My goal was to provide tips, time-lapses, and insights from my own artistic process. What I didn’t realize was how quickly YouTube could make an impact—not just for others but for me as well.
The Story Behind My First Video
When I uploaded my first video, I didn’t have a fancy camera, a big audience, or even a clear strategy. I just used my phone, hit record, and shared an honest review of an art program that had helped me tremendously. It was a product I genuinely believed in, and I wanted to share it in case it could help someone else.
At the time, I didn’t even realize the potential of affiliate marketing. Later, I signed up for the program’s affiliate program and added the link to my video description. To my surprise, that video became my best-performing one and eventually earned me my first affiliate sale.
The Power of Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing can be a great way to start earning income on YouTube, even if you’re a small creator. Unlike ad revenue, which requires meeting YouTube’s monetization threshold, affiliate marketing allows you to earn by recommending products or services you believe in.
For me, the key was authenticity. I wasn’t trying to sell something for the sake of making money. I was sharing my genuine experience with a program that had boosted my confidence and saved me time in my art journey.
One day, I received a notification from PayPal: a deposit of over $300 from the affiliate program. I was shocked and incredibly grateful. It came at a time when I needed it most and reminded me of the power of YouTube, even as a small creator.
Tools That Make Creating Easier
One investment I made to improve my content creation process was purchasing the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 camera. This small but powerful camera has face tracking and eliminates the friction of setting up complicated equipment. It’s been a game-changer for me, especially since I’m not very tech-savvy.
What I’ve Learned
This experience taught me a few important lessons:
1. Start with what you have. You don’t need fancy equipment or a big audience to make an impact.
2. Be authentic. Share products or services you genuinely believe in and that have helped you.
3. Focus on evergreen content. My first video was a review, which is highly searchable and continues to bring in views.
4. Trust the process. You never know who’s watching and how your story might resonate with them.
Building Confidence and Community
Starting my channel has not only helped me grow as an artist but also as a person. It’s given me the confidence to share my story, build my business, and connect with an amazing community of artists.
Speaking of community, I’ve started an Artist Book Club to help others grow their confidence. Through a private Facebook group and monthly Zoom calls, we discuss books that inspire and encourage artistic growth. If you’re interested, you can join via my Buy Me a Coffee page.
Encouragement for Aspiring Creators
If you’re sitting on the fence about starting a YouTube channel, let me encourage you: It’s never too late. You don’t need to be perfect or have it all figured out. Just start. Share your story, your passion, and your experiences. You never know who might be inspired by your journey—or how it might change your own life.
What’s Next?
As 2025 approaches, I’m setting new goals for my art, business, and YouTube channel. I’m excited to share my plans, including upcoming gallery exhibitions and a video about setting realistic artistic goals.
If you have questions about affiliate marketing, starting a YouTube channel, or building an art business, feel free to drop a comment. I’d love to help you get started on your own journey.
Thank you for being part of mine. Until next time, check out my YouTube video to learn more about my story, and I’ll see you in the next one!
Ready to chase your artistic dreams? Watch the original YouTube video here.