For the purpose of this article I will be looking at introversion. However I acknowledge this isn’t always a one size fits all approach. We are all different (thankfully), but many of us can probably identify with the traits of one or the other.
Myself, I am firmly an introvert. Which is why I want to write this for my fellow quiet folk, and hopefully explain how and why I think my fellow introverts make great YouTube creators.
Party For One
Us introverts often excel in environments where we can work alone and are able to set our own pace. Creating content for a YouTube channel fits this need perfectly.
You are often working independently, ensuring control of your schedule and workspace. Personally I use the early hours (when my kids are asleep) to plan, research, write and occasionally edit my videos. Alone with my thoughts and using that solitude to be at peace in my creative flow.
Even when it comes to the action packed part (recording the video), it’s generally me, my camera and a tripod. It’s hardly a team event (thankfully).
What I am trying to assure you is, creating video content is actually 99% working by yourself in solitude, allowing you to recharge your energy and live in your head a little.
Step By Step Planning
Meticulous planning and an analytical perspective is a common trait of introverted people. It certainly is with me, it spills over to my career where I’ve spent 20+ years fixing technical IT issues (Admittedly, I just switch things off and on again).
The same applies for YouTube. I have lists for my lists, processes for my processes (I kid you not) and can plan and organise to my hearts content.
Take the video lifecycle as an example; I have a notion template that allows me to navigate a video through each stage:
- Research
- Script
- Thumbnail & Title
- Record
- Edit
- Publish
- Promote
I don’t stop there. I take each subsection and find ways to dissect and plan each little part.
Tip… don’t constantly over plan. Often this can be how I end up stuck in the mud so to speak. Sometimes, just take action even if it does feel chaotic and unorganised.
How Thoughtful
As an introvert, I often have a natural inclination to reflect, consider and analyse other peoples perspectives. However much they differ to my own beliefs and opinion.
This introvert trait can be used to really enhance the content we produce. It allows us to create deep, meaningful and well considered viewpoints. All of which can then be evidenced in your scripts and video.
Can it lead to people pleasing a little to much? Sure it can, but it can also create well balanced content that appeals to your viewers.
Power Of The Written Word
Email and SMS changed my life. Honestly.
I remember life as a pre-tech teenager, a world without mobiles, email, internet.
To communicate I would have to hop on my mountain bike and scurry across to my school friends house, or use the dreaded landline. A corded telephone that sat, pride of place, in our front room, next to my parents watching TV.
Want to talk to your friends, or that potential date? You need to have that conversation in full ear shot!
A world where you can tap a keyboard on almost any device, and communicate with people from anywhere, just blows my mind. It leans right into one of my strengths, writing, and away from one of my weaknesses, talking.
Whilst my Medium posts may not suggest I have any skill at writing. It is something I personally believe is better than my talking abilities. A world where I always feel like a monotone, word-fumbling fool.
A common blight of introverts.
Thankfully, much of the content preparation process is about listening to the voice in your head and tapping that keyboard.
Eventually you will have to talk, but its likely just to be the Sony ZV-1 camera that I bought for Christmas.
Your Authentic Self
Introverts often value authenticity, and on YouTube we use this to connect with the audience on a genuine level. Our natural tendency to be introspective and true to themselves can really resonate with viewers.
There are many ways you can achieve this:
- Personal stories
- Honest opinions
- Asking questions of the viewer
- Being relatable
- Behind the scenes footage
- Integrity
- Well researched content
- Embracing your quirks
This is perfect for anyone wanting to grow a personal brand, as over time, people will really appreciate sincerity over any flashy presentation.
My initial pre-conception was that YouTube creators were 99% extrovert, actually, it’s quite the opposite. YouTube is one of the best platforms for you to thrive as an introvert, and use all of those traits as super powers rather than weaknesses.
Sure, some people will no want to watch another video you create, but others will. YouTube is a behemoth platform with millions of viewers, some of which are sat waiting for you to find your quiet voice too.
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