Welcome!

How would you best describe yourself and your channel?

My name's Tom and I make videos about science, technology and the world. I try to go out on location rather than just standing in front of a green screen!

What was the (biggest) mistake you made that you’ve learned the most from?

As much as I hate to admit it, the advice from YouTube about how to make a channel work – pages like the one you're reading now – are actually right. I ignored them for a long time, assuming they weren't aimed at me.

What’s the one thing you wished someone had told you when you were first starting out?

I should probably have picked a stage name.

What do you like best about being a YouTube creator?

My job is to travel to interesting places and talk to a camera! I'm now in a position where I can email places around the world and ask to film there, and there's a good chance they'll say yes.

What’s the technical skill that had the biggest impact on your channel?

It's not really a technical skill, but I've had to learn to initiate contact with people. Sending the first email – that initial message, where you know you're bothering someone by asking for permission, help to film, or an interview – used to be really difficult for me. I've had to learn to get over it!

What are two pieces of equipment you couldn’t live without?

My phone and my GoPro camera. Sure, I use a decent microphone now, and sometimes I'm filming with folks who bring much more equipment than that but, ultimately, I can do a video with either of those things when I need to.

When did being a creator switch from being a hobby to your full-time passion?

About 18 months ago, when I quit my job to try and make this work. I'm lucky: it did!

Where do you continue to get new inspiration?

From conversations with friends, sometimes online but generally in person. There's no substitute for actually talking to people!

How have you used YouTube Spaces?

I've filmed against a green screen; I've used their standing sets; I've filmed a full panel show there. The team at YouTube Space London are wonderful and they've helped me make things that would have been impossible for me otherwise.

How would you best describe yourself and your channel?

I'm a music creator: I compose, play and record guitars and keyboards and produce music. On my channel, you'll find calm, smooth music for relaxing, doing mental work or as a soundtrack to your day. I combine my music with nature footage from beautiful places around the world.

What was the (biggest) mistake you made that you’ve learned the most from?

There's no single mistake I can remember that made me change the way I work. But I remember what Tay Zonday once told me about YouTubing that helped me a little: ignore the trolls! While I have an uber-nice audience and very rarely get negative comments, it still helps to know that you're better off not taking any negative feedback personally.

What do you like best about being a YouTube creator?

I can live the life I always dreamed of: as a music creator, making tunes for others to enjoy.

What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever received from a viewer?

A piece of meat, which was interesting – and delicious. The most beautiful: a Martin acoustic guitar from a fan in Connecticut.

Who were the biggest supporters in your corner when you first got started?

My willpower to make this work.

What are your favorite ways to connect with your audience?

I like to read the comments under my videos and answer a lot of them. It's a great way to stay in touch with my fans.

What did you have to overcome to get where you are today?

During the first few years, I had to tell myself again and again that it might take a while before the channel picked up some pace. In the end, it worked for me. I'm aware that there's always a bit of luck involved. I'm very thankful that my work paid off at some point and continues to do so.

What’s the technical skill that had the biggest impact on your channel?

My core ability is to create music. I like to think that this is why people come back to my channel again and again. I studied music production on my own for more than ten years before I started this channel. Creating video felt pretty natural.

What are two pieces of equipment you couldn’t live without?

My camera and my laptop.

What are the best ways to meet and network with other creators?

Go to YouTube events.

When did being a creator switch from being a hobby to your full-time passion?

That was when the monthly AdSense payout reached a certain amount. Together with the income from my music sales and streams, it meant I was able to do this full-time from that point on.

Where do you see YouTube in the next 5 years?

Many people already consider YouTube to be the new TV. In five years, YouTube channels will replace certain content on TV even more. We will see channels, shows and programmes with very high quality standards, both in terms of production and content.

Where do you continue to get new inspiration?

I listen to other artists' music, watch other YouTubers' content, read Fast Company magazine, go out in nature, talk to people... For creators, there's inspiration everywhere.

How have you used YouTube Spaces?

I checked out the YouTube Space in Berlin to see what it is about, but I had never used a Space before. I prefer using my own equipment and spaces.

Which YouTube creator resources have you found most useful? (for example: Creator Academy, YouTube Help, Twitter, etc.)

The YouTube Creator Handbook was my bible at the beginning. The Creator Hub and Help are also great resources, and calls with my partner managers have been inspiring and helpful too.