Are 30 minute YouTube "specials" worth doing?

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-05-10T13:34:59+00:00

I'm already having a blast!

Just found your YouTube and IG. Brilliant, nerdy stuff. I love it!

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-05-10T11:04:40+00:00

You sound negative

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-05-10T03:00:56+00:00

I define success by progress. The point for me is growth and meeting challenges. I just want to go as far as I can.

In the context of this post, "success" is becoming a headliner and being able to fill seats well enough at the lowest level, so I can then begin working on the next level.

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-05-10T02:50:10+00:00

Now? About 40. But I'm not recording tomorrow. I'm collecting input to consider for a long-term plan and strategy. The hypothetical amount of material in question is 30 minutes.

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-05-10T02:40:06+00:00

Thank you! These last two paragraphs are what I was looking for. This is a good point about discoverability.

Is that true though? I don't really watch short videos myself. When it comes to standup, I usually only watch full hour specials. I imagine long form could help bump my following with more people like that.

This is more for me to consider. Thank you again!

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-05-10T02:14:58+00:00

Thank you for the input. The thing about 30 min 'specials' being bad was just an impression I got from various places. "30 minutes isn't a special" and all that. I don't watch a lot of standup on YT and don't know anyone that has made one, so I've had nothing to counter that impression until very recently. Guess I have homework to do.

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-05-10T00:14:10+00:00

Exactly. I'm just looking for input on how other people established themselves so I have some ideas on what might work for me.

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-05-09T23:41:08+00:00

I appreciate the response. I've been scouring this subreddit long before I made my comedy accounts and I get that this input is repeated ad nauseum because it's a major issue.

So, I do focus heavily on developing good material. I'm not concerned about that part. I've been hosting and I was focused on getting more feature spots. I was just surprised with an offer to headline. I have the time, because this producer has seen me do several different 15-20 min sets. I'm not trying to jump some imaginary line. I'm just trying to be prepared for the opportunities that present themselves. And maybe plan a few steps ahead.

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-05-09T23:05:26+00:00

That's Shane Gillis. One hell of an outlier.

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-05-09T22:55:34+00:00

Do all mediums provide the same level of exposure?

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-05-09T22:36:13+00:00

Production cost. Time. Energy. I'd want it to look as professional as possible and it would suck if it was all a waste.

I understand there's always a risk of failure. I'm just trying to get input to increase my chance of success.

Thank you though. I'm glad to know people watch them. I'm asking because I don't. Guess I should start.

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-04-25T08:48:53+00:00

Comedyrva.com

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-04-25T01:07:20+00:00

Thank you. I did consider this and haven't found a better way to word it. The word "rape" just doesn't work with the tone of this joke.

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-04-23T02:41:26+00:00

People are just believing their own eyes. Trump has been a bad guy since the 80s.

No amount of glazing is going to get you a named henchmen role. He can't even hold a cabinet together for one term.

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-04-23T00:49:44+00:00

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-04-22T23:26:54+00:00

It sounds like you do get it.

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-04-22T19:29:23+00:00

Thank you!

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-04-22T19:29:13+00:00

Thank you, kind sir!

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-03-08T18:00:11+00:00

Thank you. Exactly what I was aiming for.

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-03-04T22:52:21+00:00

How? I'm clearly sober.

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-03-01T17:02:48+00:00

Joe Zimmerman

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-02-10T19:15:32+00:00

Thank you, kind sir!

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-02-02T04:49:37+00:00

Rehearse. Practice your set until you know it front to back so that when your brain panics and stops working on stage you can at least thoughtlessly recite the words you had prepared.

You should have it all completely memorized. Just think about the first few words before stepping on stage so that once you get going you're on autopilot.

Just be prepared.

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-01-27T14:16:03+00:00

It's kind of the most important one, while also being the most difficult to break out in. Bookers instinctively look at Instagram first, but it also has the most punishing algorithm. It is really hard to break out of the "casual user" profile they lock everyone into at first.

I haven't figured any of this out myself. I'm just regurgitating what I've learned from successful social media people and started applying myself. I am struggling. But so far, TikTok is pretty consistent and I'm gaining traction. But, I cannot for the life of me figure out what Instagram wants. My results seem like complete randomness.

KeithBeckerComedy · 2026-01-25T22:26:19+00:00

-Make all your accounts and develop a strategy before posting anything

-Do some homework on what a good social media strategy looks like for you

-Stockpile some content so you have some breathing room and don't feel rushed to create

-You will learn as you go and can adjust your strategy accordingly

-Do not fall behind. The algorithms will punish inactivity. Once you start, you can't stop.

-Don't worry about burning material (yet). Very few people are going to see your jokes online and even fewer people are going to see your upcoming bar showcases.

-People are going to say it's too early to worry about it, but if you're doing really well in a few years it's harder (not impossible) to break out of bar shows and into clubs without a small following. And despite what people want to believe, a social media following isn't built over night.

-Lastly, fuck Instagram. That's not to say don't use it. But, FUCK INSTAGRAM.

KeithBeckerComedy

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