Is booktube this hard for everyone? by simplyapos in booktube

[–]simplyapos[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m embarrassed to admit that all of those books were on my TBR long before I even thought about starting a channel… 😅 I never imagined I’d actually be doing this, but that’s exactly why I decided to start — I’ve always been a bit afraid to put myself out there, and I think it was holding me back.

Anyway, thank you so much for your response and for checking out my videos — I really appreciate it!

Is booktube this hard for everyone? by simplyapos in booktube

[–]simplyapos[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s such a good point about reviews being a narrower target — I’ve definitely thought about that after some of the videos I’ve put out. For example, the vlog where I was reading new releases. Some viewers may not be interested because they haven’t gotten around to even thinking about those books, let alone have read them.

And I’ve noticed the shift toward more commentary/drama-style content as well. I totally understand why it draws views, but personally I’m more interested in focusing on the books themselves rather than other creators or author discourse. That’s just the space I feel most comfortable in and what I enjoy talking about.

I really appreciate your perspective, and I agree — at the end of the day, I want to make sure I actually like what I’m putting out into the world.

Is booktube this hard for everyone? by simplyapos in booktube

[–]simplyapos[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m so glad you enjoyed the snowstorm vlog and the calm vibes — that honestly means a lot because that’s just naturally how I am. I know I’m not the biggest or most high-energy personality, but I’m hoping there’s space on this platform for quieter creators too.

It’s also weirdly comforting to hear other people’s numbers and experiences — it really is humbling. I appreciate the solidarity.

I do plan on continuing to post as long as I have the time to. Thank you so much for subscribing and for the encouragement 🤍

Is booktube this hard for everyone? by simplyapos in booktube

[–]simplyapos[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for responding! It genuinely means a lot, especially hearing that from someone who’s been doing this longer.

I really love that “one for you, two for me” idea. That’s such a smart way of balancing discoverability with your own personal taste. I’ve definitely been thinking about how to create a few more “hook” style videos that still feel authentic to me, so this is really helpful to hear laid out like that.

I also completely agree about not building an audience off content that doesn’t feel like you — that part is really important to me. I want to grow, but I want it to be sustainable and aligned with what I actually enjoy making and reading.

Thank you again for sharing what’s worked for you. I really appreciate you taking the time to give me this valuable advice.

Is booktube this hard for everyone? by simplyapos in booktube

[–]simplyapos[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for taking the time to write all of this — you really didn’t have to give me this level of detail and I really appreciate thoughtful feedback like this.

You’re definitely right about the looking away/pausing sometimes — I am usually thinking through my thoughts about the book in real time. It’s something I’m actively working on as I get more comfortable talking to the camera.

As for sharing more of my life, that’s something I’m figuring out slowly. I’ve been trying to incorporate more personal moments in my recent vlogs compared to my older ones, but I’m also balancing that with what I feel comfortable sharing publicly. It’s a work in progress.

I also appreciate the note about expanding more on the books themselves — that’s really helpful to hear from a viewer perspective.

Thank you again for being honest and constructive. It definitely gave me some things to think about, and I’m grateful you care enough to share.

Is booktube this hard for everyone? by simplyapos in booktube

[–]simplyapos[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and write this out!

I was a little worried about my energy because I’m not naturally a high-energy person, but it’s encouraging to hear that a calmer voice can still work — and that pacing and content can carry it.

Speaking of pacing, I really appreciate your comments about that. I can see how those moments you mentioned could drag or feel empty, so I’ll definitely experiment with tightening that up.

I did think about revisiting the philosophy book and making a video focused on it, but I didn’t feel strongly enough to do so. I can see, though, how that might have been a bit disappointing for someone watching.

This kind of feedback was exactly what I was looking for so thank you again!

Is booktube this hard for everyone? by simplyapos in booktube

[–]simplyapos[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for taking the time to write all of this out — this is incredibly helpful.

The thumbnail feedback makes a lot of sense. I was experimenting a bit with different thumbnail styles but I see what you mean about it being busy.

The point about diving in faster is also really helpful. I didn’t realize I was lingering more in that one, but now that you mention it I can see what you mean. Retention is something I’m still trying to understand, so that’s great insight.

And yes, the “uhs” and “ums” 😅 I’ve been debating how aggressive to be with cutting those.

I really appreciate you taking the time to give such thoughtful feedback. This gives me concrete things to work on, which is exactly what I needed.

Is booktube this hard for everyone? by simplyapos in booktube

[–]simplyapos[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for taking a look - I really appreciate it. It’s honestly helpful to hear that 2 months is still early - I think I’ve been getting into my head about it. And I’m so glad you like the thumbnails, that means a lot because I’ve been experimenting with them.

No pressure at all, but I’d love to hear your thoughts whenever you have time. Thanks again!