I've actually been posting on TikTok (which I typically neverrrr go on) - I started documenting my life because Logan and I are apart for the month, and then decided to start sharing them on a whim. I've posted every day for like 11 days, and it's been really interesting! I had a video pop off and get about 10k views/300 likes this week, but most are under 1000 views and under 25 likes. I've definitely gotten really speedy at editing - my first videos were basically works of art, and now I zoom through it. I haven't dabbled with reels before, but decided to do TikTok as to not spam my friends with my new side hobby lol. Not sure how long I'll keep this up, but it's been an interesting experiment!
Okay, exactly what I needed to hear! I also rarely use TikTok, maybe once a month just to go through the ones people have forwarded to me (an excellent filtering mechanism lol). I'm not sure which IG account I'm going to post them on — I might start a new separate one, tbd. But super encouraging! I'm going to look for yours and get a good McKenzie life update too 🙂
I think having a brand new account made me unembarrassed about posting a ton also - I didn't worry about my friends getting annoyed! Plus it was interesting data going from 0 followers to my whopping 35.
TBD! I know there is strong anti-video sentiment here (which I generally agree with), so I might just leave them on IG. But I’ll definitely link to them in my recap posts!
Lol oh yes, less referring to blasting them on the platform (unless you want to of course! Lol) and more just linking/logging them in the newsletter for those who want to catch a glimpse! But I just realized I don't even know if those of us who go on substack on computer vs phone can still watch videos from Instagram, or if you can watch without Instagram at all.
I keep running into people I know and respect who are leaning into video these days. Arghh. I'm feeling the pull to explore/experiment but without the time/courage to dive in just yet. Maybe seeing your's will inspire me. What's your instagram account?
The courage is definitely one thing, but the time -- holy moly, I underestimated how long it would take me to make just my first video. I'm sure I will get quicker at it the more I make, but it's definitely something to keep in mind. Maybe set a goal to just make one video as a weekend project, with no pressure to actually post it, just to see if you enjoy working with video editing software in the first place?
I’ve tried it. The editing and software component isn’t the obstacle, it’s the sense of rejection after going through all of that and no one watching.😕I’m a little baby.
Haha, understandable! The common denominator among people who’ve successfully grown a following through video (whether on YouTube, IG, TikTok, whatever) is that they didn’t let the feeling of screaming into the void stop them. There’s definitely some survivorship bias at play here, but hey, everyone starts at zero viewers. Stomaching it is easier said than done, of course. Otherwise we'd all be doing it (the parallels to writing online are many).
Yes, the parallels are not lost on me. After plugging away with writing for so long and finally getting traction a part of me is like . . . do I want to start all over again?
I've actually been posting on TikTok (which I typically neverrrr go on) - I started documenting my life because Logan and I are apart for the month, and then decided to start sharing them on a whim. I've posted every day for like 11 days, and it's been really interesting! I had a video pop off and get about 10k views/300 likes this week, but most are under 1000 views and under 25 likes. I've definitely gotten really speedy at editing - my first videos were basically works of art, and now I zoom through it. I haven't dabbled with reels before, but decided to do TikTok as to not spam my friends with my new side hobby lol. Not sure how long I'll keep this up, but it's been an interesting experiment!
Okay, exactly what I needed to hear! I also rarely use TikTok, maybe once a month just to go through the ones people have forwarded to me (an excellent filtering mechanism lol). I'm not sure which IG account I'm going to post them on — I might start a new separate one, tbd. But super encouraging! I'm going to look for yours and get a good McKenzie life update too 🙂
I think having a brand new account made me unembarrassed about posting a ton also - I didn't worry about my friends getting annoyed! Plus it was interesting data going from 0 followers to my whopping 35.
This is rad. I don't know the difference between a reel and just a video? lol But I hope it's coming along great, or at least that you're having fun!
Reels are just what Instagram calls videos. This and about a hundred other things I am learning this week 😅
WHAT...why do videos need a new name lol
Are you going to share your reels on substack?? (Cough cough hint hint nudge nudge)
TBD! I know there is strong anti-video sentiment here (which I generally agree with), so I might just leave them on IG. But I’ll definitely link to them in my recap posts!
Lol oh yes, less referring to blasting them on the platform (unless you want to of course! Lol) and more just linking/logging them in the newsletter for those who want to catch a glimpse! But I just realized I don't even know if those of us who go on substack on computer vs phone can still watch videos from Instagram, or if you can watch without Instagram at all.
I keep running into people I know and respect who are leaning into video these days. Arghh. I'm feeling the pull to explore/experiment but without the time/courage to dive in just yet. Maybe seeing your's will inspire me. What's your instagram account?
The courage is definitely one thing, but the time -- holy moly, I underestimated how long it would take me to make just my first video. I'm sure I will get quicker at it the more I make, but it's definitely something to keep in mind. Maybe set a goal to just make one video as a weekend project, with no pressure to actually post it, just to see if you enjoy working with video editing software in the first place?
I’ve tried it. The editing and software component isn’t the obstacle, it’s the sense of rejection after going through all of that and no one watching.😕I’m a little baby.
Haha, understandable! The common denominator among people who’ve successfully grown a following through video (whether on YouTube, IG, TikTok, whatever) is that they didn’t let the feeling of screaming into the void stop them. There’s definitely some survivorship bias at play here, but hey, everyone starts at zero viewers. Stomaching it is easier said than done, of course. Otherwise we'd all be doing it (the parallels to writing online are many).
Yes, the parallels are not lost on me. After plugging away with writing for so long and finally getting traction a part of me is like . . . do I want to start all over again?
What is you IG account? I wanna follow.