I Went All In on YouTube BEFORE Being Monetized
I quit my job to do KZread full-time whenever I had only a few subscribers and before I was even monetized. I look back at my first year of the channel, exactly one year after writing my job. I show how much money I made from KZread in one year while growing from close to zero subscribers to about 35,000 and detail what has worked for me and my strategies for making it in this line of work. While hearing how much money the mega creators make is cool and all, sometimes it's nice to hear the economics of a relatively small KZread channel. If you're curious about the business of KZread or want to grow your channel, check this out.
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Thanks for all the supportive comments! It's very satisfying to see the community here feel so invested in my journey. I'm out in the mountains to film a backpacking trip at the moment. See you all again soon!
I love that you film in your gear garage. It’s a good balance between your beautifully film and produced adventure documentaries and the simple talk from the gear garage. It feels like we are hanging out with a friend.
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
That's great to hear! Yeah, I'm fond of the garage. I don't plan on changing it massively as it will still be where I need to actually store gear!
I like the garage background. It is more real than a flashy studio
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
This is a consistent theme, I love that. Don't worry, it will still be a gear garage.
Stoked for you man! Congrats on building something awesome and inspiring!
@EsberdHijodeJosezZhurd0k
24 күн бұрын
You too ... In Spain, hiking is in the stone age... Since I discovered your channel, my way of looking at the mountains has changed and I can only be more than grateful to you. I would like to start a project similar to yours in these parts, but the good equipment brands are not up to the task here. Thank you for being a point of inspiration and the biggest promoter of my change as a backpacker.
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
Thanks so much Devin! Let's get back out there!
Congrats on year one. Great times ahead.
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
Thanks Dan! I appreciate that. You know if you keep going yourself, you're thing might just catch on too ;)
Just remember that you are a backpacking and camping vlogger that has a KZread channel.... And *NOT* a youtuber that does backpacking, remember this and you will continue to grow!!
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
Gandalf comin' in with the wisdom!
"Trust" is the operative word here. That's why I immediately subscribed when you left the other channel. No snake oil. Great job. Looking forward to seeing you hit 100K subs soon.
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
Thank you! I think that's an important filter for long term success.
I really appreciate how you document your travels with such humility and respect for everyone around you and the space that you are in. You are a tremendous storyteller and your channel will certainly grow… because you are trustworthy and awesome!
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
Gosh Gordon, I appreciate that! I love your style and how you approach this space. When are we kidnapping Dan?!
@grimgranite
17 күн бұрын
@@eric_hanson We should make plans… it would be SO much fun!
Well done Eric. I left a well paying government job last year and started a business. Lifes too short to not take risks.
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
I love that. I'm definitely a risk taker by nature. Good luck in your work!
I was one of those 4500 initial subscriber!!! Glad things are going well.
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
And you've stuck around?!
I entirely support the long-form video. I think you have been making the most visually compelling backpacking videos on KZread, and the storytelling has been wonderfully genuine and diverse. Thank you for not falling too far into the gear review trap.
Throwing something out there, but one of the things I really love about your channel is that you're not in an actual studio. As a guy that grew up going out in the mountains every single weekend as a kid, I instantly connected with the handmade racks of gear. There's an authenticity here that I don't always get from other outdoor KZreadrs.
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
I love hearing that. Definitely not ditching the gear garage altogether, just small changes so I can still use my garage for it's other purpose, being a woodshop!
Thanks Eric we really enjoy your work!
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
Thank you!
Sounds like you need at least 100k subscribers to have a moderate income. Living in Arizona I’m sure helps keep costs down.
HEllo I'm fron Spain and i follow you throug Dan video. I think i've been following you since your first video ; ) and I encourage you to continue working hard. the goats always pull towards the mountain
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
Thank you! I'm not familiar with the phrase the goats pull towards the mountain, but I like it!
I really like the group hiking adventures that you do, they’re good stuff.
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
I hope to keep doing one or two per year, they are a lot of fun!
Good for you and your wonderful wife. Best of luck going forward. As a weekend backpacker and day hiker, I didn’t think I could relate to your content, but I was entirely wrong. I look forward to all of your videos and learn something new each time. Thank you.
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
Thank you so much! I hope my videos are relatable and appealing even if you aren't a super dedicated backpacker.
Thank you for the insights. I've enjoyed following your journey and look forward to seeing what you do next!
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
I appreciate that!
It's really a travesty that you don't have more subscribers. Your videos are high quality, informative and Interesting. Yours and Miranda goes outside are really my two "learning backpacking / hiking" go to channels.
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
If you can petition KZread that would be great! haha, I appreciate the sentiment. Just gotta keep going!
So refreshing to see an honest and open KZreadr, thanks Eric. Just subscribed.
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
Well that's an honor, I appreciate that!
Eric, I'm pleased for you mate. I hope you're enjoying life and your new adventure! I can't believe it has been a year already?!
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
I was sitting in my backyard the other day thinking back to a year ago and they wild place I was in leaving a good job to go on my own. Everything feels so normal now. Hard to believe it's been a year!
filming from yr gear garage kind of resonates in a good way
I've been surprised that you don't have more subscribers, because your stuff is really good.
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
Thanks! I think KZread is changing and people don't subscribe like they used to because KZread just presents videos they are interested in. I still hope to grow with subscribers though!
Speaking of the Himalayas, I am from India. I have done around 13 trips to the Himalayas in the past 4-5 years. I would love to discuss your travel and future plans to the Himalayas atleast once a year, if you really want to. I do have some decent contacts and if I could be of assistance, it would be pleasant. Big supporter of your life and lifestyle. God be with you, Eric.
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
Well shoot, that would be super cool! I hope to get out there soon!
@Iyengar7
18 күн бұрын
@@eric_hanson Hell yeah bro. 👊🏻
So happy for you and Kristi! You are such an inspiration to Charles and I. Thank you for this super informative video, I’ve loved diving into your channel recently. Can’t wait to get together again soon!🎉
Congrats man! You had an epic journey doing what you love. You have the best hiking vids on here and enjoyed learning different gear loadouts from you
Continued success to you. Onward to 100,000 subscribers!
It’s wild that you realized that announcement video 1 year ago! Congrats on your success. I did enjoy your backpacking tv content, but I love the personal feel since you are on your own. I have been enjoying your storytelling and collaboration videos. I don’t think it’s possible to get tired of seeing you hanging out with Miranda. Wishing you continued success.
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
I learned so much hosting Backpacking TV and am forever grateful for the opportunity. But it's nice to be on my own. And thank you! I hope to link back up with Miranda in the near future.
Congrats! Please keep documenting the growth of your channel with all its ups and downs, so people actually understand what it takes and that its not always fun.
Thank you for sharing! I’ve always been interested to see what KZreadrs make! I started watching you on Backpacking TV and have enjoyed the videos on your channel just as much. You and your wife seem to be living the life and I hope it only continues to get better for you both!
Funny you mentioned Dan because that is how I started following you. Also his health scare and what you went through for his safety and on the legal side were highly educational. For the long videos they can be good or bad. If I am on KZread normally my attention span is oh look squirrel. Every now and then and can watch a longer video so maybe you could have two versions. A highlight real and the longer one for those that have patience.
Eric thanks for opening up about your story and being vulnerable. Please know it’s inspiring me to make my own channel.
appreciate videos like this. been really enjoying the quality of your videos. doing the TMB this august and your budget guide was a massive help
Keep up the good work. I have truly enjoyed watching you grow on your own. Collaboration is always a great way to grow your channel. I'm looking forward to seeing your hard work pay off when you pass the 100k. Hope you are doing well and God bless!
I loooove the long videos. Your videos are so cinematic and encourage me to keep getting outside
I love that 2023 journey video, my brother & I have watched it 3 times already, keep up the good work Eric
Thanks for the positive KZread channel building story. Keep up the good, passion filled work and you will continue to be successful on multiple levels.
I’m a new follower and new backpacker. I’m excited to be part of this journey with you.
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
Thank you so much!
fellow arizonan. I document my hikes in southern az. Love your show. Made the jump with you. Congrats!
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
oh nice! I appreciate that. Can you still support me even though I'm a Lumberjack?
Love your videos Eric! I have enjoyed watching you and your wife take trips together. Best wishes to you guys and happy trails!!!
I love your content. Thanks for making quality content. I recently decided to try and start my own YT backpacking channel and I really appreciate the insight you've provided in this video. I'm a total middle aged newb but I'm finding a lot of inspiration in the content that you, Miranda, Dan Becker, Claire Wildbeare, and Paul Messner put out. Happy trails.
Your longer films are just amazing, you can really feel and enjoy the landscape and story. These are my most favourite ones!
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
Thank you! They're not for everybody but I'm so glad that people like you really like them!
love the channel and content, don't compare yourself to other YTers, your up there with them and one of them
Congratulations! I’m sure your channel will build in subscribers and views. I look forward to each new posting and I’m really looking forward to the Patagonia trip.👋🏻🙏🏻
Hey Eric, thanks for sharing this. My wife and I just reached 1k subs on our channel. We arre not trying to make a living at it, but are looking forward to earning a little extra $ to support our backpacking hobby. As you know, quality, lightweight gear is expensive! You are a great film maker, thanks again.
Congratulations and I wish you more success. I think the reason people subscribe to your channel is your great personality. As a backpacker it's more about the host than the gear to me.
Good stuff Eric...great peak under the curtain. Congrats on the initial success on your own. I too struggle with the balance between studio work and outdoor filming. Looking forward to making one of your treks in the future! -JB
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
Thank you! I've found it helpful to hear this type of stuff from others. I hope you can make it on a trip next year!
I enjoy your videos. Hope your channel continues to grow.
Great job. I actually like the mix of your content and format.
Congrats on the wedding! Love the channel!
I watch almost all of your videos and rarely comment because I am a mere day hiker but love watching you on your adventures. I think your studio set up is perfect and the sound quality is perfect for me😊
Congrats on your solo journey, I really enjoy your adventures in the Colorado Plateau.
I wish you continued success Eric, I watch only backpacking KZread videos and your efforts are really tremendously enjoyable. Your ease and proficiency with the technical aspects of live recording is quite about the rest. I also enjoy your joint adventures, particularly with Dan, you two have developed a rapport and respect, nice to be part of that, thank you.
I’m glad you took the plunge! Been there, not in this era, but taking that risk to control doing your own thing. Yes, you had help from friends. Always remember and pay it forward. ☺️
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
Thank you! Yeah, I've had help along the way and it's fun to pass it along to others!
I gotchu buddy. *Subscribed* Thanks for sharing your story!
Congratulations! On hitting, your fist year mile marker. Also, thank you for all the time and hard work you have done. As a side note, don't forget you also deserve rest. I am looking to the years ahead. Cheers!
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
Rest?! What is this concept? haha yes, down time is an important part of the creative process.
Keep up the good work! It provides a lot of value to those who watch!
I have always enjoyed watching your content so it was a no-brainer to subscribe to your new channel. Thanks for bringing us into your life and giving us a view of the man you are. Be honest and genuine and people will watch.
Keep it up. I enjoyed your show so much! The quality makes me feel like I am there. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Greetings from Brazil! Just love the honesty of your work. Keep up with the good work and the results will come!
You deserve all that success, and so much more !! Keep up your great work !
Best of luck, we're big fans. You should come to the Adirondacks this fall. Lots of great trails to wander for a few days.
I just found your channel. I was watching a lot of your videos on Backpacking TV a lot and finally came across the video that told me you were going out on your own. Love your vids and will watch all you got on here. I stumbled across you just by looking up a mystery ranch bag. Glad you are doing what you love.
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
Thank you! I hope you enjoy the ol' library here.
Eric, congratulations on your steady growth. I've always appreciated your content and delivery and became one of your earlier subscribers to your new channel. I wish you the best in this adventure and hope your subscriber rate continues to grow exponentially. As an aside, I think your videography is incredible, but I admit I am not a fan of long segments.
A very interesting story. Thanks for sharing!😀👍
Thanks Eric, really enjoyed your video. Keep up with the good work 👏
Been watching since the new channel. Always enjoy your videos man. I honestly thought you had more subs. You're the real deal and I'm confident you'll be growing much larger.
Thanks Eric! Started watching you on some of your colabs. with Dan Becker. It also is helpful in making my own decision to start a biking/discovery channel. Good luck with your journey🏕️😎
i usually stay away from the films that are over 30 mins. Yours on the other hand was pretty captivating. I enjoyed your interaction with your guide and was humbled by your acts of humility and giftiness with your gear. It made an impression on me and reminded me that I am very wealthy according to world standards - pretty hard to forget in the USA.
Thanks for sharing this inside scoop and your goals! I love recommending your channel to fellow backpackers. Thanks for all the beautiful filming and inspiring hikes. ⛰️
Both thumbs up! I wish I could subscribe twice 😉. Your content is amazing, you are a good storyteller, and the footage is always excellent. I hope you'll be above the poverty line soon.
Love this video bro! Thanks for the deep dive and transparency 🫡
Really awesome what you're doing, I'm glad it's starting to pay off! You've made me confident and excited to do more backpacking trips and I can't thank you enough. I'm confident you will continue to grow and can't wait to see what's coming, keep up the good work Eric.
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
Thank you! Keep getting out there!
Cool to see all these statistics, I've been spending a lot of time looking at my own as I started streaming games on here recently and it's super interesting to see the numbers. Feels like the livestreaming approach is a great way to lay down the groundwork, as you say.
Love the channel , keep up the good work mate👍
I've been here since the beginning, and it's been great seeing you grow! Always surprised you don't have more subs, but hopefully soon everyone catches on.
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
Thanks for stickin' with me! If you can write to all your friends about me and tell them to subscribe that would be great :)
When you did the colab with Miranda I liked it so much I went and gave her a follow. lol Not that I'd never watche d hers before, just I really liked it!
I subscribed because A I like your content and B I like when people go solo and do it for themselves and their audience. It’s harder to trust when there is a big company in the background, especially if that company is selling something. Edit: Oh, and please stay in the gear garage, looks so much better than any studio ever could
Getting geared up to do your backwards CT thru hike soon. Appreciate the inspiration. It was all you.
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
backwards CT hike?! haha, yep, NoBo is definitely against the grain. Enjoy it!
Been a fan for a while and super excited for you Eric! You definitely are a huge huge part of inspiring me….. I agree on many things, especially the trail videos, you truly know how to captivate and attract the eye and audience 👏 Keep up the great work, I’m rooting for you 👍
Congrats - love seeing a risk pay off for a great person!
Awesome for you and great info! Sadly, I'm stuck at 3500 WH, which goes back to zero every time I'm close to the 4k WH to get monetized, so I never get it. Maybe, someday I will. Thanks for the info.
Happy for you Eric. Keep up the good work.
I love your content and I’m excited to watch it grow. Your wife is also an amazing artist and y’all should maybe do some merchandise for your show and she could do the artwork. Just a thought. Keep up the good work !!!
Hey Eric I started watching you just when you started to start your own channel & I started to take up hiking. I started with Dan Becker. All I did was type hiking on the search bar & DB was the first to pop up. But then I guess the algorithm universe led me to you & a few others out there doing their thing also. I like to think that I was one of the early subscribers to your channel 😊. To me you have had an interesting journey. Not only getting married to a beautiful woman that shares your interests but also that ordeal with Dan @ the Grand Canyon & then dealing with the court system & what they fuckin dragged you through. To me that made me want to stick around & like you even more. That was fucked up! I’m not against authority like I was as a younger man but I thought that was an over reach on that local government. Totally uncalled for. I guess they were just bored & wanted to exercise their power. I will continue to show my support & hope to join you on one of your backpacking adventures one day in the near future. I really wanted to go to Patagonia but looks like I’ll miss that one. I’m sure you’ll have some more awesome group adventures so I’ll just wait for the right one & be better prepared to sign up. Anyway good luck with everything in life my friend.
Eric, thanks for this one. I discovered you through Dan Becker. Love your videos, especially the long form, documentary style you produce.
Good job dude! I'm sure you'll continue to grow. Definitely one of the best in this space. I hope to someday reach that 1000 subscriber and 4000 hour plateau.. LOL! I don't care that I ever could live off my youtube. But it would be cool if it paid for itself. Cameras and trips cost money. I'll keep watching you and see what I can learn.
I enjoyed the Tv show and I enjoy your channel. Thanks for sharing your advice and journeys.
I enjoy the short trips, and the long trips. I enjoy your 2 by 4 studio...no need to be fancy.
Good for you Eric. I love the knowledge you bring and the timelapse photography. Ps if it is of interest i discovered your channel via Miranda's
Enjoy your channel! Hope you can stay around.
I love that even though you are a seasoned KZreadr by one metric, starting a new channel means that we are learning alongside you and it feels great. love the content and the rise
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
Thanks! It's a very different experience running my own channel vs running one for a production company.
Happy for you!
Sound quality is great Eric. Save your money. I like your set too; it's very uniquely you. Not sure what you're thinking of doing with it, but don't change it to fit in with what typical KZread sets look like. Make sure to make it your own.
Thanks for the info and advice. I remember your Tour Du Mont Blanc as being one the first long form films I watched and loved and is now a trail on my bucket list! I made my husband and stepson watch it lol. I already knew you from Epic Trails show on PBS channel… glad to see how fast your channel has grown. I’d love to grow my channel but getting into the techy side and getting the really good recording gear is hard for me justify right now but maybe someday. I’d love to create beautiful adventure films when I can carve out the time (still in the full time 9-5 job!). I’ll just keep trying to document the amazing places here in Blue Ridge Mountains of SC where we live. Have you done the Foothills Trail here in SC? I’d love to see someone do a beautiful cinematic long-form video of thru-hiking that trail.
Love ya Eric!!! Keep it up!!!
I enjoy your videos hopefully you and Darwin on the trail can do a video together sometime. I did my first long hike in about 40 years 42 k to Grey Owls Cabin and back last year...........most trips have been with scouts and under 10 k so it felt really good out with a buddy. Thanks again for the inspiration
Good luck with your KZread journey! Even when it's NOT about the money, it's about the money! 😁🤑
@eric_hanson
18 күн бұрын
Thank you! The money does help make it all possible.
I want that Sawyer shirt!
Well done, Eric! I’m didn’t actually know you were employed by BackpackingTV. Now I understand. You do you, pal! Exercise the courage to pursue a life that’s meaningful to you!