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10 Brutal Truths Every Woman Creator Needs to Hear About YouTube

Erika Vieira

10 Brutal Truths Every Woman Creator Needs to Hear About YouTube

Ladies, I’m about to hurt your feelings—but only because I want to help you win.

I’ve been producing YouTube channels for nearly 10 years and worked with over 2,000 women creators. And honestly? I’m tired of seeing talented women spin their wheels, make zero money, and blame the algorithm instead of fixing what’s actually wrong.

So buckle up, buttercup. This is your dose of YouTube tough love—the kind that can save your channel (and your sanity).

1. Your Thumbnails Are Too Cute

If people aren’t clicking, your thumbnails aren’t working. Period.

Stop overcomplicating them with clever designs and aesthetic fonts. YouTube isn’t an art gallery—it’s a highway. You have one second to get someone’s attention. Make it simple, direct, and clear about the benefit to the viewer. My clients have boosted click-through rates by 300% just by simplifying.

2. You’re Not Obsessed Enough

You think you’re working hard? You’re not.

Every successful creator I know is borderline obsessed. They think about YouTube constantly. They’re editing on airplanes, writing scripts at midnight, and sacrificing comfort for growth. If you’re “balancing” everything perfectly, you’re probably not putting in enough. YouTube rewards obsession, not dabbling.

3. You’re Impatient

YouTube is a long game. It’s not “get rich quick.” If you expect to blow up in three months, you’ll quit before you even get traction. Think of your channel like a garden—you plant, water, and nurture before you see the harvest. Stay consistent and patient. The payoff is worth it.

4. Shorts Are (Usually) a Waste

Here’s the truth most creators don’t want to hear: Shorts rarely build sustainable income. They attract scrollers, not loyal fans. I’ve seen creators with millions of Shorts views making a few thousand a month—while long-form creators with half the subs make six figures. Focus on long-form content that pays.

5. Perfectionism Is Killing Your Channel

Perfectionism isn’t a badge of honor—it’s fear in disguise. I’ve coached women who haven’t uploaded in seven months because they’re “not happy” with their videos. Meanwhile, consistent creators are winning by learning through repetition. Done is better than perfect. Upload the video.

6. Negativity Works

Stop being afraid to talk about what doesn’t work. Mistake videos, myths, and “don’t do this” content perform incredibly well because of human psychology—we’re wired to avoid loss. Negativity (done right) isn’t mean—it’s helpful and relatable.

7. Your Topics Might Suck

Your audience doesn’t care about your random thoughts or routines. They care about transformation and results. Every video should answer one question: “What problem does this solve?” If you can’t answer that, don’t hit upload.

8. Your Niche Might Be the Problem

You might be in the wrong niche entirely. I’ve seen creators blow up simply by pivoting to something better aligned with their skills and audience. Don’t cling to a niche just because that’s where you started. Be open to the niche that actually fits you—and makes growth easier.

9. Transformations Are Gold

Transformation content—before-and-afters, progress journeys, personal growth—always performs. Whether it’s body, business, or mindset, your audience wants to see change. Don’t hide your journey. Document it. Your transformation is someone else’s inspiration.

10. Some Niches Just Don’t Pay

If your audience doesn’t spend money, your channel won’t make money. I call these “broke niches.” Thrifting, for example, might get views—but the audience doesn’t click affiliate links or attract big brand deals. If you’re treating YouTube like a business, get into a niche that actually pays.

Final Thoughts

Did that sting a little? Good. Because sugarcoating the truth doesn’t grow your channel—honesty does.

YouTube success isn’t about luck, talent, or fancy gear. It’s about being obsessed, consistent, strategic, and brutally honest about what’s not working.

If you’re ready to stop making excuses and start making real progress, check out my YouTube Bootcamp—where I help women creators implement all of this (and more).

Remember: I’m not here to make you feel good. I’m here to make you successful.

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***Disclaimers: all opinions are my own, sponsors are acknowledged. Links in the description are typically affiliate links that let you help support the podcast at no extra cost.

Podcast, YouTube Tips

Erika Vieira, The YouTube Power Hour Podcast

Author: Erika Vieira

Marketing and sales expert Erika Vieira is the host and producer of the #1 influencer strategy podcast, The YouTube Power Hour. The podcast, with over 100 episodes and hundreds of thousands of downloads is dedicated to content creators who are looking to start, improve and grow their unique influence online. Erika works with influencers on personal branding, content improvement and defining a niche via customized strategy sessions, channel critiques and business support. She also loves makeup, beauty and her family and believes anyone who has the drive and passion can find success online. Feel free to send her a message here.

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