The 6 Success Traits of Thriving YouTube Creators (That Most People Overlook)
As a YouTube channel producer and coach, I’ve had the unique opportunity to study thousands of channels and work directly with nearly 2,000 creators. Through that experience, I’ve come to realize something: there are clear patterns that separate the creators who thrive from those who struggle. These aren’t just surface-level tips—they’re deep mindset shifts and habits that, when applied, can truly change the course of a channel.
I want to share six of the most important traits I’ve seen in the most successful creators I’ve coached.
1. Realistic Expectations About Results
The creators who succeed don’t expect overnight results. They understand YouTube is a long game. Instead of obsessing over instant views, they focus on small, incremental improvements with every video. YouTube even encourages this with its dark green performance indicators—you’re only competing with yourself!
2. Financial Stability First
This one might surprise you. I always tell new creators: don’t quit your job just yet. Having financial stability gives you creative freedom. When you’re stressed about money, your creativity suffers. Whether you have a side hustle, full-time job, or support system, having a secure foundation allows you to focus on making content your audience loves.
3. An Anti-Perfectionism Mindset
Perfectionism kills progress. I’ve coached too many creators who spend months agonizing over videos that never get published. Done is better than perfect. You will improve over time, but only if you actually hit upload.
4. Willingness to Invest in Themselves
One thing the most successful creators have in common? They invest in themselves. I do it for my own business every year, and my clients who do the same see massive growth. Whether it’s coaching, courses, tools, or equipment, betting on yourself is the smartest decision you can make.
5. A Drive to Learn New Skills
You can’t rely on being good on camera alone. The most successful creators are willing to roll up their sleeves and learn the basics of video editing, thumbnail design, and storytelling. Thankfully, with today’s AI-powered tools, this is easier than ever.
6. All-In Commitment
At some point, you have to go all in. I’ve seen creators spread themselves thin across platforms, but the ones who focus deeply on YouTube—even for just 90 to 120 days—see the biggest payoffs. YouTube has the potential to change your life and your business, but only if you fully commit.
These traits don’t guarantee success, but I can confidently say they are present in every creator I’ve worked with who’s built a thriving channel.
Resources
- Register for my FREE Masterclass
- CLICK HERE to get the Audience Attraction System
- Add your name to the YouTube Bootcamp waitlist so you are notified when space becomes available!
- Add your name to the 1:1 Coaching waitlist!
YOUTUBE OPTIMIZATION PLUG-IN I RECOMMEND
TubeBuddy [Use the code ErikasBuddy to get 20% off]
MY FAVORITE BUSINESS TOOLS
Course Creation: Looking to create a course? Kajabi is the BEST platform hands down. I use this for my course after extensive research on all the other platforms.
Live Calls and Interviews: I use Ecamm for my podcast interviews, both audio and for YouTube that you see here on YouTube. It makes it super easy to share my screen and create the split-screen with my guest. I’m not super techie and this software is really easy to use!
Webinars and Live calls: I use Zoom.us for my group coaching calls in my private membership group for female YouTube creators. It’s also the software I use to record my Road to 100k YouTube Subscribers Masterclass!
THE BEST YOUTUBE/PODCASTING EQUIPMENT
After interviewing HUNDREDS of successful YouTube creators, and being asked all the time what equipment I recommend for YouTubers, I created a list! Click here to see all my recommended equipment for YouTubers!
Podcast Music Credit: Boop by x50 @x50music
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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.
