If I Had Only 1 Hour/Day, Here's How I'd Grow My Channel:

What You’ll Learn About Growing on YouTube

Are you managing a 9-to-5 job, family, or other responsibilities and wondering if it’s even possible to grow on YouTube with just an hour a day? I get it—I’ve been there. For four years, I struggled, failing repeatedly. Then, after countless trials and errors, something clicked. My channel grew from zero to 100K subscribers in three months and eventually hit 1 million in just two years.

What I learned? Growing on YouTube isn’t about having more time—it’s about focusing on what truly moves the needle. Today, I’m sharing a roadmap to grow your channel in 2025, even if you have limited time.
Common Mistakes & Key Areas to Focus On

Let’s talk about the biggest mistake I made starting out. I once spent 15 hours perfecting a single edit, only for it to get 47 views. Sound familiar? So, what do successful creators do differently?

They focus on three essentials:

Creating content viewers actually want, not just what you think looks cool.
Crafting clickable titles and thumbnails, not just aesthetically pleasing ones.
Understanding your audience and unique value, instead of copying big creators.

Everything else? It’s just busy work. I’ll show you how to nail these core elements, even if you only have an hour a day.
Why Copying Big YouTubers Doesn’t Work

Looking at creators like MrBeast or Alex Hormozi and thinking, If I just replicate their approach, I’ll succeed too? Huge mistake. Big creators play an entirely different game.

When starting out, your goal is growth. Meanwhile, established creators might focus on scaling their business or maintaining their audience. Copying their strategies is like trying to run a marathon without learning to walk first—it simply doesn’t work.
Finding Your Unique Identity

Before picking up a camera or investing in gear, ask yourself:

What makes me different?
Why should people care?

Your unique value isn’t about having some mind-blowing skill. It’s about your background, experiences, and personality. Maybe you’re a mom who’s mastered time management while raising kids or a student balancing work and hobbies. That’s your starting point.

Once you know what sets you apart, craft a one-sentence mission statement:
“I help [specific audience] achieve [specific result] by [specific method].”

This clarity will guide every video you create.
Content That Attracts an Audience

One common beginner mistake: starting with content about themselves. Here’s the truth: nobody is searching for “A Day in My Life” when they don’t know who you are. Instead, focus on solving problems people care about.

Which would you click on?

My Daily Workout Routine
How to Lose Weight Without the Gym

The latter solves a problem. Focus on content that provides solutions, and you’ll naturally attract viewers. Over time, as your credibility grows, you can branch out into more personal or storytelling content.
Content Ideation Process

Here’s how I brainstorm problem-solving video ideas:

List what you’ve accomplished in various areas (personal, professional, academic).
Identify problems you’ve solved and challenges beginners face.
Reflect on your struggles when starting out.

For example, I started with language learning because I taught myself without expensive tutors or classes. I also shared ADHD management systems I developed, which resonated with many. These videos built trust and authority, allowing me to expand into other topics.
Becoming a Human Guinea Pig

What if you don’t feel credible enough yet? Become a human guinea pig.

Pick areas you want to improve.
Learn from books, experts, and experiences.
Share what works and what doesn’t.

For example, I tested theories from the famous marshmallow test and shared my findings. Audiences value authenticity, so whether you’re teaching from experience or learning alongside them, both approaches work.
Efficient Video Production

Stop chasing perfection. Instead, focus on value. Use tools like Gling AI to streamline editing—it removes filler words, repeats, and even creates clean transcripts for faster edits.

For B-roll, use the AI-transcribed script to generate shot ideas. Overlay visuals that enhance your message, ensuring your video is digestible and engaging.
Gear and Thumbnail Strategy

Start with a good microphone—audio quality trumps video quality. Use natural light or a single softbox for lighting. For thumbnails, keep them simple yet intriguing. Use bold text, high contrast, and emotional expressions to create curiosity.
Realistic Planning and Mindset

Plan realistically. Time how long a video takes, break it into smaller tasks, and stay consistent. Don’t aim for perfection—early videos will be rough, and that’s okay.

Set aside one focused hour daily and commit to it. Whether you’re working mornings or evenings, consistency beats bursts of random effort.
Conclusion

These strategies took me from zero to a million subscribers, and they can work for you too. Don’t let perfectionism hold you back—start now, focus on value, and let your channel evolve naturally.

If you want step-by-step guidance, join my coaching community or sign up for my free 7-day email series. Ready to take your first step? Check out the next video for more actionable tips!