Here are the conclusions Ali Abdaal came to after being a youtuber for 7 years and gaining success. This advice is applicable not only to YouTube but to business as well.

1. Consistency is Paramount

• Consistency matters more than anything else
• Choose a sustainable upload schedule that works for you
• Don’t wait to “feel like” filming – just start recording
• Ali doesn’t feel like shooting videos all the time – but he still shoots them
• Almost no YouTuber succeeds without being consistent

2. Systems Enable Success

• Don’t think one video at a time; build systems for your channel
• Create production pipelines, checklists, and style guides
• Systems provide leverage and make production feel more effortless
• Successful creators all have documented systems behind their content

3. Quantity Leads to Quality

• Making lots of videos is how you improve
• You need about 70+ videos to start getting good
• Focus on improving one thing per video
• Can’t build skills without regular practice

4. Finding Your Niche

• Don’t obsess over finding your perfect niche initially
• Use the “archaeologist approach” – experiment and discover what works
• Your niche will emerge naturally over time through iteration
• It’s okay to pivot and evolve your content

5. The Money Mindset

• Don’t do YouTube primarily for money unless you already have a business
• Money comes slowly through YouTube
• Focus on intrinsic motivation: creative joy and fulfillment
• Consider the “business first” vs “creator first” approach

6. Timeline Expectations

• Expect it to take at least 2 years to reach meaningful goals
• Making weekly videos for 2 years will “change your life”
• YouTube is a long-term game requiring patience
• Find ways to enjoy the process to maintain consistency

7. Content Development

• It’s okay to imitate before you innovate
• Your content doesn’t need to be completely original
• Focus on providing value to viewers
• The algorithm responds to audience engagement, not against you

8. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don’t let gear limitations hold you back – smartphones are fine to start
• Outsource editing when possible to save time
• Don’t fear negative comments – they’re often a sign of growth
• Avoid getting stuck in “drama problems” vs “math problems”

Math vs drama problems

Math problems = actual numbers stuff

• “My video only got 10 views”
• “My retention rate is 20%”
• Can solve with specific actions and data
• Has numbers you can point to
• Like fixing a broken calculator

Drama problems = your brain making excuses

• “I’m not good enough to make videos”
• “What if people hate it?”
• “My room isn’t clean enough to film”
• Your feelings getting in the way
• Like your brain being a dramatic teenager

The big truth

Most of what’s stopping you is drama problems, not math problems!

When you catch yourself making excuses, ask: “Is this a real numbers problem, or is my brain being dramatic?”

Conclusion

The overarching message is that YouTube success requires consistent effort, systematic approach, and focus on providing value while enjoying the process. Technical perfection or originality matter less than showing up regularly and improving incrementally.