20 Questions

Questions to Ask a YouTuber

Insightful questions to ask YouTubers about content creation, building an audience, monetization strategies, and navigating the creator economy.

1

How did you come up with your channel concept and niche?

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Why this works

Reveals their creative process and how they identified a topic worth building content around.

2

What equipment and software do you use to create your videos?

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Why this works

Provides practical information for aspiring creators about tools and investment needed.

3

How long did it take before you started seeing real growth on your channel?

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Why this works

Sets realistic expectations about the time commitment required to build an audience.

4

What's your process for brainstorming and planning content?

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Why this works

Uncovers their workflow for staying creative and consistently producing engaging videos.

5

How do you balance authenticity with creating content that performs well?

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Why this works

Explores the tension between staying true to yourself and optimizing for the algorithm.

6

What was your biggest breakthrough moment on YouTube?

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Why this works

Identifies pivotal events or videos that accelerated their growth and success.

7

How do you monetize your channel beyond AdSense revenue?

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Why this works

Reveals diversified income streams like sponsorships, merchandise, memberships, or courses.

8

What's the most challenging part of being a content creator?

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Why this works

Provides honest insight into struggles like burnout, algorithm changes, or creative blocks.

9

How do you deal with negative comments or criticism?

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Why this works

Offers strategies for managing mental health and handling online negativity.

10

What metrics do you pay attention to when analyzing your channel's performance?

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Why this works

Clarifies which analytics matter most beyond just subscriber count.

11

How has YouTube changed since you started, and how have you adapted?

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Why this works

Shows their ability to evolve with platform changes and stay relevant.

12

What advice would you give someone starting a YouTube channel today?

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Why this works

Synthesizes their experience into actionable guidance for beginners.

13

How do you stay consistent with uploading when you're not feeling motivated?

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Why this works

Provides strategies for maintaining discipline and overcoming creative slumps.

14

What role does community engagement play in your channel's success?

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Why this works

Highlights the importance of interacting with viewers and building loyal audiences.

15

How do you approach collaborations with other creators?

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Why this works

Reveals networking strategies and how partnerships can accelerate growth.

16

What's something you wish you had known before starting your channel?

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Why this works

Uncovers lessons learned through trial and error that could help others.

17

How do you avoid burnout while maintaining a regular upload schedule?

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Why this works

Offers insights into work-life balance and sustainable content creation practices.

18

What trends do you see shaping the future of YouTube and content creation?

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Why this works

Provides forward-looking perspective on where the platform and industry are headed.

19

How do you decide which video ideas are worth pursuing?

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Why this works

Shows their decision-making process for prioritizing content with the best potential.

20

What's been your proudest moment or achievement as a YouTuber?

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Why this works

Celebrates their success and reveals what milestones matter most to them personally.

Best Practices for Interviewing YouTubers

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices

Do Your Research First

Watch their content before the interview so you can ask informed, specific questions about their work.

Ask About the Journey, Not Just Success

Dig into struggles, failures, and lessons learned—these are often more valuable than success stories.

Be Genuinely Curious

Show authentic interest in their creative process rather than just seeking tips for your own channel.

Respect Their Time

YouTubers are busy creating content. Be prepared, concise, and grateful for their insights.

Question Sequences

The Origin Story Sequence

1
How did you come up with your channel concept and niche?
2
What was your biggest breakthrough moment on YouTube?
3
How long did it take before you started seeing real growth?

The Creative Process Sequence

1
What's your process for brainstorming and planning content?
2
How do you decide which video ideas are worth pursuing?
3
How do you stay consistent with uploading when you're not feeling motivated?

The Business Strategy Sequence

1
How do you monetize your channel beyond AdSense revenue?
2
What metrics do you pay attention to when analyzing performance?
3
How do you approach collaborations with other creators?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Only Focus on Numbers

Subscriber counts and views are just one part of the story. Ask about creative fulfillment and community too.

Don't Assume It's Easy

Avoid questions that minimize their work like 'How hard can it be?' YouTube success requires enormous effort.

Don't Ask for Shoutouts or Promotion

This puts them in an awkward position. Focus on learning, not leveraging the relationship for personal gain.

Don't Ignore Their Boundaries

If they're uncomfortable discussing income, personal life, or controversies, respect that and move on.

Interview Templates

The Aspiring Creator Framework

1
Step 1: Start with: 'I'm thinking about starting a YouTube channel. What advice would you give?'
2
Step 2: Follow with: 'What equipment do I really need to get started?'
3
Step 3: Ask: 'What's something you wish you had known before starting?'
4
Step 4: Close with: 'Thank you so much. Your insights are really helpful'

The Deep Dive Framework

1
Step 1: Start with: 'I've been following your channel for a while. How did you develop your unique style?'
2
Step 2: Follow with: 'What's the most challenging part of being a content creator?'
3
Step 3: Ask: 'How do you balance authenticity with creating content that performs well?'
4
Step 4: Close with: 'This has been so insightful. I really appreciate your time'

Further Reading

YouTube Creator Academy
"Crushing It!" by Gary Vaynerchuk
"The YouTube Formula" by Derral Eves

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