3 minute read
Izzi Boye
The virtual world has witnessed a surge of trailblazing YouTube-
Preneurs in recent times, and it's impossible to ignore their impact! Among them is Izzi Boye, a Nigerian Tech Content Creator from Delta State, based in Lagos. He and the Uncutxtra Magazine Editor Sharon Charity Abuke had an amazing time as they discussed the business of YouTubing. Despite his academic background in Chemistry Education from Delta State University, Abraka, Izzihascarvedoutanicheforhimself in the digital space with his creative contentonYouTube
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What Inspired His Content CreatingJourney
I’ve always been a tech enthusiast. I was inspired to create content on YouTube in late 2019 when I was researchingaphonetobuy Initially,I hadplannedtodelveintotheworldof travel blogging, but as I immersed myselfinphoneresearch,Irealized that my love for all things tech came naturally to me. It was then that I had the inspiration to channel my tech enthusiasm into something valuable bycreatingcontentonYouTube.
His process for generating video ideasandcreatingcontent
Given the ever-evolving nature of the tech world, the ideas seem to flow naturally since there's always something new in the tech world popping up almost every week or month. All I need to do is decide whether it's interesting enough to share with my audience However, whenitcomestothekindofcontentI create on social media, inspiration can strike from my daily interaction with my device or from questions from my followers seeking solutions to their smartphone problems. My creative process for videos involves using the device for a few days, experiencing it as the average consumer would, and then sharing my thoughts and experiences in the video,withthehopeofproviding valuable answers to potential users' questionsaboutthosedevices.
His community-building strategies forhischannel
I make a conscious effort to connect with my audience by responding to comments on my content, sharing updates on my Instagram stories and Twitter,andoccasionallygoingliveon Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter Spaces tohavediscussionsabouttech-related topics.
His Consistency and Burnout avoidancestrategies
Icreatesocialmediacontentdailyand post YouTube videos at least once a week. I jot down ideas as they come and sometimes film for three days straight or daily. Consistency is key, andIpushthroughevenwhenI'mnot feeling up to it. To avoid burnout, I take breaks to rest, sleep, and play games. I prioritize self-care because a rested mind is essential for quality contentcreation.
Collaborations/Partnerships Gotten through His YouTube channel
I'vecollaboratedwithcreatorssuchas Fisayo Fosudo, Eric Okafor, Kagantech, Oscarmini, Fred’s Tech Hub,andTechOverwatch,alongwith working with some amazing brands. One standout experience was being sponsored by Tecno to attend Mobile World Congress 2023 in Barcelona, Spain.Itwasatripofalifetime!
Challenges Most Nigerian YouTubers Encounter $ How they CanOvercome
Being a content creator in Nigeria comes with a unique set of challenges that can make or break one's career. From constant power outages to limitedfundingandfewer partnerships, it can be a daunting task.However,I'velearnedtoadaptto each of these challenges as they arise. Forinstance,Irecordatnighttoavoid power interruptions, and I try to make the best use of the resources available to me. It's essential to invest your funds wisely, especially in gadgets and equipment to ensure goodqualitycontent.
MostchallengingContent
Oneof themost challenging pieces of content I have created to date was a review of a refrigerator. It was quite different from my usual tech reviews of smartphones, laptops, and accessories, and presented a unique set of challenges but not in the “I never want to do that again” kind of way However, despite the unfamiliar territory, I foundtheexperienceto be incredibly rewarding. It tested my versatility and knowledge about consumer tech and ultimately helped megrowasacreator.
How AI/ChatGPT Has Eased His contentcreationProcess
Although AI/ChatGPT has gained popularity in content creation, I have neveruseditmyself. TheonlyAItool I’ve used and made a video about was Adobe podcast. It is a great tool that enhances the audio quality of your content, regardless of its initial quality
How He stay updated with trends and changes in the YouTube algorithm
I make it a priority to stay connected to the internet and keep up with the latest advancements in technology and the various platforms we use. I highly recommend not neglecting any emails or messages you receive from YouTube or your studio dashboard Additionally, there are contentcreators,suchasThinkMedia and VidIQ, who focus on discussing changes in social media platforms, and I make an effort to stay informed byfollowingtheirupdates.
The Future of YouTube and online videocontentInNigeria
In Nigeria, YouTube content creation is still in its early stages with ample growth potential. The market is far from saturated, so if you possess the necessarydisciplinetobeginnowand persevereovertime,youwillenjoythe benefits. This observation applies to content creation across the board. The number of consistent tech creators on YouTube in Nigeria is negligible, with a count that is difficulttoexceed10,orperhaps15at most. This indicates that space is abundantforanyoneelsewhohasthe inclination and dedication to pursue it. Influencer marketing is becoming increasingly popular among brands, and when you produce content, you are establishing a specific audience thatthesebrandswouldliketoengage withthroughyourchannel.
AdviceForEveryYouTuber
Just like any other creator would tell you, building a successful YouTube channel is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it. The key to success is consistencyandconstantimprovement. TomakeitasaYouTuber,youneedtotreatitlikeaseriousbusiness venture and put in the necessary work to thrive. Don't get too focused on the money, as that can lead to frustration and disappointment. Instead, focus on growing your audience and improving the quality of your content. The money will come naturallywithtime Don'tignorethepowerofsocialmedia.Itcan be a great tool to reach a wider audience and build your brand And lastly, for those looking to build a successful channel - Just Start! There are people with fewer resources than you already doingthatwhichyoufeelyouneedmoreresourcesfor.