Tacobellion: Finding His Niche in YouTube Shorts to 125 Million Views
Hey Sam! Who are you and what is your creator brand?
Hey everyone! I'm Sam Wood, also known as Tacobellion, and I'm based in California. YouTube and TikTok shorts are my main gig, and that's where I got my initial breakthrough.
I've been creating YouTube content for over a decade now, starting way back when I was about eight years old, mainly with Minecraft videos alongside my brother. It's become a fundamental part of who I am, and I've stuck with it through thick and thin.
My journey really kicked off with the rise of shorts content. YouTube shorts, in particular, have been instrumental in my growth. They're incredibly accessible for beginners, and if you manage to hit the mark with just one short, you're set for continued growth. I've been riding that wave for about a year now, and it's propelled me to around 84,500 subscribers on YouTube, with momentum still going strong.
One of the best things about where I'm at with my brand is that it's still evolving. I'm thankful for the flexibility to explore different topics and formats as I see fit. Right now, though, my focus is on creating content that's not just entertaining but also motivational.
I want viewers to come to my channel and feel empowered to push their own limits. Whether it's tackling a challenge or setting a new personal record, I want them to know they have the capability to achieve whatever they set their minds to. That's the brand I'm striving to embody with my content.
How did you come up with your creator & content idea?
My journey with my Tacobellion channel has definitely seen quite the evolution over time. Initially, my content revolved around opening football card boxes, which was where I started. Then, I transitioned into playing Madden and spent a considerable amount of time on Fortnite. However, now my focus is on Clash Royale content.
Over time, I've experimented with different content styles and materials to keep things fresh. Currently, my aim is to create fast-paced and engaging shorts for Clash Royale, a card game that doesn't offer a ton of content options. This requires thinking outside the box for video ideas, but it's been effective.
While my growth may seem sudden, it's been a result of years of dedication. For over five years, I poured my efforts into creating videos without making any profit, sometimes even losing money. Despite only garnering around 200 views per video, I remained passionate about my content.
Then, everything changed. I distinctly remember the week when it all clicked. With just 1,200 subscribers, I doubled my count in a matter of days, thanks to my shorts. The rapid increase left me really shocked - I was refreshing my YouTube studio page incessantly as the subscriber count climbed.
Since then, my growth trajectory has been relatively smooth, with occasional bumps along the way. Each pivot in my content has been driven by my interests at the time. The freedom to explore different topics without the pressure of a large audience has been really freeing, especially in the early stages when only a handful of viewers tuned in to my videos.
The first Tacobellion payment received from YouTube
What is your content creation process?
I do everything for my Tacobellion content on my phone - literally everything. I write the script, record the audio, and edit my videos all on my phone. I keep a whole list of video ideas in my notes app, like a rainy day fund. Sometimes I'll get ideas from TikTok or YouTube shorts, even if they're not Clash Royal related. If I like a video, I know I can modify it to fit my brand.
Scripting a video usually takes me an hour or two. Depending on the content, I might need to do some research for data, but it's usually pretty straightforward. I've got the process down pat after doing it every day for the past year.
Balancing school and YouTube can be tough, but luckily, my school has a professional studio that I use for editing. I reserve it whenever I can to do voice overs and put everything together on CapCut. It's up to me how long the process takes, usually about 4 to 6 hours per short, but it could be 10-15+ hours if I really dive into it.
“I was in class scrolling through my YouTube studio, refreshing it every second - just watching as I got one subscriber after another.”
My most productive days are when I can finish a short from start to finish in a single day. I try to get most of my prep done before sunset, then record clips and start editing in the early evening. Usually, I don't finish until midnight or later. It's a whole day's process, but I make time for other stuff, like hanging out with friends.
I aim to post 4 shorts a week, although I've struggled with that lately. I took the longest break of my career - just 2 weeks - and it was scary thinking about being away that long. But I don't want to put a strict number on myself because I want to focus on making the best content possible.
Managing time is crucial. Right now, I prioritize YouTube over school, which my parents might not like, but I've managed it well. Sometimes I have to choose between studying or editing, or going out with friends or filming. It's challenging, but overcoming obstacles is exciting because it proves how much I want to be a YouTuber.
I do everything on my own - no team - and I like it that way. It can be lonely, but having control over everything allows me to fully invest myself in the content. I've collaborated with YouTuber Crusher 21, who has 1.3 million subscribers. He's someone I go to for advice or collaboration because we think similarly about content production, and having that second opinion from the top guy in the niche is invaluable.
What is your marketing & promotion strategy? How are you growing your brand?
My primary focus is on creating content for my Tacobellion brand. I've experimented with traditional marketing methods before, but I've found that when I divert my attention away from making videos, the overall quality suffers.
So, I prioritize making shorts and ensuring they're the best they can be. I believe that if I concentrate on producing high-quality content, everything else like brand growth, networking, views, and revenue will naturally follow suit.
To expand my presence on different platforms, I primarily repurpose my YouTube shorts for TikTok. Sometimes, I need to adjust the voiceover or tweak the ending to make it more suitable for TikTok. But for the most part, the content remains the same between the two platforms.
Initially, I was skeptical about TikTok, thinking it was too artificial and wouldn't translate into actual YouTube subscribers or monetization. However, TikTok actually sparked my interest in creating shorts. I began by posting brief clips on TikTok, which gained traction.
Combining my personality with the quick, short format of TikTok videos, I transitioned these to YouTube, and now I share content on both platforms, enjoying the benefits of each.
As I primarily focus on shorts, two key metrics determine a short's performance: the click ratio and average view duration. The click ratio indicates how well the hook grabs viewers' attention, while the average view duration reflects the video's ability to retain that attention. These metrics are crucial indicators of video quality and engagement. A high retention rate signals that the video is effectively captivating and retaining viewers' interest.
How do you engage with your audience?
When Tacobellion first started gaining traction, my main platform was just my YouTube channel. I didn't have any third-party platforms or communities at that time. I'd spend hours each day responding to comments on my videos, feeling it was the least I could do for those who took the time to engage. But as my channel grew, it became impossible to keep up with every comment.
Nowadays, I'm more active in my Discord server, which has become quite active. I check in multiple times a day to see what's happening. Despite this, I still make an effort to engage with my audience through comments. Even during brief moments like waiting in line at the store, I'll jump into YouTube Studio to read and respond to comments.
I've had some incredible interactions with my followers over the years. Many of them have been with me since I had just 1,000 subscribers, and they feel more like friends than fans. It's mind-blowing to see how a community has grown around my content.
The people active in my Discord server are like a family now. I recognize them by name, and they're often the first to watch and comment on my videos. It's surreal to think about the journey from those early days to where we are now, and I'm grateful for the community we've built together.
How have you monetized your business model?
My main revenue streams are Adsense and sponsorships, with sponsorships comprising the majority of the total revenue I've generated from Tacobellion to date. The success of these streams can vary greatly depending on your niche. Ultimately, my goal is to turn this passion into a full-time job, and I believe I'm on the right path.
However, I try not to let thoughts of money consume me. While it may sound cliché, I genuinely prioritize the quality of my YouTube videos and content above all else. Whenever I find myself overly focused on the financial aspect, I notice a significant decline in the quality of my work, which ultimately affects my revenue streams negatively.
It's incredible to earn an income from doing something I love, but maintaining the integrity and value of my content remains my top priority. The monetization aspect of being a creator is obviously exciting, and it's a goal I've been pursuing for a long time. Yet, I'm always amazed when I realize that people are willing to pay to watch my videos. Nonetheless, it's not my primary focus.
What are your biggest lessons learned & challenges faced?
As a content creator with long-term aspirations, you have to be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of your passion. Sure, you could easily churn out videos about trendy topics just to rack up views, but if you're not genuinely invested in what you're creating, you'll inevitably burn out. For me, it's crucial that my content reflects my interests and brings me joy.
By pouring my energy into what I love and continually refining my craft, success naturally follows. Starting with authenticity is key; if you build your content strategy from the ground up, rather than chasing fleeting trends, you'll be better equipped for the journey ahead.
When Tacobellion began gaining momentum, I was overwhelmed by the crazy surge in popularity. Going from 200 views a week to 100,000 in just seven days was mind-boggling, but it also triggered a wave of paranoia. I found myself obsessively checking analytics, frantically planning for every scenario, and living in constant fear of losing it all as quickly as it came.
Needless to say, this fear-driven approach took a toll on the quality of my content. Instead of focusing on creating better videos, I was consumed by the pressure to sustain my newfound success. It was a challenging time, to say the least.
“Whenever I can I just focus on making shorts and making them the best they can be - all the other stuff will grow with it. ”
However, one of the most rewarding aspects of being a creator is the sheer act of creation itself. It taps into our fundamental human instinct to build and innovate. Knowing that my videos resonate with hundreds of thousands, even millions of viewers fills me with such awe. Every subscriber gained and every view I get is a testament to my childhood dream of becoming a YouTuber—a dream now realized.
As for the downsides of this dream job, I'd be lying not to mention the mental toll it can take. Content creation is often glamorized, but the reality is far from glamorous. The relentless grind—hours upon hours of intense work for a single video—can leave me feeling drained, as if I've just completed a marathon with my brain as the finish line.
It's disheartening when people underestimate the grind, assuming that creators simply lounge around all day. The truth is, it's a demanding profession that requires dedication and resilience. Even the early days were filled with challenges, from years of stagnant growth to jeers from my friends.
Finding my unique voice was also a big challenge. Initially, I drew inspiration from successful channels, but the backlash I received from people who thought I was copying them forced me to reassess my approach. Over time, I've forged my own identity as a creator—a journey marked by growth and self-discovery.
Balancing my personal and professional life has been another struggle, especially since I started school. Unlike before, when I could fully focus on video production without distraction, juggling coursework and social outings has blurred the lines between "Sam" and "Tacobellion." Yet, this new balance has actually allowed me to infuse more authenticity into my content, bridging the gap between my online persona and my true self.
In the end, it’s not an easy path, but the opportunity to share my passion with the world is an invaluable reward—one that makes every obstacle worth overcoming.
What technology & tools do you use?
I firmly believe that success means you don’t have to have top-of-the-line equipment. My trusty iPhone 11 or 12 serves as my all-in-one tool for scripting, recording audio, and more. Everything is streamlined through my phone's notes app.
Editing-wise, I rely on CapCut, and that's pretty much it. I've learned that obsessing over gear and telling myself, "If I don't have this microphone or that lighting, it'll affect my video quality," is counterproductive. Ultimately, if your content is engaging, people will watch, regardless of fancy equipment.
As for content strategy, I tend to steer clear of hopping onto every general trend. While I'll jump on viral trends on platforms like TikTok or within my niche if they align with my style, I strive to maintain consistency and a recognizable style in my content.
It's rooted in a fear of being pigeonholed by a trend. Sure, riding a trend wave can lead to a surge in popularity, but then you risk being forever associated with that trend, hindering your ability to evolve. So, I like to stick to my style and only leverage niche trends that align with my brand.
What future plans & goals do you have for your creator brand?
I honestly don’t really like to lock myself into a specific path. However, I do have a 2024 goals list tucked away in my notes app, and right at the very top is YouTube success for Tacobellion. Success to me is flexible, but it has to be fulfilling and satisfying, so that's currently my top priority.
My philosophy is simple: as long as I continue creating videos that I genuinely enjoy making and that I believe others will enjoy watching, everything else will naturally fall into place. While I don't want to set rigid numeric goals that might dampen my motivation once achieved, I do have one milestone in mind: reaching 100,000 subscribers on YouTube.
That's when you earn your first plaque, and I've had a mental image of it hanging on my wall since I was a kid. It's surreal to see that dream about to become a reality.
Even though I try not to fixate too much on subscriber counts or view numbers, hitting 100,000 subscribers will be a massive moment for me. I hit 100 million views on the channel during Thanksgiving break, which was an incredible milestone to reflect on. Still, I really want to maintain my focus on creating content that excites both me and my audience, rather than getting caught up in the numbers game.
What advice do you have for aspiring content creators?
Making a great video boils down to keeping it simple and true to your interests. Take cues from your favorite creators and blend their styles with your personality. Drawing inspiration from multiple sources is key to crafting content that resonates.
Networking is also crucial. While I used to pride myself on independence, I've come to appreciate the value of connecting with fellow creators. These conversations offer insights that would take ages to discover alone. Even a brief chat with more experienced creators can be more enlightening than months of trial and error.
Looking ahead, I see a shift in content creation, especially on platforms like YouTube. Rather than focusing solely on flashy, algorithm-driven content, the future lies in genuine human connection. Emotional resonance will be key.
Take Mr. Beast, for instance. His recent videos feature authentic reactions that wouldn't have made the cut before. These personal moments really buil;d a deeper bond with viewers, setting apart successful creators from the rest. As AI becomes more popular, human authenticity will be the key to a long career in content creation.
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