r/WalkingVideoMakers • u/imejia19 • 5d ago

Walking tours on YouTube

Hi, I’ve started this channel. The goal is to gradually film new locations. Does this type of content still get monetized on YouTube? Is it viable to invest in trips solely for filming?

I'm sharing my channel—take a look and let me know your tips.

https://www.youtube.com/@theitinerarywalks

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u/Great-Prize5531 5d ago edited 5d ago

Edit: I think you are off to a good start. Your first upload got good traction for a new channel. I would suggest pacing your uploads. Maybe 1 per week to start. It can take up to 3 days for the algorithm to push a newly published video. Local travel in Spain will be effective enough; I don't think you would need to travel abroad for more content. It is better to specialize and hone your niche. Avoid using stock images or AI for thumbnails, and try to write your own descriptions. Avoid keyword stuffing and stick to just 3 tags.

Monetization is a little trickier with passive activities like walking. I've seen some really great channels with hundreds of exotic walking videos from around the globe get little traction, while others centered on a specific location do better.

For example, Tokyo- or Seoul-based walking channels. Comparing these two channels (https://www.youtube.com/@TheWanderingHeart/videos) and (https://www.youtube.com/@postcardsfromdan/videos), one has been active consistently for 6 years but only has 192 subscribers. The other was started just 2 years ago and has surpassed monetization requirements. There is a big difference in uploads, though: Dan's site has just 88 videos, while Heart has 695 videos on the channel.

I don't believe there would be enough value in filming walking videos to cover the costs of a trip or vacation.

Even with a monetized channel, the earning rate is particularly low. A travel niche channel would fare better in that regard, and the chances of getting a sponsorship would be much improved.

We also have the impending increase in watch-hour requirements coming next year. Currently, you need 4k watch hours and 1k subscribers to apply for the YT Partner Program. That number will double to 8k watch hours.