I Tried YouTube for 6 Months and THIS Happened!

Whether you're thinking about starting a channel, you're a fellow creator, or you're just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this is the unfiltered truth about the YouTube journey. Six months ago, I uploaded my first Zwift video with zero subscribers and no idea what I was getting into. Now, 907 subscribers later, I'm pulling back the curtain on what it's REALLY like to run a cycling YouTube channel. This isn't just about the good stuff - I'm talking about everything: the time investment nobody warns you about, the actual financial costs, copyright issues, company collaboration approaches, as well as a detailed breakdown of how the channel is doing statistically. 🎬 What I Cover: What it's like to post the first Video and how did it go What I've learned about succeeding on YouTube Time breakdown per video Real costs (financial and personal) The tools and camera's I use Community highs and unexpected challenges When collabs go sideways and copyright gets messy Why I keep doing this and who is it for How I decide which companies to work with What's your experience been like as a creator or viewer? Drop your stories in the comments! Chapters 00:00 6 Months on YouTube 00:52 Why Have A Channel? 02:07 The First Upload 03:56 3 Rules for YouTube Success 05:00 The First Month - February/ March 2025 07:17 Month 2 - April 2025 07:56 Month 3 - May 2025 09:37 Month 4 - June 2025 12:01 Month 5 - July 2025 13:59 How long does making a video take? 17:46 Making money on YouTube 21:25 Month 6 - August 2025 22:27 6 Months Overview & Review 24:04 Community, Comments and Likes 25:42 How much does it cost? 27:14 Thoughts after 6 Months 28:37 What's Next? ------------------------- 💵💷💶 Save with these affiliate links 💷💶💵 You'll get money off, I get an introductory commission which supports the channel - win, win! The channel is not sponsored by Zwift or anyone else, all reviews and opinions are my own, these links are just a way for me to offer you value from watching my content. SAVE MONEY on the Wahoo Kickr Core 2 👇🏻 Select the link for your country 🇬🇧 UK - https://zwiftinc.sjv.io/c/6373776/3280524/20902?subId3=yxlPMX2T 🇺🇸 US - https://zwiftinc.sjv.io/c/6373776/3280527/20902?subId3=ZwD4l5tO 🇪🇺 EU - https://zwiftinc.sjv.io/c/6373776/3280522/20902?subId3=zJX8NfRl SAVE MONEY on the Zwift Ride with Wahoo Kickr Core 2 👇🏻 Select the link for your country 🇬🇧 UK - https://zwiftinc.sjv.io/c/6373776/3258789/20902?subId3=P9102lZs 🇺🇸 US - https://zwiftinc.sjv.io/c/6373776/3258787/20902?subId3=p0inUwso 🇪🇺 EU - https://zwiftinc.sjv.io/c/6373776/3258790/20902?subId3=1WqGuSfM CycPlus – SAVE MONEY on cycling tech including fans, computers & smart trainers https://www.cycplus.com/?ref=chadrides Insta360 – SAVE MONEY on cameras to catch all your cycling action and rides https://www.insta360.com - Discount Code: INRIWPV BOB AND BRAD - SAVE MONEY on Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun with Heat and Cold Head UK – https://amzn.to/4ophJzx - Discount Code: BOBNBRAD15 US – https://amzn.to/4hhYndm - Discount Code BOBBRADQ2 ------------------------- If you’re interested in products I’m using in my videos, you can find links below to them. Bikemo - Bike Insurance in the UK, Germany, Ireland and Austria https://bikmo.avln.me/c/IVZgfAiDomBL Le Col Cycling wear https://lecol.avln.me/c/XsEphfbhhmtE Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor UK – https://amzn.to/4oheSIV US – https://amzn.to/3KJaAeY Vacmaster Cardio 54 Fan UK – https://amzn.to/46O1kii US – https://amzn.to/4h6OXkR Garmin Varia RTL515 rear light/radar UK – https://amzn.to/4mY5A3m US – https://amzn.to/4nGiuEp Garmin Varia UT800 Smart Headlight UK – https://amzn.to/4n0XJlI US – https://amzn.to/4o82xqq Garmin Edge 1050 Computer UK – https://amzn.to/4nJfWVT US – https://amzn.to/4h6Pao9 Omnirocker rocker plates UK only – https://omnirocker.com/ ------------------------- Welcome to Chad Rides — the channel dedicated to Zwift, Rouvy, MyWhoosh indoor cycling and outdoor cycling. Whether you're racing in the Zwift Racing League (ZRL), struggling through FTP tests, cycling for weight loss or to improve your fitness and mental health, you’ll find real insight, honest reviews, and racing breakdowns to help you ride smarter and stronger. Here, you'll get: Detailed Zwift racing analysis (ZRL, WTRL, ZRacing, ECRO racing, FRR Racing and more) Reviews of Zwift and Rouvy compatible hardware and training tech like the Zwift Ride and virtual shifting hardware and software. Advice on cycling for weight loss, mental health and performance improvements. Tools and tips using Strava, intervals.icu, Zwift, Rouvy and MyWhoosh. This is your place to improve your cycling performance, understand the numbers and enjoy every pedal stroke. Subscribe and join me on our collective Zwift journey! Visit https://www.chadrides.com If you like the channel please consider supporting Chad Rides https://buymeacoffee.com/chadrides