I didn’t start making films to go viral. I started because I had something to say. But early on, I thought success meant views, shares, and the kind of fast growth that fills your inbox with sponsorship deals. I played the game. I studied the algorithm. I tailored my work for attention. And I lost track of what I cared about.
What brought me back wasn’t a trend. It was a question. Who am I making this for?
The Trap of Chasing Reach
As creators, we’re told we need to scale fast. The logic is simple: more followers mean more influence. But here’s the problem. In chasing mass appeal, I started making things that didn’t feel like mine. My stories got shorter. My topics got safer. My edits looked like every other trending clip.
It worked, for a while. One of my videos hit 300,000 views. But I couldn’t tell you who watched it. No one reached out. No one remembered. It was content, not connection.
That’s when I realized the flaw in the system. The algorithm rewards attention, not intention. And if you’re not careful, you become a mirror instead of a voice.
Small Audiences, Big Impact
I began shifting focus. Instead of chasing numbers, I started making work for a smaller group of people who actually cared. My audience shrank at first. But something else grew: depth.
Now, when I release a new piece, I get real messages. Educators ask to use my films in classrooms. Other creators reach out to collaborate. Viewers send stories that relate to the themes I explore. That kind of feedback means more to me than any view count.
This is what makes niche creators powerful. We may not trend, but we build trust. And trust is the foundation of sustainability in this space.
Platforms Should Reflect the Creator, Not the Other Way Around
Most platforms push content toward sameness. They reward engagement that’s quick and easy to measure. But as creators, our work isn’t just about metrics. It’s about meaning.
That’s why I started using platforms like Artramedia. Unlike social feeds built for clicks, Artramedia feels designed for storytelling. It supports digital content creators with tools for licensing, audience engagement, and creator collaboration opportunities. More importantly, it encourages creators to retain control.
On Artramedia, I don’t need to guess what will please the algorithm. I can focus on what will resonate with people who value thoughtful, creative media.
Building Community, Not Just Content
Every creator should ask: Who is this for? If your answer is “everyone,” you’re probably not reaching anyone in particular. But if your answer is specific, whether educators, activists, parents, or artists, you can build a true community.
This shift changed how I create. I now include discussion guides with my films. I share process notes and behind-the-scenes thoughts. I respond to every comment that asks a real question. These actions deepen the experience for viewers and turn them into participants, not just consumers.
That’s the difference between followers and community. Followers scroll. Community support.
Revenue Follows Relevance
Many creators fear that going niche will hurt their income. But in my experience, the opposite is true. Brands and partners now come to me not because I have millions of views but because I have clarity. My work has a voice, and that voice reaches people they want to connect with.
Through media content licensing and paid collaborations, I’ve monetized in ways that feel ethical and aligned. I also sell direct downloads and offer limited licensing for schools. None of this would have worked if I had stayed in the algorithm trap.
Own the Process, Own the Work
Here’s the truth. You cannot create freely if you’re constantly chasing trends. You need space to experiment. You need time to reflect. And you need a platform that respects your autonomy.
I support independent creators and advocate for platforms that prioritize them. These platforms, like Artramedia, offer more than exposure. They provide infrastructure. Creator testimonials prove this works. When you allow creators to lead, they bring their best work forward.
You Don’t Need a Million Views to Matter
Every week, I talk to young creators who feel discouraged because they’re not growing fast enough. I tell them this: You do not need a million views to matter. What you need is purpose.
If five people watch your video and feel seen, that matters. If twenty people share your post and start a conversation, that has weight. Focus on serving those who already believe in you. That’s how you build something that lasts.
The Future Is Slow, Specific, and Intentional
The next wave of creators will not be defined by speed. It will be defined by clarity. By purpose. By work that knows who it’s for and why it exists.
So stop refreshing your stats. Start refining your voice. Find your people, speak to them directly, and trust that relevance beats reach.
Let the algorithm chase trends. You chase the truth.