Many people think becoming a content creator is easy and carefree. It is not. While being a content creator can be incredibly fulfilling and even life-changing, the realities are more complex than they appear. When you see a viral video or post, there is a content creator who navigates numerous challenges and hard truths to make that video or post relevant.
In this blog post, we will talk about the truths of content creation that most people don’t want to acknowledge or talk about. From dealing with imposter syndrome to coping with trolls, this guide will prepare you for what’s to come as a new content creator.
1. No One Cares (Especially Friends and Family)
Starting a new journey to anything can be lonely, especially when no one around you does not share the same enthusiasm. Many novice content creators find that friends and family are dismissive of their paths. This can be depressing, but it’s important to understand that their reaction is not necessarily about their love for you. It’s about perspective.
Why This Happens:
- Non-traditional careers tend to draw skepticism.
- Many people don’t understand the time and effort it takes to grow a platform.
- To be frank, some loved ones may just not be interested in what you are putting down.
How to Handle It:
- Find a community of like-minded creators and followers who appreciate your content.
- Share your achievements to show you are committed to your content creation journey.
- Remember, do not rely on others to validate your success.
“Don’t let others dim your life. Your work matters!”
2. Nothing Happens Overnight
Instant fame is the love story of the internet. But here’s a hard truth, most content creators spend years producing content before achieving a modicum of success. Sure, it’s easy to feel defeated when your hard work does not pay off, but patience and consistency are key.
What to Expect:
- It may take months (or even years) to build an audience.
- Platforms reward persistent effort, not posts here or there.
- Success often requires experimentation, and learning what catches an audience’s attention.
| Active | Followers/Views | Notes |
| 1-3 months | 100-500 | Focus on content quality. |
| 6-12 months | 1,000-5,000 | Develop a niche and style. |
| 1-2 years | 10,000+ | The audience starts to grow. |
***Results can vary.***
Tips for Beginner Content Creators:
- Set realistic goals, such as gaining 50 followers or mastering how to write a script for your videos.
- Every stepping stone needs to be celebrated. You are on your way to larger success.
- It will always be about the process. The results will come.
3. Trolls Are Everywhere
As you may already know, negativity is just part of the content creation game. Trolls, or people who purposely leave hurtful, racist, or inflammatory comments, can make you retreat from creating the platform you want. They can make being on the internet a battlefield.
Why Trolls Exist:
- Anonymity and the lack of accountability online have given them a place to thrive.
- Their goal is to provoke a reaction, often because of boredom, insecurity, or ignorance.
- To many, it gives parity to all subjects (I don’t tend to agree).
How to Protect Yourself:
- Block Comments: Many online platforms allow you to filter and block specific words and people.
- Disengage: Avoid feeding the trolls. Do not give in to someone you don’t know on the internet.
- Stay Positive: Respond to supportive comments to build a community that you can be proud of.
Check out Seven Tips For Dealing with Online Trolls for other ways of dealing with online trolls.
4. Imposter Syndrome
The feeling of not being good enough or you don’t deserve anything can be ever-present (I know it’s that way for me). Imposter syndrome can hit the most seasoned creator as well as a beginner content creator. For rookie creators, this can be paralyzing, making it hard to bring your best self creatively.
Why Imposter Syndrome Happens:
- You are comparing yourself to experienced creators.
- Self-doubting the value of your content.
- Overwhelming fear of being judged or criticized.
How to Overcome It:
- Relax. You are not perfect. One step at a time.
- Be inspired by others in your niche. Do not compare yourself.
- You did an outline for your content today. Celebrate the small wins.
"You are enough. Your unique voice is what sets you apart.”
5. Financial Costs
I hate to say this. Content creation isn’t free. If you want to produce high-quality work, equipment, lighting, and software can add costs quickly. As a beginner, you can underestimate these expenses, which can lead to burnout.
Common Cost for Beginners:
- Equipment: Cameras, microphones, lighting, tripods.
- Software: Video editing tools, design programs, or website hosting.
- Marketing: Paid ads, email services, or promotional materials.
How to Manage Costs:
- Start with what you have—-smartphones and free tools can get you started.
- Invest as you go. Take your time.
- If you can find deals, buy second-hand gear to save money
6. Loneliness
Being a content creator can be incredibly isolating. Many creators (including myself) work long hours researching, filming, editing, or writing with not much human interaction. Over time, the isolation can affect you mentally.
Why Loneliness Happens:
- Content creation can be a solitary process, particularly when you are self-taught.
- In-person connections often feel scarce when your job is online.
- Balancing content creation with your personal life can create distance from others.
How to Combat Loneliness:
- Join other communities in your niche for support.
- Make time for social activities with friends and family to balance out work and personal life.
- Connect with other creators and collaborate on ideas.
Quote: “You’re not alone. Find your people – they’re out there.”
“You’re not alone. Find your people - they’re out there.”
7. Information Overload
When you are new to content creation, the volume of information about this topic can feel overpowering. From learning about algorithms to mastering SEO and editing, the list of things to remember can seem endless. Sometimes it’s so much you may be slow to go full force with online creating.
Why This Happens:
- There are countless resources online, each one giving different advice.
- Every platform changes its algorithm regularly, making it hard to keep up.
- As a beginner, you try to master everything at once. Then, you become overwhelmed with the process.
How to Manage Information Overload:
- Focus on one skill or platform at a time to avoid burnout.
- Use trusted resources to guide you through the basics.
- Embrace trial and error. It’s okay to learn as you go.
Final Thoughts
Being a content creator is rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges and hard truths. By understanding the realities of content creation, you’ll be able to navigate the ebbs and flows of family stressors, financial costs, trolls, and imposter syndrome. One thing for certain, two things for sure: you are not alone in this journey. There are communities, tools, and strategies to help you overcome obstacles and thrive as a beginner content creator.
Does content creation matter? Learn more.
