How Sprouht Built a Viral Interview Channel and Makes $50K in a Month

Sprouht turned public interviews into a viral content powerhouse, gaining millions of views and making $50K in a month. Learn how his authentic approach, smart strategies, and diverse monetization tactics helped him build a successful YouTube career.

Building a career on YouTube isn’t just about making videos, it’s about creating content that connects with an audience. Sprouht has mastered this, growing a massive following through insightful public interviews. By combining engaging storytelling with real human experiences, Sprouht has earned millions of views and turned content creation into a full-time career.

A YouTube channel page screenshot of "Sprouht" (@Sprouht) with 1.04M subscribers. The channel banner shows a comment from a viewer praising a video as "mandatory viewing in schools and colleges." The "Videos" tab displays four thumbnails with titles like "This 83 Year Old's Life Advice Will Blow Your Mind...," "A 61 Year Old Self-Made Millionaire Shares His Best Life Lessons," "I Asked 89 Year Old Dalai Lama for Life Advice and Learned...," and "A 103 Year Old War Veteran Shares His Best Life Lessons." The thumbnails feature elderly people being interviewed. The video durations range from 12:20 to 14:54. The view counts range from 264 to 417K. The uploads date from 2 days to 1 month ago. The video titles also include phrases like "Stop Being Selfish," "Be Careful Who You Marry," "Don't Be Cunning," and "Stop Eating So Much." The channel also has a "Subscribe" and "Join" button.
A screenshot of the YouTube channel "Sprouht," featuring interviews with elderly people sharing their life advice and experiences.

This article will break down:

  • How Sprouht creates viral public interviews
  • The strategies behind the most successful videos
  • How short-form content can be monetized
  • Advice for aspiring YouTubers

The First Viral Video That Changed Everything

Sprouht didn’t start with instant success. The early days of content creation were filled with experiments, failures, and lessons that shaped the channel’s identity. Initially, the focus was on long-form content, but engagement was low, and growth was slow. The breakthrough came when the approach shifted toward public interviews, an idea that felt more natural and engaging.

Six vertical video thumbnails, each showing a different person being interviewed on the street. Text overlays on each thumbnail include phrases like "if you want," "like to," "Is there something," "away from," "mid-to-late," and "like a." The video titles are "What it Feels Like To Be Old #shorts," "How Old People REALLY Feel #shorts," "67 Year Old Says We Worry About THIS Too...," "A 62 Year Old's Secrets to a Great Life," "76 Year Old Shares His BIGGEST Mistake...," and "Surprising Life Advice from an 18 Year Old." View counts are listed below each title, ranging from 8.3M to 16M.
A collection of YouTube Shorts featuring interviews with people of different ages, sharing their perspectives on life and aging.

The Turning Point: From Struggles to Millions of Views

After two and a half years of creating videos with little traction, Sprouht took a different approach. Instead of highly edited long-form content, the focus shifted to short, raw conversations with strangers. The first experiment with this format was an immediate success.

A grid of twelve YouTube Shorts thumbnails. The thumbnails feature the same young man in various settings, including a restaurant, a city street, and a remote location. The video titles include "My STRANGE First Impression Of TEXAS...," "Lawyer Gives HONEST Career Advice #shorts," "What To Do If You Hate Your Job #shorts," "Montreal's Newest 5-STAR Restaurant...," "Canadian Hippie Gives HONEST Advice #shorts," "Overnight in Canada's Most Isolated Home...," "Dildo #shorts," "What Does It Feel Like To Be 43 Years Old?...," "What Does It Feel Like To Be 60 Years Old?...," "Throwing a Party for Strangers in a...," "What it Feels Like To Be Old #shorts," and "How Old People REALLY Feel #shorts." View counts range from 20K to 16M. The thumbnails also include text overlays like "The party starts," "go back in time," "if you want," and "like to."
Sprouht's oldest videos

The video featured quick, engaging street interviews, asking everyday people thought-provoking questions. Within a few days, the clip gained thousands of views, and within a month, it surpassed 10 million. Across platforms, it accumulated over 25 million views, proving there was a massive audience for this style of content.

This shift wasn’t just about luck. The new approach tapped into something that resonated with viewers: authenticity. While many interview-style videos online focus on shock value, Sprouht’s content leaned into genuine conversations, which made the audience feel connected to the people being interviewed.

Why This Video Took Off

There were several factors that contributed to the video’s explosive growth:

  • Relatable and Thought-Provoking Questions
    The questions weren’t random,they were carefully chosen based on topics people naturally discuss online. Platforms like Reddit and Quora were used to find engaging discussion points. Questions like "What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?" and "What’s one decision that changed your life?" encouraged meaningful responses.
  • Emotional Connection
    The best-performing clips weren’t just entertaining; they made viewers feel something. Whether it was laughter, nostalgia, or curiosity, emotional triggers played a key role. The audience wasn’t just watching strangers talk; they were seeing themselves in these conversations.
  • Multi-Platform Strategy
    Instead of relying solely on YouTube, the video was shared across Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Snapchat Spotlight. Each platform has a different algorithm, but all of them reward engaging content. This cross-platform approach helped reach a wider audience, driving millions of additional views.

Lessons Learned from the First Viral Video

Success didn’t come from expensive production or celebrity guests. The biggest lesson was that people care more about authenticity than polished editing. Sprouht doubled down on this approach, refining the format and learning from audience feedback.

A vertical video frame shows a young man with dark hair holding a microphone and interviewing an older man with gray hair. The older man is holding a white tote bag. The video includes text overlays like "Search 'end of life'," "@Sprouht," "83 Year Olds Share Their BIGGEST Mistakes," and "What it Feels Like To Be Old #shorts." Video controls and metrics are visible on the right side, including view count (904K), likes, dislikes, comments (140), share, and save options.
An interview with an older man, sharing his biggest life mistakes.
  • Content Should Feel Natural
    Over-rehearsed or scripted content often feels forced. The best moments in the interview came from spontaneous, unscripted interactions.
  • Short-Form Can Lead to Long-Term Growth
    One viral short didn’t just bring views, it brought subscribers who stuck around for more. Consistently posting follow-up videos kept new viewers engaged.
  • Testing New Ideas Is Key
    The original plan wasn’t to make public interviews. The format evolved through trial and error. By testing different styles, Sprouht found what worked best for their audience.

How to Conduct Public Interviews That Go Viral

Public interviews may seem simple, walk up to someone, ask a question, and record their response. But not all interviews grab attention. The difference between a forgettable clip and a viral hit comes down to who is interviewed, what questions are asked, and how the conversation is handled.

Sprouht’s interviews have reached millions of views across platforms, and that success is no accident. It comes from a methodical approach that balances spontaneity with strategic choices.

Finding the Right People to Interview

Not everyone makes for an engaging interview. Some people give one-word answers, while others struggle to express their thoughts on camera. Identifying the right participants is key.

Here’s what makes someone an ideal interviewee:

  • Confident and Comfortable on Camera - People who speak naturally without hesitation tend to perform better. If someone seems unsure or nervous, the final video may feel awkward.
  • Expressive Body Language - Viewers connect with people who use gestures, facial expressions, and energy in their responses. This makes the content more engaging.
  • A Unique Look or Perspective - A mix of different personalities, backgrounds, and styles keeps the content fresh. Sometimes, an unexpected interviewee, like an elderly person sharing wisdom, creates the most compelling moment.

After conducting thousands of interviews, Sprouht has developed an instinct for spotting the right people. A quick conversation before filming helps determine whether someone will give an interesting response.

Crafting Questions That Get Great Answers

Not all questions lead to engaging discussions. Generic ones like "How's your day?" or "What’s your favorite color?" don’t spark curiosity. Instead, the best questions share common traits:

A grid of twelve YouTube video thumbnails from the "Sprouht" channel. Each thumbnail features a person or people being interviewed and text overlays with phrases like "Stop Being Selfish," "Be Careful Who You Marry," "Don't Be Cunning," "Stop Eating So Much," "Only 2 Things Actually Matter...," "Don't Buy Dumb Things," "How Did You Figure Life Out," "Stop Being Busy," "I Made $100M- But It Wasn't Worth It," "Don't Trust Anyone," "Wear Nice Clothes," and "Nobody Cares About You." Video durations and view counts are listed below each thumbnail. The videos feature interviews with people of various ages, including elderly individuals and successful people, sharing their life experiences and wisdom.
A screenshot of the YouTube channel "Sprouht" showcasing a range of videos with life advice from elderly people and successful individuals.
  • They tap into emotions - Questions that make people reflect, laugh, or feel nostalgic tend to get better engagement.
  • They relate to common experiences - Topics that most people can connect with work best, such as personal growth, relationships, and life decisions.
  • They encourage storytelling - Instead of asking yes/no questions, framing things in a way that invites detailed answers makes for better content.

Some of the most effective interview questions Sprouht has used include:

  • “What’s a piece of advice you wish you had heard sooner?”
  • “What’s one moment that completely changed your life?”
  • “What’s something you’ve never told anyone?”

These types of questions lead to responses that are raw, relatable, and sometimes even surprising, qualities that keep viewers engaged.

Encouraging People to Say Yes

One of the biggest challenges of public interviews is convincing strangers to participate. Many people hesitate due to shyness, skepticism, or privacy concerns.

Sprouht has developed a few key strategies to increase the chances of people agreeing:

  • Approach with confidence - If the interviewer seems hesitant, the person being asked is more likely to say no. A friendly, upbeat attitude makes a difference.
  • Clearly explain the purpose - Letting people know it’s a fun and lighthearted interview helps ease concerns. Some interviewees are more willing to participate if they know where the video will be posted.
  • Choose the right location - Busy areas like parks, shopping districts, and college campuses tend to have more relaxed people who are open to talking.

Even with the best approach, many people will say no, and that’s fine. The goal is to find those who are comfortable enough to speak openly.

Filming and Editing for Maximum Engagement

Once the right person has been found and a great question has been asked, presentation plays a big role in whether the final video takes off.

A medium shot of a man from behind, sitting at a desk and working on a computer. The computer screen displays a video editing timeline with various clips, including an astronaut, a statue, and other abstract imagery. A cup, a speaker, and a lamp are also visible on the desk. The room appears to be a home office or creative workspace.
A man editing a video on his computer, showcasing a creative project with diverse visuals.

Some key production choices that help increase engagement:

  • Use tight framing on the subject’s face - Close-up shots capture emotion and make viewers feel more connected.
  • Cut out hesitation and filler words - Editing out pauses keeps the energy high.
  • Add subtitles - Many people watch without sound, so captions improve retention rates.

Breaking Down a Viral Video: Why a 6-Million-View Clip Worked So Well

Some videos gain steady traction over time, while others explode instantly. One of Sprouht’s biggest hits was an interview with a 80-year-old man sharing his thoughts on aging. The clip didn’t just perform well, it dominated across platforms, racking up 6 million views.

A YouTube video frame shows a young man with a microphone interviewing an older man on a city street. The video title is "80 Year Olds Share Their BIGGEST Mistakes." The YouTube channel name is "Sprouht" with 1.04M subscribers. The video has 6.2M views and was uploaded 2 years ago. The video description mentions interviews with retired seniors in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, sharing their biggest mistakes, regrets, and life advice. The video was filmed in Montreal, Canada, and New York City, USA. The frame also includes a "Join" and "Subscribe" button, as well as share and save options. Text overlays on the video include "into the bathroom."
A YouTube video titled "80 Year Olds Share Their BIGGEST Mistakes" featuring interviews with elderly people about their regrets and life advice.

Why did this specific video go viral? The answer lies in a combination of emotional depth, broad appeal, and replay value.

The Power of Universal Themes

A stick figure inside a circle, representing universal themes. The words "UNIVERSAL THEMES" appear in a blue banner at the top. The background is a grid pattern of light gray.
Explore universal themes! Connect with your audience on a deeper level with relatable content.

Certain topics resonate across different demographics. A video about a niche interest might perform well within its community, but content that taps into universal human experiences has a much higher chance of reaching millions.

This particular interview focused on aging, something every viewer, regardless of background, can relate to. The subject, a 95-year-old man, wasn’t just speaking about his own life. His words carried meaning for anyone thinking about their own future, their parents, or their grandparents.

This sense of relatability and reflection played a huge role in why people kept sharing the video.

Emotional Weight Drives Shares

Viral videos don’t just grab attention, they create a feeling strong enough to make people want to pass them along. This clip wasn’t designed to be funny, shocking, or controversial. Instead, it evoked nostalgia, wisdom, and warmth, which led to people sending it to family members and posting it on their own accounts.

A close-up screenshot of a YouTube Shorts video detail panel, focusing on the metrics. The video is titled "A 95 Year Old's BEST Life Advice For YOU" with a duration of 0:58, posted on December 12, 2023. The metrics shown are: 46.1M views (with the views icon highlighted in a green circle), 3M likes, 10.6K comments, 581K shares (with the shares icon highlighted in a green circle), and 311K saves. The background is black, and the text is white. The "Overview" section is visible at the bottom.
This YouTube Short titled "A 95 Year Old's BEST Life Advice For YOU" has garnered significant engagement, with 46.1 million views and 581,000 shares.

Here’s what made the interview emotionally effective:

  • Authenticity - The man wasn’t trying to go viral. His words felt natural, honest, and unscripted.
  • Regret and Reflection - He spoke about life choices, missed opportunities, and the importance of living fully.
  • Hope and Positivity - Despite talking about old age, his message wasn’t depressing. It was thought-provoking and encouraging.

These elements made the video something that people wanted to watch multiple times and share widely.

Replay Value Boosts View Count

A circular arrow with three arrows pointing in different directions, representing replay value. The words "REPLAY VALUE" appear in a blue banner at the top. The background is a grid pattern of light gray.
Make your videos worth watching again! Learn how to create content with high replay value.

Many viral clips get repeat views, not just because of length but because they leave an impact that lingers. This particular video had a structure that encouraged rewatching.

  • Short and Concise - The clip was under a minute, making it easy to consume multiple times.
  • Memorable Quotes - His words carried weight, making viewers want to hear them again.
  • Strong Closing Line - The final statement left an impression, which often makes people scroll back and rewatch.

Videos with high replay value tend to perform better in platform algorithms. The more people rewatch, the more the platform pushes the content to new viewers.

Platform Adaptation: Why It Worked Everywhere

Three stick figures holding puzzle pieces together, representing platform adaptation. The words "PLATFORM ADAPTATION" appear in a blue banner at the top. The background is a grid pattern of light gray.
Tailor your content to each platform! Learn about platform adaptation for YouTube success.

Another reason for the video’s massive success was how well it fit different social media platforms. It wasn’t just uploaded to YouTube Shorts, it was posted across TikTok, Instagram Reels, Snapchat, and Facebook, each with its own audience.

Each platform played a different role:

  • YouTube Shorts - The algorithm picked it up and recommended it to millions.
  • TikTok - The format fit perfectly with TikTok’s rapid-scrolling nature.
  • Instagram Reels - Viewers on Instagram tend to engage more with emotional, shareable content.
  • Facebook - Older audiences, who resonated deeply with the message, shared it at a high rate.

By repurposing the same content across multiple platforms, the video was able to reach far more people than if it had only lived on one.


How Sprouht Makes Money as a Content Creator

Growing an audience is one thing, turning that growth into actual income is another. Many creators rack up millions of views but struggle to make content creation their full-time job. Sprouht, on the other hand, has figured out how to generate consistent revenue from short-form content, hitting a peak month of $50,000.

A grid of twelve YouTube video thumbnails. Each thumbnail features a person or people being interviewed and text overlays with phrases like "What's your Biggest Regret?", "Have Kids", "Nobody Cares About You", "Talk To Strangers. It Will Change Your Life", "Be Careful Who You Marry", "Wear Nice Clothes", "I'm very Single", "Get Married", "Don't Trust Anyone", and "I Want My Wife Back". Video durations, view counts, and upload dates are listed below each thumbnail. The videos feature interviews with people of various ages, including elderly individuals and successful people, sharing their life experiences and wisdom.
Sprouht's most viewed long-form videos

Unlike traditional YouTubers who rely heavily on AdSense, Sprouht’s income comes from multiple sources. By combining ad revenue, brand deals, and platform-specific monetization programs, they’ve built a system that makes content creation sustainable.

YouTube AdSense: The Foundation of Earnings

For many creators, YouTube AdSense is the first step in making money online. Sprouht’s experience with AdSense, however, is different from long-form creators.

Short-form videos generate significantly less ad revenue than standard YouTube videos. Since Shorts only began receiving ad revenue in 2023, the payouts are still lower than traditional content.

A white laptop screen displays a YouTube video featuring a young man with dark hair wearing a yellow shirt. The video appears to be an advertisement, as indicated by a circle with the text "Ad 1 of 1" and the YouTube logo in the top left corner. A "3" is visible in a smaller thumbnail in the bottom right corner, suggesting this is part of a series or playlist. The laptop is positioned on a gray surface.
A YouTube advertisement playing on a laptop screen, showcasing a young man in a yellow shirt.

That said, AdSense still brings in anywhere from $3,000 to $12,000 per month, depending on video performance. The biggest factors that influence these numbers include:

  • Watch time and retention - Longer watch time leads to better ad placement.
  • Overall video views - The higher the reach, the better the earnings.
  • CPM (Cost Per Mille) - The amount advertisers are willing to pay per 1,000 views fluctuates depending on the audience.

While AdSense alone wouldn’t be enough to sustain Sprouht’s content, it serves as a baseline source of income that adds stability.

Brand Deals: The Most Lucrative Revenue Stream

Sponsorships make up the largest percentage of Sprouht’s income and have evolved significantly over time.

How Sponsorship Rates Grew Over the Years

A line art illustration of a handshake with two upward arrows and a dollar sign above it, representing sponsorships. The words "SPONSORSHIPS" appear in a blue banner at the top. The background is a grid pattern of light gray.
Secure brand deals and sponsorships on YouTube to boost your income and grow your channel.
  • Year 1: With fewer than 20,000 followers, brand deals were rare and paid around $500 per collaboration.
  • Year 2: As the audience grew past 200,000 followers, brands started offering deals in the range of $3,500-$5,000 per post.
  • Year 3+: Sponsorships became a core revenue stream, sometimes bringing in more money than AdSense in a single month.

One of the biggest advantages of short-form sponsorships is that brands don’t always require guaranteed views. Unlike long-form content, where advertisers expect a minimum number of views before paying, short-form deals often focus more on creator credibility and audience trust.

Sprouht partners with brands in a way that feels natural to the content. The approach is simple:

  • Only work with companies that align with the content style.
  • Integrate sponsorships smoothly instead of forcing an ad.
  • Negotiate higher rates based on engagement rather than just follower count.

By maintaining authenticity, brand deals don’t come across as forced ads, leading to better viewer retention and more long-term partnerships.

Snapchat and Facebook Ad Revenue

The Facebook "f" logo in a black square and the Snapchat ghost logo in black, side-by-side. The words "SNAPCHAT AND FACEBOOK" appear in a blue banner at the top. The background is a grid pattern of light gray.
Expand your reach beyond YouTube! Consider promoting your content on Snapchat and Facebook.

Most creators focus on YouTube and TikTok, but Sprouht has leveraged Snapchat and Facebook as unexpected revenue sources.

  • Snapchat Spotlight pays out based on engagement, and viral videos on the platform can earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
  • Facebook Reels shares ad revenue with creators, similar to YouTube Shorts. Some months, Facebook alone has brought in over $10,000 in additional income.

These platforms often get overlooked, but by repurposing content across them, Sprouht has maximized earnings without extra effort.

Freelance Work: Early-Stage Income Before Going Full-Time

Before Sprouht’s brand took off, one of the key income streams was creating videos for other creators and businesses.

Offering freelance editing, scriptwriting, or consulting allowed money to come in while building the main channel. Even after going full-time, occasional freelance projects still bring in extra income, particularly for brands looking to improve their short-form strategy. Sites like UpWork and Fiverr are great for this!

The logos for Fiverr and Upwork, side-by-side. The Fiverr logo is white text on a dark green background, and the Upwork logo is white text on a bright green background. The background is split diagonally between the two colors.
Explore freelance opportunities on Fiverr and Upwork to diversify your income as a YouTuber.

Why Having Multiple Revenue Streams Matters

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Don't put all your eggs in one basket! Explore multiple revenue streams to maximize your earnings on YouTube.

The biggest mistake many new creators make is relying on a single income source. AdSense alone isn’t stable enough, and even brand deals can be unpredictable. By combining:

  • YouTube AdSense
  • Sponsorships
  • Snapchat & Facebook earnings
  • Freelance work

Sprouht has created a diverse income system that keeps content creation sustainable, even if one revenue stream fluctuates.

For aspiring YouTubers, this approach serves as a strong model: diversify, adapt, and leverage multiple platforms to build a career that lasts.


The Business Side of Sponsorships

Sponsorships play a massive role in the success of content creators like Sprouht. However, securing lucrative brand deals is more than just having a large follower count. Over the years, Sprouht has learned how to navigate the business side of sponsorships, understanding that the right partnerships can elevate a creator’s income significantly.

In this section, we’ll break down how Sprouht has approached sponsorships, including the growth of rates, negotiation tactics, and how to sustain long-term relationships with brands.

How Sponsorship Rates Evolved Over Time

A line graph with an upward trend, a dollar sign, and a hand holding the graph, representing sponsorship rates increasing over time. The words "SPONSORSHIP RATES OVER TIME" appear in a blue banner at the top. The background is a grid pattern of light gray.
Sponsorship rates for YouTube creators have been steadily increasing over time, making it a lucrative income stream.

In the early days, Sprouht’s channel was still gaining traction, and brand deals weren’t exactly flooding in. However, as their following increased, the value of each deal began to grow substantially.

  • Year 1: With a modest follower base, Sprouht secured their first sponsorships at around $500 per deal. These deals often came from smaller brands that were willing to take a risk on an emerging creator.
  • Year 2: As Sprouht’s audience expanded, their content gained more visibility, and brands started to see them as a valuable marketing partner. Rates increased by 7 to 8 times, with deals ranging from $3,500 to $5,000 per sponsored post.
  • Year 3+ and Beyond: As the subscriber count climbed, sponsorships became the main source of income, surpassing ad revenue. Some deals now go for $10,000+, with top-tier sponsors offering even larger sums.

What was once an experiment in securing brand partnerships has now turned into a full-fledged business, with sponsorships playing a crucial role in maintaining consistent income.

How to Approach Sponsors as a Creator

Securing sponsorships isn’t just about waiting for brands to approach you. Creators like Sprouht understand that proactive outreach is essential to landing meaningful deals. Here are some effective strategies for getting noticed by potential sponsors:

  • Build a Personal Brand: Brands want to work with creators who have a strong and identifiable personal brand. A creator’s personality, style, and content must resonate with a particular demographic for sponsors to see the value in partnering.
A TikTok profile page screenshot of "sprouht" (@sprouht) with 583.8K followers. The profile picture shows a young man with a light blue cap. The bio includes a link to a goal-setting journal and the phrase "based on 1000+ interviews." The profile has 16 following, 583.8K followers, and 21.7M likes. The "Videos" tab displays six video thumbnails with elderly people being interviewed. The video titles include phrases like "make in your life?" and "erasers on pencils." The video durations range from 435 to 50.8K. The uploads are labeled as "Played" and "Live." The profile also has a "Follow" and "Message" button.
A screenshot of the TikTok profile "sprouht" featuring interviews with elderly people sharing life advice and experiences.
  • Tailor Pitches to Each Brand: Instead of sending a generic pitch to a hundred companies, Sprouht takes the time to customize each proposal based on the brand’s needs. Whether it’s for a tech company, clothing brand, or lifestyle product, understanding the sponsor’s target audience and offering tailored solutions increases the likelihood of landing the deal.
  • Demonstrate Engagement Over Follower Count: While it’s tempting to highlight how many followers you have, brands care more about engagement than mere numbers. Sprouht often uses engagement stats such as average likes, comments, and shares to demonstrate their true influence.
  • Show Your Value: Beyond just posting a video or a shoutout, demonstrating how a brand will benefit from your audience is essential. This could include providing data on your view-to-conversion ratio, previous successful collaborations, or content that aligns with the brand’s goals.

Maintaining Strong Brand Relationships

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Strong relationships are key! Learn how to build and maintain meaningful connections with your YouTube audience.

Getting a sponsor is one thing, but keeping them is another. Sprouht knows that sustaining long-term partnerships with brands is essential for continued success. Here’s how they maintain strong relationships with sponsors:

  • Clear Communication: Keeping the lines of communication open ensures that both parties understand expectations. For instance, Sprouht will outline the goals of the campaign before launching the sponsored content, discussing metrics, audience engagement, and expected outcomes.
  • Exceeding Expectations: By delivering more than what’s agreed upon, whether it’s through a bonus video or extra social media shoutouts, Sprouht aims to go above and beyond what was promised. This keeps sponsors happy and encourages repeat business.
  • Transparency: Sprouht is transparent with their audience about sponsored content, ensuring that the ads fit naturally with their regular videos and don’t feel forced. This honesty is appreciated by both the audience and sponsors, reinforcing trust with both groups.

Why Authenticity Is Key for Sponsorships

A line art illustration of a ribbon with a checkmark inside, representing authenticity. The word "AUTHENTICITY" appears in a blue banner at the top. The background is a grid pattern of light gray.
Be true to yourself! Authenticity is key to building a genuine connection with your YouTube audience.

Many creators fail to realize that brands aren’t just paying for a placement; they’re paying for credibility. As a result, staying authentic in all sponsored content is vital for a creator's long-term success.

  • Choose Partnerships Carefully: Sprouht only partners with companies whose values align with their own. This ensures that the sponsored content doesn’t alienate their audience.
  • Maintain Consistency with Content Style: Whether it’s a product review or a shoutout, sponsored content must align with the creator’s usual tone. For Sprouht, that means keeping sponsorships light, relatable, and integrated seamlessly into the content.

This level of authenticity makes a creator more trustworthy in the eyes of their audience, which in turn benefits the brand. When audiences see that a creator genuinely likes and uses a product, they’re more likely to buy into it.

Brand Deals Based on Influence, Not Just Numbers

Twelve vertical video thumbnails, each showing a different person being interviewed on the street. Text overlays on each thumbnail include phrases like "it's 98.. okay," "I exist," "one mistake," "to be walking," "Travel more," "crazy hours," "Party at yours?", "difficulty," "been married," "and have a career," and "What does it feel like to be 68 years old?" The video titles are not fully visible but include phrases like "What is the biggest mistake you've ever made?" and "McGill." View counts are listed below each title, ranging from 3.4M to 19.6M.
Sprouht's most viewed TikTok videos

One of the biggest differences in short-form content is that sponsorships are often more about the creator’s influence than their actual number of followers. Brands now focus heavily on metrics such as engagement rates and the creator’s ability to spark conversations around their products.

Sprouht’s audience engagement, which often sees hundreds of thousands of views across platforms, makes their brand deals more valuable than the follower count suggests. Sponsors are willing to pay top dollar for a creator with the power to spark organic discussions and drive conversions.


Advice for Aspiring YouTubers

Building a career on YouTube is not as simple as filming a few videos and uploading them online. Behind every successful YouTube channel is a story of hard work, persistence, and strategic planning. Aspiring YouTubers often face a long and challenging journey, filled with setbacks and uncertainty, but with the right approach, it’s possible to find success.

Sprouht, who’s managed to turn a passion for content creation into a full-time career, has some important lessons to share with anyone looking to make it on YouTube. These lessons come from years of trial, error, and perseverance, and they are valuable to anyone looking to grow a channel from scratch.

Make Content You Enjoy Creating

One of the most important pieces of advice Sprouht offers is to create content you enjoy. It’s easy to get caught up in trends or what other creators are doing, but if you’re not passionate about the videos you’re making, it will quickly show.

A grid of 20 YouTube Shorts thumbnails. Each thumbnail features a different person being interviewed on the street. Text overlays on each thumbnail include phrases like "HAPPY," "I think of it," "Me? I'm 30," "a nostalgic way," "convince myself," "social media," "She can't like it," "I will be 90," "That we're quiet," "from achieving," "to be included," "to enjoy my life," "I loved him," "think resilience," "Ta say love is care," and "You give up a lot." View counts are listed below each thumbnail, ranging from 2.76K to 752.5K. The thumbnails also include video durations and upload dates.
The latest content on Sprouht's TikTok
  • Sustainability: The YouTube grind is relentless. If you’re not genuinely passionate about what you’re making, the chances of burning out are high. Consistency is key, and creating content that excites you makes it easier to stay motivated over time.
  • Longevity: Creating content you love also ensures that you won’t hit a creative block. As your channel grows and evolves, remaining true to your passion allows you to continue developing fresh, engaging ideas that will keep your audience coming back for more.

Sprouht’s success stems from making public interviews, a style of content that not only resonated with viewers but also sparked a personal connection to his work. If you’re genuinely enthusiastic about your content, your audience will pick up on it and engage more deeply.

Be Patient and Persistent

In the early stages, growth can feel painfully slow. Many aspiring YouTubers quit too soon because they expect instant results. However, Sprouht reminds creators that success doesn’t happen overnight.

A grid of 20 TikTok video thumbnails featuring a young man with a beard and a white beanie. The videos cover various topics, including mindset, personal growth, travel, and lifestyle. The thumbnails include text overlays with phrases like "Is It Bad To Fail?", "The Easiest Way To Be Kind - Quarantine", "Your Journey Is 50 Unique", "How Do You Want To Be Remembered?", "1 Crazy Life Hack", "Don't Forget This Today!", "COLD SHOWERS", "HOW YOU CAN BUILD ANY HABIT", "How To Travel", "SOLITUDE", "WINTER IN CANADA WHAT DO WE DO?", "spreading kindness to strangers for christmas!", "THE COMPLETE GUIDE", "EASIEST WAY", "The Process To Make Any Dream A Reality", "PREVIEW", "THE LAST THAILAND FULL MOON PARTY", "SINGAPORE'S MARINA BAY", "SPREAD KINDNESS IN IOS", "WHEN CANADIANS SEE SNOW", "Face Your Fear Embrace Them Move To The Rythm", and "BC Dreams". Each thumbnail also includes a view count.
Sprouht's oldest TikTok videos, showing he did content he enjoyed
  • Slow Start: It took Sprouht two and a half years before his content started gaining significant traction. Many new YouTubers might not see results within the first few months, but sticking it out is essential for long-term success.
  • Expect Setbacks: There will be times when you create content that doesn’t get the attention you hoped for. These moments can be discouraging, but they should be seen as learning experiences, helping you refine your approach and understand your audience better.

Remember that growth takes time, and even though it might feel like nothing is happening, there’s always room for improvement. Each video, no matter how small the viewership, is a step toward building a successful channel.

Experiment with Different Content Formats

One of the key elements in Sprouht’s success was experimenting with various content formats until finding the right fit. In the beginning, Sprouht tried various video types, including fitness challenges and travel vlogs, before settling into the public interview format.

  • Test Different Ideas: Whether it’s reaction videos, tutorials, commentary, or challenges, experiment with a variety of formats to see what works best. Not every idea will land, but experimenting allows you to learn about your audience’s preferences and discover new ways to engage them.
  • Adapt and Evolve: The key is to be open to change. What works today might not work tomorrow, so you must be ready to adapt your content based on evolving trends and audience feedback.

Sprouht’s story shows that it’s okay to experiment with different ideas, this experimentation will eventually lead you to discover your channel’s niche.

Focus on Building Trust with Your Audience

Sprouht emphasizes that building trust with your audience is essential for long-term success on YouTube. It’s not just about the content you create; it’s also about the relationship you build with your followers.

A YouTube video frame shows a young man with a microphone interviewing an older man on a city street. The video title is "80 Year Olds Share Their BIGGEST Mistakes." The YouTube channel name is "Sprouht" with 1.04M subscribers. The video has 904K views, 14K comments, and a like/dislike ratio. The comment section is open on the right side of the screen, featuring comments from viewers who relate to the experiences shared in the video. The comments highlight the emotional impact of the video and the relatable experiences of aging.
The comment section on his most viewed Short
  • Engage with Your Community: Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and build a dialogue with your viewers. This makes your audience feel valued and fosters a sense of community around your channel.
  • Be Authentic: Audiences are quick to spot disingenuous content. It’s important to remain authentic in your videos, even when working with brands or partners. People are more likely to connect with a creator they feel is real and transparent.

Sprouht’s audience trusts him because they can see that his content is genuine. Whether he’s interviewing strangers or sharing personal experiences, his viewers can feel that Sprouht is being himself. Another great way is to create great thumbnails that drive clicks and a killer title, and then delivering on the promise the packaging set,s helping to build trust.

Diversify Your Platforms

Another important piece of advice Sprouht offers is to use multiple platforms to share your content. While YouTube is the primary platform for long-form videos, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat can help amplify your content.

A screenshot of an Instagram profile page for "sprouht" (@sprouht) with 852K followers. The profile picture shows a young man with a light blue cap. The bio includes a link to a goal-setting journal and the phrase "Teaching the How To Live a More Fulfilling Life 3M Follower Community." The profile has 742 posts, 852K followers, and 199 following. The bio also includes clickable links to "Free Advice," "YouTube (1M)," "Goal Journal," "Academy," and "Our Story." The profile has three tabs: "POSTS," "REELS," and "TAGGED." The "POSTS" tab shows three grid images, including a close-up of the young man, a flat lay of notebooks and flowers, and another image of the young man.
Sprouht's Instagram
  • Repurpose Content for Other Platforms: Short-form content, such as clips from your YouTube videos, can work well on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. By sharing bite-sized versions of your videos, you can expand your audience and direct traffic back to your YouTube channel.
  • Cross-Promote Across Platforms: Cross-promoting on multiple social media platforms ensures that you’re reaching your audience wherever they are. If someone sees a viral clip on Instagram and wants to watch more, they’re likely to head over to YouTube to see the full video.

By not limiting yourself to a single platform, you can reach a wider audience and build a more robust online presence. Sprouht’s success on TikTok and Instagram helped to push his YouTube channel to new heights.

Invest in Quality and Consistency

While it’s tempting to prioritize quantity over quality, Sprouht advises against this approach. The focus should always be on making videos that are well-thought-out and well-executed.

A close-up shot of a man wearing a white cap and a black t-shirt with the text "It's Minds." He is looking down and appears to be concentrating or listening. In the background, there is a large white ship with the word "Volendam" on it. In the bottom left corner, there is a partial view of a phone screen displaying a YouTube analytics chart showing audience retention for a video.
Analyzing audience retention for a YouTube video, with a focus on the initial drop-off in viewership.
  • Invest in Your Content: Over time, it’s important to invest in improving your production quality. This doesn’t mean you need the most expensive equipment, but as your channel grows, upgrading your gear and editing software can take your content to the next level.
  • Consistency is Key: Posting regularly is one of the best ways to keep your audience engaged. Whether it’s once a week or several times a month, creating a consistent upload schedule helps your viewers know when to expect new content.

The Importance of Monetizing Your Content

While growing your audience is the first step, monetizing your content is essential for sustaining your YouTube career. Sprouht has diversified his income through AdSense, brand partnerships, and merchandising, but it all starts with creating a consistent and loyal following.

A graphic titled "YouTube Partner Program Eligibility" shows two options for meeting the requirements. The first option is to have 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months. The second option is to have 1,000 subscribers and 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days. Each requirement is displayed with a progress bar, indicating the user's progress toward meeting the goal. The graphic is set against a white background with a light gray grid pattern.
Learn about the requirements for joining the YouTube Partner Program and start monetizing your content!

Once you’ve built a stable viewer base, seek out multiple revenue streams, whether through YouTube’s ad revenue system, sponsored content, or affiliate marketing. You'll also need to learn how to reach 4,000 hours and how to reach your first 1,000 subscribers.


Conclusion

Sprouht’s journey from struggling content creator to viral sensation highlights the importance of passion, persistence, and understanding your audience. By transitioning to public interviews and focusing on authentic, engaging content, Sprouht not only built a massive following but also turned content creation into a thriving business. His success emphasizes that viral content often stems from genuine connections, whether with the people being interviewed or the viewers. For aspiring YouTubers, the key takeaway is clear: create content you love, be patient, and keep experimenting with different formats. The potential for success is there for those willing to put in the effort and stay committed. You can also check another recent blog where we discuss the ultimate guide on how to use Shorts effectively!