Matador Creators Spotlight: @ChewsToExplore on How to Build a Successful (and Profitable) YouTube Channel

Matador: How did you start growing your YouTube channel?

Initially, we created videos based on our experiences and what we found interesting. We didn’t have a specific strategy. However, after analyzing our analytics and identifying which types of videos performed well, we better understood what our audience found helpful and enjoyable.

Our audience was particularly interested in budget-friendly content that helped them plan their trips. By focusing on providing valuable information tailored to our viewers’ needs rather than centering content around ourselves, our channel started to grow.

Are you in the YouTube partner program?

Yes, we are in the YouTube Partner Program. It took us about nine months of posting videos one to two times per week to get monetized. At the time, the requirements were 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours within the last 12 months. After meeting this criteria, it took us four more months to receive consistent payments from YouTube ads. In addition to ad revenue, we monetize by creating downloadable destination travel guides. These guides are designed to help our audience better navigate their trip planning and are linked in the descriptions of our related YouTube videos.

Do you get approached by travel brands for partnerships?

Yes, we have been fortunate to partner with several companies in the travel industry. Here are a few examples:

Tourism Board of Puerto Rico: For this DMO, we were invited to explore and create two reels showcasing the island’s southern region.
Priceline: We collaborated to create two reels promoting its “25 Days of Deals” to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
Safety Wing: For Safety Wing, we produced a reel highlighting the importance of travel medical insurance.
Viva V Samana by Wyndham: We created reels and a YouTube video sharing our experience staying at this all-inclusive resort.

These partnerships have allowed us to share valuable information and experiences with our audience while collaborating with reputable, budget-friendly travel industry brands that align with our “See the World, Save a Dollar” motto.

What are your best-performing videos, and have you noticed patterns?

Our best-performing videos on YouTube are “Know Before You Go” videos for specific destinations and full recap videos that include detailed price breakdowns of every dollar spent on a trip. Both types of videos provide significant value to our audience by offering essential information and practical tips that make trip planning easier and more accessible. We’ve noticed that our viewers appreciate content that helps them prepare for their travels and manage their budgets effectively.

You also have a large presence on Instagram and TikTok. Are you in the creator program on either of those platforms? How does the YouTube creation process compare to TikTok and Instagram?

Yes, we are in the Instagram and TikTok creator programs, but we focus most of our energy on YouTube. While short-form content on Instagram and TikTok is quicker to create, we love creating longer videos on YouTube, where we can really go into the details of our travel stories. Moving forward, we plan to be more intentional with our short-form videos to maintain viewer engagement and generate consistent income, similar to what we achieve on YouTube.

Do you have any tips for up-and-coming travel creators?

Consistency is key. Don’t start with the sole intention of making money. While there are opportunities to earn, it requires a lot of hard work and dedication. If your main goal isn’t to provide value and help your audience, you might burn out from the effort with little immediate reward. Some creators gain popularity quickly, while others take longer; everyone has their own journey. Make sure you genuinely enjoy creating content and sharing your experiences. Focus on what you love, and the rewards will follow in time.

What are your next goals on social media?

Our goal is to reach 100,000 subscribers on YouTube by the end of the year. We want to help as many people as possible: “See the World, Save a Dollar.” In other words, how to have high-value experiences around the world for less cost.