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The Real Reason You're Stuck Below 10K Subs (And How to Fix It)

Author

Leroy ter Braak
March 18, 2025

Hey there, friend!

I've seen your DMs, and trust me, I get it. The struggle to break through that 10K subscriber wall is REAL.

But here's what most coaches and "gurus" won't tell you: The problem isn't your equipment, editing, upload schedule, or even thumbnails. At least not primarily.

The #1 Thing Holding You Back: Your Ideation Process

After helping dozens of creators break through plateaus (some going from 500 to 50,000 subscribers in a few months), I've noticed one consistent pattern:

Most struggling creators spend 10 minutes on ideation and 25 hours on execution.

What if we flipped that ratio?

Here's the brutal truth: A mediocre execution of a fantastic idea will always outperform an amazing execution of a mediocre idea.

The 3-Part System That's Working Right Now

1. Format is Your Foundation

Think of format as your channel's blueprint - the recognizable structure that tells viewers exactly what to expect.

The fastest-growing creators aren't reinventing the wheel with every upload. They refine a winning format and repeat it relentlessly.

What a Strong Format Looks Like:

  • A clear, repeatable video style (documentaries, challenges, transformations)

  • A familiar storytelling structure that hooks viewers every time

  • A packaging style (titles & thumbnails) that signals your content type

Look at Nick DiGiovanni. He didn't grow to 8.5+ million subscribers because of his MasterChef background. His first attempt at YouTube flopped! But when he committed to consistent formats with proven appeal, everything changed.

2. Stop Focusing on "Everyone"

Here's the mistake that destroys channels before they even get started: trying to appeal to everyone.

Before hitting record, ask yourself these three questions:

  1. Would my hardcore fans be excited for this video?

  2. Would someone who's watched 3 of my videos instantly recognize this as mine?

  3. Does this video tap into an audience that's already proven to exist?

This filter is used by the MrBeast ideation team. How do I know? Because I met with them for an ideation session.

3. Research Before Recording

Most creators spend their time like this:

  • 10 minutes on idea generation

  • 25 hours on filming, editing, and production

The creators who consistently break 10K subscribers flip this ratio:

  • 10+ hours validating ideas and studying successful outliers

  • Less time stressing over perfect execution

Take Action: For your next video, spend at least 80% of your planning time on ideation and research. Use tools like 1of10.com to identify proven outliers in your niche, then study what made them successful.

Why This Actually Works

The YouTube algorithm isn't some mystical force - it's designed to pull videos for people who will watch them. When you spend more time validating ideas that already have proven demand, you're working with the algorithm, not against it.

The strategy is simple: Don't make random videos and hope for the best.

Instead:

  • Lock in a repeatable format that viewers can recognize

  • Spend more time validating your ideas than executing them

  • Create for a specific audience, not "everyone"

You don't need a viral hit to break 10K. You need a system that makes growth inevitable.

That's how the biggest creators do it. And that's how you will, too.

Until next week,

Leroy

PS: Want to go deeper into my YouTube strategies? You can join my Discord or apply to work with me HERE: https://whop.com/creators-united/

PPS: Here are my other favorite tools for idea generation: