Free content isn’t really free – here’s the truth about how YouTubers survive, and how you can keep your favourite creators alive
So here’s the thing most people don’t realise: YouTube isn’t actually free. Sure, you don’t pay to watch it – but behind every video is hours of work, not to mention money spent on gear, software, fuel, or even just coffee to keep us awake at 2am (I’m not even joking!). And unless you do something very simple, YouTube quietly buries that content.
That’s why so many creators (including me) are constantly reminding you to “hit the like button” or “don’t forget to subscribe.” It’s not just nagging – it’s survival. Here’s my full video explainer – watch this first, then read on.
Why You Might Not Be Seeing My Videos
One of the things I hear all the time when I’m out and about is:
“Hey BrownCarGuy, love your content! But I haven’t seen anything from you lately – have you stopped posting?”
Well, no. In fact, I’m posting pretty much every single day – whether it’s on YouTube, on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or here on BrownCarGuy.com. If you’re not seeing my content, the truth is simple: you’re not engaging with it.
Even if you like the content, unless you actually do something – hit like, drop a comment, or share it – YouTube assumes you’re not that interested and moves on. It’ll happily feed you cute cat videos instead. Which to be fair, are adorable!
How the Algorithm Actually Works
Here’s the blunt truth:
- If you hit like, leave a comment, or share – you’ve told YouTube you care.
- If you watch and then just let it roll onto the next video – YouTube assumes you’ve moved on.
And because it’s in YouTube’s interest to keep you on the platform with as much variety as possible, it won’t necessarily recommend my next video. Unless you engage, it may never show you my stuff again.
Even if you’re watching on TV, you can still like and comment. Yes, it’s fiddly – but it matters. And if you go back to your laptop or phone later, your watch history is there, and you can like or comment after the fact.
The Ad Blocker Problem
Here’s another one: if you’re running an ad blocker, you’re basically cutting off the tiny drip of income that creators get from views.
We’re talking peanuts, by the way. Unless your videos are hitting hundreds of thousands of views, ad revenue is pocket change – it doesn’t even cover the petrol for a review car. But letting the ads run (at least until the “skip” button appears) really does help.
👉🏽 Channel membership: https://www.youtube.com/browncarguy/join
👉🏽 Buy me a Coffee! https://ko-fi.com/browncarguy
👉🏽 Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/BrownCarGuy
Going Beyond Free Support
If you want to go a step further, there are other ways to support:
- Patreon or Ko-fi – where you can chip in a couple of quid each month – links above!!
- YouTube memberships – safe, easy, right here on the platform.
- My books – The ULEZ Files, Quantum Races, and How to be an Automotive Content Creator. Each sale helps keep the lights on.
- And yes, I even created an exclusive BCG badge & keyring set – only 20 exist. Buy all three books, send me proof, and you could win one.
Why It Matters
We live in a world where people are moving away from legacy TV channels and towards streaming and online creators. You already pay for Netflix, Prime, Disney+ and all the rest. Independent creators like me are giving you content for free, day in and day out.
Imagine this: if all 35,000 of my subscribers each gave just £1 a month, that would create a solid foundation for me to bring you even more content – bigger reviews, more rants, crazier ideas, more cars, international coverage… maybe even stunts and high-value productions!
The more you support us, the more we can do for you!
So if you’ve ever found my content useful, entertaining, or just fun to argue with in the comments – support it. Like. Comment. Share. Subscribe. Don’t skip the ads. And if you can, chip in a little. Because that’s how creators survive.
Over to you – do you support your favourite creators? How? Let me know in the comments below.
If you found this useful, interesting or fun, consider supporting me via Patreon, Ko-Fi, or even grabbing a copy of one of my books on Amazon. Every bit helps me keep creating independent automotive content that actually helps people.
Support independent car journalism 🙏🏽☺️ grab my books on Amazon, take up membership to BrownCarGuy on YouTube, or join me on Ko-Fi or Patreon.
👉🏽 Channel membership: https://www.youtube.com/browncarguy/join
👉🏽 Buy me a Coffee! https://ko-fi.com/browncarguy
👉🏽 Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/BrownCarGuy
MY BOOKS ON AMAZON!
📖 Want to become an automotive journalist, content creator, or car influencer? Check out my book: How to be an Automotive Content Creator 👉🏽 https://amzn.eu/d/7VTs0ii
📖 Quantum Races – A collection of my best automotive sci-fi short stories! 👉🏽 https://amzn.eu/d/0Y93s9g
📖 The ULEZ Files – Debut novel – all-action thriller! 👉🏽 https://amzn.eu/d/d1GXZkO
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