I rolled out of bed this morning, groggier than usual, so I made myself some caffeine before shuffling over to the computer to check my YouTube stats. It’s a daily routine.
Usually, I smile, take a mental note, and get busy writing my newsletter. But today, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me when I saw the numbers on the screen.
TEN MILLION VIEWS?!
I knew it was coming, sooner rather than later. Still, seeing it in YouTube Studio felt unreal. I couldn’t (and still can’t) quite believe my eyes. Or my luck.
Some of the bigger channels hit that number on a single viral video. I subscribe to more than a few of them. But for smaller channels like COLLIDE PRESS, ten million views is something you aspire to, something you work toward, and something you celebrate.
In my case, this milestone has been almost two years in the making. And I wouldn’t trade places with bigger channels for anything. I’m not jealous of their success. I’m genuinely happy for them. And I’m deeply grateful for what’s happening on my own channel.
This moment isn’t about chasing algorithms or trying to out-shout other creators. It’s about consistency, curiosity, and building a community that feels real and true. It’s about showing up again and again with a very specific point of view, one that explores men and history through “The Male Gayze” and vintage photos, filled with queer subtext and a deep appreciation for the beauty and booty of the past and present.
Every view represents someone who paused, watched, maybe learned something new, maybe felt seen, or maybe just enjoyed the ride for a few minutes. For me, the audience that has gathered to enjoy my montages and slideshows along the way is the real win.
Ten million isn’t an ending. It’s a marker along the way. A reminder that slow growth still counts, that niche doesn’t mean small, and that there’s room on YouTube, and most platforms, for visions and voices that aren’t trying to be everything to everyone.
Thank YOU for watching, sharing, commenting, and sticking around for the ride!
Clint 🌈✌️
P.S. If you’re not familiar with my YouTube channel, please consider yourself cordially invited to come see where the COLLIDE PRESS party really got started.
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BORN THIS WAY ON THIS DAY
01-28 = Big Freedia (1978- ) = American musician 🌈
01-28 = Brian McNaught (1948- ) = American coach and author 🌈
01-28 = Charles George Gordon (1833-1885) = British Army officer 🌈
01-28 = Colette (1873-1954) = French novelist 🌈
01-28 = Marnie McBean (1968- ) = Canadian rower 🌈
01-28 = Mickalene Thomas (1971- ) = American artist 🌈
01-28 = Mo Rocca (1969- )= American comedian and tv journalist 🌈
MAN CRUSH(ES) OF THE DAY
“I can’t be everything to everyone. Send me your specs.”
Mo Rocca
Congratulations!!!!🥳🥳🥳
And I noticed you're getting closer to another milestone, making a 1000 videos!! Celebrating that too! Doing that is beyond amazing and takes effort, discipline, consistency, humor and more. We cannot control the views but we can control our efforts and yours is spectacular. Congrats!!
Congrats on the milestone Clint! I just checked out the Youtube channel (was not aware before) and wow what a beautiful collection of photos and videos. It all feels so whimsical of a time lost past. Keep doing what you are doing man. Love seeing amazing folks thrive. You've got a fan here.