Starting a YouTube Channel Over 40? Avoid These 5 Mistakes
If you’ve been thinking about starting a YouTube channel over the age of 40, first of all—yes, it’s not too late. In fact, I started mine at 43, and I’ve grown it to over 43,000 subscribers by simply being consistent and learning as I go. But truthfully? There are a few costly mistakes I made early on that definitely slowed me down.
And I’m sharing them with you in case they can help you avoid some of that frustration.
(Prefer to watch instead of read? Here’s the link to the video version:
Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to Start
I first thought about launching a YouTube channel back in 2012. But I hesitated. I didn’t think I had the perfect setup, my apartment wasn’t fancy enough, and I was afraid I didn’t “sound right” on camera.
Here’s the truth: none of that mattered. I just needed to start. Waiting cost me years of growth. If you’ve been thinking about starting, please don’t wait any longer. Film your first video. Hit upload. You will improve along the way.
Mistake #2: Creating Videos That Weren’t Really Me
In the beginning, I worked with someone who gave me a list of keyword-heavy video ideas. Sounds smart, right? Except… none of the topics actually matched my experience. So I made a few awkward videos that didn’t reflect my voice or my knowledge—and honestly, they didn’t do well.
My advice? Talk about what you know and love. Speak from experience. It makes a difference in how your videos connect with viewers.
Mistake #3: Editing Every Little Breath
I followed advice that said to cut every single breath to make videos “tighter.” But guess what? It made my videos feel robotic and choppy—and took me hours to edit. People breathe. Viewers aren’t looking for perfection—they’re looking for connection.
Now, I keep it simple. I edit for clarity, not perfection. And my videos are better for it.
Mistake #4: Neglecting My Audio
I didn’t use a microphone for a long time. I filmed in a room with high ceilings and wood floors, and the echo was… not great.
If you’re just starting, you don’t need an expensive setup—but do get a basic external mic. Good audio keeps people watching. It’s more important than video quality in many cases!
Mistake #5: Underestimating the Power of Thumbnails
I used to make pretty thumbnails in Canva that looked great to me—but they weren’t designed to stand out on YouTube. My click-through rate was low because my text was too small, and they just didn’t pop.
Eventually, I started hiring a thumbnail designer, and it made a huge difference. Your thumbnail is your first impression—make sure it’s clear, clickable, and easy to read on mobile.
Bonus Advice for Women Over 40 Starting YouTube
If you’re over 40 and ready to start your channel, here’s what I wish someone had told me:
Don’t wait to feel “ready.” You’ll learn by doing.
Commit to at least one video per week for a year. Same day. Same time.
YouTube is a long game—but the rewards are real.
Your voice matters—your experience is valuable.
Want to Know How I Use YouTube for Marketing?
I don’t just use YouTube to post videos—I use it to build a business. If you’re curious about attraction marketing and how I’ve built a lead-generating YouTube channel without ever feeling salesy, I’d love to share more.
➡️ Just send me an email with the subject line Attraction Marketing to: megangrahambeauty@gmail.com
Stay healthy and beautiful,
Megan
Megan Graham
Megan Graham is a lifelong competitive athlete and two-time "Best of Boston" award-winning hairstylist with 24 years in the professional beauty industry. After building a successful career in Boston, her world shifted when she developed sensitivities to the fragrances and chemicals she'd worked with for years. At first, it felt devastating.
Beauty was her career, her passion - and suddenly she couldn't use most products she loved. But instead of giving up, she made it her mission to find clean alternatives that actually worked. What she discovered surprised her: not only could she find effective low-tox products, many performed better than their conventional counterparts. But it took years of testing and significant investment to separate what truly works from what's just marketed well. Today,
Megan shares those discoveries and brings new wellness modalities into the spotlight - helping others discover solutions they might never have known existed. For her, it's what makes everything feel like it happened for a reason: turning her own health challenges into a way to genuinely help others feel beautiful without compromise.
When she recommends a product, it's with her whole heart.
Disclaimer
I’m a LifeWave Brand Partner, and I only share products I personally use and believe in. However, nothing shared in this blog should be taken as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. LifeWave products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is for educational purposes only. Everyone’s experience is different, and your results may vary. If you have a medical condition or are taking medications, please consult your healthcare provider before trying any new wellness product. Income and earning potential as a LifeWave Brand Partner varies widely. Sharing LifeWave is not a guarantee of income. Any testimonials or examples are not typical and should not be interpreted as promises or guarantees. Some posts may include affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly use and believe in. Everyone’s skin and body are different — always check ingredients and consult a professional if you’re unsure about what’s right for you.
