my fave thing about this type of content is i will be watching someone do a house renovation tour and somehow, in the midst of the 30 min video, will come away with a really good breakfast recipe and 3 brilliant new ways of organising my cupboards. and the person will have no idea that their reno vid has randomly changed the way i then go on to organise my kitchen and how much of an improvement it will be. like this happens all the time with so many different lifestyle creators. i just absord and learn so many little tips and tricks that then become my tips and tricks. also for years and years i didnt realize i was ADHD and that i was using these videos to bodydouble. the tidiness of my whole house after someone posts a 50min closet cleanout vid is unreal 😅 also i think its harder to find irl friends who share your politics, views, interests than it is to find a youtuber who does. and if you're like me and mostly housebound from chronic illnesses then that is just.. such a comfort! theres also this idea that watching lifestyle vloggers means you're lonely but idk, my 65yr old mum has a perfectly fine social life yet i recently found out she religiously watches a vlogger who restores vintage cars! theres truly a creator niche for every hobby, every person. i love your 'jumbled' approach. because i just like you as a person and i value your insights and recommendations :) i think this person genuinely did try to be nice, but perhaps lacked the self reflection to realise it was an issue on her end, and not yours, and that she didn't need to message you 😅
I think unsolicited "constructive feedback" is always rude. I'm always open to feedback from friends, from people I love, from journalist acquaintances, editors, and other people I'm working with, but I'm very much NOT open to feedback from people who I don't know or haven't asked for feedback from! I think being a YouTuber/creator/person whose work is online to a degree means your work and career choices are on display in a way that most people's simply aren't – meaning people feel like they offer "constructive" feedback whether or not you want it. Like, they're not your colleague or your boss or someone who is actually in your life; the para-social relationship means that people can end up thinking their feedback is solicited in the way the friends' you asked about the "constructive feedback" was.
To answer the actual question you asked: I enjoy lifestyle content for the connection and comfort of feeling like I'm less alone in what I'm going through, and inspiration, motivation, and (sometimes) clarity about what I want my own life to look like. I like people talking about work, freelancing, and creativity, videos about books and (sometimes) productivity, and lifestyle content from creators who are queer, disabled, and/or autistic. I'm quite selective about what lifestyle content I watch nowadays (though I'm not immune to occasionally frustration-watching content from people who I don't agree with ideologically and/or makes me feel worse about myself). I often enjoy vlog content rather than videos that try to have a 'helpful' takeaway for the viewer, and I try to avoid lifestyle content that involves abled and/or neurotypical people discussing aspects of productivity and wellness with no nuance for how those things are not accessible (or desirable) for everyone.
Life is random! Very few people only spend their time doing one thing and one thing only. The shift from sex ed to lifestyle only and the size of audience you've kept shows that people want you, almost regardless of the actual content. The variety of your videos is just authentic to me - you have a variety of interests and that's what you share. It'll either resonate with people or it won't. We have the choice to watch or not. We can be subscribed without watching every video if certain ones don't interest us. Like the other comment about picking up things, I've used two different things from your channels in facilitating leadership support (hello home stretch goals) because it's relevant.
Also, you're already so reflective and thoughtful and strategic about what you do. If this was a trend and you were losing people all over the shop I'm confident you'd interrogate that and choose to do something about it, or choose not to if it wasn't authentic to you. This person should just step away if it's not right for them anymore!
I actually enjoyed your content more over the last year or so. The point is to have a peak into ordinary life of a person online whose personality you like. I liked the diversity of topics you explored, personal challenges, home renovations etc. This DM reflects a different opinion of one particular person, but why bring it up to you? Seems like a them problem.
I like lifestyle content when the creator and I have similar interests. It gives me new ideas to try things or think about things I a new ways — or, honestly, it’s just enjoyable to have my interests validated while I sit on the couch! I also like watching YouTubers that are slightly “ahead” of me in life stage — for example, I follow a few lifestyle influencers (including you!) that have children but aren’t parenting/family influencers. That niche doesn’t interest me, but I like watching someone whose life and interests look like mine but with children since I want to hopefully have kids in a few years.
I love your lifestyle videos because I feel I get more opportunities to get to know you. But I also have some weird feelings about that because I know it is a parasocial relationship and I don't really know you (not that you are weird but that my behaviour is weird - almost as if I was stalking (but I am only watching your videos)). So it feels weird to be almost looking out for content to get to know you better when I don't know the real you at all.
Personally I love the missmatch of stuff because it feels authentic and to be honest is all pretty similar to the stuff me and my friends are into, so you are absolutely hitting my demographic. Not that surpring as we are the same age.
For me, watching lifestyle content offers a unique way to explore different cultures, lifestyles, foods, activities, and so much more. Due to my severe anxiety, traveling can be challenging. YouTube provides me an opportunity to experience the world from my own home, letting me learn about new places and people in a comfortable way.
Lifestyle content also provides a much-needed form of relaxation and a way to unwind from daily responsibilities, work, and the often overwhelming news we face. I genuinely appreciate your content—it has introduced me to books, organizational tools, and even new perspectives on complex topics, like career transitions. Another thing, if we are looking at "what's the point" is that lifestyle content actually helps you to do the shit you don't want to do. A silly example: I finally tackled my drawer of mismatched socks because I thought, “If Hannah is decluttering, so am I.” I sorted, paired, and let go of old socks while whatching your video, so thank you for that.
I’d like to end by saying how much I enjoy your content (and I have enjoyed it for the last 8 years). I was mad to see such an unkind comment directed at you. Your passion and energy shine through in your work—don’t let this negative person affect your business, it's an amazing one. <3
One of my favourite things about your videos literally is the fact that you try random things - and it's clear that you do new things because it interests you - and that comes across and makes the videos more enjoyable! I think if you were just churning out the same things because it's what you've always done that would come across as 'having no passion/purpose'? Not all your videos interest me, but then I just don't watch those ones! I don't understand the rationale of thinking 'I don't enjoy this channel as much as I used to therefore I will let the creator know as clearly they need to adapt to my individual interests' 😆
Exactly! I think actually it's been so much fun this year because we're seeing Hannah look for and find the joy. Life can be so miserable - we all need to seek the joyous it's great watching someone else do it, and be default encourage us to do the same, even just subconsciously
Although I agree with the comment, for me that’s no reason to unsubscribe. The majority of YouTubers I follow are lifestyle creators. I generally follow people for their personality rather than the topic of content they make.
I love lifestyle content! I like it bc it shows me that creators are real people too and a lot of the time I see that they're experiencing the same problems as me, whether big or small. And i love new outfit ideas, reading and organization. It's a win win
Interestingly I was having this conversation with a friend recently. He was doing his own thing in the background while I was watching your most recent clothes declutter vid. He didn't understand why I would want to watch 😅 so I explained that, what you were doing in that vid, is something I also do regularly (English seasons and all that) and that watching someone else's method and hearing the decision making process is interesting.
I don't however go on a hunt for these types of videos, and it's because I like your content, pretty much whatever it is, that I still enjoy these more lifestyle type videos.it feels like being on facetime with a friend while you get tasks done.
Yeah I think that's an interesting distinction between watching someone you've followed for years declutter vs searching for decluttering videos! the only time I've really searched for specific lifestyle content not really caring who was making it was when I was knee deep in buying things/making decisions pre-baby. HOW DO YOU ORGANISE BABY CLOTHES? WHICH BUGGY SHOULD I GET? HOW MUCH DOES CHILDCARE COST? 😅
Hi Hannah, I think you should not forget to see the value in the message as in a fan reaching out that used to support your content and doesn't like the change. They probably meant it in a good way, but I understand your hurt feelings as I would most likely respond in the same way. As Alison said below, people change and have different passions throughout life, so you keep on doing you. I applaud you for actually making that decision and going with it.
Personally I feel that with the type of "behind the scenes" content you share about your channel, having been open about leaving sex ed content behind and working to find your niche, and the strong community you've built, this comment does not feel out of place or mean to me. You give off the impression that you would welcome an open discussion with those in your community about what they want to see from you. I get that you felt hurt by it, it's hard not to feel defensive when we get critical feedback and maybe this person should have just kept on scrolling if your content is no longer what they're interested in, but I feel like it did come from a desire to keep engaging with you and your content. I honestly feel like it's pretty uncalled for that you put this person on blast in this newsletter, you could have discussed the general topic without sharing the screenshot of the message, or all the messages you received from your friends about what a bitch they think this person is. They probably will read this - how do you think they'll feel to see themselves called "Regina George" because they tried to have a dialogue with you?
First of all I actually really love your content Hannah. I think you're genuinely great and really honest and I really love your videos.
Secondly, and I think this is my own personal bias because I work in an industry which can be a little cut throat, I actually don't think that feedback is that bad! I think you might be over thinking it slightly and a bit over defensive. Don't hold it too tightly, if it was a DM they were likely trying to not hurt your feelings by keeping it out of public view and they do sign off by saying your lovely. A true hater would not give a fuck and would let it rip.
I'm aware that by saying this it might come across like I'm invalidating your feelings which I'm not trying to do at all, I genuinely love your content so much. Wishing you the best and looking forward to your next video!
I actually don’t like lifestyle content and don’t watch it. I unsubscribed from your channels. I stay signed up to the news letter just to see how you are doing.
I think the only 'lifestyle content' I watch falls more this category of varied videos across different themes. Like someone else has commented, most people have lots of different interests and hobbies and it seems odd to assume that you would go to a content creator for only one thing, unless they are a specific like 'expert' channel. I also like watching people who I consider like, a couple of steps ahead of where I am eg. I'm planning to try for a baby in the next couple of years and really enjoy watching people who are very reflective and thoughtful about parenting decisions, such as yourself and Leena, to help me think through some of my complex feelings about this. Also, hate to lean into the parasocial stuff, but there's also an element of comfort from just catching up with your internet people! Just a rambling thought about this topic
Yes! Most of “my YouTubers” as I call them to my husband are around 3-5 years older than me, and it’s kind of a peek into what life might be like a few years from now. I also think, similar to the self-help genre, there is a lot of hidden philosophy in lifestyle content. Like one of my favorite YouTubers is a makeup and fashion creator, but she’s also a poet and makes (to me) wise and interesting observations about life, politics, aesthetics, beauty, gender, etc.
my fave thing about this type of content is i will be watching someone do a house renovation tour and somehow, in the midst of the 30 min video, will come away with a really good breakfast recipe and 3 brilliant new ways of organising my cupboards. and the person will have no idea that their reno vid has randomly changed the way i then go on to organise my kitchen and how much of an improvement it will be. like this happens all the time with so many different lifestyle creators. i just absord and learn so many little tips and tricks that then become my tips and tricks. also for years and years i didnt realize i was ADHD and that i was using these videos to bodydouble. the tidiness of my whole house after someone posts a 50min closet cleanout vid is unreal 😅 also i think its harder to find irl friends who share your politics, views, interests than it is to find a youtuber who does. and if you're like me and mostly housebound from chronic illnesses then that is just.. such a comfort! theres also this idea that watching lifestyle vloggers means you're lonely but idk, my 65yr old mum has a perfectly fine social life yet i recently found out she religiously watches a vlogger who restores vintage cars! theres truly a creator niche for every hobby, every person. i love your 'jumbled' approach. because i just like you as a person and i value your insights and recommendations :) i think this person genuinely did try to be nice, but perhaps lacked the self reflection to realise it was an issue on her end, and not yours, and that she didn't need to message you 😅
haha yeah totally agree with all the little bits and bobs you pick up from lifestyle content and then seamlessly just absorb into your own life!
I think unsolicited "constructive feedback" is always rude. I'm always open to feedback from friends, from people I love, from journalist acquaintances, editors, and other people I'm working with, but I'm very much NOT open to feedback from people who I don't know or haven't asked for feedback from! I think being a YouTuber/creator/person whose work is online to a degree means your work and career choices are on display in a way that most people's simply aren't – meaning people feel like they offer "constructive" feedback whether or not you want it. Like, they're not your colleague or your boss or someone who is actually in your life; the para-social relationship means that people can end up thinking their feedback is solicited in the way the friends' you asked about the "constructive feedback" was.
To answer the actual question you asked: I enjoy lifestyle content for the connection and comfort of feeling like I'm less alone in what I'm going through, and inspiration, motivation, and (sometimes) clarity about what I want my own life to look like. I like people talking about work, freelancing, and creativity, videos about books and (sometimes) productivity, and lifestyle content from creators who are queer, disabled, and/or autistic. I'm quite selective about what lifestyle content I watch nowadays (though I'm not immune to occasionally frustration-watching content from people who I don't agree with ideologically and/or makes me feel worse about myself). I often enjoy vlog content rather than videos that try to have a 'helpful' takeaway for the viewer, and I try to avoid lifestyle content that involves abled and/or neurotypical people discussing aspects of productivity and wellness with no nuance for how those things are not accessible (or desirable) for everyone.
Life is random! Very few people only spend their time doing one thing and one thing only. The shift from sex ed to lifestyle only and the size of audience you've kept shows that people want you, almost regardless of the actual content. The variety of your videos is just authentic to me - you have a variety of interests and that's what you share. It'll either resonate with people or it won't. We have the choice to watch or not. We can be subscribed without watching every video if certain ones don't interest us. Like the other comment about picking up things, I've used two different things from your channels in facilitating leadership support (hello home stretch goals) because it's relevant.
Also, you're already so reflective and thoughtful and strategic about what you do. If this was a trend and you were losing people all over the shop I'm confident you'd interrogate that and choose to do something about it, or choose not to if it wasn't authentic to you. This person should just step away if it's not right for them anymore!
I actually enjoyed your content more over the last year or so. The point is to have a peak into ordinary life of a person online whose personality you like. I liked the diversity of topics you explored, personal challenges, home renovations etc. This DM reflects a different opinion of one particular person, but why bring it up to you? Seems like a them problem.
I like lifestyle content when the creator and I have similar interests. It gives me new ideas to try things or think about things I a new ways — or, honestly, it’s just enjoyable to have my interests validated while I sit on the couch! I also like watching YouTubers that are slightly “ahead” of me in life stage — for example, I follow a few lifestyle influencers (including you!) that have children but aren’t parenting/family influencers. That niche doesn’t interest me, but I like watching someone whose life and interests look like mine but with children since I want to hopefully have kids in a few years.
I love your lifestyle videos because I feel I get more opportunities to get to know you. But I also have some weird feelings about that because I know it is a parasocial relationship and I don't really know you (not that you are weird but that my behaviour is weird - almost as if I was stalking (but I am only watching your videos)). So it feels weird to be almost looking out for content to get to know you better when I don't know the real you at all.
Personally I love the missmatch of stuff because it feels authentic and to be honest is all pretty similar to the stuff me and my friends are into, so you are absolutely hitting my demographic. Not that surpring as we are the same age.
Hello,
For me, watching lifestyle content offers a unique way to explore different cultures, lifestyles, foods, activities, and so much more. Due to my severe anxiety, traveling can be challenging. YouTube provides me an opportunity to experience the world from my own home, letting me learn about new places and people in a comfortable way.
Lifestyle content also provides a much-needed form of relaxation and a way to unwind from daily responsibilities, work, and the often overwhelming news we face. I genuinely appreciate your content—it has introduced me to books, organizational tools, and even new perspectives on complex topics, like career transitions. Another thing, if we are looking at "what's the point" is that lifestyle content actually helps you to do the shit you don't want to do. A silly example: I finally tackled my drawer of mismatched socks because I thought, “If Hannah is decluttering, so am I.” I sorted, paired, and let go of old socks while whatching your video, so thank you for that.
I’d like to end by saying how much I enjoy your content (and I have enjoyed it for the last 8 years). I was mad to see such an unkind comment directed at you. Your passion and energy shine through in your work—don’t let this negative person affect your business, it's an amazing one. <3
One of my favourite things about your videos literally is the fact that you try random things - and it's clear that you do new things because it interests you - and that comes across and makes the videos more enjoyable! I think if you were just churning out the same things because it's what you've always done that would come across as 'having no passion/purpose'? Not all your videos interest me, but then I just don't watch those ones! I don't understand the rationale of thinking 'I don't enjoy this channel as much as I used to therefore I will let the creator know as clearly they need to adapt to my individual interests' 😆
Exactly! I think actually it's been so much fun this year because we're seeing Hannah look for and find the joy. Life can be so miserable - we all need to seek the joyous it's great watching someone else do it, and be default encourage us to do the same, even just subconsciously
Although I agree with the comment, for me that’s no reason to unsubscribe. The majority of YouTubers I follow are lifestyle creators. I generally follow people for their personality rather than the topic of content they make.
I love lifestyle content! I like it bc it shows me that creators are real people too and a lot of the time I see that they're experiencing the same problems as me, whether big or small. And i love new outfit ideas, reading and organization. It's a win win
Interestingly I was having this conversation with a friend recently. He was doing his own thing in the background while I was watching your most recent clothes declutter vid. He didn't understand why I would want to watch 😅 so I explained that, what you were doing in that vid, is something I also do regularly (English seasons and all that) and that watching someone else's method and hearing the decision making process is interesting.
I don't however go on a hunt for these types of videos, and it's because I like your content, pretty much whatever it is, that I still enjoy these more lifestyle type videos.it feels like being on facetime with a friend while you get tasks done.
Yeah I think that's an interesting distinction between watching someone you've followed for years declutter vs searching for decluttering videos! the only time I've really searched for specific lifestyle content not really caring who was making it was when I was knee deep in buying things/making decisions pre-baby. HOW DO YOU ORGANISE BABY CLOTHES? WHICH BUGGY SHOULD I GET? HOW MUCH DOES CHILDCARE COST? 😅
Hi Hannah, I think you should not forget to see the value in the message as in a fan reaching out that used to support your content and doesn't like the change. They probably meant it in a good way, but I understand your hurt feelings as I would most likely respond in the same way. As Alison said below, people change and have different passions throughout life, so you keep on doing you. I applaud you for actually making that decision and going with it.
Personally I feel that with the type of "behind the scenes" content you share about your channel, having been open about leaving sex ed content behind and working to find your niche, and the strong community you've built, this comment does not feel out of place or mean to me. You give off the impression that you would welcome an open discussion with those in your community about what they want to see from you. I get that you felt hurt by it, it's hard not to feel defensive when we get critical feedback and maybe this person should have just kept on scrolling if your content is no longer what they're interested in, but I feel like it did come from a desire to keep engaging with you and your content. I honestly feel like it's pretty uncalled for that you put this person on blast in this newsletter, you could have discussed the general topic without sharing the screenshot of the message, or all the messages you received from your friends about what a bitch they think this person is. They probably will read this - how do you think they'll feel to see themselves called "Regina George" because they tried to have a dialogue with you?
First of all I actually really love your content Hannah. I think you're genuinely great and really honest and I really love your videos.
Secondly, and I think this is my own personal bias because I work in an industry which can be a little cut throat, I actually don't think that feedback is that bad! I think you might be over thinking it slightly and a bit over defensive. Don't hold it too tightly, if it was a DM they were likely trying to not hurt your feelings by keeping it out of public view and they do sign off by saying your lovely. A true hater would not give a fuck and would let it rip.
I'm aware that by saying this it might come across like I'm invalidating your feelings which I'm not trying to do at all, I genuinely love your content so much. Wishing you the best and looking forward to your next video!
I actually don’t like lifestyle content and don’t watch it. I unsubscribed from your channels. I stay signed up to the news letter just to see how you are doing.
I think the only 'lifestyle content' I watch falls more this category of varied videos across different themes. Like someone else has commented, most people have lots of different interests and hobbies and it seems odd to assume that you would go to a content creator for only one thing, unless they are a specific like 'expert' channel. I also like watching people who I consider like, a couple of steps ahead of where I am eg. I'm planning to try for a baby in the next couple of years and really enjoy watching people who are very reflective and thoughtful about parenting decisions, such as yourself and Leena, to help me think through some of my complex feelings about this. Also, hate to lean into the parasocial stuff, but there's also an element of comfort from just catching up with your internet people! Just a rambling thought about this topic
Yes! Most of “my YouTubers” as I call them to my husband are around 3-5 years older than me, and it’s kind of a peek into what life might be like a few years from now. I also think, similar to the self-help genre, there is a lot of hidden philosophy in lifestyle content. Like one of my favorite YouTubers is a makeup and fashion creator, but she’s also a poet and makes (to me) wise and interesting observations about life, politics, aesthetics, beauty, gender, etc.
I call them "My YouTubers" too 😆
hahaha love this!