We were lucky to catch up with Carolyn Darling recently and have shared our conversation below.

Carolyn, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

In August 2022, I embarked on a vibrant YouTube journey, not out of a burning desire for social media stardom, but fueled by my husband’s playful challenge. He, a scientist, enjoys musicals with me but often finds my deep dives into the world of movie musicals — from recent hits to golden oldies of the 1940s — a bit overwhelming. So, Performance Perspective was born, a place for kindred spirits to revel in performances and share their unique viewpoints. What started as a whimsical idea is blossoming into something much more significant.

As Performance Perspective grew, I encountered a pivotal moment. A particular video I made sparked a divide in how people perceive art. Some resonated with my views, while others disagreed, sometimes with harsh words. But this only reinforced a philosophy I hold dear: “If you don’t know them personally, don’t take it personally.” This experience crystallized my vision for the kind of community I wish to cultivate — one where open, respectful dialogue thrives, even among differing opinions.

Today’s world often struggles with this. We shy away from conversations with those who disagree with us. My channel aims to be a haven for healthy discourse, where viewers can share and challenge perspectives without judgment. Many times, a viewer’s comment has offered me a fresh angle on a show that I hadn’t considered, sparking delight and fascination. I’m not here as a theater critic claiming to know it all; instead, I see myself as a facilitator of that enriching post-movie theater conversation, asking, “What did you think?”

My videos aren’t just about my take; they’re an invitation to engage, to share, and to explore the diverse interpretations that make movie musicals so endlessly captivating.

Within just 10 months, my YouTube adventure hit a thrilling milestone: monetization! What began as a slightly self-conscious confession — “I’m a woman who lounges on a couch discussing musicals” — has transformed into a proud proclamation. Now, I not only get paid to share my passion for musical theater but also have the fantastic opportunity to travel and talk about shows. It’s a dream scenario where my love for musicals meets the excitement of new experiences and connections!

Carolyn, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello, I’m Carolyn, the creative force behind the YouTube channel Performance Perspective. My journey into the world of YouTube began as a personal quest to share my deep-seated love for movie musicals. This led me to create a space where I could connect with others who share my enthusiasm. My connection with musicals runs deep; I received a scholarship to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), graduating in 2011. Interestingly, while I harbored no dreams of Broadway fame, my love for the art form has always been a guiding force in my life.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

As I write this, my YouTube channel has just surpassed the 1,200-subscriber mark. While this might not sound like a big number in a world where buying followers is common, for me, it’s a testament to organic growth. I’ve always believed in the philosophy of “slow and steady” over “fast and unreliable.” This journey has taught me the value of listening to my audience. Initially, I thought brevity was key, aiming for short videos posted three times a week. However, feedback from my viewers led me to shift to longer, more detailed content twice a week, a strategy that is proving to be more rewarding and enjoyable.

I always have the final say in the topics I cover, but I’m grateful for suggestions from viewers that spark a “what a fun idea” moment. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see an idea from a subscriber come to life and their excitement in response.

One practical tip I’d like to share is the effectiveness of posting shorts on non-scheduled days. These shorts act as a welcoming “hello,” attracting new subscribers, while the long-form videos are like inviting someone to hang out, offering depth and retention. This balance has been key in growing and engaging my audience on Performance Perspective.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

For aspiring YouTubers looking to elevate their channel, here’s a peek into the toolkit that powers my journey. First up, Notion – my organizational powerhouse. It’s where I map out my posting schedule, script upcoming episodes, and keep a personal log of all the shows I’ve experienced, both live and on screen. It’s also my brainstorming hub, brimming with ideas for those times when I need creative inspiration.

Next, let’s talk about YT Tracker. This gem is essential for nailing the right tags to help viewers discover my videos. Watching the progress graph spike as I neared my monetization goal was a thrill! Speaking of which, monetization means hitting 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours. Interestingly, I racked up the watch hours quicker than I anticipated. So, my advice? Focus on cultivating your niche audience and making your content easily discoverable.

Lastly, a shoutout to Jade Beason, whose insights on channel growth resonated with me the most. It’s crucial to find 1-2 YouTubers whose advice on growing your social media presence aligns with your style. Too many voices can lead to confusion and dilute your strategy. I value Jade’s lessons for their clarity and practicality, which helps me use my time effectively. Remember, it’s about finding a guide who clicks with you, so seek out someone whose teachings you trust and can follow confidently.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/careoffbook?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@PerformancePerspective?si=w8af2nlpRKERLvYA