The Upload

👉 Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter: https://balasabas.substack.comThank you to our partners:Opus Clip: https://www.opus.pro/?via=robStreamyard: https://streamyard.com/?fpr=goliveUscreen: https://www.uscreen.tvEcamm: http://ecamm.balasabas.liveConnect with Rob:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com

What does it really take to grow on YouTube in 2026?In this full interview, YouTube growth expert Derral Eves shares his playbook for building successful, sustainable YouTube channels in today's creator economy.Derral has advised some of the world's top creators and brands, and in this conversation we break down how YouTube actually works — beyond the surface-level tips.In this episode, we cover:00:00 – Introduction & why YouTube growth looks different in 202602:10 – Derral Eves' background and what he's learned from top creators06:15 – The fundamentals of sustainable YouTube growth11:40 – Why most creators stall (and how to avoid it)16:10 – How the YouTube algorithm actually works20:45 – What creators misunderstand about views vs. audience25:25 – The real role of retention and watch time30:10 – Strategy vs. tactics: thinking long-term on YouTube35:05 – Building a real business on top of YouTube40:20 – Mistakes creators make when chasing growth45:00 – Where YouTube is heading next49:10 – Final advice for creators serious about 2026 and beyondWhether you're an aspiring creator, an established YouTuber, or a business using YouTube to grow an audience, this conversation will help you think more clearly and strategically about your content.🎙️ Guest: Derral Eves🎧 Host: Rob BalasabasIf you're serious about YouTube growth in 2026 and beyond, this is a must-watch.LINKS & RESOURCES:👉 Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter: https://balasabas.substack.comThank you to our partners:Opus Clip: https://www.opus.pro/?via=robStreamyard: https://streamyard.com/?fpr=goliveUscreen: https://www.uscreen.tvEcamm: http://ecamm.balasabas.liveConnect with Rob:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com

This episode breaks down how to choose your niche the right way — and how to validate your membership idea before you build content. You’ll learn five practical steps to niche by problem, test demand quickly, and launch with confidence.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss future episodes!Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv+ Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live Connect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com

Most creators overbuild before launching their membership. In this episode, I share the exact structure you need on day one: how many videos, what kind of lessons, what resources to include, and the one recurring experience that increases retention. If you’re thinking about launching soon, this is your blueprint.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss future episodes!Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv+ Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live Connect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com

Wondering how to start a membership or whether your audience is big enough to launch? In this episode, we walk through a simple five-step process to validate your idea, build a minimum viable membership, and attract your first paying members — even with a small following. You’ll learn how top creators pre-sell their memberships, what type of content to include on day one, and the easiest way to tell if you’re ready to launch.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss future episodes!Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv+ Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live Connect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com

This week on The Upload, Rob breaks down some of the most exciting creator-economy moves—from Tayla Cannon’s $1.1M creator-led product raise, to Electrify Video Partners launching a physical trivia game with Veritasium, to Rachel’s Fit Pilates dropping her new RFP App with Uscreen.Plus: YouTube quietly testing a new in-app sharing and chat feature… and what that means for creators.Rob also reflects on celebrating four years at Uscreen, and the bigger shift he’s witnessed firsthand: creators evolving from content to companies to products people can actually touch.A quick, insight-packed episode for anyone building in the creator economy.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss future episodes!Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv+ Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live Connect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com

In this episode of The Upload, Rob sits down with Caesar Hernandez, founder of Icon Funnels, whose clients range from globally known creators to iconic real-world entrepreneurs — including the minds behind Nashville’s skyline.Caesar shares the real playbook behind building a sustainable creator business in 2025 and beyond, including:• Why traditional “coaching” is declining — and what replaces it• How AI is reshaping creator teams, copywriting, and operations• The surprising trend of offline business owners wanting to become creators• Why creators and entrepreneurs each want what the other has — and how to build partnerships that benefit both• The #1 skill creators must develop: making products for the audience, not for themselves• How he helps high-level creators transition into owning IP, memberships, and digital ecosystems• The mindset shift that changed everything for him — including shutting down a seven-figure gym and reinventing his pathCaesar also breaks down the business model behind Icon Funnels, the rise of strategic partnerships with creators, and why quieting the noise is essential to building a long-term career.Whether you’re a creator, a coach, or an operator looking to scale, this episode is packed with grounded insights, hard-earned wisdom, and actionable strategies you won’t hear anywhere else.Follow Caesar: @therealcaesarhernandezLearn more: IconFunnels.comJoin the masterminds: IconicMasterminds.com👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss future episodes!Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv+ Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live Connect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com

Creators aren’t just building audiences anymore—they’re building leagues.This episode breaks down how Jomboy Media partnered with MLB, hired TikTok’s former agency lead Brett Joss, and built a model for multi-year, league-style sponsorships.We dive into what this means for creators, brands, and the future of sports media—and the lessons you can apply to your own creator business right now.If you’ve launched a membership—or plan to—this one’s for you.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss future episodes!Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv+ Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live Connect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com

Most creators think content is the product. But in memberships, content is just the start.In this episode of The Upload, Rob breaks down a conversation with a former platform exec turned membership builder—and shares the “Ladder of Deliverables” framework: the 5 key layers that turn casual subscribers into loyal members.Why ad-free content isn’t enough (except when it is)How exclusivity creates perceived valueThe overlooked power of smart content filteringWhat “access” really means—and how to do it without burnoutWhy community is your stickiest growth leverIf you’ve launched a membership—or plan to—this one’s for you.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss future episodes!Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv+ Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live Connect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com

What do layoffs at Amazon Studios and Paramount have to do with YouTubers and membership platforms? A lot more than you might think.In this episode, Rob Balasabas explores the unexpected but growing trend of TV and film pros pivoting into the creator economy — not as influencers, but as producers, editors, and creative talent behind the scenes. What does this mean for creators, brands, and the future of content production?Rob shares insights from almost a decade in the space, patterns he’s seeing across Uscreen creators, and what this shift could mean for budgets, expectations, and the kinds of businesses creators are building next.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss future episodes!Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv+ Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live Connect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com

I just got back from Adobe MAX 2025, and it’s clear — we’re entering a new era for creators.In this episode, I break down 8 powerful takeaways that will reshape how you create, grow, and monetize your content in 2025 and beyond. We’ll talk about:How AI is changing the creative process (for real this time)Why speed and consistency now matter more than perfectionThe rise of the creator-as-brand mindsetHow to turn your content workflow into a scalable businessWhether you’re a YouTuber, educator, or digital entrepreneur — this episode will help you think bigger, create smarter, and stay ahead of the curve.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss future episodes!Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv+ Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live Connect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com

The creator economy is moving fast — from billion-dollar acquisitions to record-breaking payouts and new rules of the game for influencers. In this episode of The Upload, Rob Balasabas breaks down the week’s biggest stories and shares lessons every creator needs right now.You’ll hear about:Vimeo’s $1.38B acquisition by Bending Spoons and what it signals for creatorsThe surge in mergers & acquisitions reshaping the creator landscapeWhy brands are demanding better influencer marketing measurementPlus: insights from Rob’s recent LinkedIn posts on building real businesses, listening to customers, and creating systems that lastWhether you’re a full-time creator, a founder in the space, or just curious about where this industry is headed, this episode will give you the context — and the challenge — to think bigger than views and likes.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss future episodes!Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv+ Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live Connect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com

In this episode, I sit down with Anabel Otero — yoga, pilates, and meditation teacher turned digital entrepreneur — to break down how she went from posting free content on YouTube to building a loyal audience of 1.3 million subscribers and a thriving paid membership business.Anabel shares her exact journey, including:How she used free challenges to convert viewers into paying membersWhy she left Patreon and migrated her community to her own appThe simple promotion strategy she uses that never feels “salesy”Her mindset around pricing, scarcity, and creating long-term valueThe lessons she’s learned about building a sustainable creator businessWhether you’re a creator just getting started or a seasoned entrepreneur trying to scale, this conversation is loaded with practical, real-world insights.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss future episodes!Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv+ Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live Connect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com

It’s a stacked episode—press play and just into it!Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tvConnect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com

It’s a stacked episode—press play and just into it!Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tvConnect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com

It’s a stacked episode—press play and just into it!Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tvConnect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com

It’s a stacked episode—press play and just into it!Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tvConnect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com

One of YouTube’s most beloved outdoor creators just walked away from 15 million subscribers — but the story isn’t as simple as it sounds. In this episode of The Upload, we dive into why Luke Nichols, creator of Outdoor Boys, is quitting YouTube to protect his kids… and why his next move might surprise you.Plus, we’re talking Kai Cenat’s ambitious (and possibly final?) Streamer University, Joe Rogan getting knocked out of the top podcast spot on YouTube, and the Sidemen making creator history with a Netflix nod.It’s a stacked episode—press play and just into it!Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tvConnect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com

Austin Maddox has over 70K followers across Instagram and TikTok, a thriving online membership called Flow with Austin, and brand deals with major names like Aritzia.Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tvConnect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com

If you’ve ever wondered “How do I actually make money from this content thing?”—this episode is for you. I’m sharing the exact framework creators use to monetize smarter (without chasing the algorithm). It’s short, packed with practical tips, and includes a free invite for a coaching session with me.Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter+ https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tvConnect with me on LinkedIn+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabasFollow me on Instagram+ https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabasBusiness + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com