I don't know why there isn't a pinned post for this since I think it's one of the hardest things to find when you're first starting out and the most important.

I imagine a lot of people here have bookmark folders filled with blogs, free courses, and YouTube channels with valuable, up-to-date information regarding everything from video editing, social media marketing, SEO, analytics, and so on, as they relate to starting, managing, and growing a successful YouTube channel.

I've started a website of my own where I link to the articles and embed the videos I found most helpful. I hope to eventually have pages for every topic (one for video editing, one for social media marketing, one for analytics) and then provide links to up-to-date information for beginners, intermediate, and experienced YouTubers.

I don't think it's worth paying for any courses on how to start and manage a successful YouTube channel. All that information is available free online. But I understand why people do it because it's hard to find and identify the best information, prioritize what to learn, and to feel any sort of accomplishment from learning so much information.

It MIGHT be worth paying for mentorship, but the problem is that if the person really knows how to manage a successful YouTube channel and monetize it, their time is probably better spent on their YouTube channel and they don't have time to mentor someone, unless they're getting paid a lot of money.

But I hope to find plenty of free online courses and plenty of advice on how to use networking to find mentors who will provide guidance and feedback free of charge.