A Note to YouTube Fix-It Posters: Thanks, But Get to the Point

This post is for the people who take the time to create repair and maintenance videos for YouTube and other online platforms.

First, let me say thank you.

Your videos have saved me time, money, and more than a little frustration over the years. Whether it’s an RV repair, a vehicle problem, or a project around the house, I’ve learned a great deal from people willing to share their knowledge.

I also understand why you make these videos.

Some of you are building a following. Others are promoting products, earning advertising revenue, or hoping to grow your business.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

I do have one request.

Please get to the point.

Many of us aren’t watching because we’re looking for entertainment.

We’re watching because something just broke.

There are certainly viewers who are planning ahead and learning how to complete a future project. But many of us are standing in the driveway with a broken part in one hand, our phone in the other, and we’re hoping you can get us back on track.

Recently, I needed to replace the rear window wiper on Pat’s car.

I had already bought the replacement blade, but the instructions that came with it were almost useless. After struggling with it for a few minutes, I did what most of us do.

I went to YouTube.

The first video looked promising because it was for our exact model of vehicle.

Then the story began.

The presenter explained that she was a single mother, that her former husband had always handled the vehicle maintenance, and that the dealership wanted $120 to replace the wiper blade. She talked about visiting other repair shops and how frustrated she was by the prices.

Six minutes later, she still hadn’t touched the wiper.

The video was over twenty minutes long.

Rather than trying to guess where the repair actually started, I closed it and clicked on another video.

The second video was less than two minutes long.

The presenter smiled and said, “This video is for everyone who’s tired of watching long repair videos that never get to the point.”

Within seconds, he showed exactly how to remove the old wiper and install the new one.

Problem solved.

Guess which video earned my subscription?

If you want to share your story, that’s perfectly fine.

Many viewers enjoy hearing it.

Just help the rest of us find the repair.

One RV channel I follow does this exceptionally well. During the first thirty seconds, they tell viewers exactly where the repair begins.

“If you’re here just for the repair, skip to 7:30.”

That’s perfect.

Those who enjoy the entire presentation can watch from the beginning.

Those of us looking for a quick answer can jump right to the information we need.

Everyone wins.

So, to everyone who takes the time to create repair videos, thank you.

Please keep making them.

Just remember that many of us aren’t looking for a documentary.

We’re simply trying to fix something before the next camping trip.

A little less storytelling and a little more wrench turning will make a lot of grateful viewers very happy.