As of right now, I’ve been creating content for almost four years. I have made over 300 videos. I’ve learned a lot on YouTube. Staying true to my Frugal Living roots gets harder to do because the sponsors want access to my audience. And they make offers for me to SELL to an audience that is primarily Seniors. Not everyone who watches my channel is living on low-income. There are lots of people who may enjoy being shown different products and even buy them. The problem with “selling” to my audience is I would have to give up something to gain something.
Let’s take for example if I want a brand new table. The way it works is you make a video with the table in it, show unpacking it, discuss the benefits of the table and offer a link or discount code to the viewers. The audience is exposed to a product they may or may not want. Seems okay enough, on the surface. But here’s the problem: when the audience is on a fixed income, and they may not be able to afford the product, it hurts them. Not everyone is living at poverty, or even living below the poverty line but I have a lot of viewers that are financially struggling.
Back to having to give up something to get something. The channel may start feeling like a transaction instead of a community. Some channels pull off sponsored content and still keep the sense of community. Others seem to turn into an infomercial of sorts, something I tend to fast forward through to get back to watching the video. Although I understand sponsored content is an opportunity to earn more money and keep the product, I continue to question it. I actually question everything I see on YouTube. A lot of it is manufactured, it’s not real.
Many of the channels I used to really enjoy…now I see the game. I’d like to put on the rose-colored glasses but once you know how something works it’s hard to un-see it! The amount of misrepresentation is outrageous. One of the most lied to audiences has become Senior Citizens because they are at risk of being taken advantage of by the content creator. And for what? A dollar. Money is the one thing we all need but at what cost to the audience. Is it worth it to sell products to people who may be in a situation of being ignored, being older, perhaps being lonely… and here comes the favorite YouTube channel to brighten up their day and sell them products.
I’ve lived the first half of my life and tomorrow’s not promised to anyone. When it’s time to be held accountable for my life choices, I want to get at least this one thing right: do NOT take advantage of elderly people. I’m in a position where I could really upgrade my lifestyle with an increase in my income with sponsorships. But again at what cost. Would I feel differently if I had an audience of younger people? I’m not sure. But what I am certain of is I’m not going to compromise the Seniors in my care.
Thank you for reading my Blog today! God Bless You.
I admire your integrity the way you protect your subscribers. I have seen the kind of videos you talk about. I don’t really begrudge people for doing it but I would never try one of those products because I know even with a discount it would be expensive. There are people who might not feel like I do so it is nice you are true to your base and convictions. I would not think badly of you if you needed to do that though. The world is a tough place.
Thank you for your comment. It’s a tough decision. I think some Channels handle sponsorships really well and others struggle with balance. I want to remain grateful for my Viewers, Subscribers and Channel Members because without them, I would not be able to continue this Channel. I made the decision for 2026 to not pursue the offers. I hope to keep it that way in the future!