From 0 to 100K: How I Built a YouTube Channel That Changed My Life
The Real Story Behind the Numbers
Everyone loves a succes story. “From zero to 100,000 subscribers” sounds impressive - and it is - but behind those numbers is over a decade of experimenting, failing, learning, and adapting. This blog isn’t just about the milestone. It’s about the journey.
In 2008, I uploaded my first video to YouTube. I was 10 years old. No real plan, no equipment, and definitely no idea of where it would lead. But what started as fun with a classmate slowly evolved into something much bigger.
In this post, I’ll take you behind the scenes of how I grew a YouTube channel to over 100K subscribers and 125 million views - without spending a single cent on ads. From childhood projects to viral videos, collaborations with creators like Technoblade, and eventually launching my own marketing company, this is the full story.
If you’re a content creator, marketer, or just someone dreaming of building something meaningful - this one’s for you.
The Beginning (2008-2013)
Sketches, 50 Views, and a Lot of Trial and Error
My YouTube journey didn’t start with viral hits, slick branding, or an upload schedule. It started with a simple idea: let’s film something fun. I was 10 years old, sitting with a classmate after school, uploading sketches and prank videos to a channel no one knew about.
Back then, getting 50 views felt like hitting the big time. One video even reached 300 views - and we couldn’t believe it. Those numbers were small, but the spark had been lit.
A couple of years later, I launched a second channel on my own - a gaming-focused one. Minecraft was blowing up, and I was obsessed. I uploaded Let’s Plays, minigames, and started experimenting with different formats. But no matter how few people watched, I kept uploading.
I wasn’t chasing fame or money. I just needed a place to be creative - to try things, to learn, and to express myself. I was watching creators who were miles ahead, and instead of being discourages, I got inspired. I wanted to build something too.
GeruloGaming - Early Growth and Experimentation
How I Went from 300 to 15,000 Subscribers Almost Overnight
By the time I launched GeruloGaming, I had learned a lot from my earlier channels - what worked, what didn’t, and most importantly, how to keep experimenting. I started like many others: uploading Minecraft Let’s Plays, minigames like Hunger Games and TNT Run, and modded series. It was fun, but I wanted more than just fun - I wanted to stand out.
That’s when I started doing something very few others had done at the time: Minecraft Animations. It was a niche that barely existed, and one of the first videos I worked on with other animators absolutely took off. The video exploded - 25 million views, long-form content, no ads, and this was back in 2014, when going viral wasn’t nearly as common as today.
Within weeks, my subscriber count jumped from 300 to 15,000. I’d gone from hoping for 1,000 subs to watching the numbers rise by the thousands - sometimes 2,000 new subscribers in a single day.
From there, I expanded into GTA content, especially funny moments with friends, and kept experimenting with games like FIFA and Call of Duty. But Minecraft and GTA were clearly the winning combination - both in terms of fun and growth.
And with that growth came recognition. Suddenly, bigger creators started reaching out - some of whom I had looked up to for years. Collaborations, new projects, and creative freedom were now all on the table.
Going Viral - The Big Breakthrough & Collaborations
From a Viral Hit to Collaborating with Legends
My big breakthrough wasn’t planned - it was a result of doing something different, doubling down, and knowing how to ride a wave once it hit.
After that first Minecraft animation went viral and pulled in 25 million views, I knew I had to act fast. I partnered with more animators, followed up with similar high-quality videos, and suddenly, people weren’t just watching - they were subscribing.
But what truly helped solidify my place in the scene was what came next: collaborations. I got the chance to work with some of the biggest names in the Minecraft community - creators like Technoblade, Orepros, and KreekCraft. These weren’t just one-off collabs; they were the result of mutual respect and a shared passion for content.
At one point, even my regular GTA and Minecraft videos - outside of the animation videos - were pulling tens of thousands of views. The channel was growing fast, and the momentum felt unstoppable.
It wasn’t about luck. It was strategy, timing, and listening to what the audience wanted - while still doing it in my own way.
Going viral gave me the audience, but it was consistency and creativity that kept them around.
Growth Timeline - From 0 to 100K Subs
It Didn’t Happen Overnight (But It Felt Like It)
Let’s break it down. The road from 0 to 100,000 subscribers wasn’t a straight line - and it definitely wasn’t quick in the beginning.
0 to 300 subscribers: This took around 1.5 years. I was still learning the ropes, trying different formats, and just having fun creating content.
300 to 1,000: That’s when things started moving faster - just a few weeks - thanks to a video picking up traction at the right time.
1,000 to 10,000: This phase took a few months. Once I found what worked, I leaned into it and built momentum.
10,000 to 100,000: This part stretched over 2-3 years, including some content shifts and a few breaks. It was a mix of consistency, creative risks, and always learning.
Hitting 1,000 subscribers was the first real milestone. That’s when I realized I could turn my channel into a brand. I started thinking differently - about branding, consistency, and building an audience that stuck around.
The growth wasn’t always steady. There were high peaks and low valleys. Some days I’d gain thousands of subscribers, and others I’d lose a few. But that’s the reality of YouTube - and any creative platform. What matters is sticking with it through the fluctuations.
Getting to 100K wasn’t just about numbers. It was learning the platform, trusting my instincts, and building a real community.
The Strategy Behind the Growth
It Wasn’t Luck - It Was Planning, Testing, and Adapting
Sure, a few viral hits helped along the way - but none of it happened by accident. The growth of my YouTube channel came down to understanding what made content work, what my audience wanted, and how to bring my creative ideas to life.
Here’s what I focused on:
Creativity first: I’ve always had an active, creative mind. I was constantly brainstorming ideas, testing formats, and finding ways to stand out - whether it was through Minecraft content, GTA Funny Moments, or later, Rosenborg content.
Strategic collaboration: I wasn’t doing it alone. I regularly connected with other content creators, traded feedback, analyzed trends, and even jumped into livestreams or joint videos. Collaborations helped grow both our audiences.
Evolving with time: I didn’t stay stuck in one niche. I shifted from Minecraft to GTA, to Vikings, Lord of the Rings, and now Rosenborg. At each stage, I adjusted my content style to fit what I enjoyed and what worked.
Platform knowledge: From thumbnails and titles to upload schedules and playlists - I became obsessed with the algorithm. I never ran pain ads. Every view was earned through smart content creation and optimization.
Tools that worked: My toolkit evolved over time - from Fraps and Movie Maker to Sony Vegas Pro, OBS, Canva, Photoshop and more. I kept learning and upgrading as I went.
Consistency (and knowing when to pause): I learned the hard way how punishing the algorithm can be when you disappear. I’ve made that mistake before. But I also learned how to recover, how to plan uploads in advance, and how to balance creativity with sustainability.
Every part of my content - the visuals, the titles, the scripting, the thumbnails - was part of a bigger plan. It wasn’t just about making videos. It was about building a brand.
The Moment It Went Viral
25 Million Views. One Video. Everything Changed.
Every creator dreams of it - the moment a video takes off. For me, it happened after uploading a Minecraft animation I had worked on together with other animators. Back then, Minecraft animations were just starting to become a thing, and I saw the opportunity before most others jumped on it.
That video exploded.
25 million views in total.
Over 10 minutes of watch time - long form content, not some viral short.
From 300 to 15,000 subscribers in a matter of weeks.
The growth was insane. But I didn’t let the hype die out. I followed up with more content, partnered up with other creators, and took the momentum seriously. I treated it like a business - even if I was still just a teenager.
Other content started growing too - my GTA videos, Minecraft series, and other experiments I had uploaded in between. At some point, I was gaining 2,000+ subscribers per day.
That one viral moment wasn’t luck - it was the result of experimenting, being early, creating something unique, and having the next steps ready to go. Because the worst thing you can do when going viral…. is not being prepared for what comes after.
Collaborations, Highlights, and Milestones
From 0 to 100K - and Beyond
Once the momentum kicked in, things got real. Not only was I getting views and subscribers, but I also started hearing from bigger creators - people I had watched myself for years.
One of the most memorable parts of my YouTube journey has been the collaborations. I got to work with legends in the Minecraft and gaming world, including:
Technoblade - A name that speaks for itself.
Orepros - Known for amazing storytelling.
KreekCraft - One of the most engaging personalities in the space.
These collabs weren’t just great for growth - they were creatively fulfilling. We shared ideas, laughed a lot, and learned from each other. They showed me what was possible when you combine good content with good people.
And then came the big moments:
Getting my YouTube Silver Play Button
Reaching over 100 million total views
Building a tight-knit community of loyal viewers
And eventually… closing in on 200,000 subscribers
But my proudest moments aren’t just the numbers. It’s knowing I inspired people, helped creators grow, and kept creating content I was proud of - even when YouTube was no longer my full-time job.
My Process - From Idea to Upload
How I Built Videos That Worked (Without Ads)
Over the years, my workflow changed, but the foundation stayed the same: idea > execution > optimization.
Here’s how I typically approaced creating a video:
The Idea Stage
Sometimes it started with a trend. Other times it was something I wanted to say. I always tried asking myself: What would I want to watch right now?
For gaming, it was raw, fun, unscripted moments.
For Vikings or Lord of the Rings, it was more researched and structured.
For Rosenborg videos, I keep up with team news, rumors, and insights, then build a script.
Scripting (When Needed)
For storytelling content (Vikings, LotR, RBK), scripting was key. But for gaming? I kept it real. The experience itself was the content.
Recording & Editing
Recorded using OBS
Edited with Sony Vegas Pro (and occasionally Premiere Pro)
Thumbnails? Photoshop or Canva - clean, clickable, and relevant.
Publishing & Optimization
I added titles, tags, descriptions, playlists - all built for SEO.
I didn’t just hit upload and pray. I made sure the video was findable, clickable and shareable.
Sharing
Once uploaded, I shared the video on:
YouTube Community tab
Discord
Twitter (now X) and Instagram
And sometimes in collaborations with others
This wasn’t a random process. It was structured, strategic, and consistent. I’ve never spent money on ads, yet some of my videos reached over 1 million views within 24 hours - all because the process worked.
Mistakes, Growth & Lessons Learned
The Things I Did Wrong - So You Don’t Have To
Let’s be honest - no YouTuber gets everything right. And I made plenty of mistakes that could’ve ended my channel. But I also learned, adjusted, and grew stronger.
Common Mistakes I Made (And What You Should Avoid)
Taking breaks without Preparation
The YouTube algorithm hates inconsistency. I took breaks without scheduling uploads in advance, which risked stalling my momentum.
Lesson: If you need a break (and you should!), plan content ahead or stay active in other ways (community posts, Discord, etc.).
Switching languages too late
I started in Dutch - which limited my audience. Only later did I realize the power of switching to English.
Lesson: Think globally early on. A broader language = a broader audience.
Not optimizing my early videos
I didn’t always use good thumbnails, proper tags, or clear titles. Some of those videos had potential - but lacked the polish.
Lesson: Your title, thumbnail, and first 30 seconds are make-or-break.
Jumping on trends I didn’t love
I uploaded content I wasn’t passionate about, just because it was “hot”.
Lesson: Don’t chase views. Chase impact. Viewers feel authenticity.
What I’d Do Differently
If I could go back:
I’d stay consistent from day one
I’d never ignore video titles and thumbnails
I’d build a clear brand earlier (like I did with Vikinger)
And I’d make content I love - not just what performs
You’ll grow by doing, failing, and doing again - just like I did.
100K+ Subscribers Later - What I’m Proud Of
This Is What Keeps Me Going
Reaching 100,000 subscriberes is more than just a number - it’s a milestone built on late nights, passion, risk-taking, and years of experimenting. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, but even prouder of the journey it took to get here.
Milestones That Still Make Me Smile
YouTube Play Button
Holding that silver play button was surreal. It meant the world. I wasn’t just “trying YouTube” anymore - I had built something real.
125+ million views
I never imagined I’d see that number. Every view is a person who decided my content was worth watching. That matters.
Viral videos with over 1 million views in 24 hours
Not from ads, but from raw content + strong strategy. No gimmicks - just understanding how to hook people with good ideas.
A loyal community
It’s not just the numbers. I’ve built a tight-knit audience on YouTube, Discord, and social media. Some of these vieweres have been with me for years. That’s something no algorithm can measure.
Lessons I’ll Always Keep
Stay consistent.
Keep innovating, even when it’s scary.
You don’t need millions of fans to make an impact - you need the right ones.
This journey gave me friends, confidence, and the foundation to start my marketing firm, Vikinger Media. And most importantly: it taught me that building something from scratch is always worth it.
From YouTuber to Marketing Founder
The Moment I Knew I Could Build Something Bigger
YouTube gave me more than an audience - it gave me a crash course in branding, content strategy, engagement, and growth. I didn’t study marketing in school, but I lived it though my channel. And at one point, I realized: I could use everything I’d learned to help others.
Why I Started Vikinger Media
After years of creating content, managing collaborations, and understanding exactly how to grow on digital platforms, I knew I had something unique to offer. I had worked in multiple marketing roles, but often felt held back - limited by red tape, outdated strategies, or a lack of creative freedom. So, I took the leap.
I started Vikinger Media to:
Use my skills to help others achieve their goals
Work on projects I believe in
Combine strategy + creativity + content under one roof
Approach every client from two angles: as a content creator and a marketer
Create a business that felt human, hands-on, and built on trust
I’ve been on both sides: I’ve grown my own brand, and I’ve built successful campaigns for others. That’s what makes Vikinger Media different - it’s not just theory. It’s tested. Proven. And personal.
Why It Works: The Creator + Marketer Mindset
Two Worlds. One Skillset. Maximum Impact.
Most marketing agencies come from one side of the table: either corporate strategy or content production. I come from both. I’ve built a personal brand from scratch, reached millions of people, and helped companies grow their revenue by millions of Norwegian Kroner. That balance - between creator instinct and strategic marketing - is what sets Vikinger Media apart.
Where most marketers guess what works online…
I’ve tested it myself. For years.
Where many content creators burn out chasing trends…
I understand how to structure sustainable growth.
The Difference You Can Feel
When you work with me, you’re not just getting a marketer. You’re getting:
A YouTuber who hit 100K+ subs without ads
A strategist who’s led major marketing campaigns
A creative mind who still makes content for the love of it
A listener who adapts to your goals, not just what the “rulebook” says
Whether you’re a brand, business, or content creator, I speak your language - because I’ve been you.
Monetization, Milestones & Real Results
YouTube Wasn’t Just Views - It Was My Full-Time Job
Before I launched Vikinger Media, I was a full-time content creator. My YouTube channel was more than a creative outlet - it was a business. I monetized my channel, partnered with sponsors, received donations from loyal fans, and even secured clients for my marketing company thanks to the visibility YouTube gave me.
I’ve worked with major names like Technoblade, Orepros and KreekCraft, and built a community that keeps showing up - every upload, every milestone, every pivot.
Real Numbers. Real impact.
100,000+ subscribers
Nearly 200,000 now and still growing
125 million+ total views
YouTube Silver Play Button
Generated over 20 million NOK / 2 million euros in sales through my marketing work
Helped multiple creators scale their channels - for free, out of love for the craft
This wasn’t luck. It was years of trial, error, strategy, passion, and persistence.
Why I Started Vikinger Media
The Creator Who Turned Strategy Into a Business
I’ve been in marketing roles where I felt boxed in - where great ideas never left the boardroom and creativity got buried under red tape. That’s not me. I needed freedom. I needed to build something that reflected my vision as both a content creator and a marketer.
That’s how Vikinger Media was born.
From YouTube Channel to Marketing Company
Vikinger Media is named about my YouTube brand “Vikinger” - a channel that went from small beginnings to a globally recognized platform with millions of views. It shaped who I am, gave me the tools to build an audience, and proved I could deliver results without big budgets, just by being strategic and creative.
I wanted to use those same skills to help others grow - not just creators, but businesses, brands, and entrepreneurs.
The Vision
To help others achieve their dreams, while continuing to work on mine.
Whether you’re launching a product, growing a brand, or just need someone to finally give your content the push it deserves - I’m here to help. It is all about results.
Who I Work With
It’s Not About Size - It’s About Drive
At Vikinger Media, I work with anyone who’s serious about growing their brand. Whether you’re a solo content creator, a small business, or a company looking to modernize your marketing, you’re in the right place.
What matters most isn’t your industry or budget - it’s your willingness to stand out, think creatively, and invest in growth.
Clients I’ve Helped
Over the years, I’ve supported:
YouTubers & Streamers - helping them grow channels, optimize content, and develop a visual identity.
Companies - designing websites, building marketing funnels, and increasing direct sales.
Startups, brands and local businesses - delivering brand makeovers, full strategies, and creative campaigns.
Even if you’re a jewelry brand, hotel, artist, NGO, or app developer - if you’ve got a vision, I’m here to help make it real.
Let’s Work Together
If you’re tired of cookie-cutter strategies and want tailored marketing with a human touch, let’s talk. My approach is hands-on, collaborative, and built on over a decade of experience from both sides of the content and marketing world.
What Type of Projects I Take On
Projects That Have Purpose, Personality, and Potential
I don’t just take on work to fill a calendar. I choose projects where I can make a real impact - and where collaboration, creativity, and clarity are part of the process.
I Take On Projects Like:
Full brand (re)designs - logo, visuals, tone of voice, marketing materials, strategy.
YouTube channel growth plans - scripts, thumbnails, titles, tags, optimization.
Website builds & redesigns - functional, beautiful, mobile-ready, and SEO optimized.
Content calendars & campaigns - for businesses, creators, or events.
Social media management - consistent, smart, and with a real brand voice.
Strategy workshops & consulting - where we deep dive and solve.
What excites me the most is when someone comes to me with a vision, or even just a feeling - and we build something strong, unique, and impactful together.
Your Project, My Priority
Whether it’s a one-off launch, a long-term growth plan, or something in between, I treat every project with care. You’re not just a number. You’re a partner - and I’m here to help you grow.
What I Enjoy Most in Projects
What keeps me going isn’t just numbers or view counts - it’s the process. I genuinely enjoy building something from the ground up, whether that’s a new YouTube channel, a rebrand, or a marketing campaign. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping someone take their idea and turn it into something bigger - something that works.
I love the strategy behind it. Thinking about audience psychology, figuring out what makes someone click, watch, stay, subscribe - and then creating content or marketing that fits that exact puzzle. I enjoy making things look better, sound better, and perform better. I get a real kick out of hearing someone say, “Wow, I didn’t think this could actually work… but it does.”.
Whether I’m helping a content creator gain visibility, a company increase their reach and revenue - it’s the same spark. Creativity meets results, and that’s where I thrive.
What I’m Most Proud Of
There are a few milestones that still feel surreal.
Reaching 100,000 subscribers was one of them - I remember the exact moment I saw the number tick over. I had worked so hard for years with nothing but passion and persistence keeping me going. Seeing that YouTube Play Button arrive at my doorstep was a moment of validation. Not just for the numbers, but for everything it represented: growth, creativity, learning, resilience.
I’m proud of the 125 million total views - and not because of vanity. Those views mean people connected with what I made. They laughed, learned, or found something meaningful in it. That’s all I ever wanted.
But most of all, I’m proud of the community. The loyal viewers who’ve stuck around through every content pivot, the Discord members, the comments that tell me a video helped them through something. That’s the kind of impact you can’t measure - and it’s the reason I kept going for so long.
How It Shaped My Career
YouTube didn’t just give me a platform - it gave me a purpose.
By building my own channel, learning how to grow an audience, designing thumbnails, writing scripts, analyzing what worked and what didn’t, I unknowingly built a foundation in marketing. And not just any marketing - but the kind that actually connects with people.
All those years of experimenting, collaborating, testing content formats, and adjusting to the algorithm taught me more than any textbook ever could. I didn’t just study marketing; I lived it.
Eventually, that hands-on experience pushed me toward a new goal: helping others grow too. That’s when I founded Vikinger Media - my own marketing firm. Without YouTube, I never would’ve had the confidence, experience, or insight to start a business. It showed me I was capable of more than just running a channel - I could build brands, guide creators, and help businesses grow in ways they never imagined.
In a way, YouTube wasn’t just a chapter in my story. It was the beginning of everything.
Yes, It Was a Real Job
Let’s get this out of the way - yes, YouTube was my full-time job. And it paid well.
It’s easy for people to look at content creation and underestimate what goes into it. But when you’re consistently pulling in hundreds of thousands of views, collaborating with some of the biggest names in your niche, getting sponsorships, and maintaining an active and loyal audience - it becomes a full-on career.
I’ve worked with brands, gotten sponsorship deals, earned ad revenue, and built a thriving Discord and YouTube community that still engages with my work today. I received my YouTube Silver Play Button, surpassed 100,000 subscribers, and eventually hit 125 million total views. And as of writing, I’m closing in on 200,000 subscribers.
But more than the numbers, I’m proud of the connections I’ve made, the people I’ve helped, and the lessons I’ve learned. The comments, emails, and DMs I still get from people who grew with my content - that’s what makes it feel like more than just a job. It was a journey. And one I’m incredibly proud of.
From YouTube to Marketing
My journey into marketing didn’t begin in a classroom - it started on YouTube.
While growing my channel, I wasn’t just creating content for fun. I was analyzing performance, testing thumbnails, writing optimized titles, studying algorithms, and learning how to connect with an audience. Without realizing it at first, I was developing deep marketing expertise - and applying it in real-time.
Eventually, I took that knowledge into the professional world. After helping a number of brands and companies grow, both on freelance basis and marketing positions within these companies, I stepped into a leadership role as Marketing, Sales & Communications Manager. In that role, I led marketing strategy, reworked branding and communications, and helped land one of the biggest deals in the copmany’s history.
Still, I wanted more creative freedom - and to do things my way. That’s why I started Vikinger Media: to combine my experience as both a content creator and a marketing strategist into one powerful agency. I had already helped generate over 20 million NOK in revenue through my work. Now, it was time to build my own brand - and help others build theirs.
Is It Monetized?
Yes - my YouTube channel is fully monetized, and over the years, it has generated income in a variety of ways.
I’ve worked with a range of sponsors and brands who partnered with me for promotions, shoutouts, and campaigns. I’ve also received generous donations from subscribers, collaborated with other creators on revenue-sharing content, and benefited from YouTube’s AdSense program. At its peak, YouTube was my full-time job - and it paid well.
In fact, my YouTube success helped kickstart my career in marketing. Some of my earliest clients for Vikinger Media found me through my videos. And to this day, my channel continues to serve as both a creative outlet and a professional lead generator.
YouTube taught me how to market - not just products, but myself. That skill is what I now bring to the table for businesses, creators, and entrepreneurs alike.
Why Vikinger Media Exists Today
Without YouTube, Vikinger Media wouldn’t exist - it’s that simple.
Everything I learned about branding, growth, design, audience psychology, and marketing strategy came from over a decade of creating and analyzing content. What started as a hobby at age 10 became a lifelong education in content, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
When I launched Vikinger Media, I knew it had to honor that journey. That’s why I named it after my channel - Vikinger. It represents where I started, what I built, and the vision I now have for helping others succeed.
I’ve lived every side of the digital world: the content creator chasing milestones, the marketer crafting strategy behind the scenes, and the business owner building something from scratch. I’ve made mistakes, taken risks, and created viral content that reached millions.
Now, with Vikinger Media, I help other people - creators, companies, and visionaries - do the same. Whether it’s scaling their YouTube channel, redesigning a brand, or building a marketing plan from zero, I bring my full experience to the table. Not just from YouTube, but also every marketing position I have had as a freelancer and while working for companies.
This agency is more than a business. It’s my story - continued.
Final Advice for Aspiring Creators
If you’re just starting your YouTube journey - or feel stuck along the way - here’s what I wish someone told me early on:
Don’t chase trends you don’t believe in. Do what makes you excited to create.
Stay consistent. The algorithm rewards regular uploads and punishes long breaks.
Thumbnails and titles are not secondary - they’re your first impression. Treat them like it.
Don’t worry if growth is slow. From 0 to 300 subs took me 1.5 years. Then it exploded.
Avoid “sub for sub”. It hurss your channel more than it helps.
Optimize everything: your channel description, tags, playlits, and upload schedule.
Record and schedule videos ahead of time before taking a break.
Learn from others - but don’t try to be them. Build your own voie.
I went from a 10-year-old with a webcam to over 125 million views, nearly 200,000 subscribers, a YouTube Play Button, and now, a full-service marketing agency built on that experience.
Need advice on how to grow your YouTube channel?
Let’s talk. Whether you’re just starting or ready to scale, I’d love to help.
