Doug DeMuro has 4.45 million followers (about twice the population of New Mexico). He’s been doing this for six years and says the reality behind the spotlight can be summed up as: say what you like, but know how to say it right.
Always Filming Practice Takes
Shooting a car review video isn’t just snapping photos or filming while driving and then writing about the experience. If it were that simple, anyone could do it.
Some thoughts or jokes might sound funny when written down but can come off as awkward or cheesy on video, kind of like how talking on the phone is different from emailing.
That’s why you always have to film practice takes and adjust your style depending on the car you’re driving. It’s similar to how each car targets a different audience.
Just hopping in the car and filming isn’t enough – Photo: Doug DeMuro/YouTube
20-Minute Videos Take Days to Make
Filming takes a lot of time, and editing can take even longer.
A 20-minute video might only need 1-2 hours of filming to capture the key points, not counting mistakes or unexpected issues like sudden bad weather.
Editing a car review video can take a whole day or more. Some videos require adding captions, historical images, or inserting expert or user comments (with permission).
That’s once you’re experienced. When you’re just starting out, it takes even longer.
Finding Cars to Review Isn’t Easy
Doug says he was lucky to borrow cars from manufacturers when he started, but it was a struggle to get permission to film his first videos.
He recommends starting with your own car or a close friend’s, building a basic following before approaching manufacturers, dealerships, or strangers who don’t know you.
Risks While Filming
Doug didn’t mention this in his video, but there are risks like injuring yourself, others, or damaging the car.
Danger is always present and can happen anytime. That’s why car review YouTubing isn’t for the faint-hearted.
You definitely need the financial means or access to credit to cover any unexpected damages.
A Money-Burning Job
Another big challenge is money. Doug can now make a living from YouTube ads, but when starting out, it’s almost all expenses and no income. You have to pay for your first videos yourself.
Even after success, you still have to do free videos and sponsored ones (which must be clearly labeled).
That’s why most YouTubers learn filming and editing before launching their channels.
Some say YouTubing can make you a millionaire only if you start as a billionaire. It’s similar to other expensive hobbies like racing or golf.
Doug was lucky to have a solid financial base, so he could cover hotel stays during long reviews, gas, and repairs. Most other YouTubers don’t have that luxury.
Strong Mental Game
Another thing aspiring car review YouTubers need to prepare for is the mental side. Once a video is online, expect plenty of criticism, sarcasm, teasing, and provocation, especially if you say something considered clueless.
People might also accuse you of getting the review wrong, especially if they’ve owned the car for years while you’ve only driven it a few days.
The key is that it’s not about who’s right or wrong. The internet is a place for debate. Being a YouTuber means being tough and knowing how to avoid pointless arguments that could hurt your follower count.
