I have over 1M followers. Here’s 10 things I wish I’d known BEFORE I grew my audience.

Use code “VAN50” for 50% off Keeper (Personal and Family plan): https://keepersecurity.partnerlinks.i... Everyone talks about how to grow on Instagram or how to grow on YouTube — but no one really prepares you for what happens after you actually grow a big following. In this video, I’m sharing the honest truth about my creator journey and the things I wish I knew before becoming an influencer. If you're looking for social media growth tips, content creator advice, or wondering how to get more followers and grow your audience fast, this one's for you. Whether you're trying to build a personal brand, figure out how to start on social media, or searching for tips for new creators — I’ll walk you through the highs and lows of life as a creator in 2025. We’ll cover everything from social media tips 2025 to creator safety and even the dark side of being an influencer. If you're wondering how to become a content creator or want social media success tips that go beyond just numbers, this is your sign to tune in. ♡ What we cover: 00:00 Why I'm Making This Video 01:10 Exposure to Hate 02:20 Fear of Being Misunderstood 03:13 Creating a Character vs. Being Yourself 04:17 Rush to Know Your Identity 05:23 Fear of Being Irrelevant 06:35 Losing Authenticity 07:08 How I Stay Authentic AND Make Income 07:40 Risking Safety 08:32 Cybersecurity 10:55 People Exploiting Your Likeness 12:58 Transactional Relationships 14:41 Parasocial Relationships ♡ Follow my journey with Superboba (my milk tea brand)   / www.superboba.com   ♡ Resources Mentioned: Use code “VAN50” for 50% off Keeper (Personal and Family plan): https://keepersecurity.partnerlinks.i... Tim Ferris Blog Post: https://tim.blog/2020/02/02/reasons-t... ALL GEAR: https://kit.co/vanessalau.co ♡ MAIN YOUTUBE SETUP https://kit.co/vanessalau.co/my-curre... Camera (Sony) ➡︎ https://geni.us/IE6Jp Camera Lens (Kit) ➡︎ https://geni.us/ha4wk Camera Lens (Ultra Wide) ➡︎ https://geni.us/yoUwyf Camera Lens (Sigma) ➡︎ https://geni.us/VBG899 Microphone ➡︎ https://geni.us/Emzep Neewer Tripod ➡︎ https://geni.us/STzK Neewer Tripod iPhone Attachment ➡︎ https://geni.us/Ak7Q Lighting ➡︎ https://geni.us/gWkHG Lantern Softbox ➡︎ https://geni.us/MAAmAz Lighting Stand ➡︎ https://geni.us/APrj Dummy Battery ➡︎ https://geni.us/nM2tiqm SD Card ➡︎ https://geni.us/1AQ2Wlb ♡ DESKTOP SETUP https://kit.co/vanessalau.co/desk-tec... Obsbot Tiny 2 Webcam: https://bit.ly/42DFQBe (Code: VANESSA for 5% OFF - expires 31/5/2025) Obsbot Tiny 2 Webcam (Amazon Link): https://bit.ly/3S2FSh4 (Code: OBSBOT2025 - expires 31/5/2025） Obsbot Meet SE: https://bit.ly/3RrEyEn (Code: VANESSA for 5% OFF - expires 31/5/2025) Obsbot Meet SE (Amazon Link): https://bit.ly/446bYjs (Code: OBSBOT2025 - expires 31/5/2025） Microphone ➡︎ https://geni.us/Emzep Microphone (XLR) ➡︎ https://geni.us/1A9Bv Microphone (USB - what I’d recommend) ➡︎ https://geni.us/dsYBbB Elgato Arm ➡︎ https://geni.us/cILZlg ♡ VLOGGING SETUP https://kit.co/vanessalau.co/vlogging... Vlogging Camera: https://geni.us/mebO0 Vlogging Camera Cage: https://geni.us/wAYsAj Vlogging Camera Stand: https://geni.us/sj1M1d Magic Arm / Small Rig: https://geni.us/3rsfd6K Sticky Adhesive: https://geni.us/KIlxO9z Wrist Strap: https://geni.us/RuafNa Vlogging Glasses: https://geni.us/Ap82F ♡ SHORTFORM SETUP https://kit.co/vanessalau.co/short-fo... MOFT Tripod ➡︎ https://geni.us/bWtZpE8 Ubeesize Tripod ➡︎ https://geni.us/BYkZU Eucos Tripod ➡︎ https://geni.us/CRmdBpA Selfie Light ➡︎ https://geni.us/xKBooCk ♡ PHOTOS SETUP https://kit.co/vanessalau.co/photo-gear Fuji x100vi ➡︎ https://geni.us/BCVS6S Fuji Case and Strap ➡︎ https://geni.us/HtODMn Fuji XM5 ➡︎ https://geni.us/Ueu813C Fuji XS20➡︎https://geni.us/6xAojn ♡ Products: 📷 Shop all my YouTube gear: https://kit.co/vanessalau.co 🤳 Shop all my vlog gear: https://kit.co/vanessalau.co/vlogging... 👚 Shop all my clothes & lifestyle: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/vanes... ♡ YouTube Optimization Tools I Use: https://www.tubebuddy.com/vanessalauco Use “vanessasbuddy” to get 20% off all licenses ♡ Stay Connected: ♥️ Subscribe to my channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/vanessalau?su... 💛 Follow me on Instagram:   / vanessalau.co   🧋Support my Superfood Milk Tea business:   / getsuperboba