If you're a YouTuber, you're probably interested in keeping track of your channel's views and subscribers. And if you want to do it in a much more visual and convenient way compared to using YouTube Studio, I'll show you how with three counters, two of which you can even create yourself with a Raspberry Pi.
The importance of metrics
They can make you lose sight of what really matters, which is the content, but the truth is that metrics are important when trying to make a project profitable. This is also true on YouTube, and two are extremely important: views and subscribers.
Between the two, it is logical that the first is the one that gives you the most, because it is the one that will give you the most options to monetize your channel through the platform's own ads. Although the second also for potential sponsors, etc.
This data can be easily accessed through YouTube Studio . The problem is that you have to use the mobile app or your computer to see the trends. It's not a major issue, but it's less convenient and, above all, less visually appealing compared to other options.
Through other services such as Social Blade, Livecounts, YTSC, etc., you can have a counter for this data, but you still have to go to their websites or have the links in your browser's bookmarks. So I thought, why not look for much more visual solutions? One of those that, in the same way that you look at the clock on the nightstand to know the time, they tell you that data from YouTube.
Well, these have been around for a long time and I am going to show you the three that I find most interesting. Especially the last two, because you can create them yourself and you only need A Raspberry Pi and a couple of additional components depending on how you want the visualization to be.
TheMetric
This is the solution for those who want nothing complicated, although it's also the most expensive because it's not just a YouTube counter. LaMetric is a connected watch that, thanks to its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, allows you to do much more, such as accessing data from social networks like Twitter, Facebook, and even Google Analytics, checking the weather, controlling Philips Hue devices, Spotify, the radio, and more. And all this without forgetting the numerous possibilities offered by its IFTTT integration.
The problem? Well, it's a device that costs €199 to begin with . And of course, paying that much for a "simple" watch that shows you YouTube data might not be what you're looking to do right now. So, if your budget is smaller or you're interested in tinkering a bit with DIY, move on to the next two options.
Basic YouTube counter with a Raspberry Pi
The first YouTube counter is the simplest option, because it only displays the data and that's it. Even so, it might be the one you're interested in precisely because it's discreet and simple. It looks practically like a bedside clock.
To bring this counter to life, you'll basically need a Raspberry Pi Zero , a micro SD card to install Raspbian OS, a numeric display, and a few other components such as Mini HDMI to HDMI adapters, micro USB to USB adapters, a Bluetooth adapter (in case it doesn't have this connection built-in), and some other items that are easy to find and not very expensive.
With everything ready, the most complicated part will be connecting components like the screen to the different pins on the Raspberry Pi Zero, although if you buy one that already has the pins soldered to the GPIO connector, it will be much easier. I'm referring to the Raspberry Pi Zero WH.
To learn exactly how to connect all the different components, just follow the step-by-step instructions on CheapReviews' Instructables page. It also explains how to configure everything so that the subscribers you gain appear in real time, but it doesn't stop there; it also installs RetroPie, so now the counter also functions as a retro console.
That is, you could use them to play classic games and at the same time keep an eye on the evolution of your YouTube channel in real time. I don't know, you may have to spend time making it, but I only see advantages once it's finished.
Add an e-ink screen to your YouTube counter
If you liked the two previous proposals, I think this last one will do it even more. Firstly, because it seems to me much more aesthetic when it comes to placing it anywhere in the house. Second, because if you are able to do the previous one, this one will not take you much longer to finish and it will not be excessively expensive if compared.
The latest counter for YouTube views and subscribers again makes use of a Raspberry Pi, but here the screen used to display the data is e-ink. Yes, a panel like the one used by the Kindle for example and that if you do as here and place everything in a frame you will have an incredibly aesthetic counter as a result.
To build this eye-catching counter you would need:
- Raspberry Pi Zero W
- Screen Waveshare e-ink 7,5″
- Micro SD card for operating system
- The frame where you are going to place everything later
- Keyboard, mouse and screen for the configuration (you can use the ones you already have, because it is only for that, the configuration)
With everything in your power, you will only need to install the operating system and carry out a series of terminal commands that allow you to configure everything so that the data that interests you so much is displayed: reproductions and YouTube subscribers.
And yes, all that detailed, step-by-step information is available on the project author's website, although you can also see it in the video above. But honestly, the text is better for following the tutorial. Even so, it gives you a good idea of ​​the final result, which I'm sure you'll like.
The envy of your YouTuber friends
With these three counters for YouTube, although there are other possible options when it comes to creating a counter of this type, you're going to be the envy of your YouTuber friends. Of course, they may be yours if they exceed you in visits and subscribers, but for that we do not have a tutorial that allows you to multiply the data. The only thing there is to keep working, enjoying each content you make and if the rest has to come, it will come.
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