Vlogging can be lucrative but not instant — Real Talk Darbs
MANILA, Philippines — Content marketing expert Darbie Kim Estrebilla, also known as "RTD" of "Real Talk Darbs," founded his own company House Creatives to assist budding content creators and entrepreneurs.
The company wants to develop a community where future internet creators and business owners may build their online presences, strengthen their branding skills, and eventually attain mass reach across social platforms.
Estrebilla has been giving talks on content production and hosted events for content creators and entrepreneurs since debuting House Creatives.
His company's well-known organized event "Content that Converts" which he holds quarterly is now in its 19th season.
"It's an honor to be given a platform... and it comes with a responsibility. When I noticed that my following was rising, I knew I needed to do something to encourage and help others," Estrebilla said.
The content marketing expert said through "Content that Converts," he gets to help aspiring content creators establish their brands and understand what it takes to be a content creator as well as help entrepreneurs make their brands visible."
With such a large social media following and growing recognition — "Real Talk Darbs" has five million followers on Facebook alone — Estrebilla discussed being famous and how he doesn't let fame get to his head.
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"Yes, people recognize me, but I don't think about it every day," Estrebilla said. "Fame fades. The purpose lasts. And the only reason I got these outcomes is because I acted when others did not."
What is necessary, Estrebilla noted, its being intentional in all content and that substance matters more than views.
"Material should always be intentional and reflect who creators truly are, rather than trying to be someone else," Estrebilla continued. "Yes, we must market ourselves, but you must have a gut feeling about whether these are the careers you truly desire."
"And when you realize it's truly what you want, that's when I teach them about 'content that converts' because you still have to earn while being your authentic self," he added.
On the entrepreneurial side of things, Estrebilla tries to make it easier how to produce video content that generates leads and revenue
"Content marketing expertise is typically expensive and restricted to agencies. I make it accessible," he told the media. "Many Filipino businesses continue to believe that significant finance or television exposure are required to market their business. I demonstrate how strategic video content may level the playing field."
Asked to remark on people's assumption that creating online content makes one rich, he replied, "Content creation can be lucrative, pero hindi siya instant. It’s not just about going viral, it’s about building real value, solving real problems, and showing up consistently."
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"Lagi kong sinasabi: the content is not the end goal, it's the bridge. Kapag tama ang strategy mo, content can open doors to brand deals, product sales, speaking engagements, partnerships, and even bigger ventures," Estrebilla continued.
He reiterated the possibility of getting rich through content, but only if one treats it like a business.
"'Yung mga talagang kumikita, hindi lang sila basta entertainer. Strategic sila. They know their audience and they create with intention. Ako mismo, I built an ecosystem ranging from personal brand strategist to coaching to community. It's not magic. It's marketing. And it works if you put in the work," Estrebilla said.
As Estrebilla's popularity and reach grow, critique become unavoidable. He stated that he was hurt at first but has since learned not to take things personally.
"Criticism is part of the package, lalo na kapag visible ka. Noong nagsisimula ako, masakit. Pero I realized: the more I focus on helping people, the less I take things personally. I don't create content to please everyone. I create to serve a purpose. Kung may isang taong natulungan ang message ko, panalo na ako. The rest is noise," he ended.
In "Real Talk Darbs," Estrebilla discusses contemporary pop culture topics and trends.
His most viewed video, "Social Experiment if Filipinos Are Helpful," has already garnered 44 million views. His cumulative views have surpassed 1 billion, and in 2024 he was named the Most Motivational Vlogger by the Philippine Vlogger Awards.
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