6 Things We Learned from Ernest Reschke About Starting Content From Zero
Ernest Reschke is a 22-year-old computer engineering student who started creating content on the side — and stuck with it. In our first Socialync podcast episode, he broke down what actually works when you're starting from nothing. Here are the biggest takeaways.
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1. Just Pick Up the Phone and Start
Don't wait for equipment, a strategy, or the perfect idea. Ernest's advice for anyone starting out is almost aggressively simple: post cool stuff.
"I think picking up the phone and making a video is the best thing that you could do."
Try this today: Record one video on your phone. Post it. That's day one.
2. Commit to 90 Days of Sucking
Ernest is honest — you'll be bad at first. Your views will be low. You'll question it constantly. That's the filter. The people who survive 90 days of not seeing results are the ones who make it.
"You just got to suck at it for 90 days. And then once that 90 days — you'll probably still suck, but you'll know you showed up."
Try this today: Set a 90-day posting challenge. No breaks, no excuses. Review your analytics on day 91.
3. Your Best Content Will Come on Your Worst Days
Ernest's highest-performing video was recorded in his closet at 9 PM after an exhausting workday — just him talking about Skate 3. 10K views. You can't predict what takes off, so removing yourself from the game on a bad day is the biggest mistake.
Try this today: On days you don't feel like posting, post anyway. Set a rule: never skip two days in a row.
4. Tap Into Nostalgia and Shared Experience
The Skate 3 video worked because it connected to something people already cared about deeply. Core memories, cult classics, shared experiences — content that triggers "I remember that" gets people commenting, and comments feed the algorithm.
"It just gets people talking about really good memories. Four comments in the first hour — algorithm took and ran with it."
Try this today: Think about what your audience grew up with. What games, shows, or experiences would make them stop scrolling?
5. Tell the Viewer Who They Already Are
One of Ernest's sharpest observations: the content that grows fastest right now tells the viewer something about themselves. "If you do this, you're this kind of person." It works because people want confirmation that they're on the right path.
"It's that formula where you're almost telling the user that you are already this, you just need to get there."
Try this today: Frame your content around identity, not instructions. "You're the kind of person who..." hits harder than "Here's how to..."
6. You Don't Have to Burn the Boats
Ernest pushes back hard on the "quit everything and go all in" narrative. You can build content while in school. You can chase a dream while keeping your job. Set a milestone — like 50K followers — and go full-time when you hit it, not before.
"You don't have to burn the boat. You don't have to ruin everything to get your dreams. They do exist within each other."
Try this today: Set a concrete, measurable milestone for when you'd go full-time. Until then, build on the side — consistently.
Read the full episode highlights: Ernest Reschke on Showing Up, Staying Authentic, and Why You Should Just Post
Follow Ernest: @uncl.ernest on Instagram | LinkedIn
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