Hey Legend,

So, here's something ya never expect to say:

I got robbed in broad daylight last week.

The worst part?

I actually like the guy who did it.

After an 18-month hiatus, I'm back posting on my main YouTube channel.

Each video takes ~20 hours of work (research, scripting, editing), so I do serious market research first to stack the odds in my favor before launching.

The process is simple: find big creators (1M+ subs), medium (100k-1M), and small (>100k), then scan their libraries for outliers from the past year.

You're looking for title, thumbnail, and topic inspiration.

If something worked for someone else, it can work for you... but only if you add your unique twist.

That's the key: inspiration, not theft.

Yesterday I spotted something interesting from two creators I respect: Ali Abdaal (productivity guru, 2M+ subs) and Ryan Holiday (NYT bestselling author, The Daily Stoic).

Both had clearly "borrowed" from a couple of my videos. But one did it right, the other... not so much.

Example 1: The Right Way

Ali mirrored my title structure but made it his own. Different thumbnail, slightly tweaked title.

The only tell? He used the same weird number of books I did: 613.

(I picked that number because it's my birthday. I've actually read way more than 613 books.)

This is textbook R&D: Rip Off and Duplicate... but done correctly.

Example 2: The Wrong Way

Ryan's thumbnail used not only the same exact books... but my actual body!

His team literally photoshopped his face onto my neck, torso, and arm.

I sent a friendly message. He swapped it immediately. I honestly don't think he even knew (probably an agency cutting corners).

But here's the thing: this can get you a copyright strike and nuke your entire channel.

The Worst Case I've Seen

A few months ago, someone reached out for 1:1 coaching. I checked his YouTube...decent audience, solid content.

Then I noticed his most viral video had my exact title and thumbnail.

So I clicked in.

And was absolutely floored....
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He not only copied my script word-for-word...

But he used all the same b-roll (which included footage of ME walking around the city).

All he did was record himself reading my script and insert that into the sections where I'm talking directly to the camera.

The tragic part? I don't think he knew.

He'd hired a "media company" that stole my entire video and sold it to him as original work.

(Otherwise, why would he reach out for coaching after stealing from me?)

The Lesson

There's a right way and a wrong way to do market research.

The right way:

1. Find patterns
2. Add your voice
3. Make it your own

The wrong way:

1. ctrl+c
2. ctrl+v.

YouTube is the most powerful platform for building an organic audience to grow your business. Use it wisely.

Also, if you're working with a creative agency, ask to see their research process. If they can't show you, run.

Want my exact step-by-step process for doing market research the right way?

​Download the Explosive YouTube Growth Playbook here.​

Stay Hyperfocused, My Friend
Anthony "Often Imitated, But Never Duplicated" Vicino

P.S. Want my exact step-by-step process for doing market research the right way? Just reply YT and I'll send over my playbook.
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P.P.S. If you're starting a YouTube channel in 2026 (or just want to blow your current account up), watch this and I'll break down exactly how I would do it if I were you.