My 365-day YouTube watch time is over 5,000, but the YouTube earnings page shows it as 1,500. What is the problem?

My thumbnails have drifted from super simple to theatrical. I have settled on the simple side. But even so, they are so hard to judge, and I don't think there is any tool or person out there that knows for sure, except for success or failure. I have steered away from A/B testing because I believe that after 24-48 hours, it's practically irrelevant and results are not immediate. This is a long way of asking you, what do you think?

Part 1 - Clarity Over the last 30 days, I learned that clarity comes in public spaces. Participation, positing, asking questions can only happen with other people. My confidence has grown because of the encouragement and direction from my friends in this tribe! You all spark my heart ✨💖 Your channels are not just made up of topics, it stands for something, and since working the steps and material that Alexa provides for free, has helped me bring clarity to my channel and give it a vibe. A place for people to feel seen and learn the current mess of their lives does not dictate their future. If I can help people get that, I have done a good job in my life and I will be satisfied. 🔥 Part 2 - Consistency I learned even when plagued with a bronchial condition that prevented me from talking, you can still post on a regular basis when you put into place the lessons learned here about batching. That Lesson Paid OFF! 💰 Part 3 - Connection There is a level of magic that happens when you show up for others, 👉🏽 they show up for you! Maybe it’s not magic, it just feels like it. The community connections in this tribe alone was worth joining it and responding to comments here builds confidence to comment on your channel. This is a great practice ground for asking questions, giving encouragement and receiving it! 💐 Part 4 - Reflection I now answer the question, “What do you do?” With, “I am a content creator and a community builder.” If they want to know more, they ask, if not, oh well! The surprise of this entire journey is how much fun it is and there is no age limit to dictate if you are any good at it. It is all about your willingness to show up, grow and give away what you know. What would I tell myself on day one? Every step you take on this journey is a step forward, you will finish if you just keep taking steps! And I did FINISH! I have about 30 minutes to celebrate, 🎉🎆 then on to a thirty day challenge learning how to build a skool community! Oh and this next thirty day challenge needs to be done in 7 days! If you want to know why, ask!

For a couple of weeks now I’ve been trying to learn from @stiilinthefight. In 21 days of existence it has 17k subscribers. With some obvious differences to my channel @agingstrong it is as close to mine as anything on YouTube. My channel is slowly growing with around 2300 subscribers and his is viral. I can blame AI but I see no upfront signs other than what we all use if for. I can definitely make changes to get more subscribers but I am so befuddled by Dave’s amazing growth. Can you help.out? You won’t hurt my feelings. I was learning YouTube from the gurus but none have explained whats occurred in just a few weeks. BTW Dave posted a couple of videos saying he is just as astonished by his rapid growth while profusely thanking all his subscribers. I know AI can do some amazing things but I see no AI in this. One more thing his videos have minimal production, rough at times and little thumbnail design. I understand the importance of authenticity but this is crazy. Help me understand

Does anyone use Canva for editing and/or Thumbnails?