YouTube is one of the first online video sharing websites/platforms on the internet; becoming a YouTuber has become one of the biggest millennial/Gen Z craze.
The platform has more than a million people who use it; so this begs the question, how do you stand out on a platform that has millions of people trying to be the lucky few who do ‘make’ it?
So, how do I start a YouTube channel?
Well, the first place to start is by:
- Signing into YouTube and creating a channel. You will have to pick an avi (avatar), the username (that can be your URL as well, remember this);
- Update your bio/about section on your account;
- Link your other social media accounts and an email to your account;
- Script, record, edit and upload your first YouTube video;
- Update your profile with a playlist (if your videos will be different series’).
If you are trying to grow on YouTube, remember to upload on a consistent, regular schedule. Most YouTubers set specific days aside to upload content.
Do not forget to promote and market your channel on other social media platforms so that more people are visiting the account.
The process is as important as the end goal…
Your content should be top-notch to fit the niche market you are attempting to attract; this means you need to find the right equipment to help you do the job.
If you are going to use your phone and a microphone instead of a fancy camera and lapel then you should research the different editor websites you can use. The quality of your videos should not have to be studio-grade but it should be appealing enough for a viewer to subscribe and keep watching your content.
Also, remember that just because you have the best equipment does not automatically mean good YouTube content. Ensure that you know how to use the equipment; what settings the camera should be set to, what sort of light best compliments the video, how to erase background sounds from certain content (having loud construction site noises in the background of your video might distract the viewer from the content of the video).
What are the different types of YouTube channels? How do you know which one to pick?
There are very many different types of YouTube channels, from a generic audience to a niche one.
How you determine where your content/account falls is determined by your passion and end goal. If you want to content create then vlogging may be a good option for you.
If you are passionate about cooking, then you can start a cooking show. If you are a gamer, then you can post gaming clips and snippets on YouTube.
You can also get specific with your audience – unboxing skincare products, reviewing toys, discussing certain political issues or even eating (loudly) into a microphone.
Insofar as the content is family-friendly and in line with YouTube’s policies any content goes.
Is there an opportunity on YouTube to make money?
A ‘YouTube Influencer’ makes their money through sponsorships and ad revenue from other companies and brands as well as YouTube itself (if you become a ‘big’ YouTube influencer).
To monetize off of your YouTube channel you have to have at least 1,000 genuine (not bought or spam) subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in a year.
‘The Creator Academy’ delve further into how a YouTuber should get started with brand partnerships:
- You have to understand brand partnership and carefully select which brand deal you should and should not take;
- After choosing the right kind of brand partnership you should know how to quote/invoice the brand deal or learn how to pitch to a brand you wish to create content for (if you are the one reaching out to them);
- If the brand does decide to go ahead and hire you then you have to move onto the third step/stage – the pre-production and post-production process.
This includes mood boards, script/screenwriting, product/ad placement in the video and the pitch (in your video).
Your audience will likely skip the sponsored ad, it helps to create different, innovative ways of talking about the product in your video; - You should be able to navigate and cultivate the partnership for future opportunities with the brand.
It is important to remember that some brands/companies offer YouTubers ‘codes’ that give their audiences discounts on the product. Bear this in mind as the money you make will come from the number of ‘fans’ that use your code.
In summary:
- Have a plan;
- Have the tools and skillset required to execute the plan;
- Know the editing software you will be using;
- Study the target audience – remember that if this is going to be a job, you need to understand the seller (video sponsors) and the buyer (the people watching your video).
