YouTube first released its Partner Program in 2007. YouTube channels like SMOSH, nigahiga, and Pewdiepie found revenue from making videos. It allowed many independent content creators to turn YouTube into a full-time job.
People are starting to recognizing doing YouTube as a legitimate job. Many people still view YouTube as a hobby or pastime. Most YouTube creators started YouTube as a way to show their passion or spread an important message.
The great thing about YouTube is that anyone can make a channel and start posting videos. In this article, we show you how to become a YouTuber. Find success on YouTube with these steps!
Choose a YouTube Channel Name
The first step to creating your YouTube channel is choosing a channel name. With this name, users will be able to find you with ease and associate content with you. Choosing the best username for your channel may be a little challenging.
When choosing a name for your channel, ask yourself how you want to market your channel. How do you want to market yourself on other social media platforms aside from YouTube? Remember than your audience must be able to find you under this name across all platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
Your channel name must be attractive, unique, and short enough to be memorable. Choose a username related to your YouTube content or your personality.
Avoid choosing a name that may be offensive or can mislead your viewers. Avoid using names that feature a trademark from any brand.
Choose Your Content
YouTube is full of diverse and different content. You can type almost anything in the search bar and YouTube will have pages of results. Here are some of the most popular types of content that you can find on YouTube.
Vlogging
Vlogging is a short term for a video log or video blog. Most vlogs you can find on YouTube consist of “a day in the life” videos or travel. Some YouTubers also use vlogs to promote a product or an event or to share a how-to guide.
Vlogs gain a large following because viewers feel attracted to its authentic format. Some beauty channels incorporate vlogs into their main channel. Other YouTubers have separate channels for only vlogs.
Gaming
YouTube gaming started as walkthroughs and tutorials for difficult areas in some games. In 2008, Anthony AKA Blame Truth jumpstarted commentary on gaming videos. Gaming communities found friends in the comments of YouTube gaming videos.
The gaming community on YouTube continues to grow every year. Some of the biggest gaming channels include PewDiePie, Markiplier, Jacksepticeye, and PopularMMOs. All you need to start a gaming channel is a screen recorder, a mic, and a webcam.
Product Review Videos
YouTube did not only become a platform to advertise products. Many YouTube channels focus on reviewing products too! 91% of people look for online reviews before making a purchase.
On YouTube, channels take product review a step further. YouTubers allow their audience to see how a product works while also giving feedback. Most product reviews consist of beauty products or digital equipment.
Art Videos
YouTube also became a platform for artists to showcase their work. Many popular art channels include RossDraws, Draw With Jazza and Sarah Tepes. Most art YouTube channels feature tutorials for drawing, painting, and even animation.
You can also find many art process videos in the form of speedpaints. Art channels use many different mediums. The most popular medium on YouTube is digital art, but you can also find YouTubers who use oils, acrylics, and gouache.
Beauty and Makeup
YouTube is home to many makeup gurus and beauty enthusiasts. You can find content related to skincare and skincare-related products. You can also find tutorials or tips for taking care of and curling your hair.
Many channels also feature makeup processes and tutorials and even fashion. Some of the most popular makeup channels include Jeffree Star, James, Charles, and NikkieTutorials. Some makeup gurus also review products and experiment with artistic looks.
Learn How to Market Your Content
YouTube is the best platform for independent content creators. Unfortunately, this also means you’re in charge of marketing yourself. Because of YouTube’s algorithm, you need to have a proper marketing strategy.
As a YouTuber, you need to develop a YouTube personality. This personality extends over other platforms beyond YouTube. Some YouTubers like Filthy Frank develop a completely different personality.
Don’t rely on only YouTube to get more views. Compose a strategy for marketing your YouTube channels on other social media platforms. Making a YouTube thumbnail is also part of becoming a YouTuber.
An attractive and recognizable thumbnail helps you increase your YouTube CTR. Avoid using misleading titles or images in your thumbnail. YouTube users coined the term clickbait for this.
Viewers tend to close a video when they find that it’s not related to the title or video. This makes your average view duration very low. When the algorithm recognizes this, YouTube is less likely to recommend your video to viewers.
Plan Your Content
Want to know how to become a YouTuber? Once you have your niche or content type, you need to start uploading. Viewers on YouTube value consistency when subscribing to a channel.
Consider planning out your content before you start uploading or creating a channel. Having a content schedule gives your viewers something to look forward to if they subscribe to your channel. It also serves as a guide for you to organize your efforts.
Start with a weekly schedule. Most content creators pump out videos once a week. When you start feeling more comfortable with the YouTube process, you can start uploading twice a week.
Learn How YouTube SEO Works
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. Many websites use this to push their content to the front page in favor of a search engine’s algorithm. Like Google and Bing, YouTube uses an algorithm to find videos for YouTuber users.
YouTube SEO is essential for increasing the visibility of your channel and videos. It also recommends your videos to users when they’re watching a video with content similar to yours. Using SEO is using the keywords and phrases that people use to search.
The words and key phrases that you use depend on the type of content you produce. With YouTube’s algorithm, good and high-quality content alone cannot get you more views. You can start researching keywords with YouTube’s autofill search bar.
Incorporate these keywords into your video titles. Consider putting them in your video description also. Follow this link to learn more about CPM YouTube and how to use SEO to your advantage.
Get the Right Equipment
When you first start YouTube, you need to get the right equipment. Expensive professional equipment is not necessary to get more views. You can find good YouTube equipment on a budget and still gather more subscribers.
Before you buy your equipment, determine what you need. The basic YouTube setup consists of a camera, a mic, and good lighting. If you’re a gamer or recording your art processes, you may also need a good screen recorder.
You can find many good cameras and mics for a low price. You may also consider using a good smartphone camera. Remember that lighting is important in recording videos, so consider investing in a single ring light.
Determine Your Target Audience
YouTube has over 2 billion active users. With YouTube’s diverse content, you’re sure to find all kinds of users. Determine who your target audience is before you start creating YouTube content.
Consider which demographic is best suited for your content. Consider factors like age, gender, location, and occupations when deciding your target audience. You can also choose people with similar interests like gaming, makeup, and art.
Most YouTubers choose audiences within the same age range as them. Choosing a target audience within your age range allows you to create content that they can relate to. Consider asking your friends what kind of content they would look for.
Engage With Your Audience
Consistent and high-quality content is essential to finding success on YouTube. But another important factor in becoming a YouTuber is engaging with your audience. Many YouTubers create communities through their channels.
In some ways, YouTube channels serve as a platform for people to meet each other. In the comments of YouTube videos, people can interact and find friends. As a YouTuber, you must also make it a priority to engage with your audience.
Subscribers tend to feel more attracted to YouTubers who interact with their followers regularly. Engaging with your audience makes them feel valued and heard. You can also use this as an opportunity for your channel.
You can start engaging with subscribers by replying to their comments on your videos. Ask your viewers what kind of content they want to see. Consider hosting giveaways and competitions for your viewers.
Learn How to Edit Videos
Aside from recording and uploading your videos, an essential part of the process is editing. Many YouTube channels hire editors from outside their channels to edit videos. But learning how to edit videos can be a valuable skill for you to learn.
Editing is a process of compiling video clips and exporting them for sharing. Many YouTubers edit their videos with special effects and music. With an editing tool, you can add an extra touch of magic to your videos.
Many popular video editing tools include Adobe Premiere Pro and Sony Vegas Movie Studio. But you can also find free video editing tools like Lightworks and iMovie. Even if you’re not an expert in editing videos, it’s still a valuable skill to learn for starting YouTube.
Cross-Platform Promotion
One of the great ways to find success on Youtube is by promoting your channels across all platforms. This includes all of your social media like Twitter, Instagram, and more. Many YouTube stars found success on YouTube by cross-promoting their channels.
You can use platforms like Instagram Live to showcase behind the scenes processes of your videos. Being active on all platforms allows you to reach more of your target audience. It also allows you to interact with the people who follow you.
Many YouTubers host Live videos on various social media. This allows them to interact with their followers in real-time. Consider cross-platform promotion if you want to gain more visibility for your YouTube account.
Follow Your Passion
The biggest YouTube stars found success by following their passion. It all starts with a single video related to a topic they’re interested in. This attracts viewers who have similar interests and become loyal followers.
Many YouTubers find success by following what they love to do. By nature, these channels love creating content whether it’s gaming, makeup, or comedy. Content created with passion tends to be more engaging.
Viewers notice when channels pretend and call them out in the comment section. Genuine passion is what drives viewers to continue watching your videos.
Practice Networking
An example of networking on YouTube is guest-starring in other people’s channels. Networking and reaching out to other content creators allow you to expand your viewer base. When you find the right people to work with, you can also learn some valuable tips.
You can boost your channel by inviting other YouTubers to appear or talk in your videos. With this strategy, you benefit each other by attracting viewers from either side. Many YouTubers who feature in guest videos end up talking like friends or sharing common interests.
Now You Know How to Become a YouTuber
YouTube is a great way to find success by doing something you love. Many people with unique interests like gaming and makeup found success on YouTube. Some channels on YouTube also feature independent filmmakers.
YouTube is slowly becoming a great platform for users to find success. If you want to know how to become a YouTuber, we hope these tips helped! Stay true to yourself and your passions.
Thank you for reading our article! If you liked this, consider checking out our other blog posts to discover more great content and find online success.