Creating a YouTube channel can be a fun ride for any creator and an excellent way to share your skills, hobbies, lifestyle, or opinions with the world. However, it can also be intimidating if you’re not sure where to start. Here are seven fundamental things every new video creator needs to know:
#1 Plan Your Video Content BEFORE You Start Filming
It’s incredibly important to have a clear idea of what you want to create. Consider your target audience, the purpose of your videos, and the type of content you want to produce. You should also decide on a consistent posting schedule and plan out your content calendar in advance to ensure that you have a steady stream of material to share with your viewers.
#2 Invest in Decent Video, Audio, and Lighting Equipment
While you don’t need the most expensive equipment to start a YouTube channel (and you certainly shouldn’t invest before deciding it’s the right thing for you), it’s important to consider decent-quality gear that will produce fairly high-quality videos. A good camera, microphone, and lighting setup will make a big difference in the final product.
#3 Learn Basic Video Editing
Even if you don’t have a lot of experience with video editing, it’s important to learn the basics. Simple software like iMovie or Adobe Premiere Elements can help you create professional-looking videos with minimal effort.
#4 Engage With Your Growing Audience
YouTube success is all about engaging with your audience and building your community. Building a relationship with your viewers and potential subscribers is essential to success, so respond to comments and questions, ask for feedback, and engage with your audience through live streams and other interactive content. This will help you build a community of loyal followers who are more likely to watch and share your videos.
#5 Monetize Your YouTube Videos
As soon as you hit 1000 subscribers and 4000 hours of watch time, enable monetization on your channel and link it to an AdSense account. You can also monetize your content through sponsorships, paid promotions, or merchandise sales.
#6 Understand and Abide by YouTube’s Guidelines
It’s important to familiarize yourself with YouTube’s guidelines and policies to ensure that your content complies with the platform’s rules. This includes guidelines on copyright, community standards, and advertising policies.
#7 Keep Learning From Other YouTube Creators
There are many successful creators on YouTube who are willing to share their experiences and advice with new creators. Look for creators in your niche and subscribe to their channels to get inspiration and insights into what works on the platform. You can also join creator communities and forums (like TubeBuddy’s own Discord Server) to connect with other creators and learn from their experiences.
By following these tips, you can get started on your YouTube journey with confidence. Remember that success on YouTube takes time and effort, and it may take some trial and error to find what works best for your channel. However, with dedication and hard work, you can build a successful YouTube channel and share your passions with a wide audience.