8 Things You Should Know When Starting a YouTube Channel

#youtube #youtubechannel #startingayoutubechannel #tipsonstartingayoutubechannel #youtubecommunity #contentcreator #youtubetips #smallchannel #youtubegrowth #youtubestarter #vloglife #creatorjourney #videotips #youtubelife #contentcreation #beginnerguide #youtubeadvice #youtubersupport #videocreator #youtubelove #youtubejourney #newyoutuber #youtubeeducation

YouTube has been around for since 2005 and its popularity has only sky rotted over the past couple years. YouTube has become a platform to express your opinions, share funny videos and even a great source of income for millions of people. Contrary to popular belief starting a YouTube channel is easier than you think, maintaining a YouTube channel is the somewhat difficult part but with dedication, support and passion for your content your channel has the potential to soar.

1. You Don't Need A Fancy Camera or Setup

When I first started my YouTube channel, I used my iPad and natural lighting. Although I wanted to buy a fancy camera and a ring light, they were relatively expensive and out of my budget. When starting out, consider using your cellphone. Modern cellphones, such as the iPhone, can record 4K quality videos. The best lighting is often natural light found in front of a window, providing high-quality video. Inexpensive tripods for your phone can be found on websites like Amazon and eBay. Avoid investing in a $500+ camera unless you are serious about your channel; otherwise, it would be a waste of money!

Tip: I purchased my Canon T5i through Amazon, which came with a bundle including different lenses, a tripod, and more.

2. You Don't Need A Fancy Editing Software.

After filming a video, the most time-consuming and stressful part is editing. Editing can take hours, even days, depending on the content. There are plenty of free editing software options available, such as iMovie and Windows Movie Maker, which I used for the first two years of my YouTube journey. Advanced editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro can cost hundreds of dollars and should only be purchased if you plan to invest the time and effort to learn them fully.

Tip: I purchased Adobe Premiere Pro using a student discount. There are plenty of online tutorials to help you learn, as well as an Adobe Pro school offered when you purchase the software.

3. Focus on Your Content and Don't Be Afraid to Branch Out.

When starting your channel, prioritize your content. Elements like logos, fancy colors, and channel intros are minimal and not as important as the content you produce. Don't be afraid to branch out with your content. You might start with topics like hair and beauty, and over time, your channel could evolve into a lifestyle and fashion channel. Trying different video ideas can help you discover your passions and appeal to a broader audience.

4. Choose an Upload Time and Be Consistent.

Consistency is key. Decide how often and when you'll upload content. Choose a convenient day, but set aside time for filming, editing, and uploading. Filming and uploading on the same day can be stressful, so I recommend filming one day and editing the next. If a specific day doesn't work, aim to post weekly. Consistency helps your audience know when to expect new videos.

Tip: Include your upload schedule in your channel banner, video descriptions, and intros. Weekly uploads have worked best for me as a college student with a full-time job.

5. Be Authentic, and Passionate.

Viewers can spot a fake. Being authentic starts with creating content you're passionate about. Knowledge and confidence in your content are key. Avoid focusing solely on popular, cliché videos unless your audience requests them. YouTube's algorithm can make it difficult for smaller YouTubers to be seen, so start with content you're genuinely interested in.

Tip: Timing is crucial for popular videos. Upload fast when a topic is trending, such as reaction videos, new releases, or haul videos.

6. Don’t Focus on Your Subscriber Count.

It's easy to get frustrated by low subscriber counts, but focus on creating quality content instead. Some YouTubers gain popularity instantly, while others take years. Don't measure your success against others; focus on your content and videos.

Tip: Use hashtags and share your videos on social media. Collaborate with fellow YouTubers, big or small, to expand your reach.

7. Monetization

YouTube's monetization policies require 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours within a 12-month period. Monetization allows companies to run ads in your videos, giving you a portion of the revenue through Google AdSense. However, real income comes from sponsorships and collaborations outside of YouTube.

8. Motivation

It's normal to lose motivation after starting strong. Whether it's due to view counts, YouTube's algorithm, or personal challenges, take time to rekindle your passion. Reflect on why you started your channel in the first place.

Tip: Keep a YouTube journal to outline goals and content ideas. Revisit your channel's purpose and target audience to regain motivation.

In summary, starting a channel takes dedication and passion for a specific topic. Everything beyond that is an added bonus to being on YouTube.

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/xonellyxx1