Lights, camera, action! Learn how to start a youtube channel

If you’ve ever typed “How to…” into your search browser, chances are you’ve already experienced the magic of YouTube – countless times. Whether it’s learning how to fix a washing machine, becoming a gamer, or perfecting your smokey eye makeup, the popular video-sharing platform covers everything. Whatever “how to” you were searching for, chances are you were met with several tutorials showing you exactly what to do.

But YouTube is far more than tutorials. With 2.6 billion monthly active users, it’s home to music videos, movies, product reviews, educational content, and more. With a camera and a little creativity, anyone can take a shot at creating a successful channel – and later possibly monetizing it. Some of the world’s most famous influencers got their start by simply being super likable on YouTube, but having your own YouTube channel doesn’t mean you have to love being in the spotlight. The opportunities for creating content on YouTube are endless, and you needn’t necessarily be in front of the camera to succeed. So, no matter who you are, don’t rule out starting a YouTube channel as a way of having fun, connecting with others, and perhaps making some extra income.

Ready to dive in? Read on for all the tools you need for getting started on YouTube.

How to make a successful YouTube channel

If you’re new to the YouTube game, it can seem overwhelming to see videos with millions of likes out there. But remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Start by defining your presence on YouTube and making quality, consistent content. Then you can worry about becoming the next big star. Here are some tips for starting a Youtube channel.

1. Find your niche

If you want to expand your reach on a social media platform, sprawling content is a big “no-no.” You want new viewers who stumble upon your YouTube account to understand what kind of content they can expect. And if you plan to partner with brands to make advertising income, you’ll need to show them you have that specific target audience they’re trying to reach. So, whether your brand is “handy-person” or “disco diva,” stick to it! Create coherent video content and analyze your results. If your followers engage more with a specific type of video, follow the views.

2. Get inspired by other content creators

Finding your niche is one thing, but actually defining the type of content that feels right is another. That may be easier if you have a business that you’ll use your channel to promote because you already know what you're all about. But if you’re just starting to establish your brand, check out videos from other creators and see what resonates with you. It won’t only help you define your niche; it’ll help you decide what kind of video styles and aesthetic choices work best for you.

3. Invest in good equipment and editing software for high video quality

If you have a business or plan to make YouTube videos highlighting your creativity (singers, dancers, podcasters, we’re looking at you!), consider investing in high-quality equipment. Even if you like the low-fi vibe of cellphone footage, basic editing software helps you creatively crop your videos, add music, and drop in graphics. Not all videos have to be studio quality, especially if you’re a beginner doing light vlogging or showing users how to get that washing machine back up and running. But if you want a more polished look and aren’t much of a tech buff, it never hurts to read up on how to get the right equipment or consider hiring someone to lend you a techy helping hand.

4. Plan your YouTube content

Consistency is key to engaging your followers on social networks. Keep giving the people what they love! Make a content calendar and decide what type of videos to post on certain days. Once you grow a fan base, your followers will love knowing what to expect. If you’re a podcaster, for example, your listeners will want to know when they can come back for the latest installation of your show. So whatever you do, don’t leave them hanging; soon enough, you’ll have hours of video for your viewers to engage with.

How to monetize your success

Once your channel starts gaining traction, it’s time to try monetizing it. There are so many ways to make money on YouTube that you can decide to what extent you want to participate in generating this extra income. For a laid-back monetization approach, you could try affiliate marketing by promoting brands’ products for a cut of the commissions on clicks or sales. For a more involved take, seek out work as an influencer for brands and get paid to post sponsored videos. Here are a few more options:

• License your videos (once you make it big).
• Link to your e-commerce site to drive sales there. Don’t forget to use a Linktree URL in your YouTube video descriptions, and check out Linktree’s Video Links to help increase your engagement.
• Sign up for the YouTube Partner Program, which lets YouTube creators team up with Google AdSense to host marketing content for a cut of the revenue from sales.

How to set up a YouTube channel

What do you need to start a YouTube channel besides a device connected to the internet? Not much – just a few minutes and those excellent content ideas we’re betting you came up with as you followed these tips for starting a channel.

Ready to get started? Here’s how to make your channel (literally), step-by-step:

1. Sign in to your YouTube account (or make an account if you don’t already have one).
2. Click on your profile photo in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
3. Click Create a Channel.
4. Enter your channel name.
5. Write a channel description in the About field.
6. Add a cover photo and a profile picture for the channel.
7. You’re officially all set to upload your first video to your new channel.