Each hour, about 30,000 hours of content is uploaded to YouTube. With the rapid rise of video blogging, or vlogging, just about anyone can gain a following on the site with some creativity and motivation. If you’re interested in producing original content and sharing it with an audience from the comfort of your home, here are a few tips on how to start your own YouTube channel.
Choose a Theme
If you want to gain a loyal audience, it’s best to commit to a single theme for your channel that all of your videos will center around. From comedy to gaming to lifestyle, there are plenty of options to choose from. If you don’t see what you like, however, feel free to create your own theme. There’s no limit on what kinds of videos you can create, and originality can help you stand out from fellow content creators. If you’re looking for inspiration, it can be helpful to browse YouTube and watch a variety of different YouTube channels to see what piques your interest.
Purchase the Right Equipment
Although you can film your videos with your smartphone, it’s best to invest in professional broadcast equipment to ensure that your videos are high-quality. Some accessories that you may need include a tripod, microphone and lighting. If you’re planning on vlogging on the go, consider purchasing a stabilizer or monopod. Purchasing high-grade equipment is a smart investment, as it can drastically improve your video quality and therefore attract the attention of potential viewers.
Choose an Upload Schedule
Studies have shown that creators who post videos more than once a week typically receive more engagement in the form of views, likes and subscribers. Therefore, try your best to post about two to three times a week at roughly the same time. This is particularly important when you’re first starting out, as viewers are more likely to watch your videos if they know exactly when you’ll be posting.
Create an Eye-Catching Thumbnail
Your thumbnail is one of the first things that a user sees, and it plays a large role in whether or not they’ll click on your video. A recent study found that thumbnails containing faces or images that convey emotion received the most clicks, as humans have been conditioned to respond to emotional content. Adding text to your thumbnails can also catch a user’s attention.
Collaborate With Other Creators
YouTube thrives on collaborating and sharing ideas with others. Therefore, a good way to get your channel off the ground is to collaborate with another creator. This can allow you to build your network, which is especially crucial when your channel is just beginning. Filming a video with another YouTuber exposes you to their audience and can help you to gain more views and subscribers. Contact creators who produce similar content to see if they’re interested in collaborating with you.
Don’t be discouraged if your channel doesn’t take off as quickly as you’d like. If you truly enjoy the content you create, it will reflect in your videos and help you gain a loyal following. Following these tips can help you transform your creative vision into YouTube content.
