Anyone can become a video creator on YouTube, but it takes time and effort to create exciting content and really make it work. If you want to get started with your own YouTube vlog channel, it’s important to know what you’re doing and to follow some basic best practices if you want any hope of success in this competitive market.
Here is why you should start a YouTube vlog channel, as well as the steps you need to take to create your very own one from start to finish.
Why Should You Start a YouTube Vlog?
A vlog, or video log, is a fun and exciting way to share your story with others. When you start your own vlog channel on YouTube, you’ll gain followers and subscribers who appreciate your style and content. And chances are, they’ll be eager for more. Not only that, but when you look back on all of your hard work in one year, it will be rewarding knowing that it was all worth it.
Also, starting your own vlog is very easy. All you need is a smartphone, some accessories (like an external microphone), and an online space to host your videos. If you use a video creator online you will not need to worry about any of that. So what are you waiting for?
What Do You Need to Get Started as a Video Creator?
Choose your type of cameras
The first thing you need is a video camera. What kind? We’re not going to recommend anything specific, because it really doesn’t matter. It could be an expensive digital SLR or it could be your cell phone.
You might want one that shoots great stills and video simultaneously, or maybe you just want something cheap and easy to use. Whatever it is, as long as you have something to capture video with, you can get going today.
A lot of prospective YouTube creators opt to invest in quality equipment from the very start. Unless you’re working with a sizable budget, purchasing high-quality equipment can be tricky. As with any small business venture, securing capital usually means one of three routes—borrowing from friends and family, charging to credit cards, or comparing personal loan offers from different financial institutions in hopes of securing a favorable interest rate. In case you decide to invest in quality equipment, there are two popular choices for a video creator: point-and-shoot cameras and DSLRs. Both options offer pros and cons, so you need to opt for the one that suits your needs.
Point-and-shoot cameras are popular because they’re easy to use and offer high-quality video. There is no need for you to learn how to work your camera, and you can simply focus on vlogging and telling your story. On top of that, point-and-shoot cameras tend to be smaller than DSLRs so if you want something less noticeable, it may be a good idea for you.
Don’t rush your setup.
You only get one chance at making a first impression. If your viewers are forced to put up with bad lighting or poor audio quality because you didn’t have any time or patience for capturing good content, they probably won’t come back for more.
Don’t start uploading videos that aren’t good just because you want to get started. You can always do that later. The first video you create should be perfect for your audience, and for you. It will be a benchmark for every other video you make, so don’t rush it.
Only upload content you’re proud of.
If it isn’t good, don’t let it see the light of day! No one likes to watch a video that even you don’t feel comfortable uploading. If you aren’t proud of your work and don’t think that others would like it, then don’t waste time uploading bad videos that will serve as an introduction to your channel and brand.
How Many Times Per Week Do You Upload?
Like most things in life, consistency is key when it comes to growing your channel. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to post on YouTube daily, but you should at least be uploading content consistently so that new viewers see fresh content on your channel.
Ideally, once every week or every other week is a good frequency for most channels. Plan out how often you want to upload content beforehand and then stick with it. You can always adjust in the future if needed.
As a video creator, it’s very important that you set some clear expectations for your channel. You don’t want to disappoint your viewers by uploading content late or not uploading consistently. So, it’s best to start your channel off on a strong note from day one.
Where is Your Audience?
You may have a specific group of people in mind when you start your channel. However, it’s important to realize that these people may not always be there for you. A key part of creating a successful channel is finding your niche, and then expanding from there. It takes time for viewers to get used to your style and voice, so persevere through what might seem like slow growth at first.
Final Thoughts
Starting your own channel as a video creator is no small feat. Unlike other social media platforms, YouTubers have to create entirely original content that keeps viewers engaged.
This takes both time and energy, so consider starting small with a short 10-minute video blog where you talk about what’s on your mind or dedicate yourself to 15-minute daily videos.
After creating these videos for a few weeks, you can gauge how much time you can afford to spend each week on your channel while maintaining quality videos.
Also Read:
10 Best Camera Apps for Android
8 Best Trail Cameras
