Do you want to be the new YouTube star? This social network has quickly become the go-to point of reference for aspiring directors and other personalities, but you'll have to work hard if you want to get noticed among users. From cultivating a brand to creating quality content, becoming popular on YouTube takes more than just a camera. Read on to learn how to become a phenomenon on this platform.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Part 1: Grow Your Channel
Step 1. Determine your niche
The most successful channels on YouTube are created with a specific audience in mind, which could be people looking for funny videos, product reviews, video game videos, fashion tips or anything else. A good channel is the one that allows the YouTuber to show what he can do, only in this way can he be successful.
Step 2. Stand out from the crowd
In addition to choosing a niche, you also need to develop a certain personality. PewDiePie does not have 25 million subscribers because it plays video games, but because it does so with a unique personality and approach. You will need to cultivate an identity that makes you stand out from other content in your niche.
Step 3. Build your brand
Before launching your first video, you should have established the foundation of your channel. This includes having a good profile picture, a unique banner, and a good description of yourself. All this represents the starting point for your trademark, which will make you recognize and remember.
Analyze your favorite channels and try to understand what their trademark is. You will find that each popular channel has its own personality, which helps it identify
Step 4. Create a profile picture
It will appear beside the channel name in YouTube searches and comments. It will be the first thing users will see once your information appears in search results, so it must represent you and your brand.
The profile picture can be of you if the channel is focused on you, or it can be a logo if it doesn't
Step 5. Create or commission a banner
It is the image that appears on the upper part of the channel, with function of title. The banner allows users to remember that they are on your personal page of the platform and helps to fix your name in their minds.
- For the YouTube banner, he recommends that the image be 2560 X 1440 px, so that it can fit your computer screen. The text or logos should appear in the center of the image, in a 1546 X 43 px rectangle.
- The banner can be commissioned on several sites, including oDesk and Elance. If you can, make a simple one that you can use for some time, and then invest your first YouTube earnings to commission it to an artist.
Step 6. Fill in your channel description box
Use this space to give a brief overview and to insert links to other sites and social networks. The channel description appears in searches, so it must be clear and concise, not too long.
Enter the link to the company's website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, and any other place you intervene on the internet
Method 2 of 4: Part 2: Filming Quality Videos
Step 1. Get good equipment
The difference between a webcam built into a computer and a high-quality camera is stark. Even if you only have to speak in front of a video camera, the audio and visual quality you get from a high-end product will make your videos stand out more.
- Equipment doesn't have to be expensive. An external webcam will work better than one integrated into your PC and to buy it you will only have to give up a few meals away from home.
- If you will be filming actors or other things beyond yourself, you will need a good video camera. Making videos with your mobile phone is useful, but if you want to win over audiences you will need better production.
- If you plan on capturing images from your computer screen, find a good program to do it, such as Camtasia. Filming it with a video camera will make it almost impossible to understand what's going on.
Step 2. Write a script
Unless you improvise or film something you have no control over, you should prepare a script and rehearse. This will lead to fewer weird pauses and improve the scrolling of your videos.
- In some cases YouTube does not allow you to publish videos that last more than 15 minutes, in fact, specific guidelines must be respected. Keep this in mind when writing your script and breaking longer videos into a series.
- Read this guide for detailed instructions on writing your first script.
Step 3. Rehearse before filming
Before turning on the camera, test the script for a few times. This will help you eliminate what doesn't convince you and solidify the points to talk about before you start spinning. You shouldn't be reading the script directly while filming, so practice is important.
Step 4. Prepare everything you need
Before you start shooting, gather everything you need for the video. For example, if you are going to record a computer tutorial, make sure that all the windows you need are open and that important files are easy to access. If you are going to film a sketch, all the props must be in order.
As you prepare to film, make sure the lighting is good enough so that you can see everything. Test the camera to check the lights
Step 5. Start filming
Once you've got everything ready, it's time to turn on the camera! Shoot the video and don't be afraid to repeat the same sentence over and over. You can cut it and edit it during the editing process.
- Remember not to read the script. It has to be all natural, and then viewers will notice if you're reading.
- If you plan on directing actors, read this guide.
Step 6. Review the registration
Before starting editing, take a few minutes to look at everything you have filmed. If you are not satisfied with something, turn that part again right away, while you still have everything close at hand. This will save you a lot of time when editing.
Step 7. Merge all the scenes
Use your favorite editing program to make the video using everything you've shot. You can copy and paste with the filmed parts later, to be able to insert them in the right places in the video. There are many factors to keep in mind when editing, but mainly you should focus on scrolling the video, which should be linear, and eliminating errors.
- Use transitions to hide the cuts between the different parts shot and to allow the viewer to see the video without interruption.
- Continuously review the video as you edit. Change the timing of scenes, so you don't dwell too much on one part or too little on another.
- On wikiHow you will find a large variety of guides to learn how to use different editing software, such as Windows Movie Maker, Avidemux, Adobe Premiere and others.
- There are also general editing practice guides, like this one, that can help you with the basics of this process.
Step 8. Add an introduction and special effects
The introduction is a short but important part of the video. Most presentations should be no longer than 5-10 seconds, and should quickly inform the viewer of the channel they are watching and the content of the video they are viewing. The introduction allows you to understand what video it is even if it were to be opened elsewhere on the web, so everything will be clearer.
- If the introduction is too long, it will drive a good chunk of your potential viewers away.
- If you have a dedicated logo or presentation for the channel, include it before the introduction.
- You can use Adobre Premiere or Sony Vegas to add professional special effects and transitions to your videos.
Step 9. Create a good preview
When you upload a video, you can decide which one will be the right one. This is the image that will indicate the video when it appears in search results or on your channel.
- If your channel isn't verified, you can choose from a few preset preview options. Make sure you verify your account by entering your phone number.
- Custom previews allow you to create a presentation with a title, where you can insert text, your logo or a screenshot of the movie, or anything else that helps you attract users. A popular strategy is to include the title of the video and custom images.
- Do a Google search to learn more about how to add previews to videos you have yet to upload or have added in the past.
Method 3 of 4: Part 3: Attracting More Viewers
Step 1. Enter the tags below your videos
Doing it right will ensure your video appears in the search results. Tags can be single words or short sentences. For example, if you have made a video about your cat, you might include tags like "cat", "funny", "funny animals", "cute cats", "kitty", etc.
The tags should be accurate, otherwise you will only attract users who are not interested in your content. As a result, you will lose credibility
Step 2. Create content often
You should make sure you upload at least one video per week. While you shouldn't overwhelm video subscribers, a steady stream of content will keep them on your channel. If you can't do this that often, fill in the gaps with shorter videos so viewers will be happy until a longer video is published.
Try posting videos when your main audience is most active, usually around lunchtime or dinner, in whichever area of the world you are most popular. Posting at the right time of day will ensure that more people see them
Step 3. Ask people to sign up
The best way to get people to subscribe to your channel is to simply ask for it. End all videos with an annotation to encourage them to do so, repeating that it only takes one click. If the user liked your video, then you have a good chance they will click on the link to receive updates on new uploads.
You can use notes to link to other videos on your channel. It can be useful for people who click on your video without ever visiting your channel or to draw attention to an old video that is still relevant. Just make sure you don't clog it with annotations
Step 4. Create playlists, which are collections of videos that according to the creator are related to each other
If you have a lot of related videos on your channel, or are creating a series, a playlist is a great way to get multiple views for all included videos. Playlists also appear separately in searches, giving double exposure to videos.
Step 5. Establish a good relationship with other YouTubers
YouTube is a community of people who upload videos and you need to take advantage of it. Talk to other content creators in your niche and work together to help promote them. Inviting others to your videos is very popular, and can allow you to grab the attention of other users' subscribers.
- When you make a video with a guest, it would be better to do it in the same space, but you can also remotely record the videos and merge them, the result will still be good.
- Reach as many people in your niche as you can, but don't neglect individual video creation. You won't get positive responses from other YouTubers if you don't have a good amount of personal content.
Step 6. Try to have a good web presence
A YouTube channel is not enough. If you want to attract new subscribers, you will need to post updates on other social networks. When you open a channel, you automatically get a page on Google+, but you should also have a Facebook space, a Twitter account, a blog and an online store if you sell something.
Step 7. Post links to your new videos on Twitter
Whenever you post something on your channel, you should tweet it. Many people rely on this social network to get news on their favorite channels, and timely tweets will allow them to stay informed.
Step 8. Interact with your subscribers
The comment section is great for keeping in touch with commenting viewers, especially loyal ones, but it can also be a cesspool full of trolls. Do what you can to respond to genuine comments and moderate this section as best you can to remember the spirit of the community, which is to be friendly, to exchange content and ideas.
- As mentioned before, Twitter is another great way to stay connected with your audience. In addition to tweeting links to videos you post, you should engage with your most loyal subscribers and other content creators. Retweet the videos you like and answer questions from fans.
- Allowing subscribers to see what's going on behind the scenes is great for engaging them more.
Step 9. Share videos on Facebook
Any new video you create should be posted to Facebook as soon as you upload it. By getting "likes" on this social network, it will become more visible, and will attract other people. Include a link to the channel in the post.
Step 10. Start a blog, where you can also post your videos, so that readers who don't visit YouTube can see them
The blog can allow you to watch the creation process behind the scenes or be a tool to learn more about the topics you talk about in the videos. Insert the link in the channel description.
You can add the YouTube widget to your blog, which will allow readers to quickly subscribe to the channel, without having to search for it first. The Google Developers site has published detailed instructions on how to place the widget on any website
Step 11. You could also buy views
If you are having trouble launching the channel, you can think of this solution. You usually get a few thousand, and there are various online services that sell views.
- Many music labels buy views to make sure new songs stand out with a high number of hits. Videos that have a lot of views are more likely to be seen by real users, because this number is a kind of validation of the quality of the content.
- The service you choose should offer real views, meaning each visit should last for the entire video.
- YouTube, however, doesn't like buying views.
Method 4 of 4: Part 4: Explore Your Solutions
Step 1. Check out the other channels
Analyzing what other popular YouTubers are doing is a great way to acquire some of their tactics to make themselves known more and more. Observe the structure of their presence on YouTube: channel identity, quality of videos and techniques, presence on social networks and interaction with the community and with other content creators. The following steps will show you some starting points for the genre of your choice.
Step 2. Follow popular channels that teach you to do something
How-to videos and tutorials are a very popular genre on YouTube. They can range from how to tie a tie to how to use an editing program. A good how-to video will clearly describe the steps and give you good visual examples. Here are some of the most famous:
- Howcast.
- Make Magazine.
- Howdini.
- Khan Academy.
Step 3. Follow the most popular video game channels
This genre has quickly become one of the most popular on YouTube, with hundreds of different channels talking and showing video games. They can range from those discussing the games and their community to accurate reviews and videos demonstrating how the game is played. Some of the most popular video game channels include the following:
- PewDiePie.
- RoosterTeeth.
- TotalBiscuit.
- CaptainSparklez.
- AngryJoe.
Step 4. Follow the most popular fashion channels
YouTube is a hotbed of up-to-date fashion news and trends. Many of the most popular fashion channels focus more on the tastes of the people who look after them, considered real style gurus, than on giving specific suggestions. If you have a certain eye for fashion, consider these famous spaces to get an idea and get ideas:
- Weylie.
- Zoe Sugg.
- Patricia Bright.
- Cute Girls Hairstyles.
Step 5. Check out the most popular comic channels
If your purpose is to make others laugh, they are for you. YouTube is home to countless comedians, and many took their first steps on this social network before becoming famous outside too. Here are some of the most famous:
- Jash.
- Nerdist.
- JennaMarbles.
- Just For Laughs Gags.
- CollegeHumor.
- HolaSoyGerman.
- PrankvsPrank.
Step 6. Discover the most popular channels dedicated to technology
YouTube and this sector go hand in hand, and there are many famous channels oriented to this world. They talk about the latest gadgets and wink at the nerdy audience. Check them out to learn their secrets:
- The Slow Mo Guys.
- Android Authority.
- Household Hacker.
- DigitalRev TV.
- Pocketnow.
Advice
- Never give up. Famous people were in the same position as you in the beginning.
- Remember to abide by YouTube's policies and terms of service. Do not post pornographic videos, for example. Users could take offense and report you.
- If you are a boy or girl, ask your parents for permission first.
- Be patient. Success comes after a lot of effort and work.
