YouTube is an excellent way to get noticed on the internet and, in some cases, even to make a living. To create a YouTube channel, you need to set it up using a Google account and add the cover, description and name. Once the channel is created, post video content that grabs attention, curates and actively promotes your channel to make it more popular.
Steps
Part 1 of 6: Creating a Channel
Step 1. Choose a nice name for your channel
Think of an original name, but one that's easy to remember. Avoid inappropriate terms, otherwise you will get a bad reputation. If you wish, you can choose your real name, or invent one. Just remember that once you have chosen it, you will have to wait some time before you can change it. For example, if you decide to call yourself "Ready Spaghetti" and later realize it wasn't a wise decision, you will have to wait three months before you can change that name, so choose wisely.
Step 2. Remember to create a nice username for your channel that grabs attention
Avoid trivial names and use creativity to find one that no one else could think of.
- Beware of words that could be easily misunderstood. For example, the word "artistic" sounds a lot like "autistic". If you are not satisfied with one of the words that can be associated with your name, choose a different one.
- Do not add "channel" in your channel name. Just as "Star Wars" sounds better than "Star Wars: The Movie", it's best if you avoid the word "channel". For example "Marco's mathematics channel" is less professional than "Matematica con Marco" or "Marco the mathematician".
- Try puns and rhymes. For example, if your name is Marco Amadori and you are an artist, you can call your channel Marco Amadori the master of colors or LeoMarco da Vinci.
Step 3. Go to YouTube and log in with your Google account
Once logged in, you will see your real name or username at the top of the left menu. Click on it to open your profile page.
Step 4. Add your profile picture
It is an important part of your Youtube channel. Make sure it's inherent to your channel name, so it can't be confused with someone else's similar name.
Step 5. Add the channel cover
This image appears at the top of the channel page. YouTube shows you a preview of how the image will appear on the website, on a TV, or on a mobile device. Try to put the most important part of the photo in the center; when your channel is viewed on a mobile device, the sides of the photo are cropped. Don't risk your face being cut in half!
- Choose an image that grabs users' attention. It should be in 2560 x 1440 pixel format and must be inherent to your channel message.
- Include your channel name or message on the cover. This will help users remember your name.
- Change the channel cover regularly. If you don't want to create a brand using the same image all the time, consider changing the cover regularly, in order to recall the content you are releasing at a precise moment. For example, if you publish comic sketches, change the image based on the topics you are dealing with.
- You don't need Photoshop. GIMP, Picmonkey, Pixlr, and Krita are some examples of programs you can use to draw for free.
- Don't steal pictures of others. Never use someone else's work without permission. Use free stock photos or create an image yourself.
Step 6. Describe your channel
Add a short description to let viewers know what kind of content they should expect. To change the channel description, click on the Information tab on the main page. From there, click on the "+ channel description" button.
- Use the description to include links to your other websites or to post news on your channel. Reveal who appears in your videos and add links to related channels.
- Make sure your description makes sense, because it's visible to everyone. You should briefly describe yourself and your channel.
Step 7. Find a name for your channel
Consider the description and video content you plan to post. Use those basics to decide the name.
For example, if you make crochet videos where you create beautiful hats, you can call it: Mountains of Wool, The Perfect Crochet and so on
Step 8. Add links
If you decide to post links to your social networks on your channel, make sure you have created an account for all platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. However, remember that this is not always recommended.
Part 2 of 6: Developing Content
Step 1. Look at what the current proposal is
The first step in creating content is deciding what you want to share with the world. People use YouTube for a variety of interests, from music videos, to comic sketches, educational tutorials, and more. Think about what you can propose to viewers, something they won't find anywhere else.
Step 2. Determine your strengths
If your friends are always telling you that you are funny, consider making comedy videos. If you can sing well, upload some videos of your performances. The secret is to create content that entices audiences to come back.
Step 3. Consider posting reviews
Reviews are great for acquiring an audience, especially if you're talking about something that's trending. People always look for good reviews before making the decision to buy a product or service. There are many topics you can try, such as:
- New music albums
- The latest gadgets
- TV and movies
- Video games
- Books
- Restaurants and other food products
- Commercial establishments
Step 4. Film as much as possible
Always try to create new content for your audience. With a steady stream of content you'll keep viewers glued to your channel and get better and better as you develop your style.
- Learn basic video creation techniques. If you are speaking in front of the camera, make sure the camera is still and speak loudly in a clear voice. You may have thought of the funniest comic skit in the world, but no one will watch it if the audio and video are of poor quality.
- If you want to create a YouTube video for a video game channel, you need a recording program. There are many and Bandicam is one of the most used.
- With Bandicam's free trial you can create ten minute videos!
Step 5. Practice editing your videos
Cut out unnecessary parts of the movie and add music to entice users to watch it. A well-edited video certainly makes a better impression on the audience than one created in a hurry. Spend some time studying the secrets of editing programs. Watch tutorials on how to use the basic functions.
- There are many free and open source video editing programs available on the internet. Many offer the same or at least similar features to professional programs. If you are a beginner, start by using the free program that came with your computer. On Mac it's iMovie and on Windows it's Movie Maker. Once you get used to the interfaces and technologies these programs use, you can move on to more complex and powerful applications.
- If you add music to your videos, it must not be copyrighted, or you must have permission from the composer.
Step 6. Create engaging introductions
A lot of viewers decide if a video is worth watching in the first few seconds. Try to make introductions that are fun and informative. YouTube promotes your videos in search results based on how long users view them.
- It shows a preview of the best clips of the video the viewer is about to watch.
- Make sure you show your personality right from the start of the video. Speak directly to the audience. Present the video in person, briefly explaining what topics it contains (but don't reveal the twist!).
- If you have created a brand, for example related to your name or the series you are creating, make sure that it is clearly visible at the beginning of the video and that it is professional.
- When creating a video that isn't fictional, like a review or tutorial, make sure the purpose is clear from the start. This way viewers will avoid looking for another video that better presents the information.
Step 7. Take advantage of trends
The media constantly creates interest in certain events throughout the year, in all fields. Study your schedule and determine which events are most important to your audience.
- Create videos in anticipation of the event, in order to take advantage of user searches. When the anticipation for an event grows, more and more people are looking for content that talks about it.
- While the event is underway, it posts videos about it. These videos are very popular with users who cannot participate in first person.
- Create summary video after the event. Use them to summarize what happened and analyze the information that emerged.
- Engage with viewers throughout the process to entice them to come back to your channel.
- During big events, increase the amount of content you post to continue capitalizing on new viewers. By producing multiple videos you show users that you are knowledgeable and passionate about the event.
Step 8. Tell a story
All videos, whether they are fictional or not, must tell a story. They must have a beginning, middle and end. This rule applies to comic sketches as well as gardening tutorials.
Break long videos into segments that focus on different aspects of the subject matter. This way viewers will be able to better consume your content
Step 9. Use annotations
These are text fields that appear on your video. Use them to direct users to other videos, channels, external websites and more.
- You can use annotations to allow viewers to easily subscribe to your channel.
- Use annotations on old videos to link to new content.
- Annotations can act as an "index" for longer videos and allow you to link to a specific point in the movie.
Step 10. Change things up from time to time
If you've made a name for yourself with comedy videos, speak directly to the audience for one episode, answering the questions you are asked most often in the comments and describing your creative process. This behind-the-scenes look creates a strong bond with your community and makes viewers think they are making an impact on your work.
Step 11. Publish as often as possible
While it would be great to release something every hour, not everyone manages to keep up with such a fast pace. You should upload a new video every day or once every two days.
Step 12. Use a good recording program like FRAPS or Xsplit
If you can't afford them, try Bandicam until you have the necessary funds.
Part 3 of 6: Uploading Videos
Step 1. Upload your videos
Log into YouTube and click the Video tab on your profile page. From here, click the "+ Upload a video" button to start posting your content. Click the "Select file to upload" button to browse video files on your computer, or drag them into the window. YouTube will start converting and uploading the movie.
- If you want to control who can see the video, click on the Privacy menu and select Private. You can then add the YouTube usernames and emails of the people who need to have access to the movie. You can send up to 50 private invitations per video.
- If you want to upload videos longer than 15 minutes, you need to verify your account with Google.
Step 2. Name your video
You can't upload an unnamed movie! Headlines are key to attracting viewers and enticing them to like, comment, and subscribe to your channel.
Step 3. Come up with creative tags
By tagging your videos they will appear more often in user searches. Make sure you use tags that are inherent to the movie, but also avoid the ones that are common in videos of your genre.
- Try to use a couple of keywords as a tag. For example, instead of just writing "singing", add the style: "blues singing", "country singing", "rap freestyle", etc.
- You can tag videos in any way you think users will search for it. Tags should thoroughly describe the content of your movie.
- Use a mix of vague and specific tags. For example, if you have published a comic short about ninja, use the tags "short", "ninja", "funny", "martial arts", "action", "fighting", "funny", etc.
- You can use tags to create "series" of videos. Create a unique tag and apply it to all the movies you want to group. This will attract more clicks on related videos.
Part 4 of 6: Channel Maintenance
Step 1. Follow a schedule
When recording videos, be sure to consider the schedule of the days you have to film, so that you don't have to record something every day.
Step 2. Continue posting videos
If you want to have a successful channel, you need a constant stream of new content. Try to update the channel every two weeks. If you need to take a break, let your viewers know and also let them know when you'll be back.
Setting a constant schedule for video releases will help you gain a following. Treat your videos as a TV series; everyone can't wait to watch the next episode of their favorite series and they know exactly when it will air. Try to update your channel once a week or two at the most
Step 3. Interact with viewers
Try replying to comments when you have time. This way you will create a stronger bond with your community. If users feel that you care about them, they'll be more likely to come back and watch more videos, as well as talk about it with friends.
- After posting a video, take a couple of hours to respond to viewer comments. These users are your most avid fans, because they are the ones who are looking forward to your next movie and have the courage to write you something. Treat them with respect and you will see their numbers increase.
- Moderate the comments on your page as much as possible. While it can be fun to read offensive comments, they are bad for your channel and drive viewers away. Remove comments that may offend other users and report abusers. This helps create a friendlier environment for your regular viewers.
- Ask your viewers questions. Try to write simple questions that can be answered yes or no, or take surveys. This way you will avoid negative comments and promote constructive discussions among viewers.
Step 4. Play the old videos again
If you have old content that new viewers probably haven't seen, highlight it in your feed so everyone can see it on your channel page. This can drive traffic to your old footage.
Step 5. Continue watching other channels
You should spend as much time on YouTube as possible, even when you're not actively managing your channel. You should watch videos from other creators, interact with users, and search for content similar to yours.
- Post links to other users' content that is complementary to yours. This way your channel will appear among related videos.
- Try to follow a set schedule when adding more links to your videos. Choose the videos to suggest and the ones you like on the days you don't upload your movies. This will help users overcome the wait between your videos, keeping them active on the channel.
- When you post a link to another video, make sure it's a video that will appeal to the majority of your audience. Don't fool viewers by suggesting content they won't like.
Part 5 of 6: Doing Promotion
Step 1. Review the comments on the old videos
Once a movie is uploaded, it is likely to gain views in the future, and viewers will often leave comments. Therefore it is a good idea to always check your videos.
Step 2. Show off your viewers' videos
Try to incorporate comments and creations from users who follow you into your proposal. Specify the rules to be respected to be selected, for example to be subscribed to your channel.
Step 3. Collaborate with other creators
Develop relationships with other creators in the same field as you. Cross promotions to the respective channels to attract more viewers. Make appearances in the videos of other youtubers and invite them to participate in your videos.
Make sure your viewers can easily reach the channels you collaborate with. Get them to spend time exploring the content your community creates
Step 4. Use social networks to make your name known
Post links to your videos and playlists on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as other social platforms. Encourage your friends, online and offline, to pass your videos on to people they know.
Avoid spamming your social media profiles with links to your channel. A friendly reminder isn't annoying, but hardly anyone reacts positively to constant bombardment
Step 5. Encourage your viewers and friends to spread your name
Don't push them too hard, but suggest that users share your videos they liked. It is best to leave these messages at the end of your movies, after presenting the important content. Remind viewers to "like" your videos.
Part 6 of 6: Protect Your Videos
Step 1. Imagine this scenario:
you have good popularity within your community, everyone likes your videos, until someone decides to upload your own videos and pass them off as their own. It is a bad situation. If you think you are popular enough and that other users are uploading your content, search YouTube for the names of your videos to see if anyone uploaded them without your permission.
Step 2. Notify the user who uploads your videos
If you found your video in someone else's channel, let them know. There is no need to start a war, unless that person continues with their unfair attitude and then you can report it to YouTube.
Advice
- If you like to draw and post a video where you draw something, try using a video editing program and speeding up the footage if it is very long. There are many free ones, but beware of those that contain advertisements.
- Always remember to post content that viewers want to see.
- Decide what kind of content to post on your channel. For example, Lifesimmer almost exclusively plays The Sims, while PewDiePie plays many different video games.
- Set "Channel Presets" in your channel settings to give your channel more consistency and to give your videos a boost thanks to the YouTube algorithm.
- When creating a YouTube channel, pay attention to the name. You will not be able to change it anymore. Choose a name related to the content you post, which is unique and easy to remember for your viewers, different from that of other youtubers. Check if the name you want is already in use or if anyone has a very similar one!
Warnings
- You will probably get some negative comments. Don't be swayed and continue on your way. However, don't ignore constructive criticism; if someone criticizes a part of your video, use that comment to improve the next video.
- Make sure your videos comply with YouTube's terms of use. If a movie violates the site's rules, it will be removed and your account may be suspended. Make sure everything you upload complies with the site's rules.
