Gone are the days when you could film with a webcam and proudly upload your videos on YouTube without any edits. The barrier to entry on the platform is significantly higher now that people are investing in top-notch camera gear, strategizing their content, and editing with professional software. But the tight competition on YouTube isn’t stopping people from wanting to be YouTubers.

Being on YouTube can be a fulfilling and lucrative job, as shown by the many content creators and influencers on the platform. In addition, you get to be your own boss and have the added benefit of unlimited creative freedom. However, success doesn’t happen overnight. It requires a well-thought-out strategy, hard work, and patience. If you don’t know how to kickstart your YouTube career, these tips can help you get paid on the platform.

How to Become a YouTuber: Account Setup and Preparation

Before you can become a YouTube sensation, you first need a channel. You can create one by following these steps:

• Open a Google account if you don’t already have one. After signing up, you must verify your account by providing your phone number.
• Click your profile icon. You’ll then see a prompt to create a channel.
• Upload a profile picture, fill in your name, and create a YouTube handle. You can change your handle later on. Click “Create channel.”
• If you already have a personal channel but want to create one for your brand or business, go to your channel list and click on “Create channel.”
• You’ll see a prompt to create a channel name. You can use your brand name or any other name you want to be known by.

Once your YouTube channel is live, take the next steps to build a strategy for content creation.

Choose a Niche

Posting random videos of whatever pops in your head won’t cut it if you want to gain followers and monetize your content on YouTube. To be a successful YouTube influencer, your videos should have a purpose with a specific target audience in mind. That’s why carving out your niche should be the first thing you do in your YouTuber journey. Whatever your interest, whether it be crocheting, gaming, fashion, or toy reviews, there’s a niche for it.

Think of your niche as your area of expertise. Narrowing it down to something specific makes it easier to identify your target audience and brainstorm video content. The best way to select a niche is to base it on something you are passionate about. This will help you to have enthusiasm and interest in your topic and will ensure your audience engagement is high.

Understand Your Audience

Your YouTube videos are unlikely to hit thousands or millions of views at the start. But that’s all the more reason to learn about your target audience. It’s easier to grow your followers and boost your views when you better understand who you’re targeting with your videos and what they like.

Here are some questions that can help you identify your target audience:

• Who would be interested in my videos?
• What can they gain from watching my videos?
• How old are they, and what kind of jobs do they have?
• What time are they active on YouTube?
• What other interests would they have related to my niche?

Create a Content Schedule

Consistency is one of the essential ingredients for success in social media, including YouTube. Posting videos only when you feel like it won’t get you far in this ultra-competitive space. Commit to a manageable content schedule (use our free summer content calendar), like a weekly or daily post. Keep in mind that you can record several videos on the same day and publish them later at any cadence you choose. You can eventually increase your posting frequency when you get used to creating content. The more often you post, the higher your chances of attracting fresh eyes and growing your audience.

How Do I Become a YouTuber and Get Paid?

Posting on YouTube is one thing, but getting paid is another. Can you earn by simply posting videos on the platform? The honest answer is yes! YouTube can be a goldmine for talented and hardworking content creators. However, monetization can be tricky.

Here are some requirements you must meet to join the YouTube Partner Program and start making money:

• At least 1,000 subscribers
• At least 4,000 genuine public watch hours within the last year or 10 million authentic Shorts public views in the past 90 days
• A linked and active YouTube AdSense account
• Adherence to YouTube’s community guidelines
• Availability of the program in your country

Joining the YouTube Partner Program lets you earn income through ads played on your videos. But there are other ways to make money on the platform, including channel memberships, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

Channel Membership

Channel memberships on YouTube are the same concept as Patreon or Twitch subscriptions. It lets fans subscribe to their favorite YouTubers and enjoy chat badges, exclusive content, and other perks. As for content creators, it’s a chance to boost their earnings on the platform. Channel memberships make perfect sense if you post daily or love doing live streams on YouTube.

Sponsorships

You’ve probably watched countless YouTubers shouting out brands on their videos. Sponsorships are a common way to earn money on the platform, with many brands willing to pay content creators to mention their products or services. You usually discuss sponsorships at the start and end of your videos and in the video descriptions. Make sure to familiarize yourself with social media monetization requirements before posting. The amount you earn through sponsorships depends on your audience size, engagement rate, and other factors.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is about helping brands drive sales while earning commission for yourself. You can mention your partner brands’ products and services in your videos and provide links to them for your audience (use Mavely or other affiliate programs to create shoppable links that earn you commission).

It’s a win-win situation because you get a cut every time someone clicks the link and makes a purchase. The great thing about affiliate marketing is you can be as subtle as you want. You don’t have to make the products the main focus of your videos. You can also choose not to mention the links and simply list them in the description box.

Is It Hard to Be a YouTuber?

Being a YouTuber has its challenges. However, arming yourself with the right skills and strategy will set you up for long-term success on the platform.

Here are some tips that can help your YouTube career thrive.

Create Fresh Content

While there’s nothing wrong with getting inspiration from fellow YouTubers, simply copying their content won’t help your channel grow. Churn out fresh and creative content to catch people’s attention and get them to subscribe.

Do Extensive Content Research

Doing deep research on your niche can make your videos even more informative and entertaining to your audience. In addition, your viewers will see you as an expert in your field and will be more willing to subscribe and engage with you.

Hone Your Video Editing Skills

While you don’t need dazzling effects on your videos to impress your audience, superb editing skills will help you stand out on YouTube. Whether you create daily vlogs or make tech review videos, your editing can make your content much more compelling and enjoyable to viewers.

Take Advantage of YouTube Tools

Make your life as a content creator easy by using YouTube tools. For example, you can use YouTube Studio to interact with your audience, generate revenue, and track performance metrics. Beginners can use YouTube Creator Academy to learn the ropes. To make your videos more discoverable, leverage YouTube keyword research tools.

Does It Cost Money to Be a YouTuber?

Before you worry too much about money, know that you can start your YouTube channel with the tools you currently have. It’s possible to create great content simply using your phone. But as you grow your audience and revenue, it’s natural to invest in gear to keep improving your videos.

Here are the usual investments YouTubers make:

• A DSLR camera or a smartphone with a high-quality camera
• Lighting equipment
• Video editing software
• A microphone
• A tripod mount

Don’t make the mistake of spending thousands on unnecessary equipment. That’s especially true if you’ve only just started on YouTube and aren’t sure if your channel will be lucrative. Ensure you’re making a steady income on the platform before investing in gear.

Mavely Can Help You Earn Through YouTube

Earning is one of the biggest concerns when thinking about how to become a YouTuber. Monetizing your content is indeed challenging, but Mavely is here to help. Mavely is a free platform that connects influencers with brands and has tools such as real-time analytics and dedicated account managers. No matter where you are in your journey to becoming a YouTuber, Mavely can help. Sign up for your free account today!