A Beginner's Guide to Creating a YouTube Channel

Start your YouTube journey today

I've owned my channel for more than four years, but it's only been in the last year that I began actively creating content for it. Some of my videos have had varying success, with the most popular one hitting 20k views this month. Inspired by this journey, I've decided to compile a swift 'Beginner's Guide to Creating a YouTube Channel,' especially for those considering a new hobby in 2024!

Step 1: Create Your Google Account

• If you don’t have one already, create a Google account. This account will serve as your identity on YouTube.

Step 2: Set Up Your YouTube Channel

• Sign in to YouTube using your Google account.

• Click on your profile picture and select "Your Channel."

• Follow the prompts to set up your channel name, description, and upload a profile picture and banner.

• Psst! I've written a blog post introducing Canva as an excellent design tool tailored for beginners. Check it out for insights into this user-friendly program! 5 Reasons Independent Creatives Should Use Canva

Step 3: Define Your Content Niche

• In my personal experience, despite having numerous interests, I've found that focusing on a single niche for content creation significantly accelerates audience growth.

• Decide on the type of content you want to create. Choose a niche that aligns with your interests and expertise.

Step 4: Filming Equipment

• Start with your smartphone. Most modern smartphones have decent cameras capable of shooting high-quality videos.

• Ensure good lighting. Natural light or affordable LED ring lights can enhance your video quality.

Step 5: Audio Quality

• Use the built-in microphone on your smartphone. It’s adequate for starting out.

• If possible, film in a quiet environment to improve audio clarity.

Step 6: Planning Your First Video

• Outline your video content. Have a clear idea of what you want to convey.

• Keep it simple for your first video. Introduce yourself, your channel, and the type of content viewers can expect.

Step 7: Filming Your First Video

• Set up your smartphone on a stable surface or use a tripod to avoid shaky footage.

• Record multiple takes if needed. Don’t worry about mistakes; you can edit those out later or do what I do and add a blooper reel to each of your videos.

• Also please remember, it's completely fine to hate your first video! Just get it made and know that you will get better the more you do. Trust me! I cringe looking back at some of my earlier videos.

Step 8: Editing Your Video

• Use user-friendly apps like CapCut (for mobile) or DaVinci Resolve (for computer) to edit your video.

• Trim unnecessary footage, add music, and enhance visuals if required.

• I have a video that might help with this if you wanna give it a watch - How To Get Subscribers On YouTube - Easy Tips

Step 9: Uploading Your Video

• Go to your YouTube channel and click on the “Create” button, then “Upload Video.”

• Select your edited video file and add a title, description, and relevant tags.

• Choose a thumbnail that represents your video well.

• Psst! Canva have premade YouTube thumbnail templates to help!

Step 10: Publishing Your First Video

• Once everything looks good, hit the "Publish" button to make your video live on your channel.

Step 11: Promote Your Video

• Share your video on social media platforms and with friends and family to get initial views and feedback.

Step 12: Analyze and Improve

• Use YouTube Analytics to track your video’s performance. Understand what works and what doesn’t, and improve for your next videos.

• I know for myself, my talking head videos tend to better than others and my review videos are what really have scored views over the last year or so!

Remember, starting a YouTube channel is a complete and utter learning process! Focus on getting that first video made, learn from the experience, and gradually improve with each upload. Making content for YouTube is not only a great way to get creative but it's a great way to connect with likeminded folk too. Just remember to create for yourself otherwise you may fall into the trap of trying to constantly please your audience. More importantly have patience and know persistence will pay off!

If you are planning to set up your YouTube channel be sure to drop me a YT subscribe and a comment! Happy to support creatives!

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