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Do you want to become a vlogger? Do you want to learn how to become an engaging vlog personality on YouTube? You will be glad to find out that vlogging on YouTube isn’t rocket science, but it does require some work on your part before you can become successful.
By using this basic step-by-step guide on how to start vlogging on your YouTube channel, you will be prepared to produce quality video content for the masses.
1) Get a Good Vlogging Camera
Any device that has the ability to record a video such as smartphone, a tablet or a laptop webcam can help you to blog. However, if you want to produce quality content on YouTube, then it’s recommended that you use a good camera.
You are more likely to attract more YouTube subscribers if your videos are shot in High Definition. Poor quality videos, such as videos that are excessively blurry, won’t cut it on YouTube.
You will need a camera that will pick up the audio so that viewers can understand what you are saying. You will also need a camera that presents stunning visuals so that it will leave a lasting impression on viewers. It also helps that the camera you use for vlogging isn’t too heavy for you to hold up and carry around.
There are plenty of good choices for vlogging cameras, such as the Canon Powershot G7X, which is used by successful YouTube vloggers FunForLouis and Case Neistat.
There is also the Canon 70D, which is used by vlogger Zoella, as it comes with a continuous automatic focus feature. Another example would be the Sony NEX-5RK-B, which contains 16.1 MP shooting power, interchangeable lenses, and full HD movie shooting at 60fps/24fps.
2) Create a YouTube Channel
While you can create your own channel on other sites like Vimeo or Dailymotion, YouTube is the most efficient platform to use for attracting the most subscribers. A YouTube channel is easy to create as you will be taken through an easy setup process.
3) Start Vlogging About What You Like
Once you have created a YouTube channel, you can start vlogging yourself on your camera. Go through some test runs with vlogging at first and find out what you are comfortable discussing on your vlog. What do you like? Are you an expert on a niche topic or activity?
Do you like to talk about filming and editing videos? Do you like to discuss social media topics? Before you start discussing anything on a vlog, pinpoint your own interests and stick with what intrigues you.
When you vlog don’t overthink about anything. You should vlog at your own pace and talk about whatever is on your mind. Make sure that with your vlogging camera you have good lighting and visuals, and also make sure that you speak clearly without taking any long silence periods.
It is very important that your vlogging experience is an interactive experience, meaning your audience of subscribers have to be involved. Connect with your YouTube subscribers on a more personal level by asking them questions.
Ask your audience how they feel about your vlogs and if you need to change anything about your vlogs. Engaging with your subscribers means that you care about them, and replying to their comments also makes a big difference in how they enjoy your channel.
Throughout your vlogs always present your own unique flare for subscribers to take in. How you introduce yourself, how you carry a conversation, and how you sign out in your vlogs resonates with your subscribers.
For example, Stephen Georg, a successful YouTube vlogger who has a channel called StephenVlog, starts his vlogs by saying “Hello, and welcome to (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, etc.)!” and he wraps up his vlogs by saying “Let’s meet back tomorrow, shall we?” Always be yourself and have fun when you vlog.
4) Edit Your Vlog
Editing your videos is a great way of making your vlog library look professional. Editing allows you to cut out parts of vlogs you don’t want to show in videos, making the viewing experience more enjoyable for your subscribers. Basic editing software programs like Apple iMovie and Windows Live Movie Maker will help you improve the quality of your vlogs. CyberLink PowerDirector 15 Deluxe is also recommended for beginning vloggers since it is very accessible and functional.
5) Upload Your Vlog
It is a simple process to upload videos on YouTube. Click on the “Upload” button in the top right corner of the main page, and you will be guided through the process from there. You select your chosen vlog file on your computer to upload, or you can choose other options such as importing content from Google Photos and creating a photo slideshow. YouTube also has its own Video Editor option where you can merge content such as your vlog footage and photos.
6) Promote Your Videos and your Channel
Once you upload vlogs to YouTube you will need to promote your content to keep the followers you have and to reach out to new subscribers. Using social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn to promote your vlogs will help get your name out there on the internet. Share your content in creative ways, such as using unique hashtags and appealing one-line messages. Describe what kind of activity is going on in your vlogs when you promote them.
7) Keep a Consistent Schedule
Once you start your vlog, you must keep a consistent schedule of recording videos. You will not get many views overnight, but if you remain consistent you will get the audience you seek. It’s a matter of what type of vlogging schedule you want to have, whether it’s daily vlogs, weekly vlogs or a more randomized schedule.
Continue to network with other YouTube members, bloggers and friends on social media and be willing to schedule collaboration projects with other people if possible. Word on your vlog will get out faster this way.
Early on if you face constructive criticism from your followers, stay positive and don’t worry. Criticism is the best way for you to find out what you need to be doing better when you record your vlogs. Take in the positive comments about your vlog and ignore the excessively negative comments.
8) Make money from your youtube channel
After vlogging for some time you will notice growth in your subscriber base and views for your videos. It’s important to monetize off the content you make. The YouTube Partners Program offers you the chance to earn money through advertisements placed before or after your videos.
The more subscribers you get the higher benefit levels you will reach, such as Graphite, Opal, Bronze, Silver and Gold Benefit Levels. However, posting copyrighted material on your vlogs will result in strikes or channel termination, so don’t add any copyright protected songs to your videos.
Alternatively if you want to add on to what you earn on the YouTube Partners Program, you can sign up on Patreon where your followers can donate money to your account, which will support your vlog channel.
