PLANNING OUR YOUTUBE CONTENT

Part1

Planning Your Video Content

1. 
   1
   Create a YouTube channel. First things first, you’ll need to set up a free basic account, and click the upload link (upward facing arrow) at the upper right-hand side of the page. After this, you’ll see a prompt to create a channel. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen.^[1]
   

   • If you have an account with Google, you're in luck, because you already have a YouTube account! Enter the same username and password you use to log into Gmail, Google+, etc.
2. 
   2
   Choose your camera. Any camera will work in the beginning, and you have tons of options. Webcams, cell phone cameras, or digital cameras are good choices. If you can afford it or want a higher quality image, consider buying something more sophisticated. Consumer-level video cameras can be found for under $300.^[2]
   

   • If you’re really serious, invest in an HD video camera or even a high-end DSLR. These cameras produce crisp, high-quality videos that will have viewers coming back for more.
   • Laptop, tablet, and desktop computers usually come with at least one free recording program installed. For Mac users, this is Quicktime. For Windows users, this is Windows Media Maker.
3. 
   3
   Focus on your best qualities. Make a list of your best attributes. Don’t be modest--write them all down!^[3] Use your amazing voice to become a singer. Take advantage of your debating skills to become an editorial presenter. Draw on your extensive knowledge of art history to become an online lecturer. Though it may be tricky, try to choose one quality to use as your brand.
4. 
   4
   Get a taste of what’s popular. Outsmart your browser by opening a window in Private or Incognito mode to see trending videos that aren’t based on your previous viewing habits. On the left-hand side of the page, click “Trending,” which is the second link. Videos listed under the headings “Trending” and “Shared and Liked” have the most views. Other ways of finding out what’s popular include:
   

   • Asking your friends what they’re watching. Friends can be a great resource, and they’ll be happy to help.
   • Checking your social media account to see what’s trending.
   • Search phrases like “popular YouTube videos” using search engines like Google or Bing to see what pops up.
5. 
   5
   Think of something unique. Now that you know what’s out there, it’s time to take your YouTube game to the next level. No matter what you decide to do, you’ll have competition. Put on your creative thinking cap, and try to think of an angle that can make your channel stand out. Consider the age group and interests of your target audience. Ask yourself if your channel name is unique. Think about what you’d like to see on YouTube, but have trouble finding.^[4]
   

   • Make sure you can make multiple videos on your concept. A one-video channel isn't much of a channel.
6. 
   6
   Reach out to other YouTubers. Find YouTube stars whose channels are similar to yours, and ask them if they’d like to collaborate with you on a few videos. This can be pretty intimidating, but putting yourself out there is important to building you channel. You can do it! Tell them you really like their content, and that you’d like to work with them on a project. Pitch whatever ideas you have. You can send a private message like this:
   

   • Click the username of the channel owner, which you can find below the title of the video.
   • When you get to the channel page, click the “About” tab.
   • At the upper right, click the “Send Message" button.
   • Type your message, and click “Send.” Now, cross your fingers and wait for their response.