Have you considered starting a YouTube channel but don’t have fancy equipment or a large budget? Got a lot of YouTube content ideas but never acted on them because you lack the funding for an actual camera? Don’t worry; we are in a different era where phones can do almost anything, from developing a website to starting and supporting a YouTube channel! Need help figuring out where to start? Fret not, for you’re in good company. This article will discuss how to start your YouTube channel using your phone.
Step 1: Choose a Topic for Your Channel
The first step in creating a YouTube channel is deciding on a topic. You must select a good topic because it will directly impact how you attract and retain viewers. A good topic attracts and keeps readers interested in your content because they can relate to it. If you consistently produce high-quality content on that subject, you’ll build a loyal audience that not only looks forward to your videos but also willingly shares them, thereby fueling organic growth.
A good topic can also aid in the monetization of your channel. You can attract sponsors, advertisers, and other opportunities to monetize your content by attracting a loyal audience and establishing yourself as an authority in your niche. But because we live in such a diverse, modern world, it can be challenging to narrow it down to one topic. Here are some pointers to get you started:
Identify Your Passions and Interests
Identify your passions and interests and consider the topics you enjoy learning about or discussing with others. Choosing a topic you’re passionate about or genuinely enjoy will help you stay motivated and engaged even when the views don’t come in as quickly as you expected.
Research your Competition
Once you’ve settled on a topic, look for other YouTubers creating content in the same niche. Analyze their content and identify what makes their channels successful. Use this information to create a unique angle for your channel and differentiate yourself from the competition.
Choose a Specific Niche
Instead of settling for a broad topic, consider narrowing your focus to a specific niche. For example, instead of creating a general cooking channel, focus on one particular cuisine or dietary restriction. This will attract a more targeted audience and establish you as an expert in this niche.
Consider Your Target Audience
Your target audience directly underlines your success.
Think about the content that will resonate with them and offer value. Conduct surveys, or ask for feedback to understand better what potential viewers want in a YouTube channel.
Step 2: Create a Google Account
Before creating a YouTube channel, you’ll need to create a Google account. If you already have a Google account, you can skip this step. If not, go to Google.com and click the “Sign In” button in the top right corner. Then, click “Create account” and follow the steps to create your Google account.
Step 3: Create Your YouTube Channel
Once you’ve created your Google account, go to YouTube.com and sign in with your Google account. Note that there are two types of YouTube channels: personal and brand YouTube.
An individual creates and manages a personal YouTube channel, usually for personal or entertainment purposes. Personal accounts typically feature content that reflects a creator’s interests, hobbies, or daily life. The content may range from Vlogs to product reviews, travel diaries, or other topics the creator is passionate about. These channels typically appeal to a specific niche or community of viewers who share the creator’s interests. Think a personal YouTube channel is what you need? Here’s how to create one:
- Sign in to YouTube on your phone.
- Click on your profile picture> create a channel and then follow the prompts.
- Ensure you check your Google Account details, and confirm to create the channel.
On the other hand, a brand YouTube channel is created and managed by a company, organization, or brand. The content often promotes the brand’s products, services, or values. Brand YouTube channels may include promotional videos, product demos, customer testimonials, or other content related to the brand’s niche. This content often appeals to a broader audience of potential customers interested in the brand’s products or services. If you want to promote your business, then a Brand YouTube channel is just what you need. Also, note that this type of YouTube channel can be managed jointly without needing a separate username or password. Here are the steps to create one:
- Open your browser
- Log into your Youtube account via your favorite browser- youtube.com/accounts
- Select add or manage your channel(s) under the section- Your YouTube Channel
- Select> new channel and then follow the prompts to create and customize your brand account.
Follow the steps below if you already have a personal account and wish to switch to a brand one:
- Click your profile icon and select switch account on the dialogue box that pops up
- Select the personal account you want to convert to a brand account
- Click advanced settings on the page you’ll be redirected to and then select replace under the list to move your personal channel to a brand one.
Step 4: Record Your Videos
Now it’s time to start creating content for your channel! You can record your videos using your phone’s camera. Make sure you have good lighting and sound quality. You can also use the built-in editing tools on your phone to edit your videos. Also, consider getting a tripod so it’s easy to record your content.
Step 5: Edit Your Videos
While you can always upload your recorded videos as they are, we live in a world where videos are becoming increasingly important, and so is the quality. Good quality makes your videos more immersive, retaining the viewer’s attention.
Quality videos are also associated with professionalism and can help attract advertisers and sponsors, creating monetization opportunities.
They also help you stand out from the competition and can potentially improve your video rankings as search engines like YouTube and Google tend to prioritize high-quality videos. Here are five free editing apps you can use to ensure your YouTube videos are always on point regardless of using a phone to record them:
- iMovie: A free video editing app developed by Apple. It offers a range of editing features, including multi-track editing, transitions, and audio editing. It’s available for both iOS and macOS devices.
- Quik: A free video editing app from GoPro. It’s available for both iOS and Android. It offers a range of editing features, including video trimming, splitting, merging, and adding music or text to your video.
- FilmoraGo: It’s a free video editing app for both Ios and Android users. It boasts various editing features such as trimming, cutting, adding music or text to your video, and even video effects.
- VivaVideo: Available for both Ios and Android users, VivaVideo includes features like trimming, cutting, music, adding text, and video effects. It also consists of video camera features that allow you to capture and edit footage within the app.
Step 5: Upload Your Videos to YouTube
Once you’ve recorded and edited your videos, it’s time to upload them to YouTube. Open the YouTube app on your phone and tap on the camera icon in the top right corner. Then, select the video you want to upload and follow the steps to upload it to your channel.
Step 6: Promote Your Channel
Now that you’ve created and uploaded your videos, it’s time to promote your channel. Here are three ways to do it:
Optimize Your Videos for Search
Use relevant keywords in your video title, description, and tags to make your videos more visible during searches. You can also include a video transcript in the description to make it easier for viewers to find your content.
Promote Your Videos on Social Media
Social media platforms are a great way to promote your YouTube channel and increase your reach. Share your videos on social media and other platforms to get more views and subscribers. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and creating a community around your channel. You can also use paid social media ads to target your audience and increase your channel’s visibility.
Collaborate With Other YouTubers
Collaborate with other YouTubers in your niche to reach a new audience. You can collaborate on videos, cross-promote each other’s channels on social media, or create joint giveaways and contests.
In addition to the above, promote your channel through email marketing, guest posting on relevant blogs, and participating in online communities or forums related to your niche. The key is consistently promoting your channel and providing value to your audience through your content.
