How to become A YouTuber

Digital content creators of heart-pounding gaming escapades, mind-expanding educational odysseys, side-splitting comedy galas, and awe-inspiring travel sagas, YouTubers make it their life’s goal to entertain and inform in a creatively wholesome manner.

• Digital Content Creator
• Online Video Creator
• Video Blogger (Vlogger)

What do YouTubers do?

A YouTuber would typically need to:

• Create, direct, shoot, edit, and upload high-quality videos that resonate with a large and engaged audience of subscribers
• Generate videos whose content is well-researched and accurate to ensure credibility
• Use powerful descriptions, titles and tags, including appropriate keywords, to optimise audience search for videos
• Edit footage to produce refined videos that strengthen their brand visibility; source and edit stock images and videos
• Ensure the voiceover and editing for videos synchronise ideally; edit images, choose appropriate music or sound effects, and add captions or subtitles 
• Make certain the videos do not hurt the sentiments of any individual, group, or community
• Develop inspirational, entertaining, and informative content in strict adherence to the YouTube community and sponsorship-related guidelines
• Make family-friendly videos favoured by companies whose affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, native advertising via Google AdSense, and collaboration generate maximum income for the YouTuber
• Think through the affiliations and not pursue them only for the attractive offers from associate companies
• See to it that any products or organisations endorsed are legitimate and trustworthy; tag videos with web links for approved products and services
• Be subtly persuasive in marketing profitable YouTube channel memberships and merchandise sales to the viewers; offer exclusive content to channel subscribers
• Use the comment section under videos to interact with subscribers in a fun yet respectful manner to increase viewership
• Collaborate with other trending YouTubers to add fresh content to their channel and promote cross viewership
• Build strong social media presence across diverse apps, including Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter
• Post diverting content on other social media platforms to keep their target audience hooked and draw new subscribers
• Promote upcoming and recently uploaded YouTube videos across relevant social media accounts to maximise reach and engagement
• Keep subscribers posted on their upload schedule to ensure maximum viewership
• Notify subscribers of anticipated upload delays and any technical glitches in the uploaded videos
• Analyse the engagement metrics and viewership stats of uploaded videos to make necessary changes in future productions
• Brainstorm novel concepts and topics for upcoming videos with team members; get permission to film people or locations, if necessary
• Produce and shoot videos to promote the company's products and services and build brand awareness, if employed by an organisation
• Understand the needs and expectations of management, partners, customers, and stakeholders
• Familiarise themselves with their client’s target audience and figure out the type of content that they find most appealing
• Partner with social media teams to leverage social media marketing initiatives; work with SEO or content teams to create industry-relevant content
• Conduct A/B testing of video thumbnails, titles, descriptions, and formats; locate and collaborate with successful industry influencers

YouTubers may work from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. Many work from home; those who work for a company may work out of an office or creative studio.

One’s area of interest and the need to meet clients may define how much travel is necessary to get the job done. Regardless, YouTube community events, including the Streamy Awards and meet and greets at VidCon alongside other successful YouTubers, constitute an essential aspect of one’s job and may require travel.

Full-time YouTubers work over 40 hours weekly to meet deadlines and complete projects. Although freelancers may have more flexible work schedules, they must also work late into the night and on weekends.

Research suggests that flexible hours and generous telework policies appeal more than salary to the younger generation. There has been an incremental increase in employers willing to give promising employees a chance to adjust their schedules per the job demands.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. YouTubers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Self-employment and freelancing are preferred options.

YouTubers are generally employed by:

• Corporate Retail Companies
• Major Fashion Brands
• Marketing Firms
• Media Companies
• Small & Medium Enterprises
• Individuals

Professional associations and organisations, such as the Digital Content Foundation (DCF), are crucial for YouTubers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. 

Professional associations provide members with continuing education, networking opportunities, and mentorship services. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Consistent generation of high-quality content that demands significant time and effort, leading to an unhealthy work-life balance
• A highly competitive platform with millions of content creators vying for viewers’ attention
• Changes in YouTube’s algorithm leading to fluctuations in viewership and subscribers; rapidly evolving YouTube content trends and audience preferences
• Inconsistent and unpredictable income due to factors such as view counts, ad formats, and audience demographics
• Time and energy required to respond to viewer comments, interact on social media, and build a loyal and engaged audience
• Legal and monetary problems due to content ID claims and copyright issues
• Burnout and emotional distress due to the pressure to constantly produce content and deal with negative feedback, online trolling, and hate comments
• Production hindered by technical issues, such as equipment failure and software glitches
• High likelihood of demonetisation, strikes, and channel termination in case of violation of YouTube’s strict content guidelines

YouTubers will benefit from tasks outside the classroom that align perfectly with lessons inside it. One may hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Academic and summer internships offer opportunities to work with famous content creators or vloggers and learn from them while handling behind-the-camera work. In addition to providing a taste of the career, such exposure helps build valuable contacts and improves one’s prospects of getting a permanent job.

12- to 18-month-long apprenticeships as entry-level content producers, digital marketers, or social media marketers can build expertise in communication and media production in a judicious mix of workplace learning and off-the-job study.

Short-term paid/voluntary work as a journalist, freelance writer, or blogger will help prospective YouTubers build their writing and reporting skills. Employers may also appreciate previous work experience in marketing or public relations.

The experience may also help determine whether the public, private or voluntary sector is best suited to realise one’s ambitions. Your educational provider’s career service department can provide information about viable work placements, internships and voluntary work opportunities in diverse sectors.

A portfolio containing a range of fine work samples and work-related recommendations or reviews can effectively showcase the breadth of your creative and technical skills to potential employers and clients.

Even while in high school, you can check with a teacher or counsellor about relevant work-based learning opportunities available in your school or community that can help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join a drama or theatre club to improve your public speaking, acting and presentation skills, which will add to your on-camera presence as a professional YouTuber. In addition to improving your writing and storytelling skills, the journalism club and yearbook team could offer the chance to interview and interact with diverse individuals.

Seek summer internships or part-time jobs in local media production companies, radio stations, or TV stations to acquaint yourself with filming, editing, and content creation. Extra-curricular speech and debate activities offer multiple opportunities to work on your communication, argumentation, and persuasion skills, all of which can pave the way for creating fascinating and powerful content.

Volunteer to help and capture school or community events involving photography, videography, or content creation to begin building your portfolio and visual storytelling skills. As a freelance photographer or videographer, you can gain additional experience capturing compelling footage by offering services to local parties and small businesses. 

Zero in on the kind of content you wish to create; it could be gaming, beauty, lifestyle, education, tech, or a unique combination of topics. Study successful YouTubers and analyse their content, style, and engagement strategies to determine the approach that would resonate with your target audience.

Take on graphic design projects for school clubs, events, or local organisations if you wish to create your own channel art, logos, or thumbnails. Offering to help the school or community groups with their social media management will further your understanding of audience engagement and content scheduling.

Start your own blog, website, or social media presence to serve as a mini portfolio showcasing your interests, skills, and commitment to content creation. Any experience that involves creativity, communication, storytelling, and engagement can expedite your launch as a high-octane YouTuber.

An associate degree or a certificate in digital media may help a hopeful Youtuber break into the industry. However, a bachelor’s degree in mass communication, digital media, English, or journalism would facilitate the acquisition of critical language and digital editing skills.

Consider taking courses related to content creation, including content authoring, administration, and design, graphic design and video editing to gain a well-rounded perspective. Classes in digital marketing can also benefit your content creation.

Recommended high school subjects include English or communications, art or graphic design, media studies or film production, computer science or technology, business or marketing, social studies or sociology, public speaking or drama, and photography, if available.

Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee entry into the profession. Be that as it may, professional qualifications and transferable skills may open up more than one door.

Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field. 

Certification demonstrates a YouTuber’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Certification in script-writing, cinematography, video editing and production, and creative digital media from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent.

YouTubers may also need to undergo an employment background check, including but not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of corporate YouTubers who may become Senior Content Creators or move into a content strategy or content marketing role.

Freelancers who can leverage their YouTube content to strengthen their own brand visibility will witness a rise in viewership and a consequent increase in ad and sponsorship earnings.

A well-established YouTube channel could grow into a business that releases merchandise, such as hoodies, shopping bags, stationery, and beauty products, for its subscribers. They may attract corporate clients willing to pay attractive fees for special international projects in collaboration with other YouTubers.

The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation, and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.

Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and exciting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable, transferable skills along the way.

Enthusiastic and energetic YouTubers with exceptional communication, editing and filming, cinematography, and time management skills have the best job prospects when they demonstrate a strong work ethic and produce genuine, unique, and captivating content.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active YouTuber build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning. 

Corporate YouTubers receive on-the-job training on the company’s style guide, use of its content management system and digital marketing software, products and services, target audience, and marketing strategies. Smaller companies with fewer resources hire candidates with significant work experience or provide educational assistance over internal training. 

Freelancers may need at least six to eight months to grow the business and a solid viewership base. The time could be used wisely to perfect their skills while working towards their goal.

Invest in good-quality equipment to create and upload interesting, informative, and visually appealing content regularly. Clean audio, precise visuals, and a well-structured video can positively impact viewer engagement. 

Create a content schedule and stick to it to build anticipation among your audience and keep them coming back for more. Zealous YouTubers respond to comments, ask for feedback, and encourage viewer interaction to build a community around their channel.

Understanding SEO and Metadata can show you how YouTube’s search algorithm works. Incorporating content-related keywords into video titles, descriptions, and tags will significantly improve a video’s discoverability.

Come up with a consistent branding strategy, including a memorable channel name, logo, banner, theme music, and an introductory video that aligns with the content you create.

Continue to build on your portfolio so potential clients get a better perspective of your competence and readiness for the job.

Attend local events, workshops, and conventions related to your niche. Participate in relevant YouTube workshops and conferences. Networking can help you connect with other YouTubers, collaborate on projects, and gain additional exposure in the process.

Tradeshows, conferences, and launch events offer innumerable opportunities to grab the attention of potential clients and make friends in the right places. Online networking also helps you follow and comment on likeable social media accounts and feature and tag brands you wish to collaborate with. 

Shrewd YouTubers remain abreast of YouTube trends and changes in the platform’s policies and adapt their strategies to keep pace with a constantly evolving digital landscape. 

Interact with the huge fandoms comprising viewers and subscribers to build rapport through regular live Q&A sessions, Instagram lives, comment responses, and fan page likes. 

Other tried-n-tested means to earn fame while boosting one’s income include selling customised merchandise, organising calls, and holding panels for viewer satisfaction.

In addition to offering the opportunity to continually upskill, regardless of one’s age, job, or level of knowledge, CPD also enables the periodic renewal of desirable certifications, which increase your chances of advancement and becoming an independent consultant.

Why Become A YouTuber?

YouTubers may be driven to create informative videos, tutorials, and how-tos, share stories, entertain people, or inspire them. Once you understand what you wish to achieve through your channel, it will be easier to focus on how to achieve your goals in a focused manner.

It Takes a Plan and a Schedule to Get Things Done

A consistent schedule will help you maintain consistency while reassuring your subscribers that they can count on you for new and engaging content on the scheduled dates. A proper timeline is essential to organise your efforts and stay on track.

Although daily content uploads may easily attract a new audience, it can become overwhelming, especially for a one-person team. A weekly schedule is a better way to begin one’s YouTuber journey, with the option to increase the output as one gains experience.

Begin With a Bang

Choose a unique and catchy channel name. Describe what your channel is all about in short, reader-friendly paragraphs. Use keywords so people can easily find you when they search for them. A warm and wholesome aesthetic with intriguing icons and banners will leave a good impression on the channel's visitors. 

Current Scenario

The employment outlook of a particular profession may be impacted by diverse factors, such as the time of year, location, employment turnover, occupational growth, size of the occupation, and industry-specific trends and events that affect overall employment.

YouTubers have enjoyed significant job growth over the past decade, with the platform emerging as a viable career option for content creators. However, the growth trajectory can fluctuate due to niche, content quality, audience engagement, and platform changes.

Renowned YouTubers who understand the client’s needs, quickly and efficiently create user-friendly and easy-to-navigate content, and gain expertise in personalised content marketing can attract larger audiences and generate more revenue.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing YouTubers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They fully own the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, full-time YouTubers have company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Research shows that time spent on YouTube has seen a double-digit percentage growth, while time spent watching TV is witnessing a double-digit decline.

With their ability to provide free and high-quality entertainment, YouTubers can whisk their viewers away from the mundane into the digital realm, where imagination dances a fast tango with hard facts and strict content guidelines.

Patience and perseverance are vital in building a successful YouTube channel. Use the time it takes to grow to refine your content and strategy.