Since the rise of YouTube and vlogging, it has becoming at “YouTuber” one of the most popular aspirational careers in recent years. Many of those who have been successful are YouTubers, but do you have what it takes to make it?
What makes a Youtube channel so successful? Here are 3 qualifications you need!
- You Need a Great Understanding of How the Platform Works
- There Are Quite A Few Production Skills Required
- Have Some Understanding of Marketing Basics
If you’re looking into starting your own Youtube channel, then keep reading to see if you have any of the qualifications to be a successful YouTuber!
Fun Fact: According to a research done by The Harris Poll that was commissioned by the LEGO toy company, 29% of kids in America between the ages of 8-12 want to pursue being a professional YouTuber as a career.
What Exactly is a YouTuber?
Youtube is the third most visited website on the internet, and it has become the leading streaming platform out there. Not only can you find videos about current events such as news and media, but you can also find videos on almost any topic you are looking for.
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YouTubers are the creator of those videos, and it has become a career to many people across the world. The good news about Youtube is that anyone can be a YouTuber! If you have an interest in creating content, you may be perfect for the job!
Why Are Qualifications Important?
When we talk about qualifications, these are more technical skills that everyone may not possess. You can be creative and excited about the idea of becoming a YouTuber, but without the technical qualifications that it actually requires, you won’t last long.
We are going to talk about three of the most important qualifications that it takes to not only start as a YouTuber but to last on the platform as well. These are a combination of understanding the platform as well as knowing how to create videos that people actually are interested in.
It is also important to know something about marketing. This is the best way to make sure your content is seen my potential viewers, as well as getting the most exposure you are able to! Here are these qualifications explained a little more in detail!
1. You Need a Great Understanding of How the Platform Works
Just like with any new platform, there is always a learning curve. If you really want to become a YouTuber, then your first step is making sure you understand how the platform works, and how to use it to your advantage.
One of the most important aspects is learning how to use the Creator Studio. Once you create your channel, this is basically “your office.” This contains your video manager, subscribers, analytics, and channel info, among other things. Everything you need to learn how Youtube works is in this area.
If you are unsure about Youtube, or just starting out, then check out channels similar to the content that you want to create. You can see what you like, what you don’t, and even what all of the big creators have in common.
The creator dashboard can also be a great place to check out any tips and tricks from Youtube as well. They will share ideas they think are great for your content, as well as general news and updates that impact the platform.
2. There Are Quite A Few Production Skills Required
Youtube is a more technically advanced platform. In addition to learning how to use Youtube, you also need to learn how to create videos, edit videos, and upload those video to the platform.
In order to create a high-quality video, you may want to invest in a great camera. Even if you are not ready to invest yet, many smartphones have great quality that you can use just to get started.
| Best Smartphone Cameras | Best Digital Cameras |
| Apple 11 / 11 Pro (What I use) | Canon 80 or 90 D |
| Google Pixel 3 | Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II |
| Samsung Galaxy S10 | Panasonic Lumix GH5 |
| Huawei P20 Pro | Canon EOS Rebel SL2/ EOS 200D |
| Sony Xperia XZ3 | Panasonic Lumix G85/G80 |
To see what I am currently recommending for my top camera pick, take a look at this Camera & Lens Recommendations page that I keep up to date.
When creating videos, the first step is to figure out what you want to make a video about. Many YouTubers keep a list of ideas for videos so that they always know what they want to create. The next step from here is figuring out what you’re going to say in the video. While you may just want to talk to the camera, figuring out what you want to say is going to make your video much easier to understand.
Depending on the kind of video you create, you may want to do some research before you begin creating your video. This is a great way to make sure you are delivering accurate information, as well as a better understanding of what you are talking about. This is especially important if there is anything that could cause potential harm to a viewer, such as dietary needs, cosmetics, or even physical harm.
What can really make your video stand apart from the crowd is how you edit your videos. These skills are not only reliant on what tools and equipment you’re using but also what you are wanting out of your videos. Are you going to use different camera angles? What is your video about? Answering questions like these will help you when it comes to editing.
When it comes to editing, there are a variety of ways you can approach it. There are both free and paid software programs that can help you make great videos. Depending on your budget, you may want to start out on a free program. If you have prior skills, then investing in a better program might be a great option for you.
| Best Free Editing Programs | Best Paid Editing Programs |
| Microsoft Movie Maker | Adobe Premiere Pro |
| Apple iMovie | Apple Final Cut Pro |
I currently use Adobe Premiere Pro, but certainly started with both Microsoft Movie Maker and Apple’s iMovie.
3. Have Some Understanding of Marketing Basics
Marketing on Youtube is really not much different than marketing in other areas of the internet. You don’t have to be a marketing professional in order to help get your Youtube channel off of the ground. There are a couple techniques that you can use to not only look more professional but help to get your name out there as well.
Marketing Basics You Need to Know:
- Create Great Thumbnails
- Video Titles That Grab a Viewer’s Attention
- Using the Right Keywords
- Promoting Your Channel on Various Platforms
- Consistent Production Schedule
- Engaging With Your Community
Since there are billions of videos on Youtube, one of the best tips is to create thumbnails that not only grab the attention of a viewer but entice them to click as well. You can use video production software as well as graphic design tools such as Photoshop and Canva to create thumbnails people will love.
If you’re familiar with SEO, then you probably know about the importance of keywords. Keywords can not only help a viewer know exactly what your video is about, but it can also help your video show up in search results on search engines such as Google, Yahoo, or Bing. You can also utilize those keywords in your video title, video description, and even on your thumbnail.
Marketing is not a one-trick pony! You’ll need to make sure you’re promoting your channel on content on every available form of media. Many YouTubers use social media as a tool to connect with their viewers and to promote their channel. On platforms such as Instagram and Twitter, you can create a bio that lets others know you are a YouTuber, and even link to your channel!
