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Your Guide to Starting a YouTube Channel

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Iowa chapter.

Being a YouTuber is pretty awesome, right?! You get to sit in front of a camera and record yourself talking and doing whatever you love to do. Yeah, I know this may sound a little crazy, but that’s all of the fun! Plus there are quite a few benefits that come out of it. I’m sure you’ve watched some of the big timers such as Bethany Mota, Tyler Oakley, Jenna Marbles and Zoella to name a few. And look where they all started: in their bedrooms with a camera in front of them, just talking. Now, they’ve been on tour, traveled around the world, and teamed up with some of the biggest brands out there, all because of YouTube. And no, you don’t have to have some incredible talent to get started, so here are some tips on how to make your own name in the YouTube world.

1. Choose your content.

What do you want your channel to be about? Do you want to spread positivity, laughter, or maybe just show your incredible makeup skills? Either way, you should start off by focusing out your content, so you can show everyone what your channel will ultimately be about.

2. Learn to edit.

Editing is key if you want to improve your channel and expand your community. You can either invest in editing software, such as Final Cut Pro, or use a free one! Sit yourself down, and learn some of the basic steps to make your videos that much better.

3. Advertise yourself.

You started this channel because you want people to watch your content, so get out there and show them! I know it might be strange putting yourself out there to all your friends and family, but I promise they will love it, and it will help you get your name out there. Who knows, maybe you’re the next Jenna Marbles? All you need now is your own Kermit and Marbles.

4. Be consistent.

Once you have some subscribers, they will want to see the content you’re putting out, so make sure you give it to them! You started this for a reason, so make sure to focus and give it all you’ve got!

5. Have fun!

For the most part, people start a YouTube channel because it’s something they love. Make sure to let loose, don’t worry about what others think of you and share with the world what you love to do. I promise it will pay off in the end.

 

Good luck… and make sure to SUBSCRIBE!

Natalie Lawyer is a sophomore at the University of Iowa studying Journalism. She is also a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Her dreams are to eventually leap into the fashion world and write for a fashion magazine. In her free time she loves to make YouTube videos about fashion and lifestyle. You can check her out on YouTube at youtube.com/natalielawyer. Stay in the know and catch me on Twitter and Instagram (@natalielawyer)!
U Iowa chapter of the nation's #1 online magazine for college women.