096 · How to Become a YouTuber

Here’s an idea that still has a lot of potential and a guide for beginners interested in learning how to become a YouTuber but don’t know where to start. We’ll take a look at the most important steps you need to take to start your YouTube career, answer a few crucial questions you should be asking yourself, and finish with some very useful practical advice on how to achieve the success you’ve been dreaming of.

• Here's the program
• What does it mean to become a YouTuber?
• How much can you earn as a YouTuber?
• What qualities and skills are required to become a YouTuber?
• Why become a YouTuber?
• 10 steps to get started as a YouTube creator
  • 1Choosing the right niche
  • 2Finding a name for your channel
  • 3Create and personalize your channel
  • 4Get to know your audience and competitors
  • 5Find your own style
  • 6Define clear objectives
  • 7Plan the content you’re going to publish
  • 8Invest in quality equipment
  • 9Create high-quality videos
  • 10SEO optimization
• What are the different ways of monetizing your YouTube channel?
• How to promote your videos?
• Some essential tools and services
• 20 tips and tricks for successful YouTubers
• Conclusion
• EcoTips
• Pros and Cons
• Information recap

What does it mean to become a YouTuber?

Most of us know (or think we know) what it means, but the term is more complex than it sounds, so it’s worth asking. There’s a lot more to becoming a YouTuber than simply registering on a platform. A YouTuber, unlike an occasional user, commits to the regular creation of video content aimed at a specific audience.

The role of a YouTuber goes beyond sharing videos, as it involves developing a genuine digital identity, creating a connection with your audience and becoming actively involved in an online community. Each video you’ll post is a piece of a larger puzzle, reflecting your interests, values, and creativity.

The YouTuber distinguishes himself by his ability to maintain consistency in his publications, often centered around a specific topic. This specialization captures the attention of a specific audience, building a loyal fan base. The key to success on YouTube lies in this ability to create videos that resonates with the interests and needs of its audience, while adding a unique, personal touch. This often involves keeping abreast of trends, innovating, and adapting to the constant evolution of the platform and viewer preferences.

So, being a YouTuber is about much more than just posting videos on YouTube, and the success of this venture will depend on a number of factors that we’ll look at in this article. If you imagine that it’s a simple and easy business, and that the money will start flowing in without too much effort, prepare to be disappointed. Because it’s going to take hard work and perseverance. Let’s take a look.

How much can you earn as a YouTuber?

Earning potential as a YouTuber varies considerably and depends on many factors, including the number of views and subscribers. The most popular YouTubers make impressive sums of money, often via ads integrated into their videos, partnerships with brands, and sometimes even exclusive contracts. These revenues can reach thousands or even millions of dollars a year. However, these cases represent a small elite and do not reflect the reality of the majority of content creators.

For new YouTubers, it’s important to understand that monetization can be a slow process. In the early stages, revenues are often minimal or non-existent. Monetization via YouTube ads, for example, is only available once a certain threshold of views and subscribers has been reached. This means that, in the early stages, the focus must be on creating quality content that attracts and retains an audience. It’s common for new YouTubers to start seeing tangible income only after months or even years of hard work and steady channel growth.

Earnings for beginner YouTubers vary enormously but are generally modest. For a first-time YouTuber who has managed to cross the monetization threshold, earnings can range from a few dozen to a few hundred dollars a month. These earnings come mainly from advertising on their videos and increase progressively with the number of views and the growth of their subscriber base. It’s crucial for new creators to focus on audience engagement and the quality of their content as these elements will ultimately determine their earning potential on the platform.

Finally, it’s worth noting that to start earning money from videos on YouTube, you must first be accepted into the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). The eligibility criteria for joining this program are as follows:

• Number of subscribers: You must have at least 1,000 subscribers on their channel.
• Viewing hours: The channel must have accumulated at least 4,000 viewing hours on public videos over the past 12 months.
• Policy compliance: You must comply with all YouTube policies and guidelines, including copyright rules, advertiser-friendly content, and YouTube community standards.
• Place of residence: The YPP must be available in your country of residence.

Once these criteria have been met and you’ve applied and been accepted into the YouTube Partner Program, you can start monetizing your videos through ads, paid subscriptions, super chats, and other monetization methods that we’ll look at in more detail below.

What qualities and skills are required to become a YouTuber?

Much more than just the ability to make videos, becoming a YouTuber requires a set of character traits as well as technical and creative skills.

Essential qualities

• Creativity: The ability to generate original ideas and turn them into compelling content.
• Perseverance: Determination to continue despite challenges and fluctuations in popularity.
• Authenticity: Presenting an image that is sincere and true to oneself, a key element in building subscriber loyalty.
• Adaptability: Reactivity to changing trends and audience feedback.
• Communication skills: Ability to engage with your audience and build a community.

Technical and creative skills

• Video editing: Knowledge of editing software to produce quality videos.
• YouTube platform knowledge: Understanding of YouTube algorithms, SEO, and analytical tools.
• Scripting: Ability to structure and tell a story in a captivating way.
• Marketing skills: Know how to promote your channel and videos to reach a wider audience.
• Basic technical knowledge: Understanding framing, lighting, sound, and filming equipment.

To acquire and refine these skills, there are many learning resources available. Online platforms such as Udemy or Skillshare offer a multitude of courses covering all aspects of YouTube video creation, from video editing to content strategy. These courses are often designed by experienced YouTubers and industry professionals, providing practical advice, and insights based on real-life experience.

In addition to these platforms, many free resources are available, such as YouTube tutorials, specialized blogs, and online community groups, notably on Facebook.

Continuous learning and experimentation are essential in this constantly evolving field. The most successful designers are often those who continue to learn, adapt, and innovate, always remaining curious and open to new ideas and techniques.

Here’s an infographic showing the latest YouTube statistics. Source

Why become a YouTuber?

Embarking on the YouTube adventure requires serious reflection on personal motivations. Understanding why you want to become a YouTuber is crucial as it will influence your approach, perseverance, and ultimately, your level of success on the platform. There are good and not-so-good reasons for starting on YouTube, and it’s important to distinguish between them. Here are just a few of them:

Good reasons

• Passion for creation: A passion for sharing stories, skills or interests is fundamental. If you love creating and sharing content, YouTube can be a great way to express that passion.
• Willingness to build a community: If you aspire to create and engage a community around a subject you’re passionate about, YouTube offers an ideal platform for this.
• Personal and professional development: Becoming a YouTuber can be a way of acquiring new skills, building a network, and gaining self-confidence.
• Sharing expertise or a unique perspective: If you have special expertise or a unique point of view to offer, YouTube can be an effective way of sharing your knowledge with a wide audience.

Less good reasons

• Seeking fame fast and easy: Becoming famous on YouTube is often a long and difficult process. If the quest for fame is the main motivation, disillusionment can be swift.
• Make money fast: While making money is possible, it’s not usually immediate. Entering YouTube primarily for the money can lead to frustration in the face of the real challenges of content creation.
• Imitating others without personal passion: Simply following a trend or imitating other YouTubers without a genuine passion for content can lead to failure.

Before getting started, it’s essential to ask yourself what really motivates you. This introspection helps to define clear and realistic goals and to develop a content strategy aligned with your values and interests. A YouTuber who is guided by genuine passion and well-thought-out goals has a better chance of maintaining the motivation needed to succeed and stand out on this dynamic yet highly competitive platform.

10 steps to get started as a YouTube creator

There are several key steps to becoming a YouTuber. Of course, this list may vary according to each creator’s goals and type of content, but here’s a general approach that can serve as a guide to getting started.

1 Choosing the right niche

A well-chosen niche allows you to focus on a specific audience and create videos that resonates with their interests. The ideal is to strike a balance between your passions, your skills, and an area that’s not too saturated. Here are a few examples:

• Education and language learning: With a growing interest in online learning, creating educational content or language courses can attract a global audience. This one is not only useful but can also be monetized through partnerships with educational platforms or course sales.
• Personal development and well-being: Topics such as meditation, stress management, and personal development have a dedicated audience. This area allows to create content that helps people and improve their daily lives.
• Ecology and sustainability: Awareness of the environment and sustainable development is on the rise. Creating videos on topics like zero waste, urban ecology, or sustainable alternatives can attract an environmentally conscious audience.
• Technology and innovation: With the rapid pace of technological innovation, a channel dedicated to the latest tech trends, gadget reviews, AI, or programming tutorials can attract a technophile audience.
• Specialized cuisine: Instead of covering cuisine in general, focusing on a specialty such as vegan cooking, pastry, low-budget cooking or the cuisine of a specific region can attract an audience passionate about these subjects.
• Creative hobbies and DIY (Do It Yourself): Creating content around creative hobbies, such as pottery, knitting, or scrapbooking, can capture the interest of communities passionate about these activities.
• Culture and alternative travel: Rather than focusing on popular tourist destinations, you could explore lesser-known cultures, off-the-beaten-track destinations, or travel tips for specific groups (such as solo travelers or families).

These niches are just examples, and the choice will depend very much on your personal interests and expertise. The key is to choose an area where you can bring unique value while addressing the interests and needs of a targeted audience. A well-defined niche can not only help you stand out from the crowd but also build an engaged community around your content.

But this doesn’t mean you can’t choose a niche that’s already well represented on YouTube. There’s nothing to stop you launching a fitness, make-up, or gaming YouTube channel, but keep in mind that the challenge will be greater and you’ll need to find a different approach or original angle to succeed.

2 Finding a name for your channel

A good YT channel name can not only attract the attention of potential viewers but also reflect the essence of your content and personality. It’s important to choose a unique, catchy, easy-to-remember name that evokes interest and gives an immediate idea of the type of content you offer. This name must stand out in the sea of content found on YouTube. Think of a name that resonates with your niche yet is flexible enough to adapt to the evolution of your channel over time.

To find the perfect name, start by brainstorming keywords related to your niche and personal approach. Combine these words in creative ways, or play with rhymes, alliteration, or wordplay. Think about how easily the name can be pronounced and remembered.

Once you’ve got a few ideas, check their availability on YouTube and other social platforms to ensure brand (and domain name if you’re going to create a website on the side) consistency. Don’t forget to consider what the name means in different languages and cultures, especially if you’re targeting an international audience.

If you’re looking for more tips and strategies for choosing the ideal name for your YouTube channel, I invite you to check out the dedicated article I’ve written on this subject, where I dive deep into the methods and considerations for selecting a name that truly resonates with your brand, target audience, and goals.

3 Create and personalize your channel

The first step is to create a Google account. As YouTube is owned by Google, your YouTube account will be automatically created at the same time. Do this even if you already have one as it will allow you to separate your private life from your activity as a YouTuber. Once you’ve set up your Google account, you can create your channel. To do this, log in to YouTube using your new Google Account, click on your profile icon and select “Create a channel”. This initial step involves providing basic information such as your channel name and a description that reflects your content and personality.

Once you’ve created your channel, you can then personalize it by adding a logo and banner. The YouTube banner, ideally 2560×1440 pixels in size, is one of the first visual elements a visitor will see on your channel. It must therefore be both eye-catching and representative of your brand and content. Similarly, a well-designed logo helps reinforce your channel’s visual identity.

If you don’t have the skills or time to create these graphic elements, there are several platforms where you can hire freelancers to take care of the task. Sites such as Fiverr or UpWork are full of talented designers who can create custom banners and logos at a very reasonable cost. Alternatively, there are tools such as Canva, Adobe Express or Photoshop, which can help you create everything from banners and logos to video thumbnails yourself.

Finally, remember to carefully fill in all the sections of your channel profile, including links to your other social networks or websites, and any other information that might be of interest to your fans.

4 Get to know your audience and competitors

Understanding your audience and competitors is essential to the success of your YouTube channel. This step enables you to refine your content, stand out in your niche, and establish a deeper connection with your audience.

aKnow your audience

Your audience is at the heart of your channel. To create content that resonates with it, you need to understand who your viewers are. Analyze the demographic data available via YouTube Analytics, such as age, gender, geography, and interests of your audience. Pay close attention to the comments under your videos to capture your viewers’ preferences, questions, and feedback.

Actively engage with them by responding to comments and asking questions to encourage discussion. By understanding your audience’s needs and desires, you can tailor your content to better meet them.

bStudy your competitors

Knowing your competitors gives you valuable insight into what works in your niche and where you can innovate. Identify other YouTubers who target a similar audience to yours and analyze the elements that contribute to their success, such as the style of their videos, the topics they cover, and the way they interact with their audience.

Avoid, however, simply imitating what others are doing. Use this information to find unique ways of differentiating yourself, but avoid copying and pasting at all costs.

By combining a thorough understanding of your audience with clear knowledge of what your competitors are doing, you can fine-tune your content strategy to better meet your audience’s needs and stand out in an already crowded space. This requires a constant effort of observation, analysis, and adaptation, but the benefits in terms of engagement and channel growth are well worth the effort.

5 Find your own style

Your style encompasses not only the way you present content—but also your narrative voice, your visual aesthetic, and the overall approach to your videos. This gives your channel a distinct identity and creates a recognizable brand for your subscribers.

• Develop your presentation style: The way you present content can greatly influence audience engagement. Experiment with different formats and presentation techniques to find what works best for you and what resonates with your audience. This could be a humorous, educational, inspirational tone, or a combination of these. Be authentic in your approach; viewers are often drawn to creators who appear natural and sincere in their videos.
• Create a unique visual aesthetic: Your channel’s visual aesthetic, including color choices, graphics, and editing style, also contributes to your unique style. Consider the aesthetic that fits your brand and your target audience. For example, a channel focused on art and creativity might opt for a bright color palette and dynamic editing, while a wellness channel might prefer softer tones and calming editing.
• Consistency and evolution: While it’s important to maintain a certain consistency in your style, remain open to evolution and adaptation. Your style can and should evolve over time as you gain experience and receive feedback from your audience. Stay alert to trends and changes in your audience’s preferences while remaining true to what makes your channel unique.

6 Define clear objectives

Just as a ship without a compass risks getting lost in the vastness of the ocean, a YouTube channel without clearly defined objectives can quickly lose its way in the vast world of digital content. Setting clear goals is crucial to guiding your journey as a YouTuber and measuring your progress.

• Set short- and long-term goals: Start by defining short-term objectives, such as reaching a certain number of subscribers or views in the first few months, or publishing a defined number of videos per week. These immediate goals provide motivating, measurable benchmarks.

  At the same time, set long-term goals, which may include broader aspirations such as becoming a reference in your niche, establishing partnerships with brands, or even generating a specific income. These more ambitious goals offer a long-term vision for your chain.

• Alignment with your mission and values: Your goals must be in harmony with your chain’s overall mission and your personal values. This not only ensures the consistency of your content but also reinforces your authenticity with your audience.

  For example, if your channel focuses on environmental issues, a long-term goal could be to collaborate with ecological organizations or raise awareness of such causes (climate, biodiversity, pollution, etc.). It’s up to you to find the right approach.

• Regular monitoring and reassessment: Setting goals is just the beginning. It’s just as important to regularly monitor your progress and re-evaluate these goals. Use tools like YouTube Analytics to track your channel’s performance and adjust your goals based on your growth and audience feedback. Be prepared to modify your goals if necessary, especially if you discover new opportunities or face unforeseen challenges.

7 Plan the content you’re going to publish

Effective planning allows you to manage your time optimally, ensure regularity in your publications and keep your audience engaged. Here’s how.

• Establish an editorial calendar: The first step in content planning is to create an editorial calendar. This involves deciding in advance what topics you’re going to cover, what types of videos you’re going to create and when you’re going to publish.

  An editorial calendar helps you organize your ideas, anticipate important or seasonal events, and maintain a regular publication cadence. It can be as simple as an Excel spreadsheet with dates and themes or a more sophisticated planning tool.

• Diversify your content: Diversifying your content is crucial to maintaining your audience’s interest. Consider integrating different types of videos, such as tutorials, vlogs, interviews, or product reviews. Varying your formats and topics helps to attract a wider audience and cater to the different needs and preferences of your subscribers.

• Set aside time for creation: Creating quality content takes time. Set aside enough for the research, filming, editing, and promotion of each video. Anticipating and respecting these deadlines is important to avoid rushing and ensure the quality of your content.

• Reacting to News and Trends: As well as keeping to your schedule, be ready to react quickly to current trends or events. This may involve modifying your schedule at the last minute to incorporate relevant news topics, which can increase your channel’s relevance and engagement.

Hootsuite offer a range of useful features for Youtubers, including publication scheduling.

8 Invest in quality equipment

Investing in quality equipment is an important aspect of YouTube content creation, but it doesn’t necessarily mean breaking the bank with expensive gear right from the start. For beginners, basic equipment can often be enough to produce videos of satisfactory quality.

• Start with what you’ve got: In many cases, a modern smartphone is more than enough to get you started. Today’s smartphones are equipped with cameras capable of filming in high resolution (1080p), and there are numerous apps to help with video shooting and editing. The advantage of using a smartphone is its versatility and ease of use, which is ideal for new creatives.
• Invest in a good microphone: Sound is a crucial aspect of video quality. Even with the best images, poor sound can ruin a video. Investing in a good microphone is therefore essential. Fortunately, there are affordable options that can dramatically improve the quality of your audio, such as lapel microphones or USB condenser microphones.
• Useful accessories: A tripod or stabilizer for your smartphone can help to achieve stable images. Lighting also plays an important role; even a simple ring light or LED lamps can make a big difference. These accessories need not be expensive, but they can considerably improve the visual quality of your videos.

As you grow your channel, you can gradually invest in more advanced equipment. But remember that content quality and your ability to engage with your audience are far more important than expensive equipment.

9 Create high-quality videos

Creating high-quality videos on YouTube isn’t just about the technical aspect; it also encompasses content, narration, and other essential elements that make a video engaging and memorable for the audience.

aTechnical aspects

• Visual quality: Make sure your videos are crisp and clear. Use the best possible resolution within the limits of your equipment. The rule of thumb is to shoot at least in 1080p HD. If you’re using a smartphone, make the most of the camera’s capabilities, and make sure you shoot in good light conditions (evenly lit, with no harsh shadows or overexposed areas).
• Sound quality: Clear sound is crucial. Use a good microphone and edit the audio to eliminate unwanted background noise. Remember that poor sound quality can deter viewers from watching your video to the end.
• Editing: Careful editing can turn a good video into an outstanding piece of work. Use editing techniques to keep the pace of the video dynamic and engaging, eliminating unnecessary length and adding visual elements or effects to reinforce the message. Conversely, avoid psychedelic editing, with “cuts” every 3 seconds, at the risk of nauseating your viewers.

bVideo content

• Scripting: Script your content. Even for seemingly spontaneous vlogs, having a basic plan or script can help keep the video coherent and fluid. Don’t hesitate to use storytelling techniques to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
• Added value: Each video should bring something unique to your audience, whether it’s information, entertainment, inspiration, or a combination of these.
• Audience engagement: Encourage interaction by asking questions, inviting viewers to comment, and responding to their comments. This creates a community around your channel.

cOther important elements

• Style consistency: Your videos should reflect a consistent style that matches your brand and personality. This ranges from the way you address the camera to the visual aesthetics of your videos.
• Titles, thumbnails, and descriptions: Don’t neglect these elements. A good title and an attractive thumbnail can entice people to click on your video. A detailed description, with the appropriate use of keywords, can improve the SEO of your videos on YouTube and Google.
• Compliance with YouTube guidelines: Make sure your videos comply with YouTube community guidelines to avoid monetization or visibility problems. It would be a shame to see one of your videos skipped just for a detail you omitted.

10 SEO optimization

Search engine optimization (SEO) is an absolutely crucial element in increasing the visibility of your videos. Understanding and applying the basic principles of SEO can greatly increase your chances of appearing in Google search results and YouTube recommendations.

It’s a rather vast subject that would take up far too much space to be properly covered in this article, but I’ve written a comprehensive article on how to optimize various content for SEO. I strongly urge you to go and read it to learn all about the subject. But in the specific case of YouTube, SEO optimization focuses on several key elements to maximize the visibility of your videos.

First of all, it’s essential to identify and integrate relevant keywords in your titles, descriptions and tags, using YouTube-specific keyword research tools. Descriptions should be detailed and naturally incorporate your keywords while tags should be strategically chosen to enhance YouTube’s understanding of your content.

Customized thumbnails also play a crucial role in increasing click-through rates, and adding subtitles or transcripts can boost accessibility and SEO. Finally, encouraging user engagement and promoting your videos on other platforms also helps to improve their positioning in search results and YouTube recommendations.

What are the different ways of monetizing your YouTube channel?

Making money with a YouTube channel can be done in a variety of ways, offering content creators opportunities to earn money from their passion. Here are some of the most common methods:

aJoin the YouTube Partner Program

• YouTube Ads: Once you’re eligible and have joined the YPP, you can start earning money from ads shown before, during, or after your videos. Note that the amount of this income can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the number of views, the type of content, and advertising rates.
• Super Chat and Super Stickers: During live broadcasts, viewers can purchase Super Chats or Super Stickers to highlight their messages, which can be an additional source of revenue.
• Paid channel subscriptions: You can offer paid subscriptions to your subscribers, giving them access to exclusive content, badges, personalized emojis, and more.

bPartnerships and sponsorship

• Sponsorships: Collaborate with brands to promote their products or services in your videos. These partnerships are often lucrative, but it’s important to only promote products that are relevant to your audience and your values.
• Sponsored content and affiliations: You can also create sponsored content or use affiliate links to promote products, earning a commission on sales generated by your links.

cProduct sales and merchandising

• Merchandise store: Create and sell your own merchandise, such as T-shirts, caps or mugs. YouTube offers integrations with some merchandising platforms to promote your products directly on your channel.
• Sell courses or services: If you have a particular expertise, you can sell online courses, e-books, or offer consulting services.

dOther sources of income

• Participatory funding and donations: Platforms like Patreon, Buy Me A Coffee or Ko-fi allow fans to financially support their favorite creators in exchange for exclusive content.

Last but not least, monetizing your YouTube channel can take many different forms—and is not limited to a single method. It’s often beneficial to combine several sources of income to maximize your financial potential.

Some of the most popular YouTubers : MrBeast (239M subscribers, 777 videos), PewDiePie (111M subscribers, 4,7k videos), Rosanna Pansino (14,5M subscribers, 1,3k videos), Lilly Singh (14,4M subscribers, 1,1k videos). See the Top50 of the most subscribed YouTubeurs.

How to promote your videos?

UOnce you’ve published your first video, you’ll probably be tempted to stand there staring at the view counter displayed at the bottom of the video, concentrated like a cat waiting for its prey to come out of hiding. Rather than do this and turn into a zombie, or at best sink into despair, there are several ways you can quickly boost the number of views.

Promoting your YouTube videos is essential to increase their visibility and attract a wider audience. Aside from SEO optimization, there are several marketing strategies you can use to give your videos a boost, whether for free or by paid means.

aSharing on social networks

• Integration on social platforms: share your videos on platforms like Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. This can help reach your existing audience and attract new viewers.
• Online groups and communities: Participate in online groups or forums related to your niche and share your videos where relevant. However, make sure you respect the rules of the community and certainly don’t spam.

bPaid advertising campaigns

• Google Ads: Use Google Ads to target potential viewers on YouTube and beyond. You can target by interests, demographics, or even specific keywords.
• Facebook Ads and Instagram Ads: These platforms offer detailed targeting options to reach specific audiences, which can be effective in promoting your videos to a wider audience.
• Other advertising platforms: Consider using ads on other platforms like Pinterest or LinkedIn, depending on your audience.

cCollaborations and cross-promotion

• Collaborations with other YouTubers: Collaborate with other creators in your niche. This can be mutually beneficial by exposing you to their subscribers and vice versa.
• Participating in podcasts or interviews: Participating in podcasts or interviews can also help promote your channel.

dOther promotional strategies

• Newsletters and email marketing: If you have a mailing list, share your new videos with your subscribers by email. And if you don’t have one, create one quickly.
• Website or blog optimization: If you have a website or blog, integrate your YouTube videos to increase their visibility.
• Participating in events or conferences: Presenting your videos at events or conferences can also help promote them to a new audience. Needless to say, your videos must be of the highest quality, both technically and in terms of content.
• Pay an influencer: Many influencers are willing to share your video with their fans, sometimes for a very reasonable price. Make sure, however, that they cover topics similar to yours so that it’s effective.

By combining these different strategies, both free and paid, you can significantly increase the reach of your YouTube videos. And don’t hesitate to try out different methods to see what works best in your particular case.

Finally, note that I’ve written a comprehensive article on the best digital marketing strategies. I invite you to read it to learn more about this vast subject.

Some essential tools and services

If a tradesman can’t do much without tools, it’s the same for a youtuber. You need the right tools to get the job done properly. These tools are not just limited to filming equipment, but also include software and online platforms that can greatly facilitate the creation of your content and channel management process.

Here’s a list of useful tools for YouTubers:

• Video editing software: Programs such as Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro or more affordable options such as Filmora ou Shotcut Video Editor allow you to edit your videos professionally.
• Analysis tools: YouTube Analytics is essential for understanding your channel’s performance. Tools like VidIQ or TubeBuddy offer additional analysis and SEO optimization suggestions.
• Graphics software: Use tools like Canva, Adobe Express, Photoshop, or Photopea to create thumbnails, banners and other graphic elements for your channel.
• Storage and backup: Storage solutions like external drives or cloud services (Kdrive, pCloud, DropBox, OneDrive…) to back up your videos and data (don’t forget you get 15Gb of free storage on Google Drive).
• Content planning tools: Platforms like Trello, Monday or Asana can help you organize your video ideas and plan your editorial calendar.
• Social media platforms: Use networks like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to promote your videos and interact with your audience. Note that services like Buffer or Hootsuite can let you manage multiple accounts in one place, with powerful tools at your disposal.
• Screen capture software: For tutorials or demonstrations, tools like OBS Studio or Camtasia are useful for recording your screen.
• Music and sound effects: Access royalty-free music libraries like Epidemic Sound or YouTube Audio Library to enrich your videos.

These are just a few of the tools and services available online, and you’re sure to find others you’ll prefer over time. Using them can make a significant difference to the quality of your videos and the efficiency of your work process. Selecting these tools wisely and mastering their use is an essential investment for any youtuber determined to succeed.

20 tips and tricks for successful YouTubers

Before we close this article, let’s take a look at the tips and tricks you can use to get your channel off to a good start and put all the odds in your favor to quickly achieve the success you’re hoping for.

• Create a teaser for your videos: Before publishing a full video, share a short excerpt or teaser on your social networks to generate interest.
• Use animations to explain concepts: Incorporate simple animations to explain complex concepts or to add a creative touch to your videos.
• Organize live Q&A sessions: Once you’ve reached a certain number of subscribers, interact directly with them in live sessions to answer their questions and consolidate your links with your community.
• Publish regularly: Publish your new content at regular days and times, if possible. Your fans will appreciate it, and so will YouTube’s algorithm.
• Collaborate with experts: Interview experts or invite them into your videos to add credibility and diversity to your content.
• Integrate interactive elements: Use YouTube polls, interactive maps and end screens to encourage viewer interaction with your content.
• Create thematic series: Develop video series on a particular theme to keep viewers engaged and coming back for more.
• Optimize the first minute: Focus on creating a captivating start to your video to grab viewers’ attention right from the start. The first few seconds are often the most crucial!
• Exploit trends with a personal touch: Identify current trends and create videos that addresses them in a way that’s unique to your style and channel.
• Develop your personal brand: Beyond your YouTube channel, develop your personal brand on various platforms to create a broader online presence.
• Analyze the performance of similar videos: Look at what’s working for other videos in your niche and incorporate (intelligently and again without copy/paste) these findings into your own content.
• Use storytelling: Tell compelling stories in your videos to establish an emotional connection with your audience. Storytelling has enormous power, so harness it.
• Offer challenges or collaborative projects: Challenge your community or propose collaborative projects to increase engagement.
• Incorporate relevant calls to action: Encourage viewers to take action, whether by liking, subscribing, commenting, sharing, or watching another video.
• Organize contests or giveaways: Organize contests or giveaways to reward and motivate your community. What’s more, if you secure a partnership, it will cost you (almost) nothing.
• Take inspiration from others: Watch hours of videos to find inspiration, see what techniques might work for you, and avoid making beginner’s mistakes.
• Quality over quantity: Prioritize the creation of high-quality content rather than frequently publishing mediocre content.
• Avoid the perfectionist trap: Striving for perfection can be extremely time-consuming and often counter-productive. Instead, aim for continuous improvement.
• Be patient and persistent: Success on YouTube doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient and persevere despite the challenges. Above all, challenge yourself—if what you’re proposing isn’t working, try something else.
• Never stop learning: Keep abreast of the latest YouTube trends and constantly improve your creativity and video editing skills.

Conclusion

That’s all there is to it! There’s certainly a lot more to say on this subject, and I’ve just skimmed over a few topics that deserve a lot more development. But this article is already long enough (OMG I’m already at 15 pages!), so I’ll stop here.

As we’ve gone through the various chapters of this article, we’ve explored the many facets of becoming a successful YouTuber. From understanding what it means to be a YouTuber, to defining your niche, choosing a catchy name for your channel, creating quality content, to SEO optimization and monetization, each step is crucial to building a successful and lasting presence on YouTube.

We’ve also looked at the importance of knowing your audience and competitors, finding your own style, and setting clear goals. Investing in quality equipment, while not necessarily requiring a large budget at the outset, is an essential aspect, as is developing an effective promotional strategy for your videos.

In short, if you want to be a YouTuber, your path to becoming successful involves a mix of creativity, strategy, perseverance, and adaptation. Every step of the way is an opportunity to learn, grow, and interact with an audience that can stretch worldwide.

Which stage do you find most exciting or daunting? What specific challenges do you foresee for your channel? Have you already experienced any of these stages, and if so, what lessons did you learn?

Please feel free to share your experiences, questions or advice in the comments below. Your stories and questions cannot only enrich your own experience, but also help other aspiring YouTubers on their path to success.