HOW TO START A YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Key Points

BASIC ITEMS NEEDED TO RECORD YOUTUBE VIDEOS (YOUTUBE CHANNEL)

Have you been thinking about how to start a youtube channel?

YouTube has become the largest and most popular platform for sharing video content online. It’s also an excellent way for people to express their creative side, make some extra money, promote themselves or their business, and possibly even become a massive “Internet sensation”.

If you would like to be an official YouTuber, there are several things you will need to prepare—the most important being your essential video equipment.

To start a youtube channel, creating quality videos is essential. Thankfully, you don’t need to have a lot of technical know-how to produce the kind of content that people will enjoy watching—you simply need the right equipment.

If you have an awesome personality and unique content, you can probably get away with using just a smartphone. But do bear in mind that YouTube has become an extremely competitive space. As a beginner, it’s best to put some effort into the visual quality of your videos to ensure that you get views and gain subscribers.

Many popular YouTubers use a wide array of sophisticated video production equipment (some even hire professional video editors and camera operators) to produce their videos—but you don’t need to go that far.

Here is a list of the essential video production equipment you will need to start a YouTube channel:

Camera
Microphone
Tripod or Gimbal Stabilizer
Lighting
Video Editing Software
A good background/place to record

1. Camera

The most crucial piece of equipment to have is the camera. But before you head to the camera store, know that you don’t have to purchase the most expensive DSLR—you can use pretty much anything that can record high-quality (at least 1080p) videos.

Quality camcorders or webcams would suffice if you’re just starting, but DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are a good investment for when you’re ready to upgrade. Remember, the kind of camera you should purchase greatly depends on the type of Youtube content you wish to create. You can choose from any of the following types of cameras.

2. External Microphone

Remember that your audio quality needs to complement your video. Even if you record high-quality cinema 4K footage, you’re going to have trouble keeping your viewers interested if the audio is terrible. Built-in laptop or camera microphones usually have bad audio quality as they are not able to record or eliminate ambient sounds effectively, so the next most important tool to have for making Youtube videos is a good microphone.

But before you go out and purchase one, make sure to learn more about the different types of microphones to ensure that you get the best one for your needs.

3. Tripod or Gimbal Stabilizer

Unsteady footage is a no-no for professional video production as it can distract your viewers or make them dizzy. Tripods and gimbal stabilizers are great tools for stabilizing your photos and videos. Depending on how you will be recording your video, you can choose either of them to increase the production value of your YouTube videos.

4. Lighting

Lighting equipment is necessary if you’re primarily recording indoors and in dimly lit areas. And even if you’re shooting where there’s ample ambient light, lighting equipment can modify the mood and even out the brightness of your setup. A combination with colored LED lights can work wonders.

5. Video Editing Software
Adobe Premiere Elements 2018 with two little blonde girls playing on the cover

When you’ve got all the hardware you need, you’ll also have to find a good video editing software for post-production. YouTube has its video editor, but it would be great to have your software, so you have more freedom to modify your video to your liking.

Adobe Premiere Elements 18 is a common choice for videographers in general. It ensures very usable tools and a wide range of editing options such as video trimming, freeze frames, bounce-back effects, animations, and more. So you can turn your material into professional-quality videos that your viewers will love—and possibly subscribe to your YouTube channel.

A right background/place to record

Find the right spot in your house (or at work) that looks presentable. You can dress it up with plants, pictures, and shelves. Look at sets that prominent YouTubers use. Above all, try to keep it very simple.