10 Things to Know Before Starting a Youtube Channel

10 Things to Know Before Starting a YouTube Channel

YouTube is one of the most popular platforms for video sharing today. With over 2.68 billion users worldwide in 2023 (Statista, 2023), it remains the go-to site for both viewers and content creators. If you're thinking about starting your own channel, it's important to do some homework first. Here are ten essential things to know before you begin your YouTube journey.

What Is YouTube?

YouTube is a free video-sharing platform where people upload, share, and view videos. Launched in 2005, Google acquired YouTube a year later. Since then, it has grown into a major hub for entertainment, education, business, and creative expression. According to Google, users upload more than 500 hours of video every minute (Google, 2022). YouTube has helped launch countless careers and businesses. It encourages everyone—whether individuals or companies—to reach a global audience. Trends and viral content spread quickly, showing YouTube’s true impact on culture.

Why Should You Start a YouTube Channel?

Starting a YouTube channel offers many benefits:

• Express Creativity: Share your ideas, passions, and hobbies with a large audience.
• Connect with People: Find viewers and creators who share your interests.
• Build a Brand: Help your business or personal brand reach more people.
• Earn Income: Monetize your videos through ads, sponsored content, or selling products and services. Some creators earn substantial income, with the highest earners making over $20 million a year (Forbes, 2022).
• Grow Your Expertise: Share your knowledge and become an authority in your niche.

10 Things You Should Know Before Creating Your YouTube Channel

1. Be Consistent

• Post videos on a regular schedule. It helps viewers know when to expect new content.
• Consistent uploads can boost your channel’s growth and audience loyalty.
• If you run out of ideas, switch things up with related topics to keep your channel fresh.

2. Get the Right Gear

• You don’t need top-tier equipment, but invest in essentials—a quality camera, microphone, and tripod.
• Good audio is as important as good video. Clear sound keeps viewers engaged.
• A reliable computer helps with editing and uploading your videos.

3. Find Your Inspiration and Niche

• Decide what excites you the most. Are you passionate about travel, games, beauty, or DIY?
• Stick to your niche, but don’t be afraid to experiment sometimes.
• Even small niches have dedicated followers who want your perspective.

4. Learn to Edit and Trim Content

• Keep only the essential parts of your videos; cut out anything that doesn’t add value.
• Shorter, well-edited videos keep viewers’ attention longer.
• Practice editing makes your videos look professional even if you’re a beginner.

5. Don’t Rush for Instant Growth

• Most YouTubers don’t go viral right away. It can take months or years to build a following.
• Focus on improving your content instead of watching stats every day.
• Remember, even the biggest creators started with zero subscribers.

6. Keep It Simple

• Simple, clear videos are easier for people to understand and enjoy.
• Complex visuals or stories can be hard to follow and might turn viewers away.
• Consistent formatting and topics help viewers know what to expect.

7. Transcribe Your Videos

• Transcriptions make your content accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers.
• They’re also helpful for people who speak other languages or prefer reading with the video.
• Search engines can find your videos more easily using the keywords in your transcripts.

For ease, platforms like GoTranscript’s transcription services offer fast and accurate video transcripts.

8. Master YouTube SEO

• Choose a keyword-rich channel name that reflects your topics.
• Write detailed video descriptions using relevant keywords for better search visibility.
• Use tags to connect your videos with trending topics.
• SEO increases your chances of being found by new viewers.

Learn more about using automated transcription to boost your YouTube SEO through accurate subtitles and closed captions.

9. Expect and Ignore Negative Comments

• Some viewers may leave mean or negative comments. Don’t let this discourage you.
• Develop a thick skin—focus on your positive audience and the community you’re building.
• Moderate or block users who repeatedly spread negativity.

10. Be Social and Collaborate

• Collaborate with other YouTubers to reach new audiences and share knowledge.
• Engage with viewers in the comments and on social media to build community.
• Networking can lead to fun projects and strong, long-term partnerships.

Extra Tips: Accessibility and International Reach

• Consider adding closed captions and subtitles to make your videos accessible to viewers worldwide.
• Offering content in multiple languages with text translation or audio translation increases your global audience.

Conclusion: Start Your YouTube Journey the Right Way

Starting a YouTube channel can be rewarding, but success comes with planning and persistence. Use these ten tips to set yourself up for steady growth, connect with your viewers, and build a strong community. If you want support with video transcriptions, subtitles, captions, translations, or transcription proofreading, GoTranscript provides reliable solutions. Explore affordable transcription pricing and captioning services pricing, and get started on your YouTube success today by ordering transcription or ordering captions from GoTranscript.