
In the ever-evolving world of digital media, YouTube has become a launchpad for diverse talent, propelling all manner of wannabe stars into the limelight. The potential to become a YouTube influencer—a big name on the platform—is within reach, whether your passion lies in impressions, improv comedy, or any other creative pursuit. This guide reveals the secrets to YouTube stardom, with valuable insights for influencers-in-the-making.
JUMP TO
- What is a YouTube influencer?
- Famous YouTubers
- How to succeed as a YouTube influencer
- Basic equipment for filming YouTube videos
- How often to post on YouTube
- How to promote your YouTube channel
- How YouTubers get paid
- How YouTube can help launch your acting career
- How YouTube can help launch your filmmaking career
A YouTube influencer, or YouTuber, is a content creator who navigates this video platform with a specialized focus and garners a substantial following. From makeup artists to performers, YouTubers share their skills, set trends, and often make a living through their engaging content.
Featureflash Photo Agency/Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock
To understand potential paths to success, it helps to learn from those before you who have blazed a trail. Influencers like Todrick Hall, Bo Burnham, King Bach, Liza Koshy, PewDiePie, and Issa Rae all got started on YouTube and parlayed the attention into careers on bigger platforms, including HBO, Netflix, Disney, and more. These folks, with overlapping pursuits and multiple award wins among them, demonstrate how one creative avenue can complement and expand another.
Achieving YouTube fame involves various strategic steps. Consistent posting and effective promotion, both on and off the platform, contribute significantly to the growth of your audience. Additionally, these four tips can help you get started:
- Define your online brand. What niche are you looking to play in? Acting? Special effects makeup? Comedy sketches? Figure out what you like to do and talk about and start there, then see what resonates with viewers.
- Create a memorable channel name and About section. You want your name to stick in the minds of potential fans, so spend time and effort thinking about these elements.
- Produce your first batch of videos. Once you know where you want to focus your creative attention, get to making content! Don’t get too hung up on investing in expensive equipment when you’re first starting out. Your smartphone will likely be sufficient.
- Get to know YouTube’s algorithm. From engagement metrics such as likes, shares, comments, and follows to resolution and length prioritization, figure out the common denominators for your most successful videos, then aim to replicate them.
Twinsterphoto/Shutterstock
Once you’ve begun to establish an audience, you should consider equipping yourself with the right tools to create high-quality videos. A reliable camera, tripod or gimbal, microphone, lighting, and editing software form the core arsenal. A DSLR camera can be helpful, but in most circumstances, your smartphone or laptop will be capable of producing a quality recording.
Consistency is the linchpin for success in the world of YouTube. Establishing a posting schedule and adhering to it builds anticipation among viewers. Think about how much production you can realistically handle and create a schedule you can stick to. This structure provides clarity to your audience about when to expect new content, fostering a dedicated subscriber base.
Zurijeta/Shutterstock
Effective promotion is a combination of on-platform tools and external platforms. On YouTube, use features like playlists and trailers. Strategic titling and compelling thumbnails can also help you get traffic to your channel. You can also use features like branded watermarks and subscribe links. Beyond YouTube, leverage the reach of social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram to promote your YouTube content.
Google AdSense is a free program that allows you to earn money by displaying ads on your YouTube channel. Beyond ad revenue, you can try affiliate links, merchandise sales, brand ads, and subscription platforms like Patreon are other ways to make money on YouTube. The revenue landscape is diverse, with factors such as subscriber count and views influencing earnings.
Galdrific/Shutterstock
YouTube serves as a valuable platform for aspiring actors to showcase demo reels, clips, or entire web series. However, it’s crucial to view YouTube as one element in a broader toolkit for career development. Success stories like Troye Sivan and Lilly Singh emphasize the potential for YouTube to open doors to broader opportunities in the entertainment industry. Be strategic about the skills you want to be known for, then create content that best shows off those assets.
YouTube’s role in filmmaking has been transformative, allowing creators to produce and showcase work independently. Notable creators like Bernie Su and Wong Fu Productions attest to the platform’s ability to attract attention and provide a testing ground for creative ideas. Consistency, learning from each project, and building momentum are key principles for aspiring filmmakers on YouTube.
The path to YouTube stardom requires a combination of creativity, strategic planning, and a commitment to consistent growth. From understanding the intricacies of YouTube’s algorithm to embracing diverse income streams, these tips can help aspiring influencers make their mark. So, are you prepared to turn your passion into online fame? The digital stage awaits!