Making money on youtube used to be a pipe dream reserved for a select few successful YouTubers. However, with changes to the platform’s algorithm and the ability to monetize videos with 1000 subscribers and 4000 watch hours, the playing field has been opened up to anyone with a passion for sharing their content. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey from scratch, covering the basics of creating engaging content, growing your audience, and of course, making money on YouTube.

Setting Up Your Channel

Before diving into the nitty-gritty details of creating content and growing your audience, there are a few essential steps to cover. First and foremost, you’ll need a YouTube account. If you don’t have a Google account, create one and click on the "Sign in" button from the YouTube homepage. Fill out your preferred username, password, and other info, and you’re good to go. (Note: Make sure to choose a channel name that’s easy to remember and matches your brand identity.)

Next up: setting up your channel. Clicking on the "Sign in with Google" button will take you to a step-by-step guide to creating your very own YouTube channel. Fill out a few basic details, such as bio, profile picture, and banner to give your channel a professional look from the get-go.

Quality Content: The Foundation of Success

On YouTube, quality content is king, and it’s essential to understand how to create engaging, informative, or entertaining videos that resonate with audiences. Here are a few tips to get your creative juices flowing:

1. Keyword Research: Identify your niche and conduct keyphrase research using tools like TubeSift, VidIQ, or Google keyword planner. This will help you understand popular topics, trends, and what works well in your niche.
2. Evergreen Content: Focus on creating well-researched, informative, or highly entertaining content that remains relevant over the long haul. Avoid trendy vlogs or topics that may exhaust themselves quickly.
3. Story Structure: Use a clear, flowing narrative structure to keep viewers engaged. Grab their attention with an attention-seeking intro, build momentum with a key message, and wrap up neatly with a conclusion.
4. Style and Tone: Develop a consistent tone and be authentic. Viewers return to channels that share their values, humor, and personality.
5. Audio and Graphics: Invest in good quality audio devices and editing software. Add visually appealing annotations, transitions, and graphics to enhance an otherwise dull video.

YouTube Algorithm: Understanding the Game You’re Playing

YouTube’s algorithm evolves constantly, but understanding the components that influence video visibility – such as watch time, relevance, and engagement – will help ensure your content reaches the right folks. Here are a few key takeaways:

1. Watch Time vs. Views: Focus on watch-time metrics, as they’re twice as important as views. When viewers watch your video til the end, it signals to Google that your content is valuable.
2. Relevance: When creating content, ensure it belongs to a specific niche or topic. This algorithmic preference for relevance in search results and recommendations will amplify your reach.
3. Engagement Matters: Encourage viewers by asking questions, hosting Q&As, or creating interactive gaming content. Engagement metrics like likes, shares, and comments boost your video’s visibility
4. Consistency: Regular releases of high-quality content keep engagement levels high and signal to audiences that your channel is active
5. Audience Signals: Pay attention to audience retention time, drop-off points, and pauses. This data helps channel owners refine their content strategy better resonates with viewers

Consistency and Scheduling: Don’t Let Your Audience Die

Consistency is key to an audience’s loyalty. Here, three essential tips to keep your viewers yearning for more:

1. Sticking to a Schedule: Decide when you’ll upload and stick to it. This could be weekly, twice a week, or even daily in some cases. Consistency breeds addiction
2. Batching is Your Friend: Record all your content for the week in single sittings. This saves edit time, reduces stress, and – most importantly – ensures a strong, consistent output
3. Marketing and Promotion: Share your content extensively on social media, forums, and podcasts. Engage with your audience – respond to comments, answer frequently asked questions, and participate in collabs

Monetization: Turning Your Passion into Profit