Hello lovlies,

Thousands of people will start a YouTube channel today, which is crazy cool, but also makes it difficult for new YouTubers to get noticed. Gone are the days of 'early adoption advantage'; today we're faced with a galaxy of competition. So how can you crack through the muti-choice of cybersphere? Here are some tips that I came up that I hope will help and encourage aspiring YouTubers.

1. Keep your videos moving! Make sure your video is short and to the point. It's better to make viewers want more from you than less. Also remember that the first ten seconds is all you got to grab the audience. If it isn't interesting, you've lost them. Come up with a catchy beginning or do something unexpected. A good example of this are the beginnings of videos. Now I'm not going to say they're the most elegant, but they certainly keep us watching. See the beginning of this video to catch my drift:



2. Through your videos, you are going to convey some sort of passion, and the more unique the passion, the more views you will get. For example, when I started making videos, I just went with any old thing I thought would be funny. And when I ran out of ideas, I realised that I needed to find a passion that's more unique to who I am. When I started making advice videos, my audience who were looking for that type of thing, found me.
Your content needs to say something that nobody else does. It can be tricky, but try to celebrate your differences rather than fitting in to a 'type' of YouTuber.

3. Following the above, decide what you want to make videos about and then pursue it with a plan. Come up with a schedule and a list of videos you'd like to start with. Keep in mind that most of the videos need to be less about you, and more about your unique passion. Allow your viewers to get to know you in their own time before you throw in a '50 facts about me' video for example.
 did a good job of this in his first video. I'm not saying you need these filmic skills, but the way he introduces his channel is brilliant. His unique passion to showcase 'the good' is clear. You can also tell that he has put a lot of pre planning into his work and hasn't just starting on a whim. The effort involved persuades us to subscribe for more. Am I right?



4. When it comes to ideas, ask yourself if it's something you would really watch. Often people put stuff out there that may be easy and fun for them to film, but nobody watches. You know, something like 'the top ten things that make me bored' might be interesting to you, but nobody else cares. Keep your ideas fresh, and when you have an idea go further with it. Push and shape your ideas to the best they can be. Then your viewers will be able to recognize your creativity and subscribe.

5. It's easy to tell when a YouTuber is making videos just for the views/ fame. I don't feel like I need to spell it out. So make sure that when you start your channel, you know in yourself what your goals are. And if it's money/fame you're after, then you'll find out soon enough that it isn't easy and much less fun than doing it for the thrill/hobby/journey. I'm sure you know what I'm saying.

6. Stick to a formula. This one can be hard, well I struggle with it. People like regularity; something they can identify as 'your thing', whether it be an opening line or sequence, a particular style of editing, music, thumbnail design etc. I think it adds to the professionalism and 'voice' of your channel.

7. Don't take yourself too seriously. This is VERY important! In the end, people are watching you to be entertained. There's nothing more dire than somebody trying too hard to be something they're not. Just be yourself and have fun!  does this very well.

8. Work hard. Like really hard. The more effort the better. Don't choose the easy route because then people will watch those who didn't. On this note, don't think that the equipment you have will allow you to get away with a half effort. I would rather watch an interesting well thought out video on iPhone quality vs. a badly prepared video filmed with a DSLR with good lighting.
If you are worried about not having good equipment, check out Casey Neistats's snapchats (caseyneistat), where he uses his iPhone to tell incredible stories.

9. Thumbnails and tags help. I can't say how much, because there's nothing more complicated than an algorithm, but make sure you add the relevant tags to your videos so people can find you. You must balance out specific tags with popular tags. Watch this video to find out more about the dos and don'ts of tagging.



10. HAVE FUN!! There's nothing more rewarding than sharing your passion with the world. If you enjoy doing what you're doing, people will notice. Depending on your subscribers and management, if making videos each week becomes a chore, take a breather and make a video again when you're excited about it.

I really hope this helps! Starting a YouTube channel is always harder than you'd expect but it's also more fun and rewarding than you'd imagine. So if you are flirting with the idea, do try it! I don't know what my life would be like if I never started. It's opened up so many doors for me and I've learnt so much.

If you've just stared YouTubing or when you do start, please drop your channel URL in a comment below and we can all go and check you out and give you feedback and guidance.

SO MUCH LOVE!

Theo xx