So you want to start your own YouTube channel. You’ve got your camera and lighting equipment ready for your first video. But, here’s something you should know: being an online star is not exactly a walk in the park. You have to think about what’s going on your channel and how best to reach your audience.
Don’t worry, we’ve got some tips for you. We sat down with YouTube’s Global Director for Creator and Artist Development Chris Schremp and asked him for advice for you, aspiring vlogger.
1). Celebrate your individuality
“What’s interesting with the creators in the Philippines is the diversity of their content,” says Chris. Videos on music, dance, gaming, beauty, travel, comedy, and even education (those how-to videos are popular!) are all celebrated on YouTube. The question for creators then becomes: “What interests you?” Once you figure that out, you switch on the camera and start on that first vlog.
2) Authentic stories are always worth telling
Stop trying to make fetch happen–this little nugget of wisdom applies even to your YouTube channel. Viewers appreciate stories and experiences they can relate to, so strive for genuine storytelling. “(Creators from the Philippines) share real stories that’s why they are connecting with the fans and that’s how they are growing”, Chris says. Of course, you can always spice up your videos with creative touches, but in the end it’s always about how the real you comes through on the videos on your channel.
3) Learn the YouTube basics
Here’s a thing we are most excited about: We found out there are online crash courses on YouTube and it only takes about 45 minutes to 2 hours long to finish! Creator Academy offers insights about launching and optimizing a channel. Aspiring creators can actually dabble in the behind-the-scenes of YouTube with available topics like copyright policies, making your channel easily discoverable, growing your community, or earning from your channel.
Talking about the tools available to content creators, Chris says, “I have a team that focuses on entirely on YouTube/Filipino creators, spending time with them and helping them grow.” He adds it’s all part of the investment on creators in the country. Still unsure if digital stardom is for you? Well, take it from these guys, welcome YouTube creator!
4). Collaborate with other creators
Teaming up with someone is always a good idea. Find a creator with similar interests or take the risk and take on a one-of-a-kind collab project. We’ve seen Matt Steffanina and D-trix dance to Sungha Jung’s guitar tune, what’s stopping you from doing a video that is just as exciting? Aside from earning a friend in a fellow YouTube creator, you get twice the support from you and your collab partner’s viewers.
5). Make time to connect with your audiences
“Find ways to make the most out of every interaction with fans by watching the community tab.” Chris says to find opportunity in comments and feedback left by viewers. By engaging in conversation, creators get to build on their previous videos and even come up with ideas with their fans.
Keeping close ties to viewers is so important that every year, both creators and fans look forward to the YouTube FanFest for meet and greet activities. This year, the FanFest welcomed about 8,000 fans who enjoyed an entire day with some of their favorite creators. Chris tells us “local creators have grown so much that they are just as recognized, if not more, than other global creators. That’s why we’re featuring so many of them in this year’s FanFest.”
6.) Keep an eye out for YouTube Creator events
If you’re already on a roll with your channel, you should keep at it. YouTube organizes events and workshops where you can learn more about content creation, spend time with fellow YouTubers, and build your community. Last year, there was Next Up Camp, a 5-day bootcamp where creators learned how to make better videos, get more subscribers, and build up their channels. They also opened the first Pop-Up Space in Manila where creators can discover more about video production and know the right production tools for vlogging. So if you’re really keen on becoming a vlogger, keep your eyes and ears sharp for the next creator events.
“We have FanFest creators who attended our Creator Camp. Now we’re seeing them grow and featured on the mainstage,” shares Chris.
7). Trial is still the best course
The truth is anyone can be a creator. If you’re willing to be part of the YouTube community, it is up to you to open the channel, create content, and nurture the growth of your subscribers. Chris says, “with YouTube, there’s no penalty in failure. You can take risks, try new content and see if it connects with your audience.” There is no one course to succeeding on YouTube, so start by finding your own.
8). Hit it off with millions of audiences from PH
Your channel doesn’t even have to be so “extra.” The average global watchtime on YouTube is a whopping 1 billion hours daily. In the Philippines, 85% of online Filipinos visit the platform. This means there are plenty eyes and viewers on YouTube just waiting to lean in to new and exciting content. Chris also shares that Filipino fans are particularly supportive, so no need to fret over “making it”.
Enjoy the community atmosphere, slowly grow your audience, and you might just follow the footsteps of the 10 local content creators who headlined the recently held YouTube FanFest. Who knows, you can even join Filipino creators Wil Dasovich, Lloyd Cadena, CongTV and Michelle Dy who have over a million subs!
Good luck to you, next YouTube star!
