Is it your dream to become a professional YouTuber or an online sensation? These days, you are more likely to hear someone dreaming of becoming a YouTube star rather than becoming a singer or an actress. This is the reality of how technology has become a part of our daily lives. If you are considering this as a career, here are a few useful tips you can use to get your channel subscriptions and video views soaring.

Let’s get you on the road to becoming a YouTube star…

1. Great quality videos and excellent editing

Choosing a camera is one of the important decisions you will need to make. The top four cameras of 2017 for YouTubing specifically are:

• Your smartphone camera
• GoPro Hero 4
• Canon Vixia HF R72
• Logitech C930e

Most cameras do not provide sufficient sound, so if you are going to take this hobby seriously you may want to consider purchasing an external microphone. Great videos are not only about the picture but also about excellent sound. There are two great microphones we can recommend, they are the Audio-Technica ATR-3350 and the RØDE VideoMic.

Depending on the type of camera you have, you might need a tripod to keep the camera in place while you are recording your video. The recommended tripod for these kinds of videos are the Manfrotto tripods, specifically the Manfrotto compact tripod, Manfrotto MHXPRO-2W and the Manfrotto 504HD.

Once you have completed your video and all the filming has been done, you will need to start editing. Great editing can mean the difference between a good video and a great one. There are a number of video editing tools and software available; some already come as part of your laptop software, others need to be bought separately and installed onto your laptop.

Remember that you can have the greatest equipment in the world, but that doesn’t mean that you will be a success. Read on to find out what separates the great YouTubers from the good YouTubers.

2. Be yourself

Obviously, you need to actually start making a video. Don’t be shy or scared to give it a try and most importantly be yourself. Being fake or pretentious will reflect in your work, making viewers less inclined to watch you again.

3. Be consistent

Once you start, you need to continue and be consistent. So what type of YouTube channel do you want to create? Are you leaning towards video tutorials, or music videos, or do you have a particular talent – perhaps for comedic videos? Viewers are exposed to so much content, not only on YouTube but also across other media channels, so producing new content at a consistent pace will give you the chance to stand out from the rest.

4. Set goals and be realistic

Make sure you set goals so that you can achieve certain milestones as you gain experience. This will allow you to become more familiar with how viewers are engaging and how they react to certain types of material you produce. Also, remember to be realistic.

5. It’s all about the viewers

This is a very important tip you should take note of. Don’t neglect your viewers, remember that your YouTube channel is, in the end, all about your viewers. If they ask questions or want to engage, be responsive and make them feel heard. If they request something specific or ask questions, respond!

6. Build your brand

The next step is to build your brand and make people aware of your YouTube channel. You can do this through word of mouth, advertising your channel through other platforms such as Google + or through various social media platforms. Remember to be sincere and not too invasive, as this may prevent people from wanting to watch your videos.

7. Collaborate

Get in touch with other YouTubers who produce similar content as you do. Consider asking them to collaborate with you to create a few videos together. This is a great way to increase your fan base and create awareness for both parties.

Now you are equipt with all the tools and tips to get you started, what are you waiting for? Upload your video to YouTube and start your YouTubing journey. Good luck!