To the outsider, making a living on YouTube is as easy as uploading a three minute tutorial and then sitting back and waiting for the big bucks to start rolling in. However, the reality is quite different as operating a successful YouTube channel requires time, skill, innovation and a healthy understanding of how social media operates.
The secret of success
According to YouTube’s own statistics, over 100 hours of footage is uploaded every minute making it an incredibly crowded platform. Only by offering something unique to the site’s 1 billion unique visitors each month can a channel hope to make a comfortable living through YouTube.
Some of the most successful channels such as “Bluexephos” and “PewDiePie” are estimated to earn over $6 million annually, but both channels have clocked up a combined 17 billion views.
Attracting an audience
Many aspiring YouTube entrepreneurs tend to struggle with exactly what type of content to upload to their channel. Uploading content owned by a third party is forbidden, and YouTube’s content scanners find and disable any videos that violate copyright law.
Creating an original, inspiring or helpful video that captivates an audience and brings them back to your channel is the only way to earn a substantial income from YouTube.
Insider tips
If you have an engaging personality, why not make yourself the star of the show? Offer your own unique insight on life, current events, dating or even your favorite hobby.
Many successful channels offer helpful information such as cooking tutorials, DIY, jewelry making guides or even tips on applying makeup. Whatever subject you pick, you must be prepared to devote a large portion of your time to filming, editing, uploading and promoting your channel across various social networks.
Regular updates
Starting an independent YouTube channel is far more difficult than creating one for a business or brand. Online users are more likely to click on a video from a recognizable company with millions of views rather than one from an unknown channel.
Therefore, regularly uploading content is essential to build a loyal audience that will promote your channel by liking, commenting and sharing your videos.