Six Things You Need To Start Your YouTube Channel

Many people have had dreams of starting their YouTube channels for years, but the idea that it will cost a lot of money has held them back. There are many affordable options you can try to make videos for your channel.

Here are six things you need to start a new YouTube channel:

1.Camera: This is the most important thing you need for starting up a YouTube channel. You don’t have to buy a camera, use your smartphone if it makes good quality videos. Fayokemi Fadeyi, a marketing expert with Plaqad advises that ‘you should pay attention to the video quality even when using a phone so that it doesn’t look like a cheap video.’

If you would prefer to use an actual camera, you can get one for as cheap as N50,000 or as expensive as N150,000, depending on how much you can afford to spend. The most important thing to keep in mind is the quality of the video. You should aim for nothing less than 1080p.

2. Microphone: An external microphone may not be necessary when you are using a phone to shoot since most phones have good inbuilt mics. But if you want to improve your phone’s sound, you can get one at N10,000 or less. On the other hand, it would be advisable to buy an external microphone when using a camera, even though most cameras have in-built mics too. You can get a decent microphone for your camera for less than N15,000. Plaqad’s Fayokemi stretches the importance of your video having a good sound saying, ‘Irrespective of what you’re speaking to, the quality of sound is very key’.

3. A tripod stand: There are cheaper tripod stands available for phones. You can get one for your phone for as low as N4,000. If you intend to use a camera, you should be able to get a tripod stand for about N13,000. Pay attention to the weight of the camera when deciding which one to get.

4. Light: A lot of YouTubers use ring lights, and luckily they are saturated in the Nigerian market. You can get a good ring light for as low as N8,000, and that would include a tripod stand. There are also cheaper lighting options, tailored specifically for phones. It’s key to remember that the quality of your video is dependent on the lighting. Comms Adviser, Njideka Akabogu explains that a phone and good lighting is all you need to start up your channel. Akabogu, a former fashion editor, says, ‘it’s pretty easy to start a YouTube channel. You don’t need a lot really. Just a good phone camera and good lighting’.

5. Software application: You would need to edit your video after shooting. You can install your Adobe Premiere Pro or After-effects on a laptop for about N4,000. You can also use a phone and any good editing app if you do not have a laptop. You may have to pay an annual subscription to enjoy every feature on the app if you find one that you like.

6. Content: There comes the key need: What do you want to Vlog about? Are you trying to become the next SisiYemmie or Toke Makinwa 2.0? Will you focus on education or healthcare? Or you’re considering tech or music reviews? Whatever you decide, you will need to be clear about what your interests and strengths are, so that you can hit the ground running.

There are over 14 billion videos published on Youtube. As you prepare to join the gang, make sure you stand out!