Grab some snacks, kick back, and let’s walk through how to start a YouTube channel that could one day make your neighbor say, “Wait, you’re a YouTuber now?”

So, you want to be a YouTuber, huh? Maybe you’re dreaming of fame, fortune, and free stuff (because who doesn’t want a box of random goodies from a beauty brand or the latest tech gadget to show off?). Or maybe you’re just tired of talking to your dog about your opinions on video games, makeup tutorials, or conspiracy theories.

No fancy equipment? No problem. You don’t need to be the next Spielberg to get started. Chances are you already have most of what you need lying around the house.

Step 1: Pick Your Niche…And Stick to It (Unless You Don’t Want To)

Let’s face it, the internet is a wild, crowded place where you can find everything from knitting tutorials to competitive dog grooming (yes, that’s a thing).

Before you rush off to film your first video, take a moment to decide what you’re passionate about—and more importantly, what you won’t get bored talking about after three videos.

Are you obsessed with reviewing every new smartphone that hits the market? Or are you more into baking banana bread while giving unsolicited life advice?

Your niche is your “thing,” and it’ll help you build an audience that keeps coming back for more. But here’s the secret sauce: It doesn’t have to be super specific.

As long as you’re genuinely excited about it, your viewers will be, too. (Seriously, there are people who only talk about cleaning products and they’re thriving!)

How to Use What You Already Own to Choose a Niche:

Look around you. What do you already have that excites you? Maybe your bookshelf is full of fantasy novels, so start a channel reviewing those.

Or maybe you’re the proud owner of a ridiculously cute pet—congratulations, you just became a pet vlogger. Remember, the weirder or more specific, the better. People love niche content.

Step 2: Set Up Your YouTube Account (No, You Can’t Skip This)

Alright, it’s time to handle the technical part of how to start a YouTube channel—setting up the account itself. Don’t worry, it’s not like setting up IKEA furniture; this is way easier.

Head over to YouTube (shocking, I know), log in with your Google account, and click on that big ‘Create Channel’ button.

Choose a channel name that reflects your niche, personality, or simply something catchy. But don’t overthink it—people are going to know you for your content, not because your name is a lyrical masterpiece.

Bonus tip: Consider making a separate Google account just for your YouTube endeavors, especially if you plan on becoming famous. Trust me, you don’t want your high school reunion invites and dentist appointment reminders getting mixed up with fan mail.

Free Tools You Already Own to Get You Started:

• Your phone’s camera (unless you’re still rocking a flip phone, then we need to talk).
• Any video editing apps that come pre-installed on your computer (hello, iMovie, or Windows Movie Maker).
• Use your existing social media accounts to start promoting your new YouTube venture.

Step 3: Plan Your Content Like You’re Plotting a Heist

Now that your account is set up, it’s time to plan your content. This is where people often freeze and think, “What do I even make videos about?”

The answer is simple: whatever makes you want to grab the camera (or phone).

Start by brainstorming topics. Do a little research on what’s trending in your niche. But don’t copy others—put your own spin on it! Maybe instead of a generic makeup tutorial, you do makeup looks inspired by fast food chains (I mean, Taco Bell smokey-eye, anyone?).

Or instead of a basic cooking vlog, you attempt to cook while blindfolded—things like that can set you apart.

Don’t Forget to Use What’s Around You:

If you’re making DIY tutorials, dig through your garage. Do you have old paint cans, broken chairs, or leftover glitter? Perfect! Upcycle your trash into treasure.

For cooking videos, use what’s already in your pantry. No need to rush out and buy fancy ingredients—you can make a killer cooking channel with pasta, canned tomatoes, and a sense of humor.

Step 4: Film Like a Pro (Even If You’re Using a Potato for a Camera)

Here’s the deal: You don’t need a fancy camera to get started. In fact, plenty of successful YouTubers began by using their smartphones.

The most important thing is that your video is clear, and your audience can see and hear you. No one is going to care if you’re not in 4K Ultra HD if your content is entertaining.

Make sure you have good lighting. No, you don’t need a $200 ring light. Use a window! Natural lighting is your best friend when you’re starting out.

Prop your phone up on a stack of books if you don’t have a tripod. And if you’re really fancy, clip a desk lamp to the back of your chair for some DIY glamour lighting.

Things You Already Own to Help Film Your First Video:

• Your phone (again, unless it’s from the Stone Age).
• A window for natural lighting (it’s free and it works).
• A stack of books or even a tissue box to hold your phone steady.
• A lamp for extra lighting if you’re filming at night.

Step 5: Editing Magic (Where the Real Fun Happens)

Ah, editing—a place where dreams come true, or at least where you can cut out the part where your cat knocks over your camera.

If you’re wondering how to start a YouTube channel with zero editing experience, don’t panic. You don’t need to be a professional editor to make it work.

There are plenty of free editing software options available, like iMovie for Mac users, or DaVinci Resolve if you want something a bit fancier (and free!).

You can even edit directly on your phone with apps like InShot or Splice. Remember, keep your editing simple at first—no need for flashy transitions or special effects until you’ve got a few videos under your belt.

How to Use What You Have for Editing:

• If you have a laptop or desktop, use the free editing software that comes with it.
• If you’re editing on your phone, download free editing apps that don’t slap their watermark all over your masterpiece.
• Use free music libraries from YouTube itself, or scour royalty-free websites. (Pro tip: Avoid using your cousin’s garage band tracks unless you want to chase copyright issues.)

Don’t Let Your Audio Suck – I Need My Ears

Having watched several thousands of hours of videos across the YouTube platform, I can put up with a video that is well below par. However, if that audio sucks, I’m bouncing like a basketball being dribbled by LeBron James.

If you’re going to spend your hard-earned cash on anything in the beginning, please let it be on a microphone that will work best for whatever device you’re using to record your video. Take a look over here at Sweetwater for some of the best gear.

Step 6: Upload and Optimize Like a Boss

Alright, you’ve filmed, you’ve edited, and now it’s time to upload. When you hit that ‘upload’ button, don’t just slap any old title on your video and call it a day.

Your video title, description, and tags are what help people find your channel in the first place.

Title your video like you’re writing a BuzzFeed headline: catchy but relevant. Descriptions should be clear and include keywords (because we all have to play nice with YouTube’s search algorithm).

Tags are crucial too—use them to describe what your video is about, but don’t go overboard. “Cat falls off the counter” doesn’t need to be tagged with “space exploration,” no matter how funny that fall was.

Use What You Already Have for Optimization:

• A sense of humor! Quirky, engaging descriptions can keep people hooked.
• Your phone or computer’s built-in microphone to record clear voiceovers for additional commentary.
• Social media accounts to share your video right after you upload it.

Step 7: Promote, Promote, Promote

Here’s the dirty little secret about how to start a YouTube channel: You can have the best content on the planet, but no one’s going to see it if you don’t promote it.

And don’t worry, you don’t have to be one of those people who constantly yells “LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE” at the end of every video (unless that’s your thing, in which case, go for it).

Use your existing social media platforms to share your videos. Post them to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even LinkedIn if you’re making professional content.

Ask your friends and family to give you a boost by liking, sharing, or commenting. The YouTube algorithm loves engagement, so the more activity your video gets early on, the better! This may be the only place I actually ask my family and friends to get involved (LOL).

Promote Using What You Already Own:

• Your social media accounts (duh).
• If you have an old blog or website, embed your videos there.
• Use your email contacts—shoot a message to your friends, family, and even that one coworker who always says hi but never remembers your name.
• Having a website that promotes your brand and your channel can be a huge win.

Step 8: Be Consistent (Even When You’re Not Feeling It)

Let’s be real: After you upload your first video, you might feel like refreshing the page every five minutes to see if you’ve hit 1 million views yet. Spoiler alert: You probably won’t.

Building an audience takes time, and the key is to be consistent. Whether you’re uploading once a week or once a month, set a schedule and stick to it.

Consistency helps your viewers know when to expect more content from you, and it shows YouTube’s algorithm that you’re serious about your channel. Plus, the more videos you create, the more chances you have to improve and discover what works.

Use What You Already Have to Stay Consistent:

• A calendar app (or an old-fashioned paper one) to keep track of your upload schedule.
• Pre-record videos when you’re in the mood, so you have content to post even when you’re not feeling creative.
• A loyal pet (or plant) to help motivate you through the tough days when you’re not sure what to film next.

Step 9: Engage With Your Audience (Yes, Even That Guy)

Finally, don’t forget that YouTube is a social platform. That means engaging with your audience is key to building a loyal following.

Reply to comments (even the weird ones). Ask your viewers questions in your videos to encourage interaction. And don’t be afraid to hop on trends or collaborate with other YouTubers when the opportunity arises.

The more engaged your audience feels, the more likely they are to stick around and share your channel with others.

Engage Using What You Already Have:

• Your charming personality (obviously).
• Your phone or computer to reply to comments and post updates.
• A sense of humor for dealing with inevitable trolls—remember, don’t feed them!

You’ve Got This!

How to start a YouTube channel can feel like a big, daunting task, but the truth is, it’s totally doable with what you already have.

A smartphone, some creativity, and a bit of consistency can take you far. So, whether you’re creating content for fun or aiming for viral fame, don’t overthink it. Start filming, editing, and posting—because the only way to grow is to get started!

Now, go ahead, hit that record button, and may the algorithm be ever in your favor. Oh, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe… or at least get your mom to do it.