Use a webcam for convenience. If you have a laptop with a built-in webcam, you can use it to make a YouTube video. Unlike your smartphone, you don’t have to hold your webcam in your hand while recording your video, which is handy if you’re making a vlog. However, built-in webcams tend to have poorer quality than many smartphone cameras. Still, a webcam will work if you don’t want to purchase a digital camera. Use a smartphone for mobility. If you have an Android or iPhone, you can use its built-in camera and microphone to film anywhere. Premium smartphone models have amazing built-in cameras and can produce high-quality video. You could purchase a tripod if you want to record yourself doing something, or just hold the phone in your hand while you talk. You can then upload the video to YouTube straight from your phone or transfer the video to your computer first. Use a digital video camera for high-quality filming. Professional YouTubers use high-quality DSLR cameras, which can get expensive. Fortunately, you can also make a YouTube video with a less-expensive digital camera, ranging from under $50 up to $200. Digital video cameras generally make higher-quality videos than webcams and smartphones, and you can typically put them into a tripod so you don’t have to hold them in your hand the whole time. Most modern digital video cameras have a removable SD card that can be used to transfer videos to your computer. Double-check to ensure that your selected camcorder has an SD card, or can be easily connected to your PC or Mac before purchasing.
Most modern digital video cameras have a removable SD card that can be used to transfer videos to your computer. Double-check to ensure that your selected camcorder has an SD card, or can be easily connected to your PC or Mac before purchasing.
When recording, be sure that both the audio and video are properly being recorded by first making a test clip and viewing it.
Video blogs, or vlogs are regularly-updated series featuring a creator talking about whatever is on their mind, usually for 10 minutes or less. Gaming videos attract a lot of viewers, especially if you cover recent game releases. Tutorials and how-to videos can encompass literally any topic in which you are skilled. Montages are videos filled with images or video clips, set to music. Pet videos are always popular. These are typically recorded with a hand-held item, such as a smartphone or camcorder. They often feature the creator’s pet doing something funny or endearing. Reviews are video blogs that review a product or service. Being sardonic and funny when reviewing something will get more people to watch. Comedy videos encompass a wide range of styles and approaches. They’re best done with friends, and can feature anything from practical jokes, to silly dancing, to scripted sketches and beyond. If you’re stumped, check out our guide on YouTube video ideas.
Plan ahead of time to film events like family picnics, weddings, and birthdays so that you’ll have the raw video to edit and upload to YouTube later. You can choose to make the YouTube video private so that only people with the specific URL (web address) of the video can view it. Still, there’s no guarantee it won’t eventually be seen by third parties. Keep the content of your video clean and in accordance with YouTube’s guidelines.
If you’re taking this route, you won’t need video recording equipment, but you will need source files in the form of downloadable video clips (you can download YouTube videos for this purpose if need be). These “remix” videos often exist in legal limbo. You’re unlikely to get in any trouble for making one, but if one of the copyright holders for the original clips in your video requests that YouTube remove it from their site, they will do so immediately.
If you’re recording yourself, you should sit facing the light, with the camera directly in front of you. Having your lighting source behind the camera illuminating your face will help you look better on video.
You may have to record multiple takes. This is completely normal, especially for a beginner.
If you’re using a microphone, speak directly into it. This is especially important when you’re using a recording item with a built-in mic.
Your computer may not have an SD card slot. If so, you’ll need a USB card reader. There are many ways that you can use to transfer videos, like using a cloud service.
If you’re not signed in to YouTube, click SIGN IN at the top-right to do so now.
The easiest way is to drag the video file from your computer to the “Drag and drop video files to upload” window. You can also click SELECT FILES to choose the video file from another location on your computer and then click Open.
If you want to make it easy for people to find your YouTube video, make sure to use keywords that describe your video in the description field. For example, if you’re making a gaming video, be sure to type the game’s name into that field.
If your video is under 60 seconds long, it will upload as a YouTube Short, which viewers can find by clicking the Shorts option. [1] X Research source You won’t be able to select a thumbnail for a YouTube Short. You can also click Custom thumbnail here to select a custom thumbnail. If you want, you can change or edit the thumbnail later.
If your video contains a paid promotion (for example, if a company or influencer gave you something of value in exchange for making this video), you’ll need to check the box under “Paid promotion. [2] X Research source " You can choose to automatically label chapters and key moments and tag places you mention. Select a category for your video from the “Category” drop-down menu. Choose whether to allow people to leave comments. You can also choose to moderate the comments and show or hide how many likes you get. Click NEXT once you’re finished.
If YouTube detects a copyright problem, follow the on-screen instructions to correct the issue.
If YouTube detects a copyright problem, follow the on-screen instructions to correct the issue.
Depending on the length of your video, it may take additional time to upload.
Depending on the length of your video, it may take additional time to upload.
Depending on the length of your video, it may take additional time to upload.
Depending on the length of your video, it may take additional time to upload.
Depending on the length of your video, it may take additional time to upload.
You may have to allow YouTube access to your phone’s camera, microphone, and/or camera roll before proceeding.
If your video is less than 60 seconds long, it will upload as a YouTube Short. [3] X Research source
If your uploading a video as a YouTube Short, you can add creative elements like text, voiceovers, sounds, and more.
If your uploading a video as a YouTube Short, you can add creative elements like text, voiceovers, sounds, and more.
Tap the Create a title field to enter a title for your video. Tap Add description to type keywords and information that can better explain your video or help people find it easily when searching.
Tap the Visibility menu to choose whether your want your YouTube video to be Private (only you can see it), Unlisted (not searchable, but visible to anyone with the URL), or Public (searchable and viewable to everyone). Tap the Audience menu to choose whether this video is specifically made for children. If you want to tag a location, tap Location to do so.
Once the video is live, you’ll be able to view it on your channel. [4] X Research source