Youtube Marketing is easy to get into but hard to master – here are some things to consider if you want to start a youtube channel on a budget.
YouTube is one of the most popular video platforms for content providers, corporations, and marketers, with over 2.3 billion viewers globally [1]. To build a successful YouTube channel, you’ll need a high-quality camera, lighting, and video editing software. It might seem like there’s no way to launch a successful YouTube channel on the cheap, but that’s far from the truth.
You don’t need a tonne of expensive equipment to make it big on YouTube. Subscriptions can be gained with a low-quality camera if the uploaded content is interesting, the creator is likeable, and YouTube SEO is used. However, high-quality video recording gear is still required.
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Among other things, a camera
You can’t afford to establish a YouTube channel without a high-quality camera. If you don’t have the funds for a professional camera, you can make do with the camera on your phone or the webcam on your computer.
The camera on most people’s smartphones is the one already installed there. If you want to make videos for YouTube, a high-quality camera phone that can record in 4K is what you need. You may even play with with the video recording options available on your smartphone camera, including slow motion and others.
Using a webcam is a great idea if you plan on making a presentation video in which you are not the main focus. Although it is true that most laptop webcams do not deliver high-quality images, if your computer’s built-in webcam is up to snuff, you should definitely use it. If your desktop PC doesn’t come with a webcam, you can always purchase a low-cost alternative, such as the Microsoft LifeCam Studio.
Outside Lights
If you want a high-quality video, you need to make sure there are no shadows in it. Creators of video material spend a significant amount of time and resources sourcing high-quality lighting gear. YouTubers may rest assured, though; there are other tried-and-true methods for achieving optimum lighting. The sun provides excellent, cost-free lighting.
Many of the YouTubers you follow perform their filming in front of a glass door or window for natural light. Finding the brightest room in your house or business and recording into it will do if you don’t have access to professional lighting.
Avoid shooting on overcast days if you need good lighting. The use of desk lamps should be considered if natural light is unavailable. Always have one to the right, one to the left, and a third behind the camera. To properly utilise your supplementary lighting, set it up like so. Use only fluorescent lighting; other types of bulbs can often provide an unwanted glow that detracts from the atmosphere. You might also invest in a ring-shaped smartphone light that emits constant illumination.
The on-camera ring lights are a great investment for your macro and location filming needs. Due to its ability to simulate daylight, it is also usable in extremely dim settings. The use of an external mic is recommended for shooting in the outdoors. When filming outside, you can eliminate shadows or increase the contrast by using a white sheet or a reflector screen.
Sound Recording and Quality
You may only need high-quality audio to elevate your video to the next level. Since you’ll be recording using a camera or smartphone, there aren’t many low-cost solutions for producing high-quality sound. Noise can detract from the quality of your audio, but the free programme Audacity can help.
This programme works on Macs, PCs, and Linux systems alike. You can study Audacity with the help of a number of available guides on the web.
Mics are a must, and you should look into obtaining ones that won’t break the bank. Low-priced alternatives exist that can filter out ambient noise while recording clear audio. When making videos, a lapel mic or lavalier microphone is a wonderful choice.
Capable editing software
After shooting is complete, the video must be edited together from a number of individual takes. In the early stages of your career, flashy programmes are not a priority.
Figure out how to use no-cost software to make changes to the video’s speed, brightness, and other qualities.
It’s also possible to archive videos for later use. Free and high-quality alternatives to expensive professional video editors include Lightworks, VSDC Free Video Editor, VideoPad, and OpenShots.
Create Nice Thumbnails
The competition is intense, but your video thumbnails will give you an edge.
The only things you need except a little imagination and some inspiration from other channels are a few dollars and a membership to canva.com in order to make thumbnails that will capture people’s attention.
Canva is a free programme with a number of layout options that can improve the look and meaning of your pictures. Canva also allows you to make or modify your own YouTube channel art.
Wrapping it up
Some of the most popular videos on YouTube were created with only a smartphone and some basic lighting and sound equipment. You have enough at your disposal, between the free and cheap tools, to make content for YouTube without breaking the bank.
References
[1] Statista. Global social networks ranked by number of users
Photos by Matthew Kwong on Unsplash