Starting a YouTube Channel

 [This is from my second channel, I got lucky with this thumbnail, my second video not so much]

I see a lot of videos and articles discussing how to start up a YouTube channel, the vast majority of which come from channels that are already somewhat successful. This makes a lot of sense, but because they all come from the same (often older) perspective there are some elements that get passed over. Something I wish I knew before I started 3 YouTube channels (1 for my band, 2 personal) was that YouTube only allows you to verify 2 channels of of the same phone number. I verified my band's channel (we plan on possibly writing songs over 15 minutes, so that's important) and my primary personal channel covering topics similar (or ripped straight from) this blog. Unfortunately my 2nd personal channel now cannot be verified and the biggest problem I have there (apart from being unable to upload 15 minute plus videos) is that I can't add custom thumbnails, a bigger deal it seems to me than any other restriction. So in light of my recent lack of forward planning I thought I'd put together a short list for anyone looking to start a channel in 2016.

[My band. getting a frame where we are all smiling makes the video more appealing]

Firstly; verify your account. It's easy, quick and allows you to have greater control over your content (custom thumbnails, lengths over 15 minutes) as well as enabling streaming. All you need is a mobile phone to do so and it's really worth it. Remember you can only verify 2 YouTube accounts per year with each mobile number, so be careful if you plan on making separate channels for different content.

Secondly; put some effort into your thumbnails; make any text you might have readable at small sizes and try to establish a cohesive visual design that ties your videos together. This is a lot harder to do without a verified account of course, so do that first.

Finally; don't expect or even hope for money. YouTube isn't a great way to earn a living at the moment and the general trend is going downwards. Do it for fun, as a hobby or to educate people on something you think important, but don't expect it to be a job anytime soon.

[Yeah, I am going to plug this one again, but I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

Also I'm pretty happy with that thumbnail. This one's from my main personal channel]

That's it, fairly simple really, the rest I'm learning through experience and that's really the best way to learn this stuff. Make some videos and see how you like it; try not to get ahead of yourself or force your content out once a week, just make it when you feel like it until you have an audience and want to take it up a level then.

If you have any opinions, tips or advice for me or anyone else trying to or currently starting a YouTube channel leave them in the comments below. Cheers, have a good one.