STACK #184 Feb 2020

LIFE TECH FEATURE

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Words Adam Colby

W here would we be without YouTube? For 15 years the vast video-sharing service has kept us sufficiently entertained, educated and bemused. Whether it’s distracting the kids with a Peppa Pig clip, watching Star Wars fans hyperventilate over a new trailer, learning how to make a soufflé, or getting Baby Shark stuck on a loop in your brain, YouTube is an integral part of our lives. It’s also created a new breed of celebrity, known as the ‘YouTuber’, whose profound influence on millions of followers has

also netted them millions from corporate sponsorship and product placement. With a global reach and over 1.9 billion people logging into YouTube every month, why wouldn’t you want to get onboard, especially if you have a talent, ability, or simply wisdom to impart that the world could benefit from. But how do you put yourself out there and establish a recognisable and popular presence amongst the squillions of other content creators?

CHOOSE A SUBJECT

Research the market to discover if your chosen topic/niche is viable or over- saturated. Check out the competition, learn as much as you can, and most importantly, know what your audience wants. With over 400 hours of video content uploaded to YouTube every minute, you want to stand out in the crowd. Establish a signature style that viewers will recognise and want to engage with on a regular basis, and provide them with content they won’t find elsewhere. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE

VLOGGING The visual equivalent of a written blog, a three-minute video can be worth thousands of words. From moving house to preparing for parenthood, or documenting an overseas holiday, a Vlog is essentially a video diary that can connect you to an audience on a more personal level, providing a candid and intimate insight into your life. Your passions and experiences can be a positive influence on others, and also help to take the guesswork out of a similar project or endeavour.

Consider what you know and have to offer. Even though thousands of other YouTube channels may be on the same wavelength, there’s always room for a unique and engaging new voice. Specific topics and niches will help make your content easier to find in a search – if you intend to review movies, focus on your favourite genre, or if grooming dogs is your forte, pick a particular breed. Choose a field you know and love and your passion will be reflected in the content you’re creating. Just be yourself and your infectious enthusiasm for the subject will endear you to a like-minded audience.

32 FEBRUARY 2020

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