How to Become a YouTuber & Get Paid: 11 Steps for Beginners

Key takeaways:

• To build a sustainable YouTube career, focus on identifying your niche, producing high-quality content, and engaging actively with your audience.
• YouTube continues to grow with 1 billion hours of content watched daily. New tools like YouTube Shorts and live streaming offer fresh ways to engage audiences.
• YouTuber income comes from ad revenue, sponsorships, memberships, merchandise, and affiliate marketing, with earnings varying by channel size and niche.

Wondering how to become a YouTuber?

No wonder why! YouTube has over 2 billion active users, making it an enticing platform for new creators. But you do you actually make a successful YouTube channel you can make money from? How do you stand out?

With almost 100K subscribers on my own YouTube channel and nearly 50K on Riverside’s, here’s my guide on becoming a YouTuber. 

What is a YouTuber?

A YouTuber creates and shares videos on YouTube, often centered around a specific niche, whether it's gaming, lifestyle, education, or entertainment. But some people define a YouTuber as someone who can make substantial income doing this - or even do it as a full-time job.

How much money does a YouTuber make?

Wondering how much YouTubers make?

YouTuber income varies a lot, depending on subscribers, niche, and engagement. Most creators earn through YouTube’s Partner Program, which pays for ad views. On average, you’re looking at $0.01 to $0.03 per ad view, which adds up to roughly $1.61 to $29.30 per 1,000 views, depending on your audience and content. 

You’d clearly need millions of views to make decent money from the Partner Program. This is why many YouTubers cash in through channel memberships, brand deals, affiliate marketing, and merch sales. 

For example, creators with around 100,000 subscribers can pull in $5,000 to $15,000 each month. Big names like MrBeast? They’re raking in millions every year through ads, sponsorships, and other ventures.

How to become a YouTuber: 11 steps

Becoming a YouTuber is more than just hitting "record." Successful YouTubers follow a series of strategic steps to stand out, grow their channels, and engage their audience.

Here are some key steps to becoming a YouTuber:

1. Identify your niche and target audience

As a beginner, it’s generally better to start small and focused. This helps you create content that answers a specific audience need or desire.

Brainstorm topics you're genuinely interested in and can create consistent content around. Use tools like Google Trends and YouTube search predictions to find trending or underrepresented topics. Look for gaps in the market - niches with fewer creators but strong demand.

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Your ideal niche sits where your passion aligns with audience interest. For instance, if you're into gaming, don’t try to cover everything. Instead, try to focus on specific genres like indie or mobile games, which often have less competition but high engagement potential.

After you’ve nailed down your niche, create a detailed audience profile. Ask:

• How old are they?
• Where do they live?
• What challenges do they have that your content can help solve?

Check Reddit, Quora, or YouTube comments to see what people are talking about and asking for. This will help shape your content direction.

Before you dive in fully, consider testing your content ideas on social media. If you have a following, consider sharing snippets on platforms like TikTok or Instagram to see how people respond. Like this: 

This way, you can fine-tune your approach and make sure you're hitting the right notes before committing too much time and effort.

2. Set up a YouTube channel

Follow these steps to set up a YouTube channel:‍

Step 1: Sign in to YouTube.

Step 2: Click your profile picture in the top right, then choose “Create a Channel.”

Step 3: Upload a profile picture and enter your channel name. Note that your profile picture should be square or round, 800x800 pixels, and in JPG, GIF, BMP, or PNG format.

💡Bonus tip: Use our free YouTube Name Generator to get ideas for unique, descriptive names.

Step 4: Click “Create Channel” in the bottom right - and you're all set!

Here are some additional tips to make a strong impression with your YouTube channel:

• Choose a brand-friendly name: Your channel name should reflect what you’re about. It should also be memorable, short, and aligned with your niche. 
• Design eye-catching channel art: Go for high-quality images for your profile and banner. Stick to the same colors, fonts, and logos across all platforms for that cohesive, professional vibe.
• Craft an SEO-optimized description: Write a YouTube channel description that captures your content’s essence. Highlight what makes your content unique and how you aim to add value to your audience’s life. Don't forget to add relevant keywords to improve your search ranking.
• Maintain cross-platform consistency: Make sure your branding is uniform across YouTube and other social media channels for a stronger online presence.

3. Develop a content calendar

Being consistent is the only way to grow on YouTube. But maintaining a regular upload schedule requires more than just planning what to post - it’s about staying organized and being strategic. 

Start by mapping out your content for the next month or two. While most channels post at least once a week, how often you post depends on your audience and channel content. 

For example, if you create longer professional or complex content, then posting once a week should suffice. But if you’re creating shorter videos, then your audience might want to watch more than a weekly video. It’s best to start at a baseline and then test it out to see how your frequency affects engagement. 

Most importantly, make sure your schedule is consistent and one you can keep up with.

How to create a content calendar

1. Identify core topics: Pick 3-5 themes that your audience loves. If you're into tech reviews, maybe mix things up with product comparisons, how-tos, and unboxings to keep things fresh.
2. Mix up content types: Balance long-form videos with YouTube Shorts, live streams, and behind-the-scenes clips. For example, drop a detailed tutorial on Mondays and a casual Q&A or live stream on Fridays to keep things interesting. 
3. Repurpose: Use tools like Riverside to record and edit longer video content, then break it into shorter clips. This way, you’re not always starting from scratch. You can repurpose highlights into YouTube Shorts or Instagram Reels, giving your content more mileage. We'll discuss this tool in detail later.‍
4. Automate your workflow: Use project management platforms like Trello, Asana, or ClickUp to schedule reminders, deadlines, and tasks for filming, editing, and posting. This helps you stay organized and ensures nothing slips through the cracks.

4. Invest in equipment and software

Yes, content is king, but production quality is a close second. 

Even if you’re not ready to spend big on equipment, basics like good video lighting, a quality microphone, and a professional camera make a huge difference. Most YouTubers rely on video editing software to polish their content, adding transitions, trimming unnecessary parts, and adjusting audio to create a professional look and feel. 

While there are many tools available for this, finding YouTube recording software that also allows you to record, edit, and stream all in one place can save a ton of time. That's where Riverside comes in. You can use Riverside to record and edit professional-quality video and audio straight from your browser. It even lets you live stream directly from Riverside to YouTube Live and other platforms. 

5. Produce high-quality videos

To capture your audience's attention, you need to focus on every aspect of video creation.

Create scripts

Start by knowing your audience and defining your message. Are you educating, entertaining, or promoting? Understanding this helps you craft an engaging script that resonates with your viewers. Once you have a solid script, you can move on to recording.

Record your first few videos

When it comes to recording, the technical quality is critical. This includes both video and audio. Using tools like Riverside, you can record in up to 4K resolution with uncompressed 48kHz audio, ensuring that your content is crystal clear. Even with a weak internet connection, Riverside’s local recording feature guarantees smooth visuals and sound by saving files directly to your device.

Edit your videos

Editing comes next, but it doesn’t have to be a hassle. Riverside’s AI-powered video editor can help streamline the process. You can:

• Remove background noise, long silences and those awkward filler words - all in a few clicks.
• Trim your video by simply deleting text from your recording transcript. 
• Add dynamic captions as well as text, image and music overlays.

And a whole lot more!

The platform even auto-generates transcriptions, which not only makes your videos accessible but boosts your SEO.

Finally, optimizing your videos for YouTube is key. Repurpose longer content into highlights or YouTube Shorts using a YouTube Clip generator to engage viewers on multiple platforms. Craft compelling titles and thumbnails to make your content stand out.

6. Write compelling, SEO-friendly video descriptions

Getting your YouTube videos discovered relies on solid SEO, just like blogs. The right keywords can seriously boost your visibility.

Take this example: A YouTube channel in the competitive entertainment space saw a 53% increase in views without uploading any new content. The trick? Optimizing what was already there. In fact, this channel was able to go from 2.29 million to 3.5 million views in just 30 days. They did it by refining video tags, improving interlinking in descriptions, and creating YouTube Shorts.

To start, research what your audience is searching for using tools like TubeBuddy.

Once you’ve got your keywords, write descriptions that are informative and engaging. Forget keyword stuffing - focus on summarizing the content, highlighting key moments, and encouraging engagement (like comments or shares).

You can also use Riverside's AI-powered Show Notes feature to automatically generate SEO-friendly captions, summaries, chapters, and takeaways. This saves you time and helps boost your SEO with detailed descriptions. After recording, you can create chapter markers and seamlessly add them to your YouTube descriptions.

Not only does this improve discoverability, but it also gives your viewers easy-to-navigate summaries, ensuring they find what they’re looking for and stick with your content.

7. Optimize video titles and thumbnails

Your video thumbnail and title are your hook - they need to be compelling enough to stop someone from scrolling past. Here are some tips to get them right:

Craft descriptive but engaging titles: 

Keep your title around 50-60 characters so it displays well across devices, and include relevant keywords for SEO. But don’t overdo it with keyword stuffing - it’ll feel unnatural. For example, instead of “Top 10 Travel Tips,” go for something like “Top 10 Travel Tips You Need for 2024 – Save Time & Money.”

Create compelling thumbnails: 

Go for high-resolution images that instantly show what the video’s about. Bold, clear text and contrasting colors grab attention. Keep it simple - focus on one main image that represents the video’s theme. 

Here's how Riverside does this:

Incorporate numbers and power words: 

Numbers (like “5 Tips” or “10 Hacks”) naturally draw attention. Whereas power words like “Ultimate,” “Proven,” or “Insider” create excitement. 

Test with A/B testing tools: 

Conduct A/B tests to experiment with different titles and thumbnails to see what works best. YouTube's native A/B testing features (in Studio Beta) can help with this. Use it to test out various color schemes, fonts, and text placements to find what boosts your click-through rates.

Use consistent branding: 

Over time, viewers should recognize your content at a glance. Use consistent fonts, colors, or logos on your thumbnails. Big channels like PewDiePie and MrBeast do this, and it helps with brand recognition.

Avoid clickbait: 

While it may be tempting to use sensational titles and thumbnails, misleading viewers will harm your long-term growth. Be honest, and let your content match the promise in the title.

8. Interact with your Audience

Engagement is key to building a loyal fanbase. Beyond responding to comments, you need to foster a community. Here's how:

• Ask questions: End each video with a question that encourages audience engagement (e.g., “What’s your favorite gadget?”).
• Host monthly Q&As: Hold live Q&As where viewers can ask real-time questions. Use features like Super Chat to boost interaction. (Super Chat allows viewers to pay to have their comments highlighted during live streams.)
• Respond to requests: Create videos based on viewer suggestions and mention them by name to personalize the interaction.
• Use the community tab: Post polls and behind-the-scenes content to involve your audience in shaping your content direction.
• Give shout-outs: Feature engaged subscribers or run contests to motivate audience participation and loyalty.

The more connected your audience feels, the more likely they are to stick around and share your content. 

9. Promote your videos effectively

When it comes to promoting your YouTube videos, it’s all about smart tactics. 

SEO optimization, keeping a consistent posting schedule, and engaging with your audience are key. But to take things up a notch, try collaborating with YouTubers in your niche to tap into their audience. Share your content on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook - and even LinkedIn if your niche fits.

Don't forget YouTube Shorts! Short-form content has a great chance of going viral, bringing in subscribers who love quick, snackable videos.

You also don’t need to stop at one video - use YouTube info cards and end screens to guide viewers to more of your content. Linking to other videos or playlists can boost watch time and help you grow your subscriber base.

💡Bonus tip: Once you've got a few related videos up, create playlists. Playlists keep viewers around longer by auto-playing the next video, improving your watch time and YouTube ranking. Plus, they’re shareable and make for a smooth viewing experience, giving potential subscribers a reason to stick around.

If you want to learn more about promoting and growing your YouTube videos, we cover this in the video below:

10. Track and analyze YouTube metrics

To grow on YouTube, you’ve got to know what clicks with your audience. Follow these tips to make your data analysis actionable:

Watch key metrics: 

Keep an eye on stats like watch time, audience retention, and click-through rates (CTR). High watch time and retention mean your content's engaging, while CTR shows if your titles and thumbnails are doing their job.

Understand your audience: 

Check out who’s tuning in and get to know the age, gender, and location of your core audience. If a particular group is watching more, tailor content to them. Seeing more views from a specific country? Add subtitles or create content that connects with that culture.

Experiment with content:

Use YouTube Analytics to see what types of content perform best. Try different video lengths, formats (tutorials vs. vlogs), or even features like YouTube live streaming. The data will show you what to keep doing.

Refine your strategy: 

Look at the big picture -how's your channel growing over time? Are you getting more subscribers? Are certain days or times better for posting? Use these insights to fine-tune your content and posting schedule.

11. Monetize and expand your channel

As your channel gains momentum, it’s time to make money from YouTube videos.

First, join the YouTube Partner Program, which enables you to earn through ads. You’ll need at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months to qualify. How much you can make depends on the views you receive. But, overall this program won’t earn you big bucks unless you receive millions of views per month. 

Thankfully there are other ways to make income on YouTube, so you can also consider the following:

Affiliate marketing

Promote products related to your niche and earn commissions from purchases made through your links. For example, if you run a tech review channel, linking to gear you’ve reviewed keeps it relevant and authentic.

Sponsorships

Brands love working with creators who align with their values. Reach out to companies in your niche or join platforms that connect creators and sponsors. Just ensure the brand fits your audience’s interests. For example, vegan and lifestyle YouTuber Caitlin Shoemaker partners with brands like vitamin manufacturer MaryRuth, which fits her audience’s focus on plant-based and eco-friendly products.

Merchandise sales

Design and offer branded products like T-shirts, hats, or mugs and sell them through platforms like Teespring or Shopify - just like gaming creator Prince Ohakam. It’s a great way to engage loyal fans while generating income.

Channel memberships or Patreon

Channel memberships let your audience join your channel membership program by paying a set fee. In exchange, you offer exclusive content or perks like early access to videos, members-only live streams, or custom content for fans willing to pay for premium access. Creators like Philip DeFranco thrive on community support through platforms like Patreon.

Collaborations

Collaborate with brands or fellow creators to tap into new audiences. Another way to grow is by exploring different content formats, like podcasts. With Riverside, you can easily produce high-quality podcasts while keeping your content fresh and engaging for your followers.

💡Pro tip: Diversification is key! Build a multi-channel income strategy with sponsorships, affiliate links, and merchandise to create a more resilient business model.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a successful YouTuber is more than just making videos - you need a strategy to build your brand and engage your audience. 

From collaborating with sponsors to selling merch or offering memberships, every step adds value and boosts your channel’s growth. Stay true to yourself, experiment, and use tools like Riverside to produce high-quality content and simplify your workflow. With consistent effort, smart promotion, and a little luck, you may be able to turn your channel into a thriving platform.

FAQs on how to become a YouTuber

Still need some information? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.

How do YouTubers get paid?

YouTubers mainly earn money through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Once they hit 1,000 subscribers and rack up 4,000 watch hours, they can start making cash through Google AdSense, earning per 1,000 views. But that’s just the beginning. Many YouTubers also snag sponsorships, sell merchandise, do affiliate marketing, and offer exclusive content to paying fans through YouTube memberships.

Read more in our complete guide on how much YouTubers make. 

How much does it cost to start a YouTube channel? (2024)

Zero - it's free to start a YouTube channel.

Is becoming a YouTuber hard?

It can be! Becoming a successful YouTuber takes creativity, consistency, and a lot of hard work. Building an audience takes time; regularly putting out high-quality, engaging content isn’t easy. Plus, with millions of creators out there fighting for attention, it’s a tough crowd. But with perseverance and a solid niche, it’s definitely doable.

Can I make a living as a YouTuber?

Maybe. Your income as a YouTuber will rely on the size of your audience, how engaged they are, and how many revenue streams you can tap into. 

The most successful YouTubers don’t just rely on ad revenue - they also bring in money through sponsorships, selling merchandise, and offering memberships. But you should know that only 9% of all YouTube channels have more than 1,000 subscribers.

What does a beginner YouTuber make?

Beginner YouTubers with smaller audiences tend to make modest amounts. For instance, channels with 1,000 to 10,000 subscribers might pull in anywhere from $50 to $1,500 per month, depending on views and engagement. Sometimes, it's lower - but as your channel grows, so do the opportunities to boost your income.