How to start a YouTube vlog in 2023: Step-by-step guide for beginners | Amberscript (2024)

Vlogging, or video blogging, has become a popular trend in recent years, especially with the rise of platforms like YouTube and Vimeo. With the increasing number of content creators, it’s no surprise that many people are now interested in starting their own vlog. But if you want to be successful with a new vlog, there’s a lot to learn; that’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step beginner’s guide.

From creating a YouTube channel to filming, editing, and uploading videos, this guide will cover everything you need to know about vlogging in 2023.

Table of contents

How to make a YouTube channel

The first step to becoming a successful vlogger is to create a YouTube channel. YouTube is one of the most popular video-sharing platforms in the world, and it’s where most vloggers get their start. To create a YouTube channel, you’ll need a Google account, which you can create for free if you don’t already have one.

Once you have a Google account, go to YouTube and sign in. From there, click on the camera icon in the top right corner of the page, and select “Create a channel”. You’ll then be asked to choose between creating a channel using your personal Google account or using a brand account. For vlogging purposes, it’s recommended that you use your personal Google account.

After you have created your channel, you can start customizing it by adding profile information, profile picture, and header image. This is a crucial step, as it will give your channel a personal touch and help your audience connect with you. Take the time to make your channel look professional, as this will make it easier for people to find you and subscribe to your channel.

What do you need to be a vlogger?

Becoming a vlogger is an exciting journey, but before you start, you need to make sure you have the right equipment. While you can vlog using just about any modern smartphone camera, investing in a good quality camera can make a significant difference in the overall quality of your videos. Of course, you’ll also need some software to edit your footage, and perhaps most importantly, you’ll need to pick a niche that you’re passionate about.

Different kinds of vlog cameras

When it comes to choosing a camera for vlogging, there are several types of cameras to consider. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately depends on your needs, budget, and personal preferences.

One popular option for vlogging is the compact camera. These cameras are lightweight, portable, and easy to use, making them a popular choice among beginner vloggers. They offer good image and video quality, and many models come with flip screens, which make it easy to monitor your footage while filming. Some popular brands that make compact cameras include Canon, Sony, and Panasonic.

Another option to consider is the mirrorless camera. These cameras are similar in size and weight to compact cameras, but they offer better image and video quality and more advanced features. They are also more expensive than compact cameras, making them a better choice for advanced or professional vloggers. Some popular mirrorless camera brands include Sony, Fujifilm, and Panasonic.

If you’re looking for a camera that can capture action shots and footage, an action camera is a good option. These cameras are compact, rugged, and waterproof, making them perfect for travel vlogs and outdoor activities. They also offer good image and video quality, and many models come with advanced features like image stabilization and slow-motion video. Some popular action camera brands include GoPro, Sony, and DJI.

Remember, when choosing a vlog camera, it’s important to consider factors like image and video quality, size and portability, ease of use, and budget. By doing your research and considering all of your options, you can find a camera that meets your needs and helps you create high-quality vlogs.

Free and paid editing programs

Apart from a good camera, you’ll also need a video editing software to put together your videos. There are both free and paid options available, and you can choose one based on your level of expertise and the features you need.

If you’re a beginner vlogger, starting with free editing software like iMovie or Windows Movie Maker can be a good way to get a feel for the editing process without investing in expensive software. These programs are easy to use and offer basic editing features like trimming, cutting, and adding music and text to your videos.

However, as you become more experienced and want to take your vlogs to the next level, investing in a paid editing software can be a good idea. These programs offer advanced features like color correction, motion graphics, and multi-camera editing, which can help you create more professional-looking videos.

Professional editing software like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro are popular among vloggers and filmmakers, but they can be expensive. If you’re on a budget, there are also cheaper options like DaVinci Resolve and Filmora that offer similar features at a lower price point.

When choosing an editing software, it’s important to consider your level of expertise. Some programs, like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro, can be complex and take some time to learn. If you’re a beginner, starting with a simpler program like iMovie or Filmora can be a good way to get started.

Ultimately, the editing software you choose depends on your needs and budget. While free software can be a good starting point for beginners, investing in a paid software can help you take your vlogs to the next level and make them stand out on YouTube.

Find your niche

If you really want to have long-term success and make a living from your vlog, then you’ll need to find a profitable niche and focus on creating content that resonates with that audience. A niche can be anything that interests you and that you can create content around. However, if you plan on monetizing your blog eventually, then you’ll want to choose a niche that has money-making potential.

One important thing to keep in mind when choosing a niche is to think about what sets you apart from other vloggers in that space. What unique perspective or skill set do you bring to the table? By focusing on what makes you different, you can create content that stands out and attracts a loyal following.

For example, if you’re interested in cooking, you could focus on a specific type of cuisine or dietary preference, like vegan or gluten-free cooking. Or, if you’re interested in beauty, you could focus on a specific age group or skin type, like mature or oily skin.

It’s also important to keep in mind that your niche can evolve over time as you grow and evolve as a vlogger. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of content and topics to see what resonates with your audience. You might discover that your audience is interested in something unexpected, or that your unique perspective on a topic is what sets you apart.

How to film a vlog

Now that you have the necessary equipment and have found your niche, it’s time to start filming your vlog. The first step in filming a vlog is to plan out your content. This can include deciding on your topic, scripting your content, and planning your shots. Having a plan in place will make it easier to film your vlog and ensure that you stay on track.

Once you have a plan in place, it’s time to start capturing the footage. Filming a vlog requires more than just a camera and a good idea. To make your vlog engaging and visually appealing, you need to understand the different types of shots and angles that you can use to tell your story.

One of the most basic types of shots is the close-up shot, which is used to focus on a specific subject or detail. This type of shot is great for capturing emotions and expressions and can be used to create a sense of intimacy with your audience. Another type of shot is the wide shot, which is used to show the context of the scene and the surroundings.

In addition to different types of shots, you can also use different angles to make your vlog more interesting. For example, an over-the-shoulder shot is used to show the perspective of the subject and create a sense of involvement, while a point-of-view shot is used to show what the subject is seeing and create a sense of immersion.

It’s also important to pay close attention to your lighting and sound quality. Having the right lighting can make your vlog look more professional and engaging, while having good sound quality is crucial for delivering clear and crisp audio.

Also, keep In mind that it’s always good to get more footage than you think you’ll need, as this will give you more options when it comes time to edit your video later in the process. Remember, even if your final video is only going to be a few minutes long, it’s just always better to have more content available.

How to edit a vlog

Once you’ve filmed your vlog, it’s time to edit it. Editing is an essential part of the vlogging process, as it allows you to trim down your footage, add music and effects, and create a polished final product. Here are some tips to help you edit your vlog like a pro.

The first step in editing your vlog is to import your footage into your editing software. Most editing software allows you to import your footage directly from your camera or memory card. Once your footage is imported, you can start trimming it down to the best bits. It’s important to be ruthless when editing your footage, as this will help you to keep your video concise and engaging.

After you’ve trimmed your footage, it’s time to add some music and effects. Most editing software comes with a library of music and effects that you can use to enhance your video. You should also add subtitles and text overlays to your video to provide context and provide additional information to your viewers.

When editing your vlog, it’s important to keep your audience in mind. Make sure that your video is engaging and interesting, and that it holds your viewer’s attention from start to finish. You can use jump cuts, time-lapses, and other effects to make your video more dynamic and interesting.

Once you’ve finished editing your video, it’s time to export it and prepare it for uploading to YouTube. Make sure that you export your video in a format that is compatible with YouTube, and that you compress it to a reasonable size to make it easier for your viewers to stream.

How to upload a vlog on YouTube

When it comes to uploading your finished vlog, the process is fairly simple and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to upload your vlog to your YouTube channel:

When uploading your vlog, it’s important to keep in mind the SEO keywords you want to target. Make sure to include your primary keywords in the title and description of your video, as this will make it easier for people to find your video on YouTube.

You can also use tools like TubeBuddy or VidIQ to optimize your video for search engines and improve its visibility. These tools can help you to choose the right tags and keywords and provide you with insights on how to improve your video’s performance.

How to add subtitles on your vlog?

Adding subtitles to your vlog is an important step in making your content more visible to search engines and more accessible to a wider audience. Subtitles can also help people who are hard of hearing or who speak different languages enjoy your content. Here’s how to add subtitles to your vlog:

Step 1: Transcribe your vlog – the first step in adding subtitles to your vlog is to transcribe it. You can either transcribe your vlog manually or use an automated transcription service like Amberscript to transcribe it for you.

Step 2: Import your transcription – once you have your transcription, you can import it into your editing software. Most editing softwares allow you to import your transcription as a subtitle file.

Step 3: Sync your subtitles – after you’ve imported your transcription, you’ll need to sync your subtitles with your video. This involves matching the timestamps in your transcription with the corresponding timestamps in your video.

Step 4: Preview your subtitles – once your subtitles are synced, you can preview them to make sure they are accurate and timed correctly.

Step 5: Export your video with subtitles – finally, you can export your video with subtitles and upload it to YouTube.

Keep in mind that while it’s possible to add subtitles manually, using an automated transcription service like Amberscript can save you a lot of time and effort.

How Amberscript can help

Amberscript is a powerful tool that can help you create high-quality transcripts, closed captions, and subtitles for your vlog. With Amberscript, you can transcribe your vlog quickly and accurately, and add subtitles to make your content more accessible to a wider audience.

Amberscript offers both machine-made and human-made transcription and subtitle services. With machine-made services, you can transcribe and subtitle your vlog quickly and affordably, while with human-made services, you can ensure the highest levels of accuracy and quality.

If you choose Amberscript’s human-made services, your vlog will be transcribed and subtitled by professional transcribers and captioners, ensuring up to 100% accuracy. You can also customize your order with timestamps, speaker identification, and verbatim text.

If you choose Amberscript’s machine-made services, your vlog will be transcribed and subtitled using Amberscript’s automatic speech recognition technology, with up to 85% accuracy. You can edit and correct the transcription and subtitles on Amberscript’s platform or download them as an SRT or VTT file to use in your editing software.

Using Amberscript to transcribe and subtitle your vlog can save you a lot of time and effort and ensure that your content is accessible to a wider audience. With fast turnaround times and affordable pricing, Amberscript is the perfect tool for vloggers who want to create high-quality content and reach a wider audience.

Tips for building an audience on YouTube

Uploading your vlog to YouTube is just the first step in getting it seen by a wider audience. Once your video is live on YouTube, you need to promote it through various channels to increase its visibility and reach. Here are some tips to make your vlog stand out on YouTube:

Promote your video on social media

Social media is a great way to promote your video and reach a wider audience. You can share your video on your personal and professional social media accounts, as well as on relevant Facebook groups and Twitter chats. Make sure to use relevant hashtags and tags to help people find your video.

Collaborate with other YouTubers

Collaborating with other YouTubers is a great way to expand your reach and tap into new audiences. You can collaborate on a video, create a playlist together, or simply cross-promote each other’s channels.

Use paid promotion

If you have a budget, you can use paid promotion to get your video seen by a wider audience. You can use YouTube Ads to target specific keywords and demographics or use social media ads to reach people outside of YouTube.

Optimize your video for search

To make your video more visible in search results, you need to optimize it for SEO. This includes adding relevant keywords to your video’s title, description, and tags, as well as using relevant thumbnails and annotations.

Engage with your audience

Engaging with your audience is crucial to building a loyal following on YouTube. Make sure to respond to comments, encourage feedback and suggestions, and build a sense of community around your channel.

How to become famous on YouTube

Becoming famous on YouTube is a dream for many vloggers, but it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Once you’ve found your niche, it’s important to be consistent with your content. Set a regular posting schedule and stick to it. This will help your audience to know when to expect new content from you.

Engaging with your audience is another important part of building a loyal and engaged following. Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and build a community around your channel. Collaborating with other YouTubers is also a great way to reach new audiences and build your following. Look for YouTubers in your niche who have a similar audience to yours and reach out to them for collaboration opportunities.

Using SEO (search engine optimization) techniques can help your videos to rank higher in search results and make it easier for people to find your channel. Remember to use keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags, and optimize your video’s metadata. Promoting your channel on social media and other platforms can also help you to reach a wider audience.

Summary

Starting a vlog in 2023 requires dedication, hard work, and some essential steps. To get started, you’ll need to create a YouTube channel, choose the right camera and editing software, find your niche, and learn how to film and edit your videos. Adding subtitles to your vlog is also important to make your content accessible to a wider audience, and tools like Amberscript can help you do it quickly and accurately.

Vlogging is an exciting and rewarding way to share your passion with the world, and with the right tools and techniques, you can be successful on YouTube. By following the advice in this post, you can create high-quality vlogs that engage and inspire your audience. Remember, building a successful YouTube channel takes time and hard work, but with persistence and dedication, you can become a successful vlogger in 2023.