Want to Start a YouTube Channel in 2025? Here’s How to Do It Right.
With over 2.7 billion monthly active users worldwide and around 100 million internet users tuning in daily, YouTube is the most popular and well-established video platform.
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Many of today’s famous content creators started a YouTube channel just to have fun. It’s still one of the best reasons to start a YouTube channel in 2025. Whether you’re a creative artist, a business professional, a gamer, or a retiree exploring the world, YouTube empowers you to connect meaningfully with your audience and express whatever’s on your mind.
Take it from notorious YouTubers like Michelle Phan who started her journey from creating makeup tutorials and ultimately built a beauty empire or the TryGuys, who also built a successful brand as independent creators.
Having a YouTube channel isn’t just a side hustle anymore - it can become your full-blown cash machine.
Check out the snapshot below - it reveals the revenue of a brand-new YouTube channel after just six months of consistent posting. Spoiler alert: patience pays off!
If you’ve been eyeing YouTube to either grow your business or finally turn your hobby into something people actually watch (and maybe pay for) now is the perfect time to hit record.
Read the guide below and learn how to start your YouTube channel in 2025, from choosing your niche to creating content that grabs attention.
Develop a Solid YouTube Strategy
Everything revolves around strategies these days, and YouTube makes no exception. Truth is, before rushing into creating a YouTube channel, you need to have an honest conversation with yourself and answer questions, like:
- What content niche do I plan to focus on?
- What will my video production process look like?
- How can I effectively promote my channel to accelerate growth?
- How do I monetize my channel?
- Do I need to protect my content?
- Do I have all the necessary resources?
- Am I self-sufficient, or do I need extra help?
- Will I be able to stay consistent over the long term?
You may not have a clear answer for all of them, and that’s okay. Let’s break them down one by one so you can better understand the process of a YouTube strategy from A to Z.
Niche Selection: Pick Your Passion (and Potential)
You can simply pick something you’re genuinely passionate about or topics where you can showcase your expertise. If you’ve been working in the real estate business for several years, it would be fairly easy to start a YouTube channel where you talk about the real estate market trends, and market predictions, give advice on how to increase property value, etc.
You can always go a step further and use tools like Google Trends, SubBox, or TikTok’s discovery page to see trending topics in a specific niche.
Some high-performing niches in 2025 include:
- Educational content: tutorials, language learning, and tech reviews.
- Personal finance: budgeting tips and side hustle ideas.
- Health & wellness: fitness routines and mental health advice.
- Lifestyle & productivity: hacks to simplify daily life.
Choose a few specific niches and analyze existing YouTube channels within them. Take note of their average weekly and monthly views, the types of content they produce, and how their audience engages - such as likes, comments, and shares. Pay attention to trends in their most successful videos and how they structure their content.You can create a curated list of these channels by subscribing to them and then adding them to a tool like SubBox to track their performance. This will help you identify patterns and opportunities for your own content strategy.
The Basic Equipment for Your First YouTube Videos
Now, let’s get into the nuts and bolts of creating your videos. Don’t worry if you’re not a tech wizard - these ”how to” tips on how to start a YouTube channel are suitable for beginners and budget-conscious creators.
You don’t need a Hollywood-grade setup to create great content. Here’s a simple checklist of what you’ll need:
- Smartphone camera: modern smartphones with high-resolution cameras are a great starting point, as many can shoot in 4K or perform well in low-light conditions. For serious content creation, consider DSLR or mirrorless cameras like the Canon EOS M50 or Sony Alpha series for their superior video quality.
You can also use DJI Osmo Mobile gimbal-it’s a budget-friendly, user-friendly gadget that works with most smartphones, giving you smooth, steady video even when you’re on the move. If you’re aiming for more professional-level filming, there are gimbals made specifically for cameras, perfect for capturing seamless, dynamic shots.
- Microphone: quality audio is crucial. Lapel microphones, such as those from Rode or BOYA, are ideal for outdoor shoots, while condenser microphones are best for studio-quality sound, especially for voiceovers.
- Lighting: proper lighting enhances video quality. Use a ring light for soft, even lighting at home, or opt for adjustable LED panels for more versatility and creative freedom.
- Stabilizer: for smooth footage during movement or on-the-go filming, a stabilizer is essential to eliminate camera shake and achieve professional-looking videos.
Pro tip: if you’re filming on a budget, shoot near a window during daylight hours for soft, flattering light.
Editing Software: Bringing It All Together
Editing can make or break your videos. Thankfully, you don’t need to spend a fortune on software. If you’re editing videos for the first time, CapCut, InShot, or Canva Video Editor are suitable and budget-friendly solutions. But if you already have some experience with video editing, you can consider DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro (this one is exclusive for macOS).
Quick tip: keep your edits snappy. For Shorts, aim to grab the viewer’s attention within the first 3 seconds and keep transitions smooth but fast-paced.
Graphic Style: Thumbnails That Pop
Thumbnails create the first impression of your video and brand, capturing viewers' attention at a glance. A good first impression will often increase the Click-Through Rate (CTR). Use bold colors, large fonts, and intriguing visuals to draw attention.
Free tools like Canva or Photoshop alternatives like GIMP can help you design professional-looking thumbnails.
Key elements of a great thumbnail:
- Facial expressions: show emotion! People are drawn to expressive faces.
- Contrast: choose bold, contrasting colors to ensure your thumbnail grabs attention.
- Text: add 2-5 words that summarize your video or pique curiosity.
Pro tip: test different thumbnail styles to see what resonates with your audience. A/B testing can provide valuable insights.
AI Tools that Can Simplify the Video Creation Process
You can consider several AI tools that can help you create engaging and high-quality content for YouTube:
- Invideo AI – quickly create YouTube videos by typing out prompts! It even generates voiceovers and subtitles in multiple languages, perfect for faceless content with a huge stock media library.
- Synthesia – get lifelike AI avatars and voiceovers in 120+ languages.
- Fliki – turn text into eye-catching videos with plenty of stock media and text-to-speech options in various languages.
Optimize your video content with:
- VidIQ– boost your YouTube reach with SEO tools for titles, descriptions, and tags, plus performance analytics.
- TubeBuddy – use this tool for thumbnail generation, and SEO tweaks to help your content stand out.
Get inspired and streamline your planning using:
- ChatGPT – brainstorm video ideas and write the first draft of your scripts.
- Castmagic – analyze past videos for new themes and even turn old content into fresh scripts or promos.
- ElevenLabs – create ultra-realistic, multilingual voiceovers without hiring voice actors.
How to Promote Your Channel
The ultimate jackpot of YouTube growth is getting the algorithm to do the heavy lifting. When YouTube itself starts pushing your videos to new viewers, you know you're onto something big. The higher your organic view count, the better your channel's performance.
To speed things up, tap into the audience you already have. Share your videos across social media platforms where you have a presence (e.g., Instagram, X, Facebook). This helps leverage existing followers to grow your YouTube audience.
Collaborate with Other Video Creators
Collaborating with other creators is a win-win strategy, especially in the early stages of your channel. Identify creators in your niche who share a comparable audience size and target demographic. Video partnerships can help you introduce each other to new viewers and build credibility within your community.
Even something as simple as guest appearances or shoutouts can make an impact. Just remember to approach potential collaborators with a clear pitch-explain why teaming up is mutually beneficial.
Expand Your Reach on Other Social Platforms
YouTube success often depends on how well you leverage external platforms. Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are all fantastic tools for driving traffic to your channel.
Use Instagram Stories or Reels to tease upcoming videos, create TikToks highlighting funny or informative moments, or share behind-the-scenes content on Facebook and X to engage your followers.
Don’t forget to increase your reach through cross-promotion. For example, you can direct your TikTok followers to “watch the full video on YouTube,” or embed YouTube videos in your Facebook posts.
If you need a hand creating or promoting your content on YouTube, SubSub’s got your back.
Whether you’re looking for advice, a deep-dive audit, a killer strategy, or ongoing mentorship, we’re your go-to team. Got a specific task in mind? We’ll assemble the dream squad to handle it. Our team can even handle launching ad campaigns on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, or anywhere else your audience is hanging out.
Use Google Ads
Promoting your brand or a specific video through Google Ads can be a powerful way to boost your visibility and attract more viewers.
Sign up for Google Ads if you don’t already have an account. Create a campaign and set your goal - boosting video views or promoting your channel.
Set a budget (daily or total) that works for you and target your audience by setting preferences like location, demographics, and interests.
If you’re new to Google Ads, it might take a while until you learn how to optimize ad campaigns effectively, like selecting relevant keywords can be challenging or managing your budget to get the best ROI.
*Take note: improper use of Google Ads for promoting content can negatively impact your channel’s growth. It could potentially lead to wasted ad spend, poor audience retention, or even policy violations. This tool is most effective if you have a deep understanding of ad strategies or can invest in professional third-party services to optimize your campaigns.
Choose Your Monetization Approach
There are several monetization options out there - ads, memberships, sponsorships, and more - it’s all about finding what fits your content, audience, and long-term goals.
- Set up an AdSense account: link your YouTube channel to AdSense to enable ads on your videos. Your YouTube channel has to meet specific requirements (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours) before you can watch the revenue roll in.
Pro tip: enable mid-ad rolls to monetize your videos more effectively. Ad-rolls are related to YouTube’s 8-minute rule - a feature designed to give more control over ad placement, helping maximize revenue from longer content (videos that are at least 8 minutes long).
- Use Super Chat (the option for viewers to purchase Super Chats to have their messages highlighted during live streams), Super Stickers (viewers can purchase animated stickers during live chats or live streams), and YouTube Premium (subscribers enjoy an ad-free experience) to diversify your income and maximize your earnings.
- Explore YouTube Shopping: promote and sell your products or services directly from your videos, offering a seamless shopping experience for your viewers.
- Sign up for affiliate programs that offer products or services relevant to your niche.
Your audience can find great value in product reviews, tutorials, or unboxing. Just keep in mind to include your affiliate links in the video description, or pinned comment, and disclose that you're using affiliate links to maintain transparency. Additionally, consider translating and adapting YouTube content in other languages; this would potentially increase your potential audience and ad revenue as advertisers are willing to pay more to target specific audiences. You can take advantage of YouTube's auto-dubbing tool, which enables creators to produce translated audio tracks for their videos in various languages automatically. If you want to boost your earnings, SubBro can help you make more from your views than AdSense. Moreover, you have the option to allow your fans to back you directly with donations and subscriptions, building a closer community. Overall, SubBro simplifies the monetization process, which is incredibly beneficial if you’re a new creator just starting to build an audience.
Manage Your YouTube Revenue
Turning your YouTube channel into a revenue-generating machine requires strategy and the right tools. First, join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). This involves meeting specific requirements: 1,000 subscribers, 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months, or 10 million Shorts views within 90 days.
While AdSense enables you to withdraw funds, its options can feel limiting. That’s where tools like SubWallet come in, offering more flexibility in accessing your earnings. Whether you want to receive payments faster or manage your income across multiple platforms, SubWallet simplifies your financial flow so you can focus on creating content instead of worrying about payment logistics.
Protect and Secure Your Channel and Video Content
Consider your YouTube channel a valuable asset (because it is), and don’t overlook protection measures. Start by understanding and adhering to YouTube Community Guidelines. These rules ensure your content stays within platform standards, helping you avoid strikes or even suspension.
Next, familiarize yourself with the basics of copyright laws. Protect your videos, audio, and graphics by securing appropriate permissions for any third-party material you use. Alternatively, use royalty-free resources to avoid potential copyright claims; this will ensure you maintain a professional reputation.
Prioritize channel security, including two-factor authentication and strong, unique passwords. Once again, SubSub can become your friend in need for troubleshooting services and Content ID management. SubSub helps protect your intellectual property and ensures that no one can profit from your hard work without your consent.
Outline the Scope of Work and Budget
Building a successful YouTube channel involves more than just creating videos - it’s a long-term project requiring careful planning. Start by outlining the scope of work. Consider the time, skills, and resources you’ll need.
Take into account how often can you realistically post videos or what’s your budget for video equipment or software.
If the workload feels overwhelming, consider partnering with someone who complements your skills, such as a video editor or graphic designer. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are packed with talented specialists who can help bring your vision to life without breaking the bank.
You can also make a plan for skill-building. Whether it’s learning video editing or improving your storytelling, investing in your growth can make a significant impact on your channel’s quality and success.
Stay Motivated and Focus on Your Goals
Growing a YouTube channel takes time and persistence. On average, expect to spend at least six months publishing videos consistently before seeing significant growth. Treat your channel as a full-time job if possible, or a serious hobby if not.
Try not to compare yourself with other video creators, regularly check your goals list and do your best to achieve them one at a time. Reaching 1,000 subscribers may come after years of consistent posting, so being patient is part of the YouTube game.
Whenever you feel stuck, remind yourself of why you started your channel in the first place. Whether you created a YouTube channel for business or pure fun, celebrate every milestone, no matter how small - it’s all part of the journey!
Creating Your Very First YouTube Channel Step-by-Step
Whether you’re new to content creation or looking to revamp your strategy, preparation is key.
Here’s how to create a brand channel on YouTube:
1. Use the Google account you want associated with your brand channel.
2. Go to your profile picture and select "YouTube Studio."
3. Create a new channel.
4. Enter a brand name and click "Create."
5. Customize your channel: Add a profile picture, banner image, description, and links to your website or social media.
6. Start creating and uploading videos to grow your channel.
If you wonder how to make more than one YouTube channel, all you have to do is repeat the above steps. This is basically the way to add a different YouTube channel to your Google account. It’s a great option for brand segmentation or targeted content if, for instance, you want one dedicated channel for business-related videos and another separate one for employer branding.
If you’re an independent creator, you can also have two or more channels. For instance, one channel can focus on professional content, and the other can be related to your hobby - same creator, different vibes, and zero confusion for your audience.
Regarding how to start a YouTube channel on your phone, the process is exactly the same except you’ll need to have the YouTube app downloaded on your phone. You’ll also need to sign in to a Google account from the app.
If you don’t have a clear idea of what your YouTube channel should be about, check some tips below.
Build a Content Plan
Starting a successful YouTube channel begins with a robust content plan. Think of your channel as a digital portfolio where every video serves a purpose in attracting, engaging, and retaining your audience.
Consider frameworks like the Hub-Help-Hero strategy to create a mix of content types that cater to various audience needs:
- Hub Content: these are your regular uploads that build a connection with your audience. Think vlogs, behind-the-scenes footage, or recurring series that provide consistent value.
- Help Content: videos that address common questions or problems in your niche. Tutorials, how-tos, and FAQ videos are perfect for this. They position you as a helpful and reliable authority.
- Hero Content: these are your big-ticket videos designed to capture massive attention. They’re often high-budget, trend-driven, or seasonally relevant pieces that draw in new viewers.
Or apply the Create-Curate-Collaborate Framework to keep your content diverse and fresh:
- Create: develop original, high-quality videos that align with your niche.
- Curate: share insights, trends, or reactions to existing content in your space.
- Collaborate: partner with other creators to tap into new audiences and cross-promote your channels.
Spy, Remaster, and Innovate With the Help of SubBox
If you want to explore niche opportunities, analyzing competitor content can reveal valuable insights. For example, by creating a collection of channels within a particular niche and studying how their content grows and performs, you can identify which niche to dive into and what type of content to create. A tool like SubBox Insights can help you track and analyze competitor trends to tailor your strategy effectively. Additionally, once you’ve started creating content, it’s efficient to continuously monitor competitors and their content. Comparing their performance with yours and that of other players in the niche can help refine your approach for better growth and results.
Diversify Your Content
Experiment with different video formats to keep your channel dynamic:
- Go live: live streams foster real-time engagement and create a sense of community.
- Go short: leverage YouTube Shorts to capitalize on bite-sized content trends.
- Use podcasts: record audio-centric content to dive deep into topics and build loyal viewers.
- Re-use and repurpose: turn long-form videos into Shorts, SubLive highlights, or condensed versions to maximize reach.
- Tap into the public domain: use public domain content as inspiration or material for your creations.
- Re-publish old content: update older videos with new titles, thumbnails, or intros to refresh their appeal.
Consistency is key to building a loyal audience. Publish videos on a regular schedule and develop a rhythm that your viewers can rely on. YouTube Analytics will help you determine when your audience is most active, so you can time your uploads for maximum impact.
Publish evergreen and optimized content
Focus on creating evergreen content-videos that stay relevant over time, such as tutorials, how-tos, or industry insights. SEO-optimize your videos with targeted keywords in titles, descriptions, and tags to ensure your videos rank well. Add compelling thumbnails and detailed descriptions to improve click-through rates and watch time.
Leverage poll events and analytics
Use poll events to directly involve your audience and understand their preferences. This not only boosts engagement but also gives you ideas for future content. Pay close attention to YouTube Analytics and tools like SubBox to identify when your audience is most active. Schedule your uploads accordingly to maximize views and interactions.
Highlight your content
Make your channel appealing by creating a channel trailer that showcases its value. Use YouTube Premieres for big uploads to generate anticipation and live engagement. These tools help make your channel feel active and engaging, turning casual viewers into dedicated subscribers.
Analyze the Performance of Your Videos
If you want to improve your channel, you need to understand what’s working and what’s not. You can simply check YouTube Studio Analytics. This helps you analyze trends, track competitors, and fine-tune your metadata to optimize your content for search.
Dive into metrics that show patterns and trends, like:
- average watch time
- traffic sources
- views
Are most of your views coming from search? Then double down on SEO. Is retention time low? You might need to refine your storytelling or pacing.
One metric that can’t be ignored is audience retention. This measures how long viewers stay engaged with your videos, and it’s one of the most critical factors for YouTube’s algorithm.
Aim to hook viewers within the first 10 seconds and keep them engaged with strong pacing and valuable content throughout.
If you want a simplified analytics dashboard, SubBox organizes key metrics like watch time, engagement, and subscriber growth into easy-to-read data. You can also generate tailored analytics reports to track specific metrics, set goals, and measure progress-all without the hassle of manual data gathering. Plus, you can keep tabs on your video performance right after publishing with real-time analytics.
What you need to remember is that, especially in the beginning, creating YouTube videos is more about experimentation. Try different types of thumbnails, intros, or video formats to see what resonates with your audience. Regularly review your analytics to identify opportunities for improvement and repeat what works.
Final Tips
Before diving into YouTube, take the time to really understand how the platform works. Think of it as learning the ropes before jumping into the game-it’ll save you time and frustration later.
Start by following SubSub for insights on channel protection, СontentID management, and troubleshooting. SubSub is a great resource for keeping your content secure and compliant. Additionally, follow YouTube’s official social media accounts or channels like Creator Insider, where the YouTube Creator technical team shares the latest news and updates on its platform. They regularly share tips and feature announcements, so you can stay ahead of the curve.
Next, get hands-on with YouTube’s features. Experiment with tools like Shorts, Community Posts, and Analytics. Testing out these options will give you a better feel of what works for your channel and audience.
Lastly, spend time watching other creators - not just for entertainment but for inspiration and learning. Pay attention to their content, editing style, and how they engage their viewers. You don’t have to copy their ideas, but understanding what makes their channels successful can help you refine your approach.
Apart from the things you need to start a YouTube channel, it all goes down to staying curious, being adaptable, and consistently improving. Keep exploring, learning, and experimenting - and most importantly, have fun while you build something amazing!
FAQ
How to start a YouTube channel?
The first thing you need to create a YouTube channel is a Google account. As part of the setup, customize your YouTube channel with a profile picture and a banner that highlights your brand identity. Decide on your niche and plan your video content. Start creating videos and upload them to your channel. Optimize for SEO video titles, descriptions, and tags to help people find your videos.
Do I need expensive equipment to start a YouTube channel?
No, you don’t. You can simply rely on your smartphone (preferably to have at least 1080p video capability). Use a microphone (lapel or shotgun) for clear audio, and either natural light or a ring light/softbox for a professional look. As for editing, you can find several free and user-friendly tools like CapCut or DaVinci Resolve.
How can I earn on YouTube?
Earnings from your YouTube channel can come in various methods. The straightforward way is to sell your branded products directly on your channel. Another common method is through ad revenue by joining the YouTube Partner Program to earn money from ads displayed on your videos. You can also consider sponsorships and collaborations with other brands for paid content or promote products and earn a commission on sales through affiliate links.
Can I monetize my channel right away?
Monetizing your channel right from the start can be a bit challenging. To get a substantial money from built-in Ad revenue takes time. Consider tools like SubBro to gain support from your audience through monthly subscriptions. This way, you can start earning decent money almost from scratch.
How much does YouTube pay per view?
On average, YouTube pays between $0.003 and $0.005 per view (about $3 to $5 per 1,000 views). However, geographical location is an important factor. For instance, in the US and Western Europe, earnings can be higher compared to other countries. In the US, average earnings range from $0.005 to $0.01 per view.
Additionally, payments are also tied to ad views (how many viewers actually engage with the ads shown on your content).
How often should I upload new videos?
While consistency is essential, there’s no right or wrong answer regarding the frequency of uploading new videos on your channel. You can start with once a week and increase the frequency gradually as you get more comfortable and gain experience in video creation. It’s more important to have quality videos and stick to a schedule with specific days and times to upload videos as best as possible. This helps your audience know when to expect new content.
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