By: Malena Esposito

“Hey, what’s up you guys? Yes!”

“What’s up everybody? Welcome back to my channel! Hi, how are ya?”

“Hi sisters! James Charles here, and welcome back to my YouTube Channel!”

“Hey guys! What’s up? It’s your girl, Liza!”

“What up everyone? It’s your girl, Superwoman!”

“Hey guys, it’s me, Miranda!”

Let’s face it, we’ve all considered becoming a YouTuber. For some reason, watching strangers on the internet for minutes at a time is extremely interesting. Whether it’s a DIY, stunt, fitness, haul, storytime, conspiracy, horror, review, drama, challenge, or apology video, YouTube completely captivates millions of people every single day. Well, ponder the thought no longer, because today I’m going to teach you how to become a famous YouTuber. If you follow this tutorial correctly, not only will you be making thousands of dollars, but you’ll be able to have the independent lifestyle you’ve always wanted.

Step 1: Be a Narcissist

If you thought that making an account would be the first step, you’d be wrong. In fact, before you can call yourself a YouTuber, you’ll have to call yourself egocentric. Do you really think that these people can look at themselves for hours while filming and editing without being at least a little self-absorbed? Exactly.

To be the ideal narcissist, I recommend carrying around a mirror with you at all times to see how good you look, preferably a Jeffree Star mirror. You see, in the YouTube community, being “Jeffree Star Approved” is arguably more important than winning a Golden Globe, or even a Grammy. With this purchase, you’ll be on the road to reaching a crucial step in your YouTube journey.

However, not all of us have the confidence of such an icon, being Mr. Star himself. If this is the case, I suggest posting on your finsta how ugly and unattractive you feel. If your friends are real ones, they’ll be sure to drop a comment or two, giving you the boost you need.

Step 2: Decide Your Topic

If you thought that making an account would be the second step, you’d be wrong—again. Many channels never become active because the user doesn’t knows what to post, so, to avoid this wasteful incident, try to think of your topic beforehand. As mentioned previously, there’s a variety of subjects to choose from. Maybe you want to review a makeup product, tell a story, or spill some hot tea. You might even want to film crazy stunts, vlog about your day, or have a Chick-Fil-A Mukbang. The choices are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and see what you like best.

Step 3: Make Your Account

About time! To make an account, simply go to YouTube.com and click the profile icon in the top right corner. From there, you’ll be directed on how to start your way to success.

Step 4: Get Filming Equipment

This step is a little subjective. I mean, obviously, you need a camera to film with, but the microphone and ringlight aren’t something you’ll have to worry about until you have the subscribers and the money. If you can’t afford a fancy camera, then don’t get one. Plenty of YouTubers used their phone to start off, and nowadays, iPhones are almost as good as the real thing.

Step 5: Get Editing Software

Here’s where it gets tricky. Not everyone has the financial ability to graduate from iMovie, but if you want to make it to the big leagues, you might have to make the investment. Luckily, there are plenty of options available, both paid and free.

For Windows and Mac users, Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the best video softwares money can buy. For $19.99 a month, you’ll be able to add effects, photoshop, and edit audio.

For Mac users only, Final Cut Pro X is going to be your best friend here. Many cite this software as the easiest one out there, and because it’s specifically designed for Mac computers, both gadgets will completely compliment each other. You can get yours for a flat rate of $299.99!

Another option is the Avid Media Composer and the Avid Media Composer First. The first choice costs $49.99 a month, while the second is a free version with a few restrictions. Don’t let the price throw you off, though, because Avid Media Composer is so professional that movies like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and The Martian have been edited with this software.

Additional free options include ShotCut, Hit Film Express, and of course, iMovie.

Step 6: Plan It Out

This step is similar to step 2, but a bit more specific. In order to be a successful YouTuber, you can’t just post a video here and there and hope for the the best. Rather, plan it out and be consistent. Brainstorm videos ideas so you have an array to choose from. Come up with a posting schedule that you can stick to. If you make more simple videos, you might want to post 3-4 times a week. If you make more complex videos, you might want to post 1-2 times a week. If you’re Shane Dawson, you might want to post once a month.

But regardless of how often you post, think it through. You don’t want to be neck-deep into an idea and then film it, only to back out the last minute because it doesn’t work out. Obviously, not every video is going to be post-worthy, so if this happens to you, deal with the situation as you see fit. Recently, YouTuber Ryland Adams filmed a video with his sister, Morgan, only to realize during the editing process that it made no sense and was almost a waste of time. However, instead of trashing it and accepting defeat, they kept the video and showed their friends. They filmed their reaction and posted that instead, rather than having to start from scratch.

Step 7: Advertise

Theoretically, step 7 and 8 are interchangeable. Technically, you’re going to want to promote your channel, post your first video, and then promote that video. Nevertheless, if you want to become a successful YouTuber, people have to know who you are. For starters, that might just be people that you know, and that’s completely okay. Let them know that you’re going to be pursuing this. If they don’t like it, then that’s on them, but don’t be afraid to put your name out there and create an image for yourself.

Step 8: Film, Edit, & Post Your First Video

It’s time! I bet you’ve been waiting. After you’ve completed steps 1-7, it’s time to film and post your first video. Use one of the ideas you’ve previously brainstormed, make some time, and get to it. Fame isn’t given, unless you’re a Kardashian.

When filming, consider lighting, angles, and background noises. The majority of faults can be edited, but predicting them beforehand can save you a step or two. When editing, try not to make the cuts too choppy, or it’ll be really obvious that you slaughtered your sentences. If you have music playing in the background, don’t make it so loud that your audience can’t hear what you’re saying, or too low that your audience thinks they’re going crazy because of a barely audible sound. However, if you do add songs, pictures, or videos into your videos, make sure you’re allowed to. People plagiarize all the time on the internet without even realizing it. Although not a lot of them get caught, you could be in the small percentage that get sued for copyright infringement. Considering this may or may not be your big break, you aren’t going to have the money to pay the big company the big bucks.

Step 9: Learn to Deal with Criticism

This step was kind of alluded to in step 7. Not everyone is going to like you, and that’s fine. While some people leave negative thoughts in their head or tell a close friend, a few physically leave a comment. If this happens to you, don’t be discouraged. You’re just starting out, your content isn’t going to be perfect, but you’re trying. Focus on the positivity and the support you get, rather than hate from people that probably couldn’t even tell you in person.

Step 10: Be Consistent

Going back to step 6, once you develop a plan, try your best to stick to it. Keep to your posting schedule, keep up with quality, and keep motivated. Plenty of YouTubers end up taking a temporary break because they feel so burnt out. They have trouble coming up with new ideas and feel as though their hobby has become a draining job. Don’t let this be you. At the end of the day, your YouTube channel is for you and no one else. The audience and the views are just brownie points, and if you are lucky enough to make a living off of this passion, then hats off to you.

Step 11: Practice Your Apology

This may seem like a surprise, but anyone who knows anything about YouTube knows that this step is crucial. Hopefully, the situation is a simple misunderstanding and you’re not being “exposed” for racist tweets from six years ago, but if you do get yourself in a sister scandal, these tips will help you in your redemption.

For starters, avoid posting a screenshot of your apology on Twitter or Instagram. Although you might mean what you’ve typed, it’s hard to perceive words on a screen as genuine.

To film an apology, you must first set up your equipment next to the side of your bed, or anywhere that you don’t usually film. For some reason, bedroom floors are a hotspot for YouTube apologies.

Second, do not—I repeat,—do not, wear makeup. The lack of makeup makes the apologizer seem distraught and as though their sister scandal has really taken a toll on them.

Third, explain, but don’t excuse. There is a very fine line between the two when it comes to apologies, as both involve a person of guilt trying to defend themselves. If someone is explaining something, then they are taking responsibility for their faults by describing their thought and action processes. If someone is excusing themselves, then they are trying to shift the blame and justify their choices, and their storyline usually doesn’t make sense and can often be disproved.

Step 12: Go Viral

Not gonna lie…this step is pretty hard to achieve. Unfortunately, it seems as though there is truly no algorithm for going viral. My best advice would be to follow these steps, use a couple clickbaity titles, and hope for the best.