How does it work?

How does it work?

Oh, how does it work? Im going to start with explaining Google Adsense with YouTube. You make a google adsense account and link it to your channel (look it up). Just think of yourself as someone being used, but being used in somewhat of a good way. A Google Adsense company can place ads in and around your video, allowing for your viewers to see them. This is basically a paid product placement but with you only getting paid based on the amount of people who actually see/click the ads. There is also a catch, and this is also where you are being "used", because they'll get a cut of your revenue. For the most part, Google gets the majority of the income, but I still think its a privilege. You can do what you love, but with an unsteady income. It is cool that you can make moolah, but ,just a tip, don't do YouTube for the money. You'll begin to expect too much money/views and miss out on the real reason to do YouTube, to professionally build a fanbase and to have fun.

When I was doing YouTube, dropping 2-3 videos a week, I was earning around 3-10$ a month. This was with 1 hit video (roughly 1k views/month just from that video) and getting decent views on my videos I dropped during the week. This was with a fanbase with less than 350 subscribers. I was surprised that I could make this much money from posting videos online with such a small fanbase and the feeling you get when you get your first paycheck is unbelievable. I think I bought beef jerky with my first YouTube paycheck, it was a random purchase, but good :)

Down below is a previous answer about raising your views - This is how YouTubers get views which then turns into more income due to their audience seeing the ads. Money shouldn't be the reason to start making videos. People should do it for the pleasure of pleasing their audience, not raising their net worth.

I haven't started my new YouTube Career, and I have no excuse not to either, but this should give you the right idea on how to improve your channel overall. Now I understand that this is only a hobby, but someone like me chose to take that hobby and made it beyond the average budget for just a "hobby". These things aren't requirements, but are definitely recommended and will more than likely improve your videos. When using professional equipment, not only will your views increase, but your quality will too. In your case, views=money. I understand that these things below takes a lot of money, but if you are serious about this, then it won't be a problem.

Microphone: Right now, I am using the basic Blue Yeti Microphone that costs roughly 130$ on Amazon. With making Youtube videos, it is truly hard to connect to your subscribers without having a mic. A mic can drastically change the amount of subscribers that stay and no subscriber enjoys listening to a cheap, annoying microphone, so make sure you put a decent amount of money into it. There are many microphones out there, but from my only experience, I can say that the Blue Yeti is a great microphone.

Webcam: People love to see the faces of their favorite YouTubers. It allows people to feel connected, rather than watching a screen only consisting of gameplay. People like to see the reactions of the YouTubers face when they are playing games, because it makes things more relatable and for the content creator to be easily liked. I would recommend getting a webcam for this reason. They are relatively cheap and a easier way to grow. You'd be surprised how much this will help. I feel as though I can't relate to YouTubers when they only show gameplay. It lets me get to know them just a little more. I don't have one yet (Saving up), because it isn't necessarily needed, but it's one of those hardware accessories that everyone recommends. Here is a webcam that has great reviews with a 30$ discount -

PC Hardware: Now with your editing, recording, and gaming, you'll want a decent build to perform these. Especially with gaming and recording, you'll need a decent amount ofRAM (16gb) to run the game and record at the same time. Which I assume that is what you are doing. Now with your GPU (Graphics Card), you'll want to have a fair priced one. If you are playing High Graphical Story mode games and you do playthroughs, I would recommend being able to run games and record them in a decent quality. Nobody wants to watch someone that runs games on Low Graphics. You'll decent CPU for the heavy video rendering and also for gaming. The CPU and the RAM will work together to get your videos rendered, the better the cpu and the more RAM = Faster Video rendering times. Now lets not forget about the Storage! You'll want As much storage as possibleto enable you to have a lot of room to record videos, and better yet, save previous videos just in case you want to reminisce on the best of them. When having a lot of recordings, even failed recordings, you'll be surprised how easy it is to make videos with videos that you forgot you even had. (My PC cost roughly 1300$ to make!)

PC Software: I overall recommend for you to pitch in a bit extra for your PC's Graphics card (preferably a Nvidia) so that you can get a free Screen Recorder that literally has little to no lag when using it (ShadowPlay). In order to get it, your graphics card must cost around 180$+, which really isn't that bad. Most of the applications like Fraps or OBS, make your games drop frames when recording and playing at the same time, but this isn't the case for the application Shadowplay (Look up details). It is also one of the easiest screen recorders out there, allowing you to record in just a click of a button and also the ability to stream with no lag too!!! It's Amazing! The reason I talk about this is to signify that using other screen recorders may block your video creating and cause you to be less efficient. Now for video editing, I honestly recommend for you to get a free download of Sony Vegas 12 off of Youtube, because that is what I use, and it is the Bomb(dot)com. Don't worry, if you are smart about it, you won't get any viruses. I assure you. I also recommend for you to download the application Audacity, so that you can edit and record your voice separately, rather than it to be merged with your screen recording. You'll understand what I mean, because if you record your screen with your mic merging with it, sometimes the game can be louder than your voice, and that is definitely not wanted. Don't worry, Audacity is free and isn't a power craving application, so it will do you wonders with no cost. I promise!! And If I wasn't clear, it basically just records your voice. Now for Photo Editing, I recommend for you to purchase or downloadPhotoshop, because one of the most important things about YouTube is for the creator to have very enticing thumbnails that lure in viewers. It also gives the viewer a sneak peek of what the video might contain, so its a necessity that you'll need to master. The results are truly amazing. (I have literally spent 0$ on my software). I guess I'm a little lucky on my screen recorder.

Schedule/Plans and Consistency: Now understand one thing. You can take YouTube as a hobby, but viewers watch YouTubers that have a schedule. The reasoning behind this is because they will know when their favorite YouTuber uploads, rather than waiting until they finally drop a video. Otherwise, they'll often forget about the YouTubers that upload irregularly and watch YouTubers that they can rely on for daily content. Now with a schedule comes work, not only do you have to make videos before hand, but you have to upload your videos on time. You'll begin to realize that it is a bit overwhelming. It'll become more of a job than a hobby, unless you have the right mindset. Just make sure that your schedule isn't overwhelming in the beginning, because you'll feel burnt out and lose the drive you had in the beginning. Also, make sure that you are consistent. Nobody likes a YouTuber that has a schedule and doesn't follow it. If you are supposed to Upload Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, then "Just do it" (Shia Labeouf), don't let your schedule get out of hand. Look professional and maintain being efficient with your work. Nobody wants to watch someone who makes content with little to no effort. I also assume that you are still in school, with that comes a problem. Make sure school comes first and that your YouTube Schedule comes after, not before. Outlines, ya know, the things for when you write papers? Yeah, those. You hate those don't you? Take my word and try to write a quick one for a video that you want to make. You'll notice that it is straightforward and a whole lot easier than improvising in a video. Having a hard copy outline shows you exactly what you want to talk about and what the video is for. It's just a tip. Some viewers, like me, love to watch a random improvised video from my favorite YouTuber. It can really let the audience relate to them and see who they truly are. I also love well planned out videos too, so its pretty much personal preference, but be professional about it.

Attitude/Mindset, and Feelings: I barely focused on this in the previous section , but make sure you have a good mindset. Make sure when you make a video, that you are upbeat and determined to make one. We don't want any of that monotone nonsense. Determination is key! Also, try to practice speaking every so often, try to eliminate the occasional "ums" when speaking. I have this problem, but with practice, I know that I can gradually eliminate this. If you are shy, the only way to get comfortable talking in front of a camera is by doing it, so "Just do it" (Shia Labeouf). Practice daily. Make fake videos just for the sake of practice. I promise you it will work if you put in the time to practice.

- When feeling burnt out, just remember that this is a hobby, not a job. If you feel burnt out, this most likely means that your doing too much and causing too much stress yourself. Take a couple days off. Make a vlog explaining about it when you have these moments. You need to do what's best for you. Again, be mature and professional about it, because its all about you and your life, but remember, you're being watched. Your viewers will realize how you are acting differently and will more than likely leave if you are not a happy person. Be happy and it will definitely help lure followers. People love upbeat entertainers.

Advertising: Now one of the first problems NewTubers run in to is the fact that they don't have any patience. If you have everything above that I listed, and you put a good amount of effort into your videos, there is no real reason that you shouldn't be growing. It takes time! When starting YouTube, I recommend to start your channel out with little to no advertising. It gives you the time to understand that legends aren't created in one day. Often I see that NewTubers attempt to make videos, realize they aren't getting the amount of views they want, and then go off and spam in other Youtubers comment section to get them to a viewer. Do not do this. If you ask a Youtuber to sub to you, you're not thinking right. Most people who watch youtube videos, don't even do Youtube. Asking someone who is attempting to do the same thing as you is not smart. If they even sub, they'll be busy enough making videos and doing life, giving you irrational thoughts because you are angry that you already have a decent amount of inactive subs. It may be a start for you to grow, but I wouldn't recommend it. Trust me, I have tried this method. Say I would have 65 subs, since I asked 40 Newtubers to watch my videos, they didn't watch because most of them were to busy making videos for their channels. I basically had 30-40 inactive subs and it was plainly deceiving. If you are going to advertise, do it professionally and don't spam. Give channels tips/feedback rather than saying "Sub 4 Sub" or "Can you sub to my channel" because it shows that you are professional, and that is what lures viewers in. They'll definitely click your channel if you helped them out or if you made a very nice and professional comment. Take the time to watch their video or a part of it, so you can comment with an example of why you enjoy their content. It usually works! - Example: Hey man! Great video. I loved the part where your pig fell off of the cliff. That was hilarious. I can't wait for some more of your future content. Have a good day. - Comments like these make the YouTuber happy and more than likely will urge them to click on your username. This will work if you follow the Header/Profile Pic tip. Having a really cool and unique profile pic sometimes makes people click on your channel. It's just a tip but it works.

- Social Media is a very popular for self advertising. Setting up multiple accounts on various social media websites allows you to promote your own content. You can post daily about your videos to let your followers know about new content and when videos will drop. It keeps them readily aware about future content and what actually goes on behind the scenes and in your personal life. It enables them to relate to you and connect with you on a more personal level, even if it is truly through a computer screen.

Views: First I want to say something. If your channel started and grew from Minecraft, and you begin to play COD, you are not going to get the same amount of views as you do on your previous videos. It is as simple as that. Also, it is competition for viewers, so you have to work your ass off to earn them. People, like me, watch multiple YouTubers. This sometimes leads to me forgetting about my other favorite YouTubers, I mean completely forget. Don't be surprised if more than half of your sub count is inactive, because it would be weird if they all watched your channel. You wont understand at first, but it only makes sense. Especially if you do what I described in the beginning of this section. If your main focus is minecraft, and you start to play a different game, they'll most likely leave until you return to the game you were playing when they first subscribed. Just remember this, your sub count will be misleading, I can promise you that. Don't give up, because the famous YouTubers right now, had to go through the same problems when they started. It just takes time to grow! One thing people love is consistency, and if you provide that, I promise you'll soon gain subscribers. Racking these views up will also lead to a more gradual income per month. Consistency is key.

Thumbnails/Header(Profile pic too)/Intro/Outro: One of the most important things about YouTube is for the creator to have very enticing thumbnails that lure in viewers. It also gives the viewer a sneak peek of what the video might contain, so its a necessity that you'll need to master. If you do master it to an extent, you might be able to make your good header. Your profile header is very important. When someone sees your channel, you want them to be in awe and attracted to it enough to click it. Now Outros and Intros, these are very important too. One of my favorite vlog-style channels, Good Mythical Morning, have one of the most memorable intros of YouTube. Take a look if you want. I would say Intros help lure in new viewers, it keeps them attracted, and grasps their curiosity right away. This is similar to their outros. They leave links to other videos in their outro to lure them into watching previous videos. This can also be used as an advertising method. All of these require someone that is good with art, so money may play into this. I, for example, knew how to make a header, so I made one for myself. On the other hand, I didn't know how to make an intro that looked professional and 3D, so I payed someone to make it for me (roughly 8$). I also knew how to make an easy Outro, these are relatively easy to make in the first place and again can serve as some sort of advertisement.

Remember (This was in Advertising) -> Example: "Hey man! Great video. I loved the part where your pig fell off of the cliff. That was hilarious. I can't wait for some more of your future content. Have a good day." Comments like these make the YouTuber happy and more than likely will urge them to click on your username. This will work if you follow the Header/Profile Pic tip. Having a really cool and unique profile pic sometimes gives them the urge to click on your channel. It's just a tip but it works.

Thanks for the question. This was my 9th answer on Quora and I think I did well. Leave me some feedback and have a good day man!