As budding creators, producing high-quality content is one of the biggest challenges we face while starting. While content that impacts viewers is what you should aim for, factors like lighting and audio can make or break your story! And getting the perfect setup might hurt your bank- a lot.

But what if you already have the tools to begin your journey towards producing high-end content? With a little creativity and innovation, you can achieve beyond what you believe, that too for little to no additional cost. In the video above, John has instructed how to do this in great detail, so check it out if you want to do it yourself.

For now, let us see how we can get those clickworthy videos under the minimum budget.

The Secret to Standing Out as a Small YouTube Creator

Your smartphone is your best friend in the journey to becoming a YouTube pro. Most modern smartphones are equipped with cameras and microphones that are perfect for starting your YouTube channel. This is probably the only major gadget you would need to begin your content creation journey, in case you don’t have dedicated gadgets.

The two primary requirements for making YouTube videos are proper video and audio–both of which are fulfilled by a smartphone, whether it’s an Android or iOS.

To transform your smartphone into a professional camera setup you need to use a recording and streaming application on your device. Download software like 

 This plugin allows you to use your smartphone camera as a webcam in OBS, whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device.

Using smartphone as primary camera source

On your smartphone, you can download apps like 

 that allow you to connect with the OBS software. You can now use your phone as your primary video source.

If you have more than one smartphone, you can set up multiple "cameras" to capture different angles. This adds a dynamic element to your videos, making them more engaging and adding more perspective to your storytelling. You can use OBS to switch between these angles seamlessly during editing or live streaming.

 How to Live Stream on YouTube with Streamlabs OBS - Beginner's Setup Guide

Apart from using the correct technology, it is also essential to set up your filming space in a way that appears nicely in the frame. Don’t forget to keep your background clean and place yourself centrally in the frame. A good rule of thumb to follow is also placing your lenses at eye level!

If you don't own a separate microphone, no worries! Your smartphone's built-in mic can suffice. Like your phone’s camera, DroidCam can also detect your phone’s microphone.

For improved audio quality, ensure the room is quiet and minimize echo by padding hard surfaces with soft materials like pillows or blankets.

The next important thing is using light effectively. Proper lighting can dramatically enhance the quality of your videos. Sometimes it’s as simple as sitting in front of a window to allow natural light to do its trick. 

But that might not be possible in some cases. This is why, John has demonstrated in the video how you can get great lighting if you’re resourceful enough! Here’s what you need to do:

Create your softbox using a cardboard box, white paper (to line the inside of the box), and a standard desk lamp with an LED bulb (to avoid heat issues).

Cut the box to create a directional light, and cover the front with baking paper to soften the light.

Position your DIY softbox in front of you while recording to illuminate your face evenly and professionally.

Once you’ve captured your video, editing is the next step. You can use free editing software like DaVinci Resolve or HitFilm Express. These programs offer robust editing tools that rival many paid options, allowing you to cut, splice, add transitions, and much more. 

4 Editing Hacks to Make Any YouTube Video Go Viral

The consensus among creators is clear: begin with the equipment you already own. Whether it's a smartphone or a simple camera, the key is to start creating. The quality of your content will not be significantly hampered by not having the latest camera or microphone.

Starting a YouTube channel doesn’t require high-tech equipment. With a smartphone, some creativity, and a focus on creating engaging content, anyone can become a successful YouTuber. Remember, the journey of content creation is about connecting with your audience and sharing your passion, not about having the best gear on the market.

respond to comments, ask for feedback, and interact with your viewers.

 This builds a community around your channel and helps increase viewer retention and loyalty.

Beyond the technical aspects, the quality of your content is crucial. After all, storytelling is more important than high-resolution video. Engaging and relevant content will keep your audience coming back, regardless of your video's technical perfection.

For those interested in learning more about optimizing their YouTube strategy with the help of the most effective tools, check out vidIQ. If you've already made your first video but are still unsure about uploading,

Excited young man in yellow jacket celebrating with phone and gold confetti around.

In this blog, we're diving into how to create professional-looking YouTube content using just the gadgets you already own, and some household items. Get ready to turn your YouTube dreams into reality without breaking the bank!

How To Win on YouTube Without Fancy Equipment

Deciding whether to delete or keep old YouTube videos is tough. There are 

 factors to consider, such as how popular the videos are and if they still match the focus of your channel. In fact, that last point is pretty crucial. Some people try dozens of 

Does that sound like you? If so, here are three times when it’s OK to delete old YouTube videos.

Scenario 1: You’re Embarrassed by Your Older Videos

Embarrassed woman covers her face in shock

This is the most important reason to delete old YouTube videos. If you look back at any piece of content and feel embarrassed or think it doesn’t represent who you are today, go ahead and delete it. Don’t think about the number of views it’s getting. Forget about the fact that it 

 get views later as an evergreen topic. If you care about your online image or personal brand, that’s the number one thing to consider.

You might consider deleting older videos if:

They don’t reflect your current level of maturity.

They include themes that could get you canceled today.

Regardless of the reason, you just don’t like how they portray you!

Scenario 2: Your Channel Is Heading in a Different Direction

You should also consider deleting YouTube videos that don’t match the current theme of your channel. Some people think this isn’t a big deal, 

. YouTube is too competitive to leave your page half-branded!

For example, imagine that a viewer types “exercises to relieve knee pain” into YouTube’s search bar. There are plenty of videos to choose from, but ultimately, the viewer taps on one with 

 and a convincing title. Overall, they’re satisfied with the video and excited to try all of the exercises for strengthening their knees.

 helpful, they go to the creator’s channel to watch more content. 

 There are other videos about knee health, but many have nothing to do with that topic. Altogether, the channel looks like a hodge-podge of random content with a few months dedicated to knee health.

At this point, how do you think the viewer feels? Should they trust the channel’s advice or find a more authoritative page?

Scenario 3: Your Older Videos Get Minimal Views

Finally, if your older videos aren’t all that popular, it’s OK to remove them from your channel. This is especially true if you don’t like the content for whatever reason. Perhaps you made the videos when you had dim lighting, quiet audio, or a backdrop you aren’t fond of. It’s easy to delete these types of videos when they’re underperforming.

On the flip side, what if you have an older video that’s well-produced but doesn’t get many views? Does it make sense to delete it forever?

If you’re facing this scenario, don’t give up just yet. Try changing the title and thumbnail to see if that makes a difference, then promote the video on the YouTube Community tab. That could prompt viewers to start watching again, which helps 

Deleting videos from your YouTube channel can lead to significant consequences, often negative. On YouTube, videos are forever and the last thing you want as a creator is to part ways with a video that might later turn out to be a goldmine! The YouTube algorithm, which relies on metrics like 

, audience retention, and engagement to recommend content, is disrupted when videos are deleted. This disruption can diminish your channel's visibility and reach.

To mitigate these effects, it's crucial to carefully assess the performance of each video while keeping the scenarios we mentioned above in mind. A useful strategy is to direct viewers from deleted videos to other relevant content on your channel, maintaining engagement and presence. Additionally, be aware of any legal or ethical issues when removing videos, especially those involving 

It's part and parcel of a creator's life to expect those "10 out of 10" debut videos. But not every one of them needs to be a lost cause! Some strategies can effectively change the outcome of your "dead" video:

Optimizing the video title and thumbnail to make them more enticing.

Leveraging collaborations to inject authenticity and boost credibility.

Promoting it on end screens of your popular videos or linking it to newer content.

In the video above, Dan explains how to achieve this successfully. The main idea is to keep experimenting with the video after its upload and observe how it affects the performance. This will not only improve results for the video in question but also for future uploads and the channel overall.

But, as long as you’re making new content, you almost have infinite chances to get more views. So don’t worry about keeping old videos that embarrass you, underperform, or don’t fit your channel’s theme anymore.

 Look to the future of your content journey!

Black wastebasket filled with crumpled paper and more scattered on wooden floor.

When is it OK to delete old YouTube videos? In this article, we explore three scenarios where it absolutely makes sense.

When to Delete Those Old, Embarrassing Videos on Your YouTube Channel

Starting a YouTube channel has many benefits, some of which are too enticing to ignore. The first perk? You get to create content from the heart and share it with like-minded viewers around the world. And eventually, you'll build a community where thousands of people (or even millions) look forward to watching your videos.

If all of that goes well, you'll reach a point where you can monetize your videos, 

Our brilliant creator Rob spoke about how to be a YouTuber for beginner in extensive detail and covers all the latest updates . While the number of tips on this topic is endless, new creators need to focus on certain aspects more than others. Watch the video above to know what they are!

It's important to remember that you aren't the only person trying to become a content creator on YouTube. There are millions of channels, and the people behind them want the same thing as you: creative expression, financial freedom, and a community.

how to start a successful YouTube channel

. With so much competition, you'll need tips and strategies to begin your journey the right way.

Your YouTube adventure starts here. If you haven't 

 yet, the process is basic. Just visit the Google sign-up page and enter your details to get started.

How to create a Google account for your YouTube channel

Next, you have to provide some more basic information about yourself.

Entering basic information to set up your Google account for YouTube

And it’s that easy! You now have a Google account.

It’s good to have a Google account to create your YouTube channel, simply because of the ecosystem that Google has built. Even earning on YouTube happens through a Google AdSense account, 

Google AdSense 101: How to Benefit from Ad Revenue on YouTube

So, now that you have your Google account set up, let’s start creating your channel!

Setting up your YouTube channel is quick – it takes just a few minutes. Follow these four easy steps to get your channel up and running:

YouTube homepage with sign-in button to start creating your channel

2. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select 

3. Upload a profile picture and type in your channel's name.

Setting up your YouTube channel with profile picture and channel name

here's a guide for creating the best YouTube channel name

Finalizing your YouTube channel creation with the Create Channel button

 opens some key features. This step lets you upload videos longer than 15 minutes, use personalized thumbnails (great for catching the eye), live stream, and challenge Content ID claims if needed.

1. To verify your phone number, click your profile picture again and select 

Accessing YouTube Studio to manage your new channel

Navigating to Settings in YouTube Studio for channel configuration

Accessing Feature Eligibility in YouTube Studio Channel settings

Verifying your phone number to unlock intermediate YouTube features

Add a Banner and Video Watermark to Your Channel

At this point, you can also add a banner and video watermark to your channel.

 is a long, horizontal image that appears at the top of your YouTube channel's homepage. If you design it well, it will quickly communicate what your videos are about. Here's an example from the Poké Daxi YouTube channel.

Example of a well-designed YouTube channel banner from Poké Daxi

 is a small image in the bottom-right corner of all your videos. When viewers click or hover over the image, YouTube will prompt them to subscribe to your channel. You can make this image your channel logo or whatever you think is best for branding your content.

Example of a video watermark that appears in the corner of YouTube videos

How to Add a Banner and Video Watermark to Your Channel

Once you've created your banner and watermark, follow these steps to add them to your channel.

Accessing Customization in YouTube Studio to personalize your channel

Selecting the Branding tab in YouTube Studio for channel customization

3. Find the banner and watermark sections. Click 

Uploading banner and watermark assets to your YouTube channel

Minimum image size: 2048 x 1152 px with a 16:9 aspect ratio.

YouTube recommends dimensions of 150 x 150 px.

Acceptable file types: PNG, GIF (no animations), BMP, and JPEG.

Now, tie everything together with your YouTube "about" section. This should provide a holistic channel description that helps your viewers in the best way possible.

Example of a well-crafted YouTube About section from vidIQ

Try to communicate what you want to achieve on the channel and how it benefits your audience. If everything is cohesive, you'll have a good-looking channel!


3. Find Your YouTube Niche (Channel Topic)

Your niche is the specific topic your channel will focus on. It sets you apart and is the main reason viewers will choose your videos. Channels that zoom in on a subject usually attract viewers who are really interested in that area.

But if you really want to stand out, find a niche 

 a niche. For example, you might create a channel about how to cook Caribbean food instead of focusing on 

 cooking styles, like American, Italian, Spanish, etc. Your broad niche would be "cooking," and your sub-niche would be "Caribbean recipes."

Need help finding your YouTube niche? Or ideas for starting a YouTube channel? Here are seven tips to discover your 

After you decide on your niche, thinking about your audience becomes a lot simpler. Knowing who you want to reach will shape how and when you share your videos.

Understanding what your viewers need (information, entertainment, guidance, instructions) helps you develop better video ideas.

You can post videos at the right time of day when you know your audience's viewing habits.

Knowing viewers' likes and dislikes allows you to make enjoyable content.

Some of this knowledge comes as you build an audience. But even now, you can guess a few things about your potential audience.

Let's say you want to create a channel about working remotely around the globe – becoming a digital nomad. Your audience might be younger adults in their 20s or early 30s who can afford to travel non-stop. They might not have established any roots or started a family yet, which allows them to move from country to country.

Understanding your target audience is crucial for YouTube channel success

Do they need tips on international travel? Do they dislike staying in one place for too long? Does it matter what time you post on YouTube if your viewers are global citizens?

These questions help you plan content around viewers' lives.

5. Create a Value Proposition for Your Viewers

So far, you've discovered your channel's topic and who your viewers are. Now it's time to make a promise to everyone who comes across your video content.

We'll call this promise a value proposition. It's a brief statement that explains what your channel is about and what viewers gain by watching your videos.

." That's our value proposition for the vidIQ channel, and it makes two things clear:

We're obsessed with helping creators reach their goals.

We specialize in YouTube education and coaching.

Smiling woman recording lifestyle vlog at home with camera on tripod in living room

Want to become a successful YouTuber? Learn how to start a YouTube channel with our 10 brilliant tips covering everything from setup to content strategy.

How to Start a YouTube Channel: 10 Brilliant Tips for Success

Royalty-free music isn’t a perk reserved for large creators. YouTubers of all sizes need 

 to make better content and attract more viewers.

Think about it: Have you watched a video that seemed OK, but everything improved once the music kicked in? At that moment, you probably felt the “cinematic mood” as the music paced the story.

Well, viewers can feel that, too. They might not leave a comment saying so, but there’s a reason polished videos get significant views. And that reason alone is why you should 

find royalty-free music for YouTube content

If a song is royalty-free, you don't need to pay 

 it's used in a video.  At most, you'd pay a one-time fee to use the song if it's not free already.

By doing this, you'll skip the hassle of dealing with copyright holders and reduce copyright claims and strikes on your channel.

What's the Difference Between a Copyright Claim and a Copyright Strike?

If that sounds good to you, here’s your guide for finding high-quality stock music.

 This resource is from YouTube itself and pretty much guarantees you won’t use copyrighted music. Every sound in the collection is copyright-free and ready to download.

3. Here you can see Paid and Free options for the music you want. You can also choose to split your revenue with the original artist!

Ways to use music from YouTube Audio Library


4. Use the Browse tab to search for music by title, genre, mood, artist name, duration, and attribution requirements.


5. Hover over the icon for the music file and click the play button to hear what a track sounds like.

Ready to download from the YouTube audio library? Hover your mouse over any track and click 

As a creator, you’re allowed to use these tracks and continue 

There’s a good selection of music, too: jazz, rock, reggae, pop, folk, country music, and other genres. Just make sure you don't distribute the music yourself or use it in illegal content.

Best Royalty-Free Music Sites for YouTube

The music library on YouTube is helpful, but some people just need 

They might want royalty-free background music that sounds better, uses different instruments, or creates a specific vibe.

If that sounds like you, it’s time to find a music website and pay for original tracks. This isn’t the same as paying for 

Here are the best royalty-free music sites:

The sites above require a little cash, but that’s better than going to risky sites to find free music.

Technically, an artist offering royalty-free music (for free) could change their mind in the future. After that, what’s stopping them from slapping a copyright claim on your video?

It’s not a common situation, and people usually aren’t that sneaky. But there’s a slight chance it could happen. In that case, it's best to reach out to the individual artist and offer a mutual agreement that benefits both parties. In such a case, you need to make sure that you have a written contract that lays out the details to avoid conflict in the future.

Now that you have some royalty-free jams, learn how to 

Young woman with curly hair wearing headphones and a backpack, smiling outdoors in sunlight

Do you want to add royalty-free music to your YouTube videos? Here’s how to find the perfect tunes and take your channel to the next level.

How to Get Royalty Free Music for Your YouTube Videos

It’s no secret that great titles make great videos. In the universe of content on YouTube, captivating titles make your videos stand out from the crowd and draw viewers in, compelling them to click. While most of us might believe that thumbnails weigh much more than titles in lifting the performance of a video, it might not always be the case.

This is exactly what our residential YouTube expert Rob Wilson discussed with another YouTube expert, Jake Thomas, who has helped many creators improve their title games and bring in positive results. With the help of their discussion, we have managed to compile 10 types of YouTube titles that have proven to be very effective over the years and have a positive impact on your click-through rate. Let’s dive right into it!

11 Ways to Write Exciting YouTube Titles for Your Videos

This kind of title plays on contrast and curiosity, making the viewer feel like they are privy to some kind of information that others might not be. The information that the viewer can potentially find through the video seems too lucrative to miss out on.

Example: "The BEST R6 Attacker NOBODY Plays"

“First, there is contrast between best R6 attacker and nobody plays. It’s kinda counter intuitive, why is nobody playing it if it is the best? Also, it’s a cliffhanger. Who is this R6 attacker? So, you’ve gotta click and find out,” Jake says.

Don’t you love it when you come across a video from a creator showing how you can achieve a given goal within a certain period? Timeframes offer a tangible lens through which viewers can gauge the content, making the challenge or experiment feel attainable and relatable.


Example: "We Ran Every Day For 30 Days, Here's What Happened"

To make a claim or establish an opinion, you need to back it up with credible sources. And nothing beats a good source than an authoritative voice whom you could call an “insider.”


Example: "Ex-Employee Warns Us About Taco Bell's Meat"


What helps this title perform is the fact that people have a general suspicion toward the topic in question already, so it is always important to remember the amount of interest viewers might have while considering these types of titles.

As bad as it might sound to some of you, negativity does bring with it a healthy dose of attention. It is nothing new in the content world and creators have been using it since the very beginning. Focusing on drama and negativity, such as devastating losses, capitalizes on viewers’ love and interest for epic narratives.

Example: "Top 10 Most Devastating Wild Card Losses of All-Time"

“People on YouTube love drama! And then you have got the fact that it is really epic and extreme. It’s extremes because it is the most devastating losses,” says Jake.

Nobody wants to make the same mistakes people made before them. And what’s better than someone telling you what to avoid and how? The fear of regret can be one of the most powerful motivators for many people and curating content around that can bring you much success!


Example: "I wished I knew these BEFORE I upgraded to Windows 11!"

One of the best ways to inspire people is by showing them instead of instructing them. Sharing your accomplishments and documenting the journey can help you make impactful content that can actually change people’s lives for the better.


Videos like these can motivate viewers to aspire for the same and change their lives for the better. This is where the value of your content pays off!

The good, old, reliable strategy that seems to work most of the time–simply answer the questions your viewers want answered. Sometimes it’s all about the phrasing. If you can put a creative spin on an inquiry that is already popular, people might flock to it.


Example: "What Happens If You Jump Rope for 30 Minutes Every Day?"


It’s all about finding a new perspective to the same old queries. By posing a question, the title creates a narrative cliffhanger that viewers feel compelled to resolve by watching.

Whenever you’re in doubt, you can always fall back on being relatable to your audience. At the end of the day, people want to be heard and seen. If you can consistently and reliably address the pain points of your audience, you have yourself a solid content strategy. 
Titles that suggest everyday accessibility and relatability increase the likelihood of viewers clicking, and believing the content is directly applicable to them.


Example: "Five Dog Training Exercises You Should Do Every Day At Home"

As the culture of YouTube becomes more vast, certain words tend to attract more attention than others. Using terms like “best”, “worst”, or, “viral” taps into the desires and language of the YouTube community, instantly attracting attention. But, with that comes heavy competition for these keywords, which can make life a lot more difficult.


Example: "Testing Viral Minecraft Hacks That 100% Work"

 can help you massively with this problem. The tool analyzes monthly search volume, competitiveness, related terms, and additional questions people ask.
Read More: 

How to Find YouTube Keywords that Grow Your Channel

What if you could propose an idea that sounds preposterous and actually delivered on it? Well, if nothing else, you’d sure have tons of happy viewers! Offering to deliver on a promise adds an element of sensationalism and intrigue, promising viewers insight into highly coveted knowledge.

Example: "1000 Days of Coding in 10 Minutes ( Self-Taught Developer Journey )"

Irrespective of the niche these examples are used from, the cool thing about understanding this concept is realizing that it can be applied all across YouTube. That’s the skill that would help you utilize those 100 characters to the fullest. The best titles are short and sweet and if used correctly can change the YouTube content creation game for you.

The other important factor that drives clicks to your videos, as mentioned earlier, is thumbnails. 

Learn how to make thumbnails that work for you right here!

Excited young woman with glasses holding pencil and notebook on pink background

Certain types of titles seem to have greater success than others on YouTube. Find out what they are!

YouTube Tips & Tricks

How To Win on YouTube Without Fancy Equipment

When to Delete Those Old, Embarrassing Videos on Your YouTube Channel

How to Start a YouTube Channel: 10 Brilliant Tips for Success

How to Get Royalty Free Music for Your YouTube Videos

10 Types of YouTube Titles That Go Insanely Viral

Outdated YouTube Advice You Should Ignore in 2024

How to Make YouTube Reaction Videos

How to Make Your First YouTube Video Stand Out

12 YouTube Myths that Distract You from Getting More Views

4 Mistakes to Avoid if You Have a Small YouTube Channel

How to Create a YouTube Tutorial Video: Full Guide

Starting a YouTube Channel? 9 Videos to Make Right Now