JUMP TO SECTION:
Starting a tech channel on YouTube is challenging but worth it. While it’s tough deciding which products to film about, it’s almost impossible to make the wrong choice. People use all kinds of tech these days, from smartphones to laptops to earbuds. That means you have plenty of options for making tech videos on YouTube.
Read More: How to Start a YouTube Channel - 10 Brilliant Tips
In this episode of TubeTalk, we chat with Sagi from Tech Gear Talk about starting a thriving tech channel. Sagi has 380,000 subscribers, so you’ll learn a lot from his journey. He shares tips for finding your niche in tech, making money on YouTube, and not overspending on the latest electronics.
Want to create the best tech channel possible? Here are six tips to get you started.
Imagine this. You want to buy the new Apple M1 laptop so you can film a product review for your channel. The computer costs $1,300 and is way outside your budget. But you take the risk because Apple reviews are popular on YouTube.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case with your video; it completely bombs. There are less than 50 views the next four, five, six weeks later. What’s even worse is that you spent too much money for little gain.
“You can’t win by having the most recent tech,” Sagi says. “That’s not realistic for someone coming in with a limited budget.”
You can avoid losing money and motivation on YouTube by:
The Canon M-50 isn’t cheap, but Sagi made a 16-video playlist about it to justify the cost. Check it out below:
Are you feeling inspired yet? You can adopt this same strategy on your channel with an affordable product.
After you’ve made every video possible about one product, start experimenting. Explore different tech verticals to see what appeals to your audience.
There are so many gadgets to make videos about:
And that’s just one part of your content strategy. You can cover products from specific brands, too, such as Apple and Samsung.
Not sure where to start? Cover a range of tech from different brands. Soon you will have enough videos to answer two questions: Which products am I passionate about, and does my audience support those videos?
“I looked at where there was demand…. Demand that overlaps with stuff I’m interested in and use,” Sagi says. “Apple, Samsung, and consumer electronics were definitely something that fit the Venn diagram.”
Do you struggle with brainstorming tech content for YouTube? Many creators face this hurdle after choosing a niche for their channel. They think to themselves, My channel is about Apple tablets, so I should make videos within that sphere. Unfortunately, that’s the fastest way to run out of ideas.
Read More: 4 Honest Reasons Why You're Running Out of YouTube Video Ideas
“I think when people look at niching down, they’re thinking about topics instead of audience overlap,” Sagi says. “They’re saying, ‘Oh, I can only do this topic.’ They’re not necessarily thinking, ‘Someone interested in this topic might also be interested in another topic.”
For example, someone who is interested in photography gear might also be curious about laptops. Why? Photographers need computers to edit images in Photoshop, Lightroom, or other programs.
These subtle relationships are the key to growing a tech youtube channel. Instead of covering one product, explore groups of interrelated tech and earn more YouTube views.
Deep within the YouTube comments, it’s easy to gain inspiration for growing your channel. Viewers will suggest video ideas, give positive feedback, and point out areas for improvement. So listen closely; this is your audience telling you exactly how to meet their expectations.
Read More: The Secret to YouTube Success - Reply to More Comments!
That’s why you should reply to the comments below every video, Sagi says. Converse with viewers so you can learn how to serve them better.
“I get a thousand comments saying, ‘I’m taking this camera to my kid’s sporting event, and I’m getting blurry pictures,’” Sagi says. “That’s clearly a pain point for a lot of people who are buying these cameras. Let me address that.”
How long do you think it takes to get 1,000 subscribers on YouTube? How about 4,000 hours of Watch Time?
These are the requirements for applying to the YouTube Partner Program and monetizing your content. But becoming a creative partner isn’t the fastest way to make money on YouTube – affiliate marketing is.
While you can spend six months to a year getting monetized, affiliate revenue is faster.
All you have to do is:
Affiliate marketing is a lucrative side hustle for tech creators. Electronics like laptops, cameras, and smartphones are expensive and garner high commissions.
Read More: 7 Lucrative Ways to Make Money Beyond YouTube
“You start realizing how many thousands of views you need to get to make $10 of AdSense revenue versus one camera sale that’s going to make you more than that,” Sagi says.
This tip sounds a tad backward, but hear us out. Tech channels with 100,000, 500,000, or even 1 million subscribers are not your competition. The creators running these channels are members of the greater tech community. They are a resource to help you learn about new tech and share ideas.
So don’t be jealous of a successful tech creator. Instead, learn from their mistakes and try to replicate their success on your channel.
Lydia Sweatt is a writer who loves balancing her article/blog time indoors with a healthy dose of nature. She bikes, hikes, and identifies edible plants along the way.
Jan 24, 2022
6 min read
Jul 30, 2021
5 min read
Mar 5, 2021
3 min read
