Want to be a YouTuber? Here's everything you'll need
What's the story
Over the years, YouTube has evolved into a platform for creators, a place where one can go and showcase their skills to a ginormous audience-base.
Every minute, 300 hours worth of videos are uploaded on YouTube, featuring content from a range of genres/categories.
Now, if you're looking to start a channel of your own, here are some things you'll need.
Let's take a look.
Shooting
Recording device: Phone, webcam or DSLR?
As YouTube is all about videos, you'll need a recording device to start a channel.
There are plenty of options but we'd recommend starting off with something low-key, say like your own smartphone (with OIS and 1080p recording) or laptop webcam.
This would work for any video genre, and once you've found your place online, you could go for a DSLR for professional videos.
Equipment #1
Which professional camera you should choose
If you're looking to sink in some funds right off the bat, go for a DSLR unit either from Nikon or Canon with an 18-55mm lens kit, microphone input, and 1080p recording.
There are plenty of options in the DSLR segment, we'd recommend Canon EOS 200D, EOS 750D, EOS 800D, Nikon D5300 and D5600.
They all are pretty impressive and come under Rs. 50,000.
Equipment #2
Also, you will need a tripod
Once you're ready with a shooting device, you'll have to invest in a tripod to give your video the stability it deserves.
Hand-recorded videos often come out shaken, but a tripod can eliminate all those troubles easily.
You can get a standard tripod from Amazon/Flipkart under Rs. 1,000 and even get a mobile holder to use the same stand while shooting with a phone.
Equipment #3
Next, get a microphone for better audio quality
Though every DSLR and smartphone camera comes with an inbuilt mic, you can go for an external microphone for recording high-quality audio.
You can buy a camera-mounted external mic from Rode for your voice as well as that from the background.
Alternatively, you may go for a desktop unit or a tie-clip mic if you just want your audio to be captured.
Information
Note: Green screen is optional
If you are shooting at home and want to obscure the background or give some fancy background effects, you will have to invest in a green screen. This is completely optional; you can also find a quiet outdoor location to shoot.
Equipment #4
Strong editing tools are a must
In my opinion, editing is the most important element of being a YouTuber. If your clip isn't properly edited or its audio isn't tidied with a suitable tool, your video may end up raking dislikes and negative comments.
So, take your time and use an appropriate editor. We think Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Adobe Audition, or Audacity might be some good options.