Kids, adults, and seniors, there is no one unfamiliar with YouTube. The repository of a world of videos, YouTube is a free video streaming site that is one of the dominant social media platforms. It allows just everyone to upload videos and share them with a mass audience.
At its core, making YouTube videos is considered a form of expression that allows people to get out of their comfort zone and present unique and compelling video content to the audience. More than that, the monetary benefits of making a YouTube channel have made it an indispensable part of life.
It is the reason many people have given up on their careers to become what we know as ‘YouTubers’, and honestly, they make more than anyone else for their living. Well, if this doesn’t lure you into making a YouTube channel, what will?
But if you are convinced, or had already made up your mind to create a YouTube channel, then it is the time to kick start now. Don’t know where and how to begin? Fret not, we have got you covered. This article intends to provide you with all the essential details you need to know to develop a YouTube channel, so stay tuned till the end:
1. Choose the Right Niche
Most people get confused when it comes to picking a niche. Relax, this is no rocket science. In fact, it has to be one of the most simple steps of making a YouTube channel. All it needs is for you to have clarity in mind about what you want to do and how you will go about YouTube.
When choosing a Niche for your YouTube channel, you first need to inject in mind that it is going to remain a long-term associate; therefore, you must choose something that you feel you never get tired of.
In essence, you must choose a niche that excites you, personally something that piques your interest. For example, those who love traveling can make travelogues, those who love politics can start a political YouTube channel, and there are many other options, like Podcasts, video games, cooking channels, Tutorials, Unboxing, Music, etc.
Oh, how can we forget fashion vlogs, if you are a fashionista? So there is literally an endless list of things you can do. However, if you are up for an experiment and want to try out something you did not do, you may dare yourself for that.
2. Pick an Attractive Channel Name
Now that you know what sort of content you are going to make for your YouTube channel, it will be easier to pick the channel name. The channel name represents your channel and depicts your image.
Therefore, it has to be something that aptly defines what a user can expect to find on your channel. This means that your channel name must be somehow pertaining to the type of content that you would post on your channel.
You may search on the internet for suggestions; however, know that a unique name sells in the heavily-cluttered market. But this does not mean you spend ages looking for that “perfect channel name.”
3. Invest in the Right Equipment
Before you begin your YouTube venture, you must commit to setting standards for others to follow. If not better, you may at least ensure to meet the highest industry standards. No matter what kind of videos you put on YouTube, make sure that are of high-quality resolution.
Users nowadays get to experience 4k streaming, so putting up a video in 720p will be a setback for you. In short, the video as well as the audio of your content should be crisp and clear. Therefore, you must buy a good camera from the get-go to set a benchmark.
Moreover, consistency is key. Once you make an audience, you must gauge them constantly to ensure you do not fade away from their timelines. Therefore, avoid delays and impediments in content creation and dissemination.
For that, it is highly recommended to have a dependable and super-fast internet connection. A fast internet connection will ensure you upload your videos quickly and remain constantly engaged with your YouTube community.
If you seek recommendations, then Mediacom is one of the best internet service providers out there that offer lightning-fast internet at the most affordable rates. Also, Spanish customers may explore exclusive mediacom paquetes, and find the most suitable options.
4. Sign In and Create the Channel
This is the simplest part of making a YouTube channel. You have got to sign in to YouTube, which you can easily do using your Gmail account. Once you create an account, you will see an Icon of your name’s initial letter on the right top.
When you click the icon, a list of options rolls down, one of which is “create a channel.” When you click the option, you get a snippet that asks you to upload a photo, name, and handle. Input the details and click “create channel.” Voila! You created your YouTube channel.
5. Learn a Few SEO Basics
Now that everything is done, you do not only have to focus on the content that you will put up there for your audience but make it reach a vast audience. In order to reach the audience who might be interested in your videos, you have to optimize your content with tactical strategies.
Of course, you might have little or no knowledge of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) but you can’t let your channel be. So, here are some of the basic tips you must keep in mind if you want more views, likes, shares, and subscribers.
- Use keywords in video titles and video description
- Give ample information in the video description
- Set channel tags
Bottom Line
Creating YouTube videos is not just fun but it pushes you out of your comfort zone to do something, share with people, and get gratification. So, if you have been planning to or have already decided to begin a YouTube journey, then the aforementioned steps will be very useful.
Online Threat Alerts Security Tips
Pay the safest way
Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.
Guard your personal information
In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.
Be careful of the information you share
Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with
Know who you’re dealing with
Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.
Check your accounts
Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.
Don’t believe promises of easy money
If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.
Do not open email from people you don’t know
If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.
Think before you click
If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.
Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond
If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.
Be careful with links and new website addresses
Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.
Secure your personal information
Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.
Stay informed on the latest cyber threats
Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.
Use Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are critical to online security.
Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs
Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.
Update the operating systems on your electronic devices
Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.
What if You Got Scammed?
Stop Contact With The Scammer
Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
Secure Your Finances
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Check Your Computer
If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.
Change Your Account Passwords
Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.
Report The Scam
Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.
Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:
- Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
- Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.
How To Recognize a Phishing Scam
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
- want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
- say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
- offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real
About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.
By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.
With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.
Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.
Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).