Fundamental Equipment for Channel Foundations

Essential YouTube Equipment For Starting Your Channel - What Do You Really Need?

Richard Bennett

Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions

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Check out our most updated guide on this topic: YouTube Equipment Starter Guide For Beginners .

The first thing to make sure of before starting a YouTube channel is having all that you need to record and upload high-quality videos regularly. That doesn’t mean you have to take out a loan and spend thousands to purchase a brand new camera and all other gadgets that professional filmmakers use.

The smartest way to get started is to go through a list of necessary equipment for YouTube and check whether or not you already own some of it. Once your channel starts growing, you can then start thinking about whether you want to invest in upgraded equipment. Here is a quick overview of all items that you need to start entertaining your online audience and gaining subscribers to your YouTube channel:

• Your YouTube Camera
• Microphones and Audio
• Lighting Gear for YouTube
• Tripods and Camera Stands
• Smartphone Camera Gear

YouTube Cameras

The short version: Use whatever you already have, even if it’s your phone or webcam. It’s nice to have sharp, fine-tuned, 4K footage, but viewers will forgive lower visual quality if your content is good.

The long version: You will need a camera, but there are a lot of different devices you can use including DSLRs, point and shoots, webcams, and your smartphone.

Your choice of camera will have a tremendous impact on the visual quality of your content and might drive your decisions regarding other pieces of equipment. However, you shouldn’t feel obliged to work with a top-notch camera from day one, especially since cheaper options can produce great results if used the right way.

On one end of the spectrum, you have basic smartphone cameras and web cameras, which are easy to come by and simple to operate. These days, high-end phones come equipped with quite powerful cameras that are more than sufficient for the needs of the average YouTuber. Better webcams can also do the job, although high-performance webcam models can get pretty expensive too. It is probably wise to resist the urge to start broadcasting with the built-in camera in your laptop and at least get a webcam or use your phone, but your computer’s camera is still always an option. Not having a better camera should never stop you from making YouTube videos.

If you already have a DSLR camera then it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with it. You have far more freedom to adjust the settings and achieve a professional look for your videos with a DSLR, but that does mean it’ll take some time to become an expert at using it. Ultra-high resolution is not required for YouTube, but it certainly won’t hurt to have additional sharpness and more detail in the scene. If you’re shopping for a DSLR, look for one with a flip screen that allows you to quickly check what your viewers see.

YouTube Microphone and Audio

The short version: Audio quality is extremely important. If you can buy either a new camera or an external microphone, but not both, it might be better to go for the microphone. Click here for advice on upping your audio quality without an external microphone.

The long version: Sound capturing is every bit as important for your success as your video feed. In fact, poor audio can be even more damaging to your subscriber count than grainy video, since people won’t spend their time listening to something they have to put effort into understanding.

Again, most YouTube video makers have a limited budget at their disposal, so professional microphones are mostly off the table. However, investing in a directional microphone (‘shotgun mic’) that can pick up your voice clearly and without background noise is certainly a smart move. Such microphones can be pointed towards you while you speak, and since most YouTubers sit still while doing their shows there won’t be too much need for in-session adjustments.

If you’re not ready to invest in a shotgun mic, you can also find very inexpensive (often under $20) LAV mics. These small microphones can be pinned to your shirt, which allows them to record very clear dialogue because they’re so close to your mouth.

Lights for YouTube

The short version: You need as much light as you can get. Lighting kits can be affordable on Amazon, but you can also achieve a great look using daylight/windows and ‘daylight’ lightbulbs.

The long version: If you’ve ever tried to make a video indoors, you already know that it’s necessary to have additional light. Often just filming with the normal lights in a room will cause your footage to look dark and grainy, and possibly be tinted orange. To overcome these problems you need to increase the amount of light you have available.

Sometimes, it is enough to film near windows and/or bring more household lamps into your filming area. For any household lamps or lighting fixtures you use, make sure to put in white or ‘daylight’ lightbulbs instead of using the orange/tungsten bulbs that you might have for everyday use (this is how you avoid tinting things orange).

If you have the budget available to get some lighting equipment, you can find softbox lights or LED panel lights available fairly inexpensively online. Softbox lights are great because they provide even, diffused, light.

Another useful piece of lighting equipment to have is a reflector. A reflector is usually a piece of white, silver, or gold fabric stretched over a frame. You can use it to bounce light from one light source back towards yourself (this is a great way to fill shadows cast by your main light). Reflectors tend to be inexpensive, but you can also use white cardboard or tinfoil in place of purchasing a reflector.

Tripods and Camera Stands

The short version: You need something to hold your camera. If you mostly film in your own home that can be a desk or a stack of books, but if you make a lot of videos while you’re on the go you probably need a tripod or gimbal. Heavier cameras need heavier tripods.

The long version: While handheld cameras can deliver solid results for vloggers and casual streamers, viewers do expect reasonably stable footage. For many types of videos, the camera needs to be completely still and flatly positioned on a horizontal plane. Tripods and camera stands can cost very little, so it’s a good idea to look into getting some kind of stabilizer.

When you are choosing a tripod, pay attention to how much it weighs. If the camera that needs to be mounted on it is very heavy (like some DSLR models), you want to ensure that the structure itself weighs enough not to be easily tipped over. Too thin tripods can put your camera at risk, and that’s the last thing you want. Smaller cameras such as GoPros are more flexible in this regard and can be placed on a wider range of tripods.

Even if you are using a phone or a webcam to record YouTube videos, you should consider mounting the device on a stable stand. It is possible to find mini tripods ideal for smartphones for as little as $10. These tripods are small enough to carry in your pocket, so you will be prepared to start making a video no matter where your adventures take you. If you are using a web camera, you should attach it to the stand so that it won’t move accidentally after you touch the surface it is placed on.

Smartphone Camera Gear

The short version: There’s a lot of gear out there designed with smartphone photos and videos in mind, including clip-on lenses, tripod mounts, phone-mounted LED lights, and inexpensive microphones that plug into the audio jack.

The long version: Recording your videos with a mobile phone can be a good decision. It all depends on the phone you have and the range of add-ons and apps that you complement it with. Almost every high-end model released in the past five years can shoot videos in 1080p or higher. Some can even produce 4K footage. If you perfect your smartphone filming technique, your YouTube videos could look as if they were made with pro equipment.

On the flip side, smartphone cameras typically perform poorly in low light. It is possible to download an app that lets you play around with settings to overcome this, but a phone-mounted LED light is probably a better solution. An external microphone might also be a necessity, but there are some good (inexpensive) options that can simply be plugged in through the headphone jack.

Another common downside of smartphone cameras is that most of them use digital zoom, which is vastly inferior to optical zoom. If you intend to shoot anything that’s further away than a few feet, you need a clip-on lens that goes on top of the built-in camera. This inexpensive device will give you a lot of freedom to work in space, and allow you to make spectacular shots even without high-end YouTube equipment.

Equipment with Easy-to-Use Video Editor

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

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Calculating Earnings: Ad Revenues in the World of YouTube?

YouTube is a great way to make money online through sponsorship and selling merchandise and sponsorships. However, a big chunk of the creator generates their revenue from Google ads. The YouTube monetization rates defines how much you can make from the ads. In this article, we talk about YouTube monetization rates and what you need to start making money.

YouTububer Monetization Helper A cross-platform for creating visually appealing and engaging videos that will increase the chances of monetization on YouTube!

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Part 1. How Much Do YouTubers Make Per View?

Are you curious about how much YouTubers make per view? Most people are. The Influencer Marketing Hub estimates that the average YouTuber makes $0.018 per view. These rates vary from $0.10 to $0.30 per ad view depending on the type of video and location.

The YouTube monetization rates vary significantly because of various factors:

• The number of views a video receives
• The number of clicks an ad receives
• Ad blockers
• Ad Quality
• Video length

Part 2. How Much Do YouTubers Make Per 1,000 Views

A YouTube channel is a great way to generate revenye. Quality content attracts a large audience, enabling a way to generate ad revenue. Although it may be difficult to grow a YouTube channel, the revenue generated is worth. The youtube monetization rates determine the amount you can earn for every 1,000 views on your videos.

Allowing advertiser to run their ads on your channel through Google AdSense is an effective way of monetizing YouTube Content. The advertisers pay YouTube to display their products on the platform. YouTube then pays YouTubers for displaying the ads on their videos. Although the YouTube monetization rates may vary, overall revenue generated is usually substantial.

Each view will generate $0.10 to $0.30 or an average of $0.018. The YouTuber will be paid $18 on average for a video with 1,000 ad views. The amount paid depends on the CPM (Cost per Mille), which is the cost of advertising to 1,000 people. Brands will incur between $4 and $24 on YouTube to advertise on YouTube. However, the revenue generated by the Youtuber will be lower because not all the 1,000 views will be ad views.

Most YouTubers report to earn around $5 to $7 from 1,000 views of their videos. Here is a breakdown of the earnings from this:

• Top talent on YouTube will likely earn $5 per 1,000
• Garnering 1 million views will earn the YouTuber $5,000
• Garnering 1 million views with 5 videos will earn the YouTuber $25,000

The figures above are just estimates. YouTubers often make more or less this amount.

Part 3. How Many Views Do YouTubers Need to Get Paid?

To get paid from revenues, you need to be eligible for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). The following is the eligibility criteria.

The specific eligibility criteria include the following:

• Subscribers - At least 1,000
• YouTube Reach – At least 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months or at least 10M public Shorts views in the last 90 days
• YouTube Shorts Reach -
• Sign and agree to the terms and conditions
• Have an AdSense account
• Get reviewed and approved

Once approved for the YPP, you have the potential to start earning through ads. The revenue-sharing program allows you to earn income for the ads that show on your channel. Specifically, Google will pay you 68% of the revenue from the ads displayed with AdSense. For instance, a video that generates $1,000 from AdSense revenue will pay the YouTuber $680.

Part 4. The Top 6 Highest Paid YouTubers

YouTube creates a clear path for the birth of a new breed of celebrities. They have a huge following, and grow their wealth by sharing content with them. Let’s have a look at the top 6 paid YouTubers right now:

• Beast (Jimmy Donaldson) - $54 Million
• Jake Paul - $45 million
• Markiplier - $38 Million
• Rhett and Link - $30 million
• Unspeakable - $28.5 million
• Nastya - $28 million

1. Mr. Beast (Jimmy Donaldson) - $54 Million

Ranked first among the highest-paid YouTubers, Jimmy has the most popular channel. With more than 150 million subscribers, he creates videos about challenges, pranks, and giveaways. The videos have accumulated billions of views, contributing to his estimated net worth of over $100 million. Another important source of income is the Mr. Beast Burger app and menu that lets fans order MrBeast-banded meals from over 1,600 restaurants across the country.

2. Jake Paul - $45 million

Jake Paul is a renowned American professional boxer. Widely famous on social media, his YouTube is also one of the most highly ranked. He shares different kinds of videos from his boxing games. He also does pranks and reviews about different products.

3. Markiplier - $38 Million

Markiplier makes videos about playing games. The YouTube channel, which started in 2021 is renowned for moving merch. In addition to ad revenue, Markiplier records high sales of T-shirts, hoodies, and other items tied to the Unus Annus series.

4. Rhett and Link - $30 million

This YouTube channel started as the duo hosting a nerdy daily talk show called Good Mythical Morning. It quickly grew into an empire with brand extensions and spinoffs that boosted its views and earnings on YouTube.

5. Unspeakable - $28.5 million

Unspeakable talks about Minecraft in the channel. Nathan Graham posts videos of himself playing this and other games. He also posts other kinds of entertaining content such as filling a room with live alligators. His creativity has allowed him to collaborate with brands in making different ads and promotions.

6. Nastya - $28 million

Nastya immigrated from Russia with her parents. With over 88 million subscribers on her channel, she chronicles her life in prosaic installments. In 2021, she did a Spotter deal and added other brand extensions like merchandise and NFT collection that contributed added income.

Part 5. Edit Your Videos for Monetization with Wondershare Filmora

The amount of money a YouTuber earns depends on several factors. However, the amount can be increased by uploading quality videos. YouTube will quality and engaging content attract more audience, increasing the opportunities for revenue generation. Wondershare Filmora is one such software, that allows you to tell your story in a better way.

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With the integration of AI, Filmora now offers a wide range of editing features that you can use to automate editing. Instantly generate images, remove image background, and now. These features help create visually appealing and engaging videos that will increase the chances of monetization on YouTube. One of the AI features that stands out is Instant Mode.

Filmora Instant Mode

The Instant Mode helps beginners design slideshow videos with minimal effort. You probably have no video editing experience or a professional content creator with no time to make more videos. With Instant Mode, you can create a video within minutes. Let’s have a look at the steps involved:

Step 1 – Start Instant Mode on Filmora

After opening Filmora on your device, click on Instant Mode. This feature is on the left side of the screen.

Step 2 – Choose a Template

From the Instant Mode window, choose the video template you want to use. Click on it and play to preview the Video. Once satisfied, click om the Download Slideshow button to start editing your video.

Step 3 – Import Media Items

Click on the Import Your Media icon, and add all the media files you want to use for the video. Make sure to import more media files for better use, and press the Auto Create icon to move to the next step.

Step 4 – Implement Text Titles

From the top-left corner of the screen, click the “Titles” category. Then choose from the options available for the required title template.

Step 5 – Replace Needed Media Items

Review all the media items in the timeline, and replace any that you want with another option. The Replace icon allows you to seamlessly achieve this. You can also import new files to replace it with.

Step 6: Add Project to Timeline

Once you are satisfied with your slideshow video, click on the Timeline button. This will take you to Filmora’s editing environment where you can add effects and other elements to enhance the video.

Step 7 – Preview and Export Your Video

Click on the Play icon to preview the edited video. Then export it in MP4 format for quick upload to YouTube.

Other Useful Filmora Video Editing Features

• AI Portrait – Remove the background of your videos with high accuracy and choose over 70 portrait and sticker effects.
• AI Copywriting : Get inspiration for your video through AI-generated scripts, and automatically generate text during video editing.
• AI Image – Generate an image automatically by typing what you want. Choose from 3 resolutions and use the image directly for your video project
• Auto Reframe – Automatically resize your videos within minutes to use on both YouTube and Shorts.
• Auto Beat Sync – Automatically match the footage with music, giving your video a smooth flow with the music you choose.

Conclusion

Running a YouTube Channel is lucrative. Although it may take time to build a following, YouTube is a great platform for generating revenue. Most YouTubers have monetized their channels through the YPP program. The program allows you to earn revenue from the ads that show up in your videos. This means that a successful YouTube needs high-quality videos. We recommend Wondershare Filmora for editing your videos and improving their rate of engagement with the audience. This is a key step in building recurring revenue with YouTube monetization options.

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