January 25, 2017 marks the beginning of the fourth year of my YouTube beauty channel. With over 566 videos on my channel, I want to help those who might be thinking of starting their own YouTube beauty channel. This is also the first post in my new Content Creator Tips Series. To start off the creator series, I thought it best to start from the beginning with what I know best, YouTube. Later on I’ll include social media, blogging, podcasts, and more. Today is all about deciding to start your channel.
Why start a YouTube Beauty Channel?
Before starting anything, know why you want to start. With YouTube, it’s important to know why you want to start a channel. No one can determine this for you because it must come from the heart.
Why I started
To help you figure out why you want to start your channel, here is why I started mine. I wanted to create a community of like minded and positive people. YouTube came into my life when I was deeply depressed. Discovering the beauty community helped me escape as well as motivate me to try new things. It all started with just putting on makeup, then buying recommended products. Slowly I realized I was rediscovering my love for makeup and fashion, two things I have always loved, but forgotten about during my depression. The reason I choose DressYourselfHappy as my YouTube beauty channel URL and name 3 years ago, is because YouTube helped me dress myself happy. Simple.
Now it’s your turn. Why do you want to start a YouTube beauty channel? It has to be more than because you love makeup. The YouTube audience wants a personal connection with you. A successful channel starts with the creator. Know your mission and why you are making videos. Yes, people want to know about new products, but it has to go deeper than just product reviews. There are thousands of YouTube beauty channels, why would someone want to watch yours? The answer has to be because of you. So what’s your message?
5 Hard Truths About Starting a YouTube Beauty Channel
When I talk to people who are thinking about starting a YouTube channel, specifically a YouTube beauty channel, there are a few misconceptions I think some have. Here are a few truths based on my experience and those I have met in the YouTube beauty community.
1. It takes time and energy. A lot of time and energy.
When you start anything, it takes time for you to grow and for people to find you. There is a learning curve. Don’t believe me? Watch any of my older videos. Heck, watch any of your favorite channels’ older videos. It takes a lot of time and energy to figure out who you are, how to speak to a camera, and all the technical crap! You will be doing all this for free, so you better love it, which goes back to why you want to start a YouTube beauty channel. If you have a purpose that you are passionate about, the time and energy you put into your channel will be worth it.
2. You’ll need a budget
When I started, I did not receive any products from brands. I spent so much money buying makeup, skincare, clothes, and equipment to create content for my channel. To be honest I wasted a ton of money on equipment in the beginning by trying to save money and buying the cheapest options. This is why I’ll be doing a whole post on filming equipment very soon.
My previous career was not steady and I never knew how much I had to work with monetarily. Luckily, my husband was incredibly supportive and still is. Thanks to him and my mom, I was able to buy new products and equipment as needed. If you know this is something you want to do, figure out a budget to dedicate to your channel and stick to it! If you have a spouse or partner, speak with them. Hubs was able to cover our living expenses so I could spend my money on my channel. My mom was very generous and help me buy my first cameras and my brother bought me final cut for Christmas one year. To them, the happiness my channel brought me was worth it.
3. You won’t get rich
at least not for awhile. I think there is this false perception that YouTube beauty channels make a ton of money and beauty gurus get to live these incredible lives. Here’s the deal, there are a few big channels that make a lot of money off their ad revenue. This is not typical. To put things into perspective, I did not make enough on my adsense for the first year to even receive a payment. There is a payment threshold. Basically, your earnings are held till you meet the threshold. Once you meet this reasonable threshold of $100, you are issued a check for your earnings. It took me a year to make enough to even get a check! Good thing you are passionate about why you started your channel 🙂
4. Brands pay so much money for sponsored content, I’ll make money that way… NO you won’t.
Think again. I did not receive my first brand deal till my second year making videos consistently. That’s 3 to 5 videos a week, sometimes more. When I was approached by a brand for the first time and wanted to work with them, the pay was good, but nothing I could live off of. Sponsored deals depend on your relationship with the brand, your subscribers, average views per video, audience retention, and so much more. Until your numbers grow, sponsored deals really are not a viable way of making an income either.
While there are plenty of YouTubers who make a good living on YouTube, it takes time, energy, blood, sweat, and tears. Think of it like any small business, for it to start producing a profit it’ll take time.
5. It’ll be so cool to work for myself.
Yes and no. I do my best working on my own. I am self motivated, a self starter, and like learning on my own. The downside: I never turn off. If you watch my vlogmas or snaps, you have a small taste of how much I obsess about work. I have an obsessive personality which can be very dangerous. Luckily, I found YouTube and have channeled my obsessive energy to producing content. This year my goal is to focus on balance. My personal relationships have suffered and I need to make time for my health and wellness. Working for myself is highly effective, but all consuming, which is not healthy.
Are you a self starter? Self motivated? If your answer is no to either question, YouTube is going to be a hard job for you. Many people think working for themselves is a good idea, until they try it. Know yourself. Do you need structure? YouTube has very little structure, so set a schedule for yourself if you need it. Do you need someone to hold you accountable? Share your goals with a good friend to check in on your progress. Knowing your personality and work ethics will help you counteract the bumps you may face when starting your own channel.
My Biggest Secret
Consistency. Whatever you decide, be consistent. No excuses, do it. Get it done. I tell you how many videos I am going to upload a week because it holds me accountable. You come back to watch because you know I will be here for you. Be consistent in producing content. It won’t be perfect, but it’s important to continue to produce and create. You will learn from your past, but you cannot learn if you do not produce content. You cannot get better if you do not take action. With anything in life, jump. Take action.
What’s to come
Now that you know why you want to start a YouTube beauty channel, or any channel, what would you like next? Here are a few posts I have in-mind, but I’d love to know what you want to see in this series. Signup below and opt in for Content Creator Tips so you don’t miss a new post.
- Filming equipment
- Lighting
- Tagging your videos
- Editing tips
- 3 websites you need to run your channel
This series is for you, so let me know what you want next!
xoxo
Serein
Serein was informational and i loved it. I’ve been wanting to start a you tube channel for a year now. I am so glad you shared things with us because i didn’t realize that the camera’s were so expensive. I’m sure I’ll invest in one of the more expensive once I’ve started and begin to established work schedule just to see if this is for me. I’m sure it is. I love to talk all the time and i hope i can be informational as you are on your channel. I’d love any advice you can give your audience!
Author
Happy to help! Good luck!
Oh girl I would love to see ALL the posts you suggested at the end! Filming equipment and lighting have always been mysteries to me. I would definitely want to do YouTube for fun because I realize it is SO difficult to make money doing it. I am an RA in a freshman dorm and my residents have been telling me to do it. My concern is funding the equipment side of things… I’m so anxious to learn about the technical side of it! Thanks for such a helpful post.
I’ve been wanting to start a youtube channel for the longest time now, but I want to do it good and have all the equipment. I would love to read that next.
This is such a helpful wonderful and helpful post. Thank you for the info. I just started following your blog & youtube channel about a week ago and I love both! I just recently started a blog of my own as I am pretty new to the skincare realm and have become completely passionate and addicted to it. I do hope to start a youtube channel in the near future and your tips are very helpful 🙂
I knew a little but not enough. Nice to read realities behind being a YouTube content creator. Really appreciate the info. Not necessarily for me in beauty but in non-beauty content. Love your videos. Watch them as much as I am able.
Serein thank you for this awesome post…I really enjoyed it. I realized that if I want something I need to be consistent…I have a blog which I don’t post too much…writing is not my forte I am more of a geek, but I love fashion, makeup, nail art, computers, cooking…things have been pretty difficult for me the last few years…but the show must go on. So thank you…your postings, your videos and your vlogs have helped me a lot. I am glad I found your channel…destiny!!!
Author
Hi Alexandra! So happy you find my content helpful. Yes, consistency is key in anything you want to do. Be consistent and tenacious. Just do it and keep doing it. Best of luck on your blog and content!
This was some great food for thought! Looking forward to your equipment post!!
Thank you so much for posting this Serein…..it sure will help all of us who are thinking of starting. A channel or those who already have a channel…….ur amazing….xoxo
SO Excited For This! Great Beginner Tips, Looking Forward For More.
-xx’s
Great blog. Very good info for those wanting to start YouTube (not me). I remember when I first subscribed to YouTube about 2 years ago and started following people, I thought, why am I not doing this too? Then about 6 months later when I started following twitter and instagram…then later snapchat (which I follow you on all accounts because you are one of my top 10) I knew why I wasn’t doing videos. You guys do A LOT of work. Like you said in your blog, you almost NEVER shut off…not at Christmas or any other holiday. That is dedication to your work. It has to be your passion or it won’t work. Keep up the good work Serein ! You always have great quality videos and awesome content. Above all, you are the most articulate YouTuber I watch and I admire you for that. I never get bored watching and always look forward to the next video
So excited about this series! As always, thank you for sharing your knowledge!
I had been waiting for this blogpost Serein😊 What an awesome blogpost totally enjoyed reading this post😊
Thank you so much for a great posting, Serein! I appreciate that you are trying to help out other potential content creators so that they can get some insights from you behind YouTube. I can’t wait to read more of your series!
Hi Serein!
What an amazing post, thank you so much for taking the time to do this for us 🙂 I discovered your channel a few months ago when you did a collaboration with Madison Miller and I really enjoy your videos, especially Make Up Bag Monday. I was thinking of starting my own channel for a while now and this serie is really helpful. I would love for the next post to be about lighting. I look forward to your next tips and tricks! xoxo
SEREIN, I truly want to thank you so much for this post because it really helped me out a lot. Growing up I wanted to be an makeup artist but whenever my grandmother passed away I wanted to become a Registered Nurse so I went to college right after high and I also went to cosmetology school, and I was working 2 full-time jobs. But I just got so worn out and I dropped out of cosmetology school because I couldn’t go to two diferent colleges and I work two full-time jobs at the age of 18 yrs old. Then I was diagnosed with endometriosis,cycist, and tumers on both of my oavaries. The doctor’s told me that I could never have children because the baby and I would die but I ended up getting pregnant and I had 5 different opinions and they all wanted me to abort my baby but I didnt. I was a very high risk pregnancy and yes I had tons of complication and we both almost died but we didn’t. I had him two and a half months early and he ended up being born dead and as soon as they pronounced him deceased he started breathing. Shortly after that i ended up getting cervical cancer and almost died but the Good Lord saved me. Make the long story short I had got pregnant again and i had him on time, and then I had identical twins but one of them passed away at 4 yrs old in my arms because she had congested heart failure and she was on a heart transplant list but she passed away before she got the transplant. I’ve had 6 different cancers and I was in remission up until about 4 months ago. I have stage 3 Liver Cancer and to be honest with you this is actually the first time going public with my health. But just to let you know my cancer isn’t from drinking or drugs. I’ve actually inherited a rare Liver Desease that turns into cancer. I’m taking chemotherapy and Radiation Treatments but that doesn’t stop me from doing the things that i truly love doing. Yes I have my bad days but I also have a lot of good days. My passion is doing makeup, facials, fashion, arts and crafts, doing hair, and lots of other things. And I’m a kind of woman that whenever I have something that i truly want to do and strive for I don’t it and no one or anything gets in my ways to keep me from doing it. I know it’s not going to be easy at first but I truly believe this is for me. Because I want it bad enough and also I’m not scared to do this at all. I’m not perfect by no means but I try to be a perfection, and I also have OCD. I also want to follow my heart and passion. I also want to thank you so much for all of your tips. And you are such an amazing, caring, and inspiration woman that i just love about you. I’m a rarely new subscriber, actually I was watching a video of you and MadisonMiller and I just loved your personality so I subscribe to your YouTube channel and also to all of your other channels at least I think I’m subscribed to all of them. Again thank you so much and I truly with all my heart appreciate your post and tips on how to get started on YouTube. Sending you lots of care, and love your way.
Sending my love to you, Chasityann!
Let us(Serein’s virtual family/sisters/friends :)) know if you open up your channel. I will subscribe you and watch your videos!
Be strong!!
xoxo Mindy
Thanks so much for this post! Simply, and easy instructions with the realness of starting a YouTube Channel! Thanks as always for your honesty!
Serein,
I found this information very truthful and very helpful! I love watching your videos because i can see your passion for beauty and makeup!!. I am interested in all of the videos listed above. I am going to start my channel this year once i purchase all of my equipment. So i would be interested in seeing equipment and lighting next. I received a camera from hubby for Christmas!. My husband is such a great supporter as well! Your amazing gorgeous, keep up the awesome work!
Thank you Serein!
Hi Serein, Thank you so much for this newsletter. I agree with all you have said. I started my channel (I’m 59) in Feb 2016 because my hubby loves golf and plays every weekend. I needed a hobby. I wanted it to be something I loved. I’m a 6th grade teacher but wanted something outside the classroom. I have been in love with all that is beauty since I was 5… my mom and grandmother got me hooked at an early age. I have only 1200 subscribers, have yet to reach the $100, my equipment is very low cost, and I spend a ridiculous amount of money on beauty products. Never the less, I love it and will continue because it makes me happy. I’m really looking forward to learning from you! Much love xo Marlene
At first I just want to post anything on youtube but then I realize ah I should have
proper equipments and something interesting to post so I decided to stop my youtube
channel and really focus on what I really want to do this 2017. Thank you so much for
posting this tips with us 🙂
This was actually really helpful. I started a channel of my own, but have not been able to give it as much time and energy as I want to, or thought I was going to be able to. I have a one-year old, am in school, and am training for a promotion at work. It’s just too much. However, I am more active on IG and am saving and planning to re-launch my channel when things calm down a bit. Thanks, Serein.
I don’t know if I’ll ever do a channel of my own but this was interesting and I look for anything you do
arent you just an inspiration , thankful to be your supporter. love you
xoxo
I’ve thought about starting a channel for years now so everything your writing about will help me make a decision. I.m a mom of three boys under 10years old so what I choose is going to be a judge decision. So thank I so much for this series.
Hey serein!
I want to start my own channel I’m only almost 14 but I have so much knowledge in makeup and beauty, I sucks at drawing but somehow in makeup I’m amazing(not trying to brag at all!). I’m dancing as well so every recital I do so many peoples makeup(around 40-50 girls are waiting for me in a line to do their makeup). I want to start my YouTube channel for 2-3 already but I’m so afraid how my friends are going to react since we are teenagers and if they won’t like the idea, they’ll probebly humiliate me. I though that I won’t tell them but I’m sure that someone will discover my chennai throgh Google+ and email and etc. what do you think should I do?? I also don’t live in the us i live in Israel and there aren’t so many makeup brands lika tarte,too faced, urban decay,benefit, nars and many other brands so I is difficult to me to get products from these brand(I will have credit card only in tow years and only then I’ll be able to order online). I will say that I fly abroad quiete often so I do have makeup product that are very hiped right now from lots of brands. I really want your honest opinion I with all those cons I still need to open my channel . I’ll also love to hear a recommendation for a great camera for begginers but with reasonable price(not canon 70 d or something but dslr is okay if it is a reasonable price, 450$ is pretty much the biggest amount of money that I can waist). Love you so so much I really hope you’ll continue with YouTube forever cause I loveee you videos? kisses from me Mika??
Sorry for all the mistakes it was such a long massage so I missed things here and there but you’ll probably get what I ment hahaha. It’s also 12:20 am in here so I’m extremely tired so I’m going to sleep and hopefully you’ll answer me?
Serein,
Thank you so much for doing this series. I am so excited to learn more. I published my first video a year and a half ago as a supplement to the blog I was writing at the time. It was the only video I posted for a while. Then I started posting more videos a little over a year ago because I was uninspired to write anymore but I still wanted something to do. I was watching a lot of beauty and planner videos at the time, and had just started my Ipsy subscription.
I originally started my channel as just a hobby. Doing videos I loved. Over the last year, I’ve really been thinking about where I want to take my channel and the videos I want to create. All while still creating content. I don’t have a very large channel (only 100 subs), but I love creating content and sharing. I am concentrating more on why I want to create videos. I want I help women empower themselves through makeup, fashion and creative outlets all with a dance twist. As a dance instructor, performer, choreographer and educator, dance is such an integral part of my life. How I dress, the makeup I wear, how I plan, how I eat and exercise, it all revolves around dance. Even if you’re not a dancer, a lot of what I have to share could help women just feel empowered about their lives, especially if they’re a working mom.
Again, thank you so much for doing this!
This was very informative Serein!thank you?but I’ll have to wait a couple of years to maybe start my channel cause I’m a university student and I definitely don’t have the budget needed…but that’s OK..if it is to happen it’ll happen??kisses?
Hi Serein. Great start to 2017. I will for sure get my daughter Maya to read these helpful tips. I would love to see camera and lighting setup next. We have gotten her a few things, but she still needs abit of help with lights etc. Thanks so much.
What an awesome read Serein!!!! Very helpful information, and I cant wait for more!!! Im so glad you take your time to really help you your supporters, its means to much to so many people!!! You’re amazing!!! Keep doing what you’re doing <3
Thank you Serein for help us to see a little bit more of the real face of the youtube beauty world. For the last year I been thinking on start my own channel but I don’t do it because I have a limited income so I’m not capable to buy new makeup every week to review. I’m also a little bit affraid to neglect my personal relationships. Anyway I’ll keep reading you so maybe at one moment I’ll feel ready for something new.
Blessings.
Thank you so much for creating this blog post! I have an obsessive personality so I totally understand what you mean about never turning off. I just started my channel and I never stop either, although I’m new so I may just be overly excited. Great advice! I would love to see a post about editing and the 3 websites!
Thank you so much for all you are doing with your blog and YouTube channel. I can tell that you not only have a passion for make-up but also to help people feel their best. One thing I have noticed in the process of watching your channels is that you have two separate channels. I know one is more professionally focused and the other is more personal. Could you possibly do a blog post about why you decided to separate the content on both? I can’t wait to read the upcoming blogs!
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge & experience with us. I appreciate your honesty. And I look forward to reading more of your tips and advice. I have had a channel for several years but, I haven’t always been consistent with it. I’m also in the “mature community” of the beauty channels which can be a challenge. The one thing that you mentioned that I am confident in is speaking in front of the camera. In fact, I get a lot of people (who comment) that they feel like they are visiting or talking to a friend. I love that & consider those words a big compliment.
I look forward to your next post. Take care!
Hugs,
Debbie (thedarlingdebs)
I actually have 2 YouTube channels, one I created a long time ago and then one Google created for me. I have been thinking about doing videos myself, but still trying to determine on what first. That has to be the hardest decision to make. I am working a bunch and then will be going back to school again. I am glad you are doing this. It will help people who want to have a creative outlet to express themselves. Thanks so much Serein.
I’ve been thinking about starting a youtube channel since I started watching youtube back in 2010, but due to school, family, and then the switch to college I haven’t been able to convince myself to do it. This post was extremely helpful and prompted good questions that I’ll be asking myself for awhile. I love makeup and the beauty world of youtube, but I’m also a historian and studying women and gender studies and history at my university. Any idea on how to combine my passion for both?? Thank you for posting this, can’t wait to see what comes next!
Thanks for writing this. This is so exciting. I do have a YouTube channel but mine is for scratch tickets. My goal this year is to post a video everyday, yes everyday. I know it won’t be easy cause there are so many distractions in life bit I know I can do it. I’m also thinking of making another one as well for just general everyday life. I’m still not sure what the content will be, if I want to do couponing trips, hauls, makeup, or even dumpster dives but once I figure it out I’ll be making another channel. But I know I gotta get all the right equipment because as of right now I’m just using my cell which isn’t the best at all.
Hello, Serein! I’m a mother of 3 children (9,4 and 2 months y.o.) a wife, and also a freelance MUA. While I was pregnant with my third baby I watched your channel every single day. I loved them and still do! Your’re so inspiring and really make my day, I destress, and simply enjoy watching your videos, because having children makes you quite tired and stressed sometimes))) also being such a makeup junkie I like to learn about new good products! Pity, I can’t join your giveaways, cos I live too far, I live in Kazakhstan. But your inspired me to start thinking of creating my own beauty channel, although I completely understand, that I won’t be able to make it as huge as yours. Simply because of lack of time. But I really want to give it a try, so looking forward hearing from you about other useful things on how to create a channel. Thank you so much for being out there for me!! Xoxo
Thank you so much for creating this awesome newsletter! I started a beauty blog, and I feel that I can apply a lot of what you talk about to starting a blog as well. You’re an amazing content creator, you know I love watching your videos. Thank you again!
Hey Serein. Bravo to you for doing yet another thing! You truly are I think the most ardent YouTuber! I’ve sent your email I received, to my 20 year old niece who LOVES make up and just got her first 0-Ring this Christmas. She’ll definitely get some tips and most importantly, I think, be inspired. I have no intent and no interest in becoming a YTuber, but I’m interested in following your process. Great first blog! All the best to the best! Moi
Serein,
This was such a great read. I had a You Tube channel a few years ago but stopped making videos because it was so time-consuming and I wanted to focus on my blog. It’s so difficult when you have a full-time job, but just like you, I like staying busy. I can’t stand being unproductive so I spend my every free minute working on my blog.
This post actually made me want to start making videos again! As time consuming as it was, it was very rewarding and loved the editing process. I have all this equipment that I invested in, seems a shame to just let it sit in my guest bedroom haha 🙂 This was a great post! x
Paula
Thirteen Thoughts
Author
Thank you so much for reading Paula. I think you should definitely start back up! I love your blog and it inspires me to work on mine. I’d love to see what videos you create. Maybe not ton, but I’d love to see video content to go with your blog 🙂 I know how time consuming this all is and you have a full time job!
Thanks for these. I’ve thought about creating a YouTube chanel, it’s seems to be easy and pleasant for you and others YouTubers, and of couse I know that you work hard I see it in every video but still you are happy. I love makeup and I love to investigate that’s why I thought been a youtuber may be good to me, but with these post I don’t know if making videos is for me…
Waiting for the next post already, good luck Serein!
While am reading yout letter i dony know but my tears fall thank u serien its helo a lot on me. If u seen my channel its not about makeup but i like to watch ur video and others too. I create my channel just to upload what i do on my nails.even i dont have any goof things to used.i live to do it its my passion since. Am a hands on mom for my 2 child. The second one is special child she had small head. So i just decided to put channel so if i have time i can upload. Thanks serien i inspired of what u wrote. God bless u. Hope u can read this. Thanks ☺?
Serein, this was such a great post!!! I am truly so excited for this. So excited to get to learn more. I’m so grateful, as I’m sure many of us are, that you’re taking the time to help us. I can’t think of anything else at the moment what else to bring to us. If I do, I’ll make sure to write it down and comment here 🙂 Thank you again, Serein! Have a wonderful day!!!
Author
Thank you so much for reading Steph! I really hope this series can help you and anyone wanting to start a channel or blog 🙂
This is such a great post for those persons interested in starting a YouTube channel. Great work as always Serein. Can’t wait for more.
Great advice Serein! I was toying with the idea of starting a channel, and this gave me quite a bit to think about. Thank you for your input!
Author
So happy you enjoyed the post. Thank you for reading xoxo
This post is so amazing! It’s definitely inspiring and helps to make a lot of things clearer, I cannot wait to see more videos in the series!! Great post babe!x
Millie xx
https://queenmillie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/happy-2017.html
This was such a great post!! I only started a channel a couple months ago, but reading this is so helpful. Can’t wait for the rest of the posts coming xxx
Author
Thank you so much for reading! So happy to be able to help a bit with your channel. Good luck!