YouTube Stars' Expert Advice on How to Make Awesome Videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3f3laGyDkE
There's no secret to their success. Today's biggest YouTube stars have found fame, fortune and fans by simply being themselves.
It certainly doesn't hurt that they posses many skill sets that helped launch them to e-celebrity status; they create their videos while serving as their own director, writer and producer. YouTube is the platform where they have found creative fulfillment--and the audience to obsessively observe them--as actors, comedians, makeup artists and storytellers.
Even better: They're charming. And their appeal has crossed over from the ".com-universe" to publishing, feature films and even interviewing President Barack Obama.
It is authenticity, self-awareness and commitment that many of YouTube's most popular personalities advised for e-fame seekers during a recent interview with Made in Hollywood. The digital tastemakers gathered to support their fellow YouTube star Tyler Oakley at the premiere of his documentary "Snervous" in Los Angeles.
Oakley has nearly 8 million YouTube subscribers. His segue onto the big screen in "Snervous" offers a behind-the-scenes look at his everyday life and what attracts his large fan base.
Part of the appeal behind successful YouTubers, Oakley says, is that they are unique. “Be you,” he says. “If you’re trying to replicate any of your favorite YouTubers, you’re just going to be a second-rate them. Be a first-rate you and be irreplaceable.”
Alexa Losey
Adding to Oakley's approach, lifestyle vlogger Alexa Losey, who has 700,000 subscribers, says: "Some of the common mistakes are people are trying to be other YouTubers. There’s only one of everyone."
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Comedienne GloZell was one of a handful of social media stars selected to interview President Obama earlier this year in January. No doubt her 4 million subscribers and quirky banter helped her land the rare opportunity. "You just have to be yourself and be crazy," she advises. "For me, if I’m about to die--people are going to love that."
Amanda Steele
The theme of "being yourself" was echoed by makeup guru Amanda Steele, who has nearly 3 million subscribes on her beauty video channel. "It’s kind of cheesy, but that’s what everybody connects to."
Joey Graceffa
Make it a group effort, says Joey Graceffa, who has 5 million subscribers. "Do it with someone who is fun, energetic and exciting."
Merrell Twins
Some technical knowledge in creating an attractive product is a good draw for viewers. "Good quality video—and if you know how to edit well, then you’re good, the Merrell twins, who have more than 600,000 subscribers add.
Jon Cozart
Don't get discouraged by how videos perform says Jon Cozart, whose YouTube art channel has more than 3 million subscribers. "Don’t look at the numbers, look at the quality," he says. "If you’re making what you like to make, that’s all that matters."
Meg DeAngelis
Let your videos be a labor of love--not a fast track to stardom. "If the creator is passionate about what he’s making and doing it in a king size way that was entertaining, it keeps people coming back to their channel," advises Meg Deangelis, who has 4 million subscribers.
Sierra Furtado
Indeed, it's a lesson Sierra Furtado knows well. The DIY vlogger has nearly 3 million subscribers. "It has to be a hobby first and you have to be very passionate about it," she says.
Meredith Foster
Also citing passion is DIY YouTuber Meredith Foster, who has nearly 4 million subscribers. When it comes to YouTube success, "there’s really no secret," explains Foster. "It’s honestly doing it because you’re passionate about it. You love it—and those people who watch it are going to see it and grab hold of it. And those people who watch you are going to see it, latch on to you and hold on to you."
Meghan Tonjes
Naturally, you should "make stuff that you like," says Meghan Tonjes, who has nearly 250,000 subscribers. "I think if you don’t want to watch it, nobody wants to watch it."
