10 TIPS for starting your own YouTube channel

This video was sponsored by Skillshare.

These tips will be helpful for those of you starting or considering starting your own YouTube channel. The advice on how to start and grow a YouTube channel is focused towards music production, piano and synthesizer channels, although it applies to many other genres too. I'll also share some moments from the archives with you.

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[eaglechildkeys]

My favourite things of the W.Piano Shack channel :
1 - 80s synths sound tests and reviews
2 - Woody’s charisma ;)

[BasilJoseOfficial]

Great Video! This is really useful.
Here are all the tips listed.
01:56 - Don't do it for money
03:07 - Don't underestimate the effort
03:49 - Budget for gear
05:05 - Embrace good enough
06:47 - Be a star
08:00 - Shameless self promotion
08:53 - Know the algo
09:27 - Titles and Thumbnails
10:10 - Tell stories
11:34 - Manage expectations

[mr_floydst]

Hey, congratulations on your first sponsor, Woody. Your advice here is valuable, especially the "tell a story" one. It's not an easy thing to pull off, though, but you do it very well for certain.

[normanleemorris]

Woody, with all due respect, I feel like the videos are about YOU and that's why I like them. Your videos gave me the confidence to buy a Yamaha DX-7 sight unseen and get the tech in order to load patches on it. Congrats on your sponsor, Woody. America's proud of you.

[KaitavSapreMusic]

Superb video. You are a great example of how to build a YouTube channel. Thanks for excellent tips!

[AlexBallMusic]

Great advice Woody. From personal experience of interaction, views, subscribers etc I'd say (unsurprisingly) you're spot on.

It's about trying to create a two way street where the viewer takes something from it, which is seemingly obvious, but not so easy to consistently do.

For example, my highest viewed video is one explaining how something was done and showing the viewer how to do it for themselves (185k views in 3 months). One of my least viewed videos is my album launch promo (1.8k views in 12 months). That tells me very clearly what viewers are interested in, which is very useful.

[DallinJeppsonMusic]

Just keep pushing forward. Don't give up even if nobody is watching. Such great advice! Thanks for making this video for us Woody.

[MyKeysToMusic]

Woody, you speak the truth on so many levels! It is beneficial to have a video like you've presented here explain to people the kinds of effort involved in having any channel let alone a music channel. And you've addressed this specifically to people who want to have (or who already have) a music channel (with synth orientation). I assume that that speaks to many of us here - so this video is very much appreciated!

I can personally attest to the fact that with a music channel that requires recording synths/electronic gear as part of the content, (in the style that you have masterfully done by the way), introduces an added layer of complexity versus most other non-music channels who perhaps only need to worry about recording themselves and some B roll.

Yes, between the electronic instruments, the audio interface, multiple cameras (to capture head, hands, and sometimes body), then having to make sure to learn what you're about to teach; be it a song, technique or technical "how to." Then, to rehearse it all, record it, steer clear of copyright infringement, and then to edit, edit, edit, and then finally publish. Then after publishing, it's promoting on other social media and of course happily answering the comments. Yikes - a minimum of 12 hours per video for me with many being north of 15 hours.

The reward, however, is that if you help at least one person put a smile on their face or assist them in achieving something on their own that made their life better/easier because of a video you presented - well, that's a good thing and an excellent feeling for the creator. Cheers to you Woody and best of luck with the piano classes. I continue to be amazed by your channel. The growth you've attained is inspirational and much deserved!

[synthverkstad]

I had to go back and watch your first videos and it's amazing how the quality has improved over the years (and your confidence in front of the camera). Of course technology has improved as well but I think the story is that everyone has to do the miles (or the videos in this case) to get to where you are now. Keep up the good work!

[marcusonic]

I am in the very beginnings of setting up my music creation and production channel, as such I find your tips quite helpful (also, I've been watching your videos for quite some time now). From what I heard, it helps if you pump out a video once per week, ideally with a bunch of tags staying the same in each video, but then also tags that relate to the particular video you upload. I found this to be helpful on my IT-channel, which has experienced a steady growth so far. Also I find it helps the most if you are yourself on camera - no matter if you're visible or not.

[EspenKraft]

I have to agree with pretty much everything Woody has to say here guys. My experience is about the same. Top stuff Woody! :)

[davidosolo]

I learned something today. Thanks for sharing Woody.

[DarkSideofSynth]

Tip No. 11 - Record yourself playing amazing patches and be mind-blown
Tip No. 12 - Tell annoying bugs to bugger off
Tip No. 13 - Turn No. 11 & 12 into memes
Tip No. 14 - Have a good dose of (self)irony - that'll get you through the rough patches (pun intended!)

[ionianblue]

Some great advice and informative too. I liked the “Be A Star” segment. I think your personality is pretty good, actually. I’ve got YouTube channel ambitions and this video is quite helpful. The only niggle is, ironically, I have difficulty putting myself in front of a camera. So I guess I’d start by pulling a Buckethead first while not actually playing guitar as well as he does. :P I liked the section on telling stories as I’m a pretty decent writer. I guess if I can’t cook the burger that way, I can always cook it differently.

Another fab video, Woody. Keep ‘’em coming.

[RaveyStabs]

Good down to earth advice shackers! You definitely have one of the best/cheery personalities in the game and always keep it tactful.

[FreshnessStudio]

congratulations & best wishes, this was excellent Woody.

[samuelwnovak]

Thank you! I’ve been toying with the idea of starting a channel this summer and this is an excellent distillation of all the loose information I’ve been trying to gather about how to actually do it well. Inspiring!

[nielsblume]

Thank you for these, I am preparing to have a go at this so it was good to hear about your experiences.

[TonyMarron]

Thanks for a very informative video Mr Woody

[JoseVGavila]

Thanks Woody, you got me thinking on contents for a tech-inclined, repair-oriented synth channel... food for thought! :-)