How to Start a Kid's YouTube Channel
YouTube has become a platform for watching videos that is synonymous with Netflix, Hulu, and the like. My boys prefer to watch YouTube, actually. All of their YouTube watching eventually gave them the desire to create their own YouTube channel. I had no idea how to start one, and if you're thinking about it, it's possible you might not either. So, let's talk about how to start a kid's YouTube channel.
For the sake of my parenting reputation, let me address my "all of their YouTube watching" comment above. Yes, they watch YouTube, but it is by far not the only thing they do!
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How to Start a Kid's YouTube Channel
Discuss Reality
Kids see the awesome toys, gadgets, cars, houses, etc. that other YouTubers are able to purchase, and they believe starting a YouTube channel means they can have the same things. Truth is, while it's possible they could become famous, it's just not the norm. It's important to make sure they understand this reality upfront. At this point, their goal should be to express themselves and have fun!
Have a Plan
Your kid's YouTube plan will probably consist of more than one detail to discuss.
Privacy- import discussion to have with kids! Are you comfortable with them using their real first names, or should they use nicknames, etc?
Set rules and boundaries.
Decide what type of content will be created and who the audience will be.
Are there any short-term or long-term goals?
Think of a Name
It's fun brainstorming with your kids to come up with a name. Although it's probably better to keep the same name, it is possible to change the name of your channel down the road.
Create a Gmail Address
Create a Gmail address that reflects the name of your soon to be kid's YouTube channel.
Create a YouTube Channel
Use your new Gmail address to create your kid's channel. When you login to the Gmail address, there is a YouTube app that can be clicked on to create the channel.
Work on Customization
Go to YouTube Studio and click on Customization. Here you can add a picture, banner, watermark, and edit the "about" section of the channel. Having the "about" section filled out, makes your videos easier to find in search!
I use Canva to create all of the boys' banners and video thumbnails. The free version is plenty, but sometimes they offer 30 day free trails that give you access to all of their Pro images!
Post Regularly
Decide how often you want to post, then pick a specific day and time to post. You can schedule videos, so you never miss your post. Posting regularly helps others find your videos and tells subscribers when to come back for your latest video.
Let Them Take The Creative Reigns
Of course, they are going to need your help, especially if they are younger. I do all of the videoing, editing, uploading, etc. for Wes N Wheels, but the majority of the time the video's topics are their ideas. If the topic was my idea, I let them create the video however they please without giving much instruction. I've learned... the hard way... that it works better when they are using their own creative juices rather than trying to "act" on my visions for the video. That really just gets frustrating for everyone. So, I've learned to let them take the videos where they want them to go.
Start A Kid's YouTube Channel
Once you start a kid's YouTube channel, you will learn as you go. Having the boy's channel, has been a fun way for us to spend some quality time together and create some fun memories.
If you have any questions, I am happy to help in any way that I can!
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