Before you even get to the bottom of this article, I want you to understand something: Making it on YouTube takes time. And if you think you could succeed overnight without having to work hard, then YouTube is not meant for you.
What You Must Know
New creators always get the wrong idea; they think it is easy to make it on YouTube. The fact is, starting a YouTube Channel is exciting. I still recollect uploading my first videos years ago. I had no fancy cameras, the audio back then was even shaky, and for the views, I had exactly 17 over two months. The sad part of it is that half of the views were me checking if the video was still there and working properly.
It is normal for a new channel, but for me, what I did not have back then was a realistic understanding of what YouTube actually requires to grow. This post is for new YouTubers who want the truth. Not hypes, not shortcuts, and not get rich in 30 days advice. If you have the goal of growing your YouTube Channel over a long period of time, get it monetised and earn from it, this is what you need to know before creating a YouTube Channel.
Based on years of learning from experts, conducting research, watching tons of videos to get my channel better, I have learned from experience, and here is the honest truth about what you need to know before you create your YouTube Channel.
The "Niche" Your Freedom, Not Your Cage.
One of the biggest mistakes new creators make is being too broad. They want to talk about "lifestyle," which usually means "everything and nothing." That is not it. To be able to build a good channel, your channel must solve a specific problem for people. Do not misunderstand my words, solving a problem does not necessarily mean you are going to teach someone how to ride a bicycle or teach someone how to answer a difficult maths question. People are looking for entertainment that is also a problem you can solve.
The wrong thing new creators do.
Making videos about cooking, gaming, and travel all on one channel.
The right thing you must do
Making videos specifically about "Budget Travel for Solo Female Backpackers."
YouTube Is Not Just a Social Platform but a Search Engine
Treating YouTube like Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook is another mistake that beginners make. YouTube is owned by Google, and it behaves more like a search and recommendation engine.
What Does This Means
- Videos can get views for months or years later
- Titles, descriptions, and tags actually matter
- Content that answers questions performs better long-term
If your videos solve a problem or answer a clear question, it has a much higher chance of being discovered (that is, people will easily find them).
Don’t Expect Fast Growth
Let me be direct:
Most successful YouTubers struggled for months, and sometimes years, before finally getting their channel through.
Even creators like MrBeast have publicly stated that their early videos failed. This should tell you it is not an easy task. That is not to scare you, but to encourage you to be prepared and put in more effort if you really want to enjoy the YouTube perks.
How YouTube Growth Works
- First 10–30 videos may get very low views
- The algorithm doesn’t “trust” new channels yet
- You’re still learning what your audience wants
This phase should not discourage you. I have personally abandoned a lot of my channels, which I started out well back in school, and to date, I still feel the pain of abandoning them.
Equipment Matters Less Than You Think
Having a wrong idea that I need a laptop, an expensive studio, or a very good and classy microphone, costing almost $2,000 dollars before starting a YouTube Channel will actually delay you. What you will need, actually, is a smartphone with good video quality, clear audio, natural light, or a simple desk lamp if needed. Let your focus be on clarity and not on making it perfect.
Your Content Strategy Matters More Than Your Passion Alone
Before you start a YouTube Channel, ask yourself, can I make at least
- 50 videos on this topic
- Are people already searching for this content
- Can I offer a slightly different angle or experience
Choose good beginner-friendly niches. These include
- Tutorials and how-tos
- Educational explainers
- Personal development
- Gaming (with a unique focus)
- Commentary or reactions (with insight)
If you find it challenging, you can use tools like YouTube search suggestions, Google Trends, TubeBuddy, or VidIQ (tools widely used by creators)
Learn the Basics of the YouTube Algorithm
Working with the algorithm is what you need to do, not to beat it.
Key Metrics You Should Understand
- Click-Through Rate (CTR): Are people clicking?
- Watch Time: How long do they stay?
- Audience Retention: Where do they drop off?
If people click and watch longer, YouTube promotes your video. That’s it.
This information is openly shared by YouTube in creator updates and official blogs.
