In case your children have been dreaming about becoming YouTube stars, you may help them to create a popular channel. This task requires thorough preparation as you need to consider many things to make your channel successful. It’s important to take into account the existing regulations about kids as well as the age restrictions in your country. A lot of parents discourage their children from posting anything online fearing for their safety. However, such restrictions might put a strain on your relationship with your kids and prevent them from learning how to use social media.
Read on to learn how to create a successful YouTube channel for your children and help them give free rein to their creativity.
Main Steps for Setting Up a YouTube Channel for Kids
Even if your children are still under 13 years, they may still have a YouTube channel provided they create and upload videos under parental supervision. The first thing you need to do is to create a Google Account. It will allow you to set up a YouTube channel as well. When selecting the name of the channel, don’t disclose any personal information about your kids. It’s better to use a profile pic with a logo of your channel instead of a photo.
Discuss with your kids what topics interest them most. If they don’t like your suggestions but you insist on them, they might lose interest quickly. It’s better to shoot videos on topics that might also grab the attention of other kids. It will enable you to create trendy content. Such topics may include:
- Popular games
- Unboxing of toys
- Funny challenges
- Videos with pets
- Travel videos
Select the niche that seems interesting to your kids and check whether it meets Google’s FTC guidelines. Then, you just need to decide on the type of videos you are going to shoot and try to create your first clip.
How to Shoot Videos for a YouTube Channel for Kids
If you don’t have a good camera, it’s high time to buy one. You will need to use a model with an excellent lens and in-built image stabilization. Besides, it makes sense to invest in several external microphones and select suitable video editing software.
In case your kids want to create a travel vlog, you will need to use an action camera to capture dynamic footage during your trips. You can also use the best GoPro video editor to quickly enhance your videos and share them online.
These days, it’s possible to create a YouTube channel even if you are on a tight budget. There is no need to use expensive equipment as you can shoot decent footage with your smartphone.
Before shooting a video, select the most suitable location. You can shoot videos at home, rent a studio, or capture footage outside. When working at home, you may need to set up lighting equipment. Alternatively, you can use natural light falling through the windows.
It’s also important to use the right props and clothes. Pay attention to the outfits your kids are wearing. Once your channel becomes successful, you may also establish partnerships with brands that release clothes for children.
To create engaging content, you need to shoot footage of your children who are genuinely enjoying what they are doing. Whether they unbox toys, create cooking tutorials, or do magic tricks, try to capture real emotions as they will make your videos look more natural.
How to Establish a Publishing Schedule
To build up your following, you need to keep your audience waiting for more. Set a clear schedule and encourage people to subscribe to your channel. It will allow them to get notifications about newly uploaded videos.
Create a content plan to understand which videos you need to shoot in the following months and set their release dates. If you are on a budget, you will need to edit your videos by yourself so make sure to consider this when creating a schedule.
Meet FTC Requirements
If you are going to promote products, you need to create content that fully complies with FTC guidelines. It’s necessary to indicate that your content is aimed at kids. To do it, open customization options, go to Advanced settings, and indicate that your channel is “Made for Kids.” Thanks to it, your videos will be recommended for children, which will help you widen your outreach.
By the age of 11, 37% of U.S. kids own a smartphone. At the same time, smartphones are used by 91% of 14-year-olds, which is why it’s better to make your videos appealing to this age group as well.
Privacy Settings
Many parents worry that their kids might become targeted by predators as a result of their Internet activity. In addition, when browsing the web, children may access age-restricted content. To meet the COPPA requirements, it’s better to turn off some features on your channel:
- Autoplay on the home screen
- Watermarks
- Comments
- Donations
- Personalized ads
By paying attention to the privacy settings of a channel, you will protect your kids and ensure that they won’t become victims of cyberbullying. To avoid possible misunderstandings, it’s also important to set clear rules for your kids.
Follow these tips, and you will create an engaging YouTube channel for kids that complies with all the official guidelines!