13 STREAMPUNK Vlogging
PICKING PROJECTS A lot of opportunities have come Calum’s way, but he chooses projects carefully
How do you engage and interact with your audience? I always listen to the feedback I get from my audience. I read all my comments and respond to as many as possible. I think the secret to success on YouTube is to understand what your audience want. I always try to make my videos seem like a conversation. I ask my audience questions, and make them feel like they’re part of a dialogue. I’m also extremely active on other platforms like Instagram and Twitter and try to make my audience feel as involved in my life and the creative process as possible. Some of my audience have been around since I created my first video and they’ve very much been an integral part of the journey. Some of them have even featured in my videos over the years! Your most valuable vlogging tip? To always be authentically yourself – it’s so easy to try to copy your favourite creators and to be exactly like them, but that’s not what people want to see. People want to see who you are, they want to hear what you have to say, and if you’re just copying somebody else you’re not showing your true, authentic self.
I started my YouTube channel with nothing more than a £20 webcam and the photo/ video editing software that came with my computer. I used the money I earned from AdSense to improve my equipment over time. I currently film with a DSLR with an upgraded lens, two light boxes and an external zoom mic. I edit my videos with Final Cut Pro X and Premiere Pro and edit my thumbnails with Photoshop. Equipment is definitely important and massively helps to improve the quality of your content, but I always like to remind new creators that you don’t need expensive equipment to make a good video. So many successful creators started with webcams and some of the most watched videos in the world were filmed on iPhones. Have you been able to monetise your channel? Adverts are just a small part of my income on YouTube, the majority of my income comes from brand partnerships and opportunities that come off the back of having a successful YouTube channel.
I STARTED MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL WITH NOTHING MORE THAN A £20 WEBCAM AND THE PHOTO/VIDEO EDITING SOFTWARE THAT CAME WITHMY COMPUTER A lot of different offers come through my inbox, but I always think it’s important to make sure I only work with the ones that are the right fit. Luckily I’ve got to work with some amazing brands and have done everything from promoting an LGBT+ charity clothing line to inviting my viewers to come to intimate private screenings of a new LGBT+ movie.
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