If you think YouTube has passed its peak as a social media platform, think again. It is the second most visited website in the world, just behind Google and way ahead of Facebook. Part of the appeal of YouTube is that it has such a wide variety of content. Nearly anything you can think of, you’re likely to find a video about it on the platform. While some people create YouTube content simply as a hobby, others see YouTube as a way to build a career or even pursue the spotlight. I recently spoke to the writers of the new film, Dumb Money, about a real-life YouTuber called Roaring Kitty who not only gave out stock tips to regular, working people on YouTube, he started a movement that flipped the financial world upside down. YouTube is a place where anything can happen. 

No matter your reason for creating a YouTube channel, if you do it thoughtfully and consistently, it can be a great way to generate income. But making money on YouTube is dependent upon having lots of subscribers – hopefully in the millions – who will watch the ads that support your content. The most popular YouTuber is known as MrBeast, who currently has 116 million subscribers. MrBeast recently dethroned PewDiePie for the number one position when he offered to give away an island to his one-hundred-millionth subscriber. Sure, it was a crazy scheme but also clever and creative. And his fans loved it.  

But there’s more to succeeding on any social media platform than just giving away fancy prizes. Finding popularity on YouTube depends on having something interesting to share, constantly finding new ways to connect with your audience and developing your own, authentic voice.

In this article, we’ll talk about ways to create your own unique voice that not only enhances your video presence on the platform but also distinguishes you from other creators and encourages viewers to hit that precious subscribe button.   

1. Identify Your Passion 

Whether it’s baking, gardening, working out or making films, the first task before creating a YouTube channel is choosing a topic that you are genuinely passionate about. The more passionate you are, the more your natural enthusiasm will show in your content, energizing your drive to generate new videos. If you are truly passionate about Roblox for example, your videos will be exciting and relatable to other people who feel the same way. 

2. Be Authentic

To be authentic, you need to accept your whole self – flaws and all. You don’t need to be perfect. In fact, you should fully embrace your imperfections. The YouTube audience often relates more strongly to imperfect people who feel real. Life is about challenges and the only way to cultivate personal growth is to face those challenges. Your true, authentic self is your unique selling point.

3. Find Your Tone 

Are you naturally funny? Then lean into creating humorous content. People love to laugh and if you can make people feel a bit lighter and take away their worries for just a few minutes, people will share your content. If your passion is more serious, say animal rescue, or inspiring young girls through science, then go for the tone that matches your passion. Remember to keep your tone consistent as it’s part of your brand and it’s what people will come to expect from your channel.  

Read More: How to Write Voice

4. Connect with Your Audience

One of the differences between YouTubers and Hollywood movie stars is that YouTubers feel so much more accessible. On YouTube, there is plenty of freedom to engage with your audience and it only builds your authenticity. It’s important to respond to comments, ask for feedback, and involve your audience in your content creation process. Understand what they like and tailor your content accordingly. Sharing personal anecdotes and experiences can make your content more relatable and engaging.

5. Improve Your Skills

It really helps to keep honing your skills, whether it be video editing or creating your own music, put in the time and effort to be the best you can be. If you make comedy videos, take improv classes. If you make cooking videos, take a pastry class. Expand your skill set. The better quality your content is, the more seriously people will take you.

6. Find a Niche 

Depending on your passion, try to find a unique niche within your broader topic. Specialize. If you like to work out, maybe focus on the most unique outdoor workouts in city spaces. If you do makeup tutorials, try recreating looks from movies in the 1930s. Do your research and if you can identify a topic area that’s lacking content, take the lead and become the expert. 

7. Collaborate 

Collaborating with other YouTubers exposes you to new audiences and can add variety to your content. Plus, it’s fun! Collaboration brings new ideas and perspectives to your channel and will help keep your content fresh and exciting. 

Read More: Collaborative Writing

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The bottom line is that developing your own unique voice as a content creator takes time, persistence and hard work. If you find that your channel isn’t growing as quickly as you’d like, shake things up and try something new. As long as you are still being your authentic self, adhering to your values and beliefs, you can’t go wrong. Also, don’t be surprised if your unique voice evolves over time as you learn, grow, and understand your audience better. Stay true to yourself, and your authentic voice will shine through, making your content appealing and engaging to your viewers in ways unique to you.