How to start a YouTube channel in 2026?

Short answer: Pick a niche, create consistently, obsess over titles/thumbnails.

Full Explanation

Step 1: Choose Your Niche

Be specific. Not "fitness" but "calisthenics for busy dads."

Ask:

• What do I know that others want to learn?
• What am I willing to make 100 videos about?
• Who is my specific viewer?

Step 2: Set Up Your Channel

1. Channel name — Memorable, searchable, or your personal brand 2. Profile picture — Your face or clear logo 3. Banner — What you do + upload schedule 4. About section — Keywords, personality, what to expect

Step 3: Equipment (Start Simple)

Minimum viable setup:

• Smartphone (modern phones = great quality)
• Natural lighting (window)
• Free editing (CapCut, DaVinci Resolve)

• Dedicated camera
• Ring light or softbox
• Quality microphone (audio matters more than video)

Step 4: Content Strategy

The YouTube Algorithm rewards:

• Click-through rate (CTR) — Do people click?
• Watch time — Do they stay?
• Engagement — Likes, comments, shares

Title50% of the click decision Thumbnail50% of the click decision Hook (first 30s)Keeps them watching ContentDelivers on the promise

Step 5: Publish Consistently

• Start with 1 video/week
• Same day, same time
• Quality > quantity (but quantity builds skill)

2026 YouTube Tips

1. Shorts matter — Feed long-form with Shorts discovery 2. AI tools help — Use for editing, thumbnails, ideation 3. Repurpose everything — One video → clips → posts → newsletter 4. Community tab — Engage between uploads

The Long Game

YouTube is a slow burn. Most channels take 1-2 years to gain traction. The creators who win are the ones who keep publishing.

100 videos. That's the benchmark. Most quit before then. Don't.

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