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YouTube Channels For Dummies
Create content and build a YouTube channel like a pro Written by a successful YouTube channel producer, YouTube Channels For Dummies shows you how to create content, establish a channel, build an audience, and successfully monetize video content online. Beginning with the basics, it shows you how to establish a channel, join a partner program, and develop a content plan. Next, you'll gain insight into how to create content that builds a channel, enhance the viral nature of a video, encourage subscriptions, and earn repeat views. If that weren't enough, you'll go on even further to learn how to get the word out about your channel and discover ways to enhance your potential profits. That's a lot of info―but it's easily digestible and simple to put into practice when it's provided in the accessible and trusted For Dummies format.
YouTube is the third most-visited website on the Internet, making it prime real estate for anyone seeking customers, celebrity, or education. If you want to harness this irresistible platform and reach a global platform, YouTube Channels For Dummies makes it easy. In no time, you'll have the know-how to create a YouTube channel with regular subscribers who watch, re-watch, and share your videos.
Includes ten easy tips for growing a raptured YouTube audience Details how to enhance the viral nature of a video Shows you how to create and maintain a YouTube channel that generates views and revenue Written by the producer of a leading YouTube channel
YouTube is the third most-visited website on the Internet, making it prime real estate for anyone seeking customers, celebrity, or education. If you want to harness this irresistible platform and reach a global platform, YouTube Channels For Dummies makes it easy. In no time, you'll have the know-how to create a YouTube channel with regular subscribers who watch, re-watch, and share your videos.
Includes ten easy tips for growing a raptured YouTube audience Details how to enhance the viral nature of a video Shows you how to create and maintain a YouTube channel that generates views and revenue Written by the producer of a leading YouTube channel
594 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2014
195 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 27, 2023
I always think these books are going to be helpful. Like the last Dummies book I picked up, this one is already outdated. The version I picked up was supposed to be the updated 2nd edition. Some of the text may have been updated, but none of the pictures. The flow of the chapters don't completely make sense. There is a whole chapter on how to advertise on Youtube. An important topic, but I would bet most people pick this book up to learn how to start a channel, not advertise. The production information is extremely minimal. I'm not sure what exactly would be needed to improve this book, but it is probably best to skip this book. Instead, go directly to Youtube help pages to get what you need and youtube channels for tips on growing a channel.
August 7, 2020
3.5 stars
A good beginner's guide that covers a lot of ground. Some information is outdated already, since this was published in 2015.
The writing itself isn't my favorite. Parts are repetitive, there are quite a few typos, and then there are the sad attempts at humor. I prefer how-to books to be straightforward, and to not try to be anything they're not.
A good beginner's guide that covers a lot of ground. Some information is outdated already, since this was published in 2015.
The writing itself isn't my favorite. Parts are repetitive, there are quite a few typos, and then there are the sad attempts at humor. I prefer how-to books to be straightforward, and to not try to be anything they're not.
December 29, 2024
Truly a great book for beginners! I appreciated the relatable tone and organized format. While I did skip some sections (like the part on cameras since I already have one) overall I found the book super informative. Looking forward to trying things out on my new channel! Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe: https://youtube.com/@ashleylitsey?si=...
(See? Already putting what I learned to use!)
(See? Already putting what I learned to use!)
August 4, 2016
Windows video editing tools:
1) Windows Movie Maker
-import footage and pictures
-arrange and trim clips
- add music
-apply basic video effects and titles
2) Adobe Premiere
-works with multiple video & audio tracks
*allows for easy arrangement of footage and complex narrative structures
-there's 2 kinds:
* Premiere Elements
a. similar to Windows Movie Maker, but more
b. organizes footage more intelligently
c. stabilize shaky footage
d. comes supplied with a huge selection of transitions and visual effects
e. can handle green screen effects and graphics
* Premiere Pro
a. Like premiere Elements, but more organized and can store more
Logging Footage:
1. Download footage to computer
2. Import the footage into your editing program
3. Organize your clips
4. Watch your footage
5. Remove unwanted material
6. Take notes
7. Mark the best clips
1) Windows Movie Maker
-import footage and pictures
-arrange and trim clips
- add music
-apply basic video effects and titles
2) Adobe Premiere
-works with multiple video & audio tracks
*allows for easy arrangement of footage and complex narrative structures
-there's 2 kinds:
* Premiere Elements
a. similar to Windows Movie Maker, but more
b. organizes footage more intelligently
c. stabilize shaky footage
d. comes supplied with a huge selection of transitions and visual effects
e. can handle green screen effects and graphics
* Premiere Pro
a. Like premiere Elements, but more organized and can store more
Logging Footage:
1. Download footage to computer
2. Import the footage into your editing program
3. Organize your clips
4. Watch your footage
5. Remove unwanted material
6. Take notes
7. Mark the best clips
April 20, 2017
Good read and offers good tips for those who already have youtube channels or those intending to start one
March 31, 2022
Personal/Professional/Social as well as Business Development Vehicle - Having done a little bit with digital video conversion, editing and begun a YouTube channel to post a few videos, I thought it would be useful to finally get more knowledge on this topic. Suffice it to say, there is a lot more to it than I realized, and this book did begin to provide me with some idea of the different dimensions involved and ways one might use them to some advantage.
More specifically, contents include an Introduction and 5 parts. Part 1: Getting started with YouTube. Making a home on YouTube; The basics of YouTube; Building your channel from the ground up; Part 2: Making a great YouTube Video. What makes a good video a good video? Making plans both large and small; Acquiring the tools of the trade; Putting it all together to capture some video; Fixing it in post: the edit; Preparing for upload day; Part 3: Growing and knowing your audience. Building your audience; Knowing you audience; Part 4: YouTube channels are serious business. How and why businesses use YouTube; Expanding your audience with Google Ads; YouTube monetization: how to earn money on YouTube; Part 5: The part of tens. Ten key steps to improving YouTube search results; Ten things to know about copyright.
Stand-out parts for me included those about nature of YouTube, developing an audience, and features such as descriptions, trailers and playlists. For instance, in the Introduction, the authors relate that “YouTube . . . globalized the viewing experience, reinventing how people show videos by making it possible to share with audiences considerably larger than that bunch of friends and family . . . Any viewer who wanted to see any video anywhere in the world only had to click on youtube.com. . . it’s almost as easy for a contributor to become part of the YouTube mix.” They explain that whether one is trying to pursue their interests, make a name for themselves, build or complement a business YouTube is significant in developing a following or an audience. As the Ciampa’s, Go and Murphy put it (in Kindle Location 5756) “. . . Your challenge is to draw their attention . . . [which is] difficult . . . because they’re being bombarded by digital media from so many different sides.” The authors continue [Location 5756-61] to emphasize “That’s why video is vital: It helps you cut through all your audience’s distractions and deliver your value . . .proposition fast and effectively . . . video as an effective medium . . .” For someone like me, it was a revelation to learn more about YouTube features such as descriptions, trailers and playlists where someone can shape a channel to go from one with a few uploads to a showcase that can convey a narrative using your own and others content (see my review of Citroën's "Control the Narrative: The Executive's Guide to Building, Pivoting and Repairing Your Reputation:").
Drawbacks include the amount of attention devoted to advertising and monetization. However, it is easy to see such emphasis probably has great appeal to those who are pursuing business interests on YouTube. As the authors convey later in the book [Location 6097-98] “To understand YouTube . . . you need to know a little bit about Google . . . You may believe that Google is simply a big search engine company, but it’s really a big advertising company— that’s where it makes its money” (see my review of Rushkoff’s “Throwing Rocks at the Google Bus: How Growth Became the Enemy of Prosperity”). Such context makes their earlier remarks more pertinent [in Location 5737-56) when they say “. . . doing business on YouTube is a big deal: because that’s where . . . [the] customers are . . . 2 billion logged-in users per month . . .”
It is interesting to read about the ways YouTube is contributing to changes regarding business and potential opportunities for individuals in the years ahead. For instance, the authors express (Location 5892-89) that “This situation often comes across as quite strange to companies accustomed to controlling the business conversation around their brands and products . . . YouTube shatters that notion of control . . . the future of YouTube is for independent creators . . . producing fantastic content for a passionate fan base” (see my review of Pulizi’s "Content Inc.: How Entrepreneurs Use Content to Build Massive Audiences and Create Radically Successful Businesses")
So, while YouTube can be a “sink hole” like other social media platforms (see Lockwood’s “No One is Talking About This: A Novel”), it can also be a useful information source and vehicle for pursuing not only business interests, but personal, professional and social interests as well (e.g., see Daniels and Thistlethwaite’s “Being a Scholar in the Digital Era: Transforming Scholarly Practice for the Public Good”). Take a look at this book as one resource that can be helpful along these lines.
More specifically, contents include an Introduction and 5 parts. Part 1: Getting started with YouTube. Making a home on YouTube; The basics of YouTube; Building your channel from the ground up; Part 2: Making a great YouTube Video. What makes a good video a good video? Making plans both large and small; Acquiring the tools of the trade; Putting it all together to capture some video; Fixing it in post: the edit; Preparing for upload day; Part 3: Growing and knowing your audience. Building your audience; Knowing you audience; Part 4: YouTube channels are serious business. How and why businesses use YouTube; Expanding your audience with Google Ads; YouTube monetization: how to earn money on YouTube; Part 5: The part of tens. Ten key steps to improving YouTube search results; Ten things to know about copyright.
Stand-out parts for me included those about nature of YouTube, developing an audience, and features such as descriptions, trailers and playlists. For instance, in the Introduction, the authors relate that “YouTube . . . globalized the viewing experience, reinventing how people show videos by making it possible to share with audiences considerably larger than that bunch of friends and family . . . Any viewer who wanted to see any video anywhere in the world only had to click on youtube.com. . . it’s almost as easy for a contributor to become part of the YouTube mix.” They explain that whether one is trying to pursue their interests, make a name for themselves, build or complement a business YouTube is significant in developing a following or an audience. As the Ciampa’s, Go and Murphy put it (in Kindle Location 5756) “. . . Your challenge is to draw their attention . . . [which is] difficult . . . because they’re being bombarded by digital media from so many different sides.” The authors continue [Location 5756-61] to emphasize “That’s why video is vital: It helps you cut through all your audience’s distractions and deliver your value . . .proposition fast and effectively . . . video as an effective medium . . .” For someone like me, it was a revelation to learn more about YouTube features such as descriptions, trailers and playlists where someone can shape a channel to go from one with a few uploads to a showcase that can convey a narrative using your own and others content (see my review of Citroën's "Control the Narrative: The Executive's Guide to Building, Pivoting and Repairing Your Reputation:").
Drawbacks include the amount of attention devoted to advertising and monetization. However, it is easy to see such emphasis probably has great appeal to those who are pursuing business interests on YouTube. As the authors convey later in the book [Location 6097-98] “To understand YouTube . . . you need to know a little bit about Google . . . You may believe that Google is simply a big search engine company, but it’s really a big advertising company— that’s where it makes its money” (see my review of Rushkoff’s “Throwing Rocks at the Google Bus: How Growth Became the Enemy of Prosperity”). Such context makes their earlier remarks more pertinent [in Location 5737-56) when they say “. . . doing business on YouTube is a big deal: because that’s where . . . [the] customers are . . . 2 billion logged-in users per month . . .”
It is interesting to read about the ways YouTube is contributing to changes regarding business and potential opportunities for individuals in the years ahead. For instance, the authors express (Location 5892-89) that “This situation often comes across as quite strange to companies accustomed to controlling the business conversation around their brands and products . . . YouTube shatters that notion of control . . . the future of YouTube is for independent creators . . . producing fantastic content for a passionate fan base” (see my review of Pulizi’s "Content Inc.: How Entrepreneurs Use Content to Build Massive Audiences and Create Radically Successful Businesses")
So, while YouTube can be a “sink hole” like other social media platforms (see Lockwood’s “No One is Talking About This: A Novel”), it can also be a useful information source and vehicle for pursuing not only business interests, but personal, professional and social interests as well (e.g., see Daniels and Thistlethwaite’s “Being a Scholar in the Digital Era: Transforming Scholarly Practice for the Public Good”). Take a look at this book as one resource that can be helpful along these lines.
August 29, 2020
Sometimes the best deals are the ones that you do not do. ~ Lino Matteo 1992, let me know if someone said it earlier!
This book reminded me of one of my mantras. I was fooling around with starting a YouTube channel, had starting setting one up – but why?
Why will I develop content to YouTube’s standards, when video content is not what I currently do?
The book was very useful in that context. It was also useful if I did want to start one, and I have notes some ideas for doing so. Remember that my thoughts are represented as:
“What I think”
It also gave a good outline for another project that I was working on. Here are some highlights that are worth highlighting (in my case I was thinking about Pinterest) but it could apply to just about any social media or content writing project:
• Know the subject
• Prepare a script
• Use title cards…using words helps the lesson sink in
• Shoot cutaways
o A break in the current video by the insertion of another shot 9close ups and detail shots)
• Shoot multiple takes
• Make sure the narration is clean
It is also useful with some excellent planning tips, such as, Chapter 5: Making plans both large and small
• 100: establishing your channel’s mission
• Determining your goals
o Build a brand
o educate your target audience
o entertain the crowd
o sell something
o earn a living
• being different, being valuable, being authentic
• surveying the YouTube landscape
o influencers
o popular channels
o How engaged is the community?
o Is my idea different enough?
And other than everyone, who should your target audience be? Page 106: Understanding your target audience
• Goring narrow versus going broad
o Getting found
o Producing unique content
o Reaching influencers
o Having help
• Knowing why your audience matters
o Speed time on your channel
o Share your YouTube content with peers
o Subscribe to your channel
o Engage with your channel
o Be your creative advocates
• Finding out the nitty-gritty about your audience
o Who are they
o Where are they
o How do they get their information
o Who influences them
• Crafting a content strategy
o Content includes video and more
Video
Intros and outros
Metadata
Thumbnails
Annotations
End cards
Links
Web assets
And finally your YouTube strategy can reflect your style. For instance page 114, talks about different content formats. While I have expressed about my reluctance to get into regular content creation, the curation or collaboration models are more intriguing and palatable for me.
• Creation
• Curation
• Collaboration
Thanks and let me know if you have questions on the above or even my notes below.
Lino P Matteo
https://linomatteo.wordpress.com/2020...
October 26, 2020
Compré el libro con el paquete de Humble Bundle, precisamente es el libro que menos me interesaba, ya que se podría decir que llevo varios años en el desarrollo de canales de Youtube, Facebook y ahora TikTok. Pero siempre conviene revisar las estupendas ediciones de Wiley "For Dummies", ya que el formato que siguen, aunque lleva la palabra Dummies o tontos en español, creo que son los instruccionales más pedagógicos que se encuentran en el mercado por ende para "inteligentes" que deseen aprender más y mejor. El problema podrían ser los altos costos, sobre todo de las ediciones impresas, pero encontrar esta obra en dentro del paquete HB sigue siento, a pesar de mi interés, una ganga, aunque ciertamente el contenido comienza a envejecer, se requerirán las actualizaciones pertinentes.
La información es clara y relevante, con consejos y tutoriales con capturas de pantalla que ilustran correctamente.
Ampliamente recomendado para los que desean tomar un posición más activa en el mundo de Youtube, los videos, inbound y el social media
La información es clara y relevante, con consejos y tutoriales con capturas de pantalla que ilustran correctamente.
Ampliamente recomendado para los que desean tomar un posición más activa en el mundo de Youtube, los videos, inbound y el social media
August 2, 2025
📕 Why (Not) to read this book (Target Audience)
This book provides a good start when entering the space of online video, while it has a focus on YouTube many tips also work for other video platforms.
👀 How this book changed my daily live (Takeaways)
Success on YouTube requires strategy, consistency, and creativity
⁉ Spoiler Alerts (Highlights)
High-quality production values can significantly boost viewer retention.
Leveraging AI tools for video creation:
Aloud: https://aloud.area120.google.com/
YouTube Create: https://support.google.com/youtube/an...
YouTube dream screen: https://support.google.com/youtube/an...
✳️ All highlights
High-quality production values can significantly boost viewer retention.
Leveraging AI tools for video creation:
Aloud: https://aloud.area120.google.com/
YouTube Create: https://support.google.com/youtube/an...
YouTube dream screen: https://support.google.com/youtube/an...
This book provides a good start when entering the space of online video, while it has a focus on YouTube many tips also work for other video platforms.
👀 How this book changed my daily live (Takeaways)
Success on YouTube requires strategy, consistency, and creativity
⁉ Spoiler Alerts (Highlights)
High-quality production values can significantly boost viewer retention.
Leveraging AI tools for video creation:
Aloud: https://aloud.area120.google.com/
YouTube Create: https://support.google.com/youtube/an...
YouTube dream screen: https://support.google.com/youtube/an...
✳️ All highlights
High-quality production values can significantly boost viewer retention.
Leveraging AI tools for video creation:
Aloud: https://aloud.area120.google.com/
YouTube Create: https://support.google.com/youtube/an...
YouTube dream screen: https://support.google.com/youtube/an...
March 28, 2023
YouTube
If you're new to YouTube or looking to expand your knowledge, this book is an excellent resource. Although it's a bit outdated, the information and tips in this book are still relevant and helpful.
Ciampa's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, and he breaks down the process of setting up and managing a YouTube channel into simple, actionable steps. From creating engaging content to optimizing your videos for search, this book covers all the major tasks you'll need to perform to get your channel up and running.
While it may not cover the latest trends or features, this is still a valuable tool for those looking to establish a presence on YouTube. I particularly appreciated the detailed explanations and helpful screenshots throughout the book.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to start or grow their YouTube channel. With its practical advice and clear guidance, it's a must-read for aspiring YouTubers.
4.3/5
If you're new to YouTube or looking to expand your knowledge, this book is an excellent resource. Although it's a bit outdated, the information and tips in this book are still relevant and helpful.
Ciampa's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, and he breaks down the process of setting up and managing a YouTube channel into simple, actionable steps. From creating engaging content to optimizing your videos for search, this book covers all the major tasks you'll need to perform to get your channel up and running.
While it may not cover the latest trends or features, this is still a valuable tool for those looking to establish a presence on YouTube. I particularly appreciated the detailed explanations and helpful screenshots throughout the book.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to start or grow their YouTube channel. With its practical advice and clear guidance, it's a must-read for aspiring YouTubers.
4.3/5
March 5, 2025
I always felt the For Dummies books were great. But the last few years, I have tried them for technology. I find even the newest versions out of date. It does help with the overall understanding but actually helping figure out how to actually do things, is harder because the technology has moved on so fast.
July 24, 2017
A little repetitive, but completely understandable in this format. This will make a great reference.
June 18, 2018
It was good for the basics of having a youtube channel.
January 14, 2021
I skipped most of it.
January 25, 2022
Need to pick up the 2nd Edition. This version is already obsolete.
January 31, 2022
Definitely helpful! Great for people trying to get started. I got some great ideas, inspiration, and new ideas for the direction I'm planning on going.
April 19, 2020
I liked chapter 16 10 things to know about copyright. I think that Youtube channels for dummies was worth the time it took me to read. I wanted to read the book because I have a youtube channel and want to make it better.
What can I say about the book other than it was worth my time to read it. I enjoyed reading about how to make a good video description, and I also enjoyed reading about how to improve my youtube search results.
I had no idea what annotations were before read youtube channels for dummies. So I am glad I learned about them.
I wish books were only one or two pages. They would be so much quicker to read. As long as the print was not the size that I would need a microscope to read.
So I will say again that it was a worthwhile read. I don't yet know if it will improve my youtube channel. I read this book does improve my youtube channel.
What can I say about the book other than it was worth my time to read it. I enjoyed reading about how to make a good video description, and I also enjoyed reading about how to improve my youtube search results.
I had no idea what annotations were before read youtube channels for dummies. So I am glad I learned about them.
I wish books were only one or two pages. They would be so much quicker to read. As long as the print was not the size that I would need a microscope to read.
So I will say again that it was a worthwhile read. I don't yet know if it will improve my youtube channel. I read this book does improve my youtube channel.
December 31, 2016
Great book loading with tons of useful information. Explains the fundamentals of successful YouTube channel managing in great detail with easy to understand terminology.
I highly recommend this book if you have a YouTube channel or plan on having one.
I highly recommend this book if you have a YouTube channel or plan on having one.
December 23, 2018
I AINT STUPID I AM NOT DUM EITHER I KNOW HOW TO RUN A STINKING YOUTUBE CHANNEL THIS TRASH GIVES NO INFO AT ALL!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews