Complete Guide to Starting YouTube - Equipment, Editing & Monetization A to Z

Introduction: Is YouTube Still a Land of Opportunity in 2026?

As of 2026, YouTube has firmly established itself as the world's largest video platform. Looking at South Korea alone, the monthly active users (MAU) have surpassed 46 million, which essentially means almost every smartphone user in the country watches YouTube. There are approximately 1.2 million active YouTube creators in Korea, and over 20,000 channels have earned the Silver Play Button (100,000+ subscribers).

"Isn't it already a red ocean?" is a question I get asked frequently. The conclusion is: there are still plenty of opportunities. The reasons are, first, YouTube's total watch time increases every year, meaning the pie itself keeps growing; second, the rapid growth of Shorts has lowered the barrier to entry; and third, the advancement of AI tools has enabled solo creators to produce professional-level content. In fact, even in 2025, there were numerous channels that started from 0 subscribers and reached 100,000 within just 6 months.

In this article, we systematically cover everything from A to Z for those starting YouTube for the first time: from channel setup, equipment selection, content planning, video editing, SEO optimization, to monetization. This will also provide useful insights for those who are already running a channel but experiencing a growth plateau.

1. YouTube Channel Setup and Initial Configuration

1.1 Creating a Channel (Step by Step)

Creating a YouTube channel is simpler than you might think. Anyone with a Google account can create a channel for free. Here are the specific steps for channel creation:

• Step 1: Prepare a Google Account - If you already use Gmail, no separate account creation is needed. However, if you want to separate your personal account from your channel, it's recommended to create a new Google account specifically for YouTube. This makes privacy protection and channel management easier.
• Step 2: Create a YouTube Channel - After logging into youtube.com, click on your profile icon in the upper right corner and select "Create a channel." By choosing "Use a custom name," you can set a channel name different from your Google account name. This is called a "Brand Account," and multiple people can jointly manage a single channel.
• Step 3: Set Up Profile Picture - Set up a profile image that represents your channel. The recommended size is 800x800 pixels, and since it gets cropped into a circle, design it so that important elements are centered. Using free design tools like Canva, you can easily create a professional profile image.
• Step 4: Set Up Banner Image - The banner image displayed at the top of your channel is recommended to be 2560x1440 pixels. However, since the actual displayed area varies by device, core information (channel name, upload schedule, etc.) should be placed within the central 1546x423 pixel area.

1.2 Channel Branding

Simply creating a channel and building it as a "brand" are entirely different things. Successful YouTube channels have a clear identity and consistent branding.

• Niche Selection - The most important first decision on YouTube is "what content will I create?" Choosing a specific niche rather than a broad topic is more advantageous for early growth. For example, instead of a "cooking" channel, go for "10-minute meals for singles living alone," or instead of a "tech" channel, try "AI usage tips for small businesses." When selecting your niche, find the area where three circles overlap: (1) what I'm good at, (2) what I enjoy, (3) what viewers want.
• Define Target Audience - Create a specific persona of your ideal viewer. Define their age, gender, occupation, interests, and concerns in detail. The more specific, like "late 20s to early 30s, someone working a day job who wants to start YouTube," the clearer your content direction becomes.
• Write Channel Description - The description field in the channel info tab affects both YouTube search and Google search. Include the topics your channel covers, the value viewers can gain, and your upload schedule, while naturally incorporating key keywords. The first 150 characters are the most important, as this part appears in search results.
• Set Channel Keywords - You can set channel keywords in YouTube Studio under "Settings > Channel > Basic Info." Enter 5-10 keywords related to your channel's core topics. This helps the YouTube algorithm understand the nature of your channel.

1.3 Popular Content Categories in 2026

The category you choose significantly affects competition, profitability, and growth speed. Here is a comparison of major categories as of 2026:

Category	Competition	CPM (Profitability)	Growth Potential	Recommended For
AI/Tech Reviews	Medium	High ($6-$11)	Very High	IT professionals, early adopters
Finance/Investment	High	Very High ($7-$18)	High	Finance experts, economy enthusiasts
Cooking/Mukbang	Very High	Medium ($2-$5)	Medium	Skilled cooks, food streamers
Vlog/Daily Life	Very High	Low ($1-$3)	Low	Charismatic individuals, unique occupations
Education/Lectures	Medium	High ($4-$9)	High	Subject matter experts, instructors
Health/Fitness	High	High ($4-$7)	High	Trainers, medical professionals
Shorts/Short-form	Very High	Low ($0.40-$1.50)	Very High	Beginners seeking rapid growth

2. Equipment Guide: Recommendations by Budget

2.1 Cameras

Many beginner creators think "I can't start without a good camera." However, this is one of the most common misconceptions. As of 2026, smartphone camera performance has already reached a sufficient level, and in fact, there are quite a few creators with over 1 million subscribers who shoot exclusively with smartphones.

• Smartphone Shooting ($0) - If you have a Galaxy S24 or newer, or iPhone 15 or newer, you can shoot in 4K, which is perfectly suitable for YouTube content. Especially for vlogs, mukbangs, and Shorts, smartphone shooting can actually give a more natural feel. Just add a tripod and mount for stable shooting.
• Entry-Level Camera ($350-$700) - If you're seriously starting YouTube, we recommend a mirrorless camera. The Sony ZV-E10 II (approx. $560) is optimized for YouTube shooting, offering excellent autofocus, background blur (bokeh) effect, and a flip screen. The Canon EOS R50 (approx. $630) is also a popular choice for beginners. Both support 4K shooting and have interchangeable lenses for long-term versatility.
• Professional Camera ($1,400+) - If you need high image quality and various shooting options, consider the Sony A7C II (approx. $1,400), Canon EOS R6 Mark III (approx. $2,000), etc. However, these may be overkill for beginners, and it's not too late to upgrade after your channel has grown somewhat.

2.2 Microphones

Audio quality is more important than video quality in videos. Viewers will continue watching even if the video quality is somewhat low, but they'll leave immediately if the sound is poor. Proper microphone investment dramatically improves video quality.

Microphone Type	Recommended Products	Price Range	Advantages	Best For
Wireless Lavalier	DJI Mic 2, Rode Wireless GO II	$100-$280	Freedom for mobile shooting, easy setup	Vlogs, interviews, outdoor shooting
USB Condenser Mic	Blue Yeti, Rode NT-USB Mini	$55-$140	Excellent sound quality, direct PC connection	Indoor shooting, gaming, education, ASMR
Shotgun (Boom) Mic	Rode VideoMic Pro+, Deity V-Mic D3	$100-$250	Camera-mounted, directional pickup	Solo talks, product reviews, lectures

2.3 Lighting

Lighting is a key element that determines the mood and professionalism of your videos. Even with the same camera, video quality can change dramatically depending on the lighting.

• Ring Light ($15-$35) - The most popular YouTube lighting, it casts uniform light on the face to make skin look clean. We recommend products 10 inches or larger, and choose a model with adjustable color temperature. Particularly suitable for beauty, mukbang, and talk content.
• Panel Light ($35-$140) - Provides even light over a wide area, allowing for more natural and professional-looking videos. The Neewer 660 LED Panel (approx. $50) and Elgato Key Light (approx. $140) are popular products. Setting up a three-point lighting system (key light, fill light, back light) can achieve broadcast-quality lighting.
• Using Natural Light ($0) - If you have no budget, maximize natural light. Sitting by a window with your face at a 45-degree angle to the light creates the most natural and beautiful lighting. Avoid direct sunlight and diffuse the light with curtains or sheer fabric for softer lighting. The ideal shooting time is between 10 AM and 2 PM.

2.4 Minimum Budget Setup

3. Content Planning and Shooting

3.1 Content Planning Process

Good videos are already 80% complete before you turn on the camera. Systematic planning shortens shooting time, improves video quality, and makes viewer response predictable.

• Idea Discovery - Content ideas are hidden everywhere in daily life. Collect frequently asked questions from YouTube comments, auto-complete search terms on Google, and frequently discussed topics in online communities (Reddit, forums, etc.). Using Google Trends (trends.google.com), you can identify trending search terms. Keep an idea notebook close by and develop the habit of immediately recording ideas as they come to you.
• Writing a Planning Document - Once an idea is decided, write a planning document. The document should include: the video's core message (summarized in one sentence), target audience, expected video length, required shooting locations and props, and a list of reference videos or materials. At the planning stage, you should be able to clearly answer "Why would viewers click on this video?"
• Writing Scripts - Whether you write a complete script or just a keyword-based outline depends on the content type and personal style. For educational/lecture content, a complete script is effective; for vlogs or reaction content, a keyword outline feels more natural. Regardless of the method, always design the structure: opening (hook) > main body (core content) > closing (CTA).

3.2 Basic Shooting Techniques

Let's explore basic shooting techniques for creating professional-looking videos. These aren't complex skills - just following simple principles will noticeably improve your video quality.

• Composition Basics - Rule of Thirds - Divide the screen into 9 sections (3 horizontal, 3 vertical) and place the main subject at the intersection points. Most smartphones and cameras have a grid display feature, so activate it. Having the face slightly off-center rather than dead center looks more visually stable and professional.
• Using Angles - Eye-level angle is the most basic and stable. A slightly elevated high angle gives a friendly and cute feel, while a low angle looking up gives a grand and powerful impression. Mixing various angles within a single video avoids visual monotony.
• B-Roll and Insert Cuts - B-Roll refers to supplementary video clips used alongside the main footage (A-Roll). For example, in a video introducing a cafe, you would insert shots of coffee being brewed, interior details, and window views (B-Roll) between shots of you speaking (A-Roll). B-Roll enhances immersion and is also useful for covering mistakes during editing. Develop the habit of capturing plenty of B-Roll during shooting.

3.3 Solo Shooting Tips

Most beginner creators have to do everything alone. Handling camera setup, lighting adjustment, microphone testing, shooting, and performing all by yourself is not easy, but knowing a few tips makes it much more manageable.

• Key to Self-Shooting - Using a Flip Screen - A flip screen (rotating display) on your camera is essential for solo creators. With smartphones, you can use small mirror accessories or external monitors to check the screen while shooting with the rear camera instead of the front camera. Always shoot a 15-second test video before the actual shoot to check composition, focus, and audio levels.
• Creating an Efficient Shooting Routine - To increase shooting efficiency, create a consistent routine. Fix your shooting location and mark the lighting and camera positions (using tape on the floor) to significantly reduce setup time each time. "Batch Filming" is also recommended - once set up, shoot 2-3 videos consecutively to maximize shooting efficiency relative to setup time.
• Don't Be Afraid of Mistakes - Even if you flub a line or stumble over words, don't stop the camera. Pause for 3 seconds and then restart - this makes it easy to cut out the mistake during editing. Also, small mistakes and natural reactions can actually add a human touch to your videos, earning viewer affection.

4. Video Editing: Tools and Techniques

4.1 Editing Software Comparison

Video editing is the most time-consuming stage in YouTube content creation. Choosing the right editing tool can drastically reduce editing time while achieving high-quality results.

Software	Price	Difficulty	Advantages	Disadvantages
DaVinci Resolve	Free (Paid: approx. $280)	Medium-High	Professional-grade features, best color grading, free version sufficient	Steep learning curve, high PC specs required
CapCut (PC/Mobile)	Free	Low	Intuitive UI, rich templates, AI subtitles	Limited detailed editing, watermark (free version)
iMovie	Free (Mac/iOS)	Low	Beginner-friendly, Apple ecosystem integration	Mac only, limited features
Premiere Pro	$17/month (Adobe subscription)	Medium-High	Industry standard, rich plugins, After Effects integration	Subscription cost, steep learning curve
Final Cut Pro	Approx. $280 (one-time purchase)	Medium	Mac optimized, fast rendering, intuitive	Mac only, weak collaboration features
Descript	Free-$24/month	Low	AI-based text editing, auto subtitles, filler removal	Limited advanced editing, English-optimized
Opus Clip	Free-$15/month	Low	AI automatically generates Shorts/clips	Cannot edit long videos, limited customization

Beginner Recommendation: Start with CapCut to learn the basics, then transition to DaVinci Resolve (free) or Premiere Pro (paid) as your channel grows. In 2026, AI editing tools have advanced remarkably, so using AI tools like Descript or Opus Clip as supplements can reduce editing time by over 50%.

4.2 Basic Editing Skills

Regardless of which editing software you use, the basic editing skills you need to know are the same:

• Jump Cut - The most commonly used editing technique on YouTube. It involves cutting out pauses or unnecessary parts to increase the pace of the video. Excessive jump cuts can feel distracting, so insert B-Roll or zoom in/out between cuts for smoother transitions. The core principle is "don't give viewers a chance to get bored."
• Transitions - Effects that naturally connect scenes. Beyond the basic cut transition, use dissolves, wipes, and zoom transitions appropriately. However, overusing flashy transitions can make your video look amateurish, so restraint is important. Most popular creators primarily use simple cuts and zoom transitions.
• Text and Subtitles - Displaying key keywords or important information as on-screen text helps viewer comprehension and retention. Full subtitles are very effective for users who watch with sound off (approximately 30%). In 2026, AI auto-subtitle capabilities have greatly improved, and AI subtitle features in CapCut or Descript can dramatically reduce subtitle work time.
• Sound Design - Background music (BGM), sound effects (SFX), and volume control determine the mood of your video. Choose music that matches the tone of your video for BGM, but keep the volume lower than the voice (typically 20-30% of voice volume). You can find royalty-free music on YouTube Audio Library, Artlist, Epidemic Sound, and more.

4.3 Creating Thumbnails

Thumbnails are the "cover" and "billboard" of your video. No matter how good your video is, it won't get clicked if the thumbnail isn't attractive. According to YouTube data, videos with higher click-through rates (CTR) receive more algorithmic recommendations.

• Tool Selection - Canva (free/paid) is the best tool that even beginners can use to create professional thumbnails. Hundreds of YouTube thumbnail templates are available, and you can easily customize them with drag and drop. Photoshop (Adobe Photoshop) is used when more detailed work is needed, and it's the industry standard tool used by most professional creators.
• High CTR Thumbnail Formula - Synthesizing numerous analyses, thumbnails with high CTR share common patterns. First, place a face with strong emotions (surprise, joy, shock) prominently. Second, keep text to 3-5 words with only the core message, using large fonts and contrasting colors. Third, use bright, high-contrast colors (yellow, red tones). Fourth, include information that complements rather than duplicates the title. Fifth, create at 1280x720 pixels (16:9 ratio).

5. YouTube SEO and Algorithm

5.1 Understanding the YouTube Algorithm

The YouTube algorithm feels like a "black box" to many creators, but its core principle is surprisingly simple. The YouTube algorithm works toward one goal: "Make viewers stay on YouTube longer." Therefore, the essence of the algorithm is recommending videos that viewers are likely to enjoy.

• Suggested Videos - The most powerful traffic source, accounting for approximately 40-50% of all YouTube traffic. Videos that are highly related to what the viewer is currently watching and that match the viewer's watch history patterns get recommended. To leverage this, creating a series of videos on specific topics to build connections between related videos is effective.
• Search - YouTube is the second largest search engine after Google. By optimizing titles, descriptions, and tags for the keywords viewers search for, you can appear at the top of search results. Videos containing keywords with clear search intent, such as "how to," "review," "comparison," "best," and "vs," can consistently capture search traffic.
• Home Feed - The first screen you see when opening the YouTube app. The Home Feed comprehensively considers the viewer's past watch history, subscribed channels, and current trends to arrange videos. To increase Home Feed exposure, consistent upload frequency and high click-through rate (CTR) are key.

5.2 SEO Optimization

YouTube SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the process of optimizing your videos to appear more in search and recommendations. Here are proven SEO strategies:

• Title Writing Tips - Place the core keyword at the beginning of the title. Write within 60 characters, combining search-strong keywords with emotionally compelling expressions that encourage clicks. Example: "YouTube Monetization Requirements 2026 | Realistic Income Revealed (How to Reach 1,000 Subscribers)" - here, "YouTube Monetization Requirements" is the search keyword, and "Realistic Income Revealed" is the click incentive.
• Description Writing Tips - The first 2-3 lines are most important. This part appears as a preview in search results and should naturally include core keywords. Below that, organize timestamps (chapters), related links, and social media accounts. The full description should be at least 200 characters, preferably 500+ characters for better SEO.
• Tags and Hashtags - Tags inform YouTube about the topic of your video. Combine 3-5 core keywords and 5-10 related keywords. Hashtags (#) are added to the title or description, with 3-5 being optimal. Too many hashtags can actually have a negative effect.
• Keyword Research Tools - TubeBuddy (free/paid) and VidIQ (free/paid) are essential tools for YouTube SEO. These tools provide data on keyword search volume, competition level, recommended tags, and competitor channel analysis, enabling data-driven SEO strategies. Both can be started with free versions and installed as Chrome extensions for use directly within the YouTube interface.

5.3 How to Increase Watch Time

In the YouTube algorithm, Watch Time and Average View Duration are the most important metrics. The more viewers watch a video to the end, the more the algorithm recommends it.

• Hooking - The First 30 Seconds Are Crucial - Viewers decide within the first 5-10 seconds whether to keep watching. Therefore, start your video with the most interesting scene, a surprising result, or a powerful question. Patterns like "In this video, you'll learn about~," "Did you know how to~?," and "Let me start with the conclusion..." are effective. Starting with a lengthy intro, self-introduction, or channel promotion is the most common mistake.
• Structure - Keep Viewers from Leaving - Structure the entire video logically so viewers continuously feel curious about "what comes next?" Showing a table of contents upfront and using the "Open Loop" technique, where each section builds anticipation for the next, is effective. A typical example is: "The third method is the most important, and I'll reveal it shortly."
• End Screens and Cards - Always set up end screens in the last 20 seconds to recommend other videos or playlists. This encourages viewers to continue watching within your channel, contributing to increased overall channel watch time. Mid-video cards can also be inserted to guide viewers to related content.

6. Monetization Requirements and Revenue Structure

6.1 YouTube Partner Program (YPP) Requirements

To earn ad revenue on YouTube, you must join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). As of 2026, the YPP enrollment requirements are as follows:

• Basic Requirements (Ad Revenue): 1,000 subscribers or more + 4,000 hours of public video watch time in the past 12 months, or 10 million public Shorts views in the past 90 days. You only need to meet one of these two criteria.
• Expanded Requirements (Fan Funding): 500 subscribers or more + 3,000 hours of public video watch time in the past 12 months, or 3 million public Shorts views in the past 90 days. At this stage, you can first use fan funding features like Super Chat, Super Thanks, and channel memberships.
• Other Requirements: You must have no YouTube Community Guidelines strikes, and a Google AdSense account must be linked. Additionally, if operating in South Korea, business registration or tax information registration may be required.

Realistically, it takes an average of 6 months to 1 year to reach 1,000 subscribers. Of course, this varies greatly depending on content niche, quality, and upload frequency. Actively utilizing Shorts can accelerate subscriber acquisition.

6.2 Revenue Structure

YouTube creator revenue isn't limited to ad revenue alone. Understanding and leveraging various revenue sources allows you to generate meaningful income regardless of channel size.

• AdSense Ad Revenue - The most basic revenue source, generated through ads inserted into videos (pre-roll, mid-roll, post-roll). Revenue is calculated by CPM (cost per 1,000 impressions), with the average CPM in South Korea being approximately $1.50-$6. However, high-value categories like finance, insurance, and IT can have CPMs exceeding $7. Videos over 8 minutes can include mid-roll ads for increased revenue.
• Super Chat & Super Thanks - Super Chat allows viewers to pay to send messages during live streams, while Super Thanks allows viewers to pay as a token of appreciation on regular videos. This can be a significant additional income source for channels with active fan engagement.
• Channel Memberships - A feature where viewers pay a monthly subscription to become channel members, receiving benefits like exclusive badges, emojis, and exclusive content. It functions as a stable monthly income source for channels with a loyal fan base.
• Brand Sponsorships (PPL) - When companies commission creators to promote their products or services. Even with fewer subscribers, you can receive sponsorship offers if you have influence in a specific niche. With 10,000 subscribers, you can expect $200-$700 per deal; with 100,000+ subscribers, $1,400-$3,500 per deal.
• Affiliate Marketing - A method where you place recommendation links for specific products or services in your video description, earning commissions when purchases are made through those links. Amazon Associates is a representative example, and it pairs well with review/recommendation content.

6.3 Realistic Revenue Outlook

Let's talk honestly about YouTube revenue. Many sources emphasize "earning millions per month with YouTube," but reality is somewhat different.

Subscriber Count	Est. Monthly Views	Est. Monthly AdSense Revenue	Additional Revenue Potential
1,000-5,000	10K-100K views	$4-$35	Small sponsorships possible
5,000-10,000	100K-500K views	$35-$175	Sponsorship inquiries begin
10,000-100,000	500K-3M views	$175-$1,050	Regular sponsorships, affiliate marketing
100,000+	3M+ views	$1,050+	High-value sponsorships, own products

Conclusion: Getting Started Is Half the Battle - Upload Your First Video

We've covered everything you need to start YouTube from A to Z. Channel setup, equipment selection, content planning, video shooting and editing, SEO optimization, and monetization - it's a vast amount of information, but the most important thing is just one: just start.

If you wait until you have perfect equipment, perfect editing skills, and perfect content plans, you'll never start. Look up the first videos of today's most popular creators. You'll easily find shaky footage, awkward editing, and stumbling over words. They reached their current position because "they uploaded even when it wasn't perfect."

YouTube is a marathon. Your first video might not even get 100 views, and you might have only 50 subscribers after 3 months. But if you consistently upload, improve a little with each video, and listen to viewer feedback, the growth tipping point will inevitably come. Both the YouTube algorithm and viewers ultimately reward creators who are consistent and dedicated.

We're rooting for your YouTube journey. If reading this article today is the first step, create your channel tomorrow and shoot your first video this week. Getting started is half the battle. Upload your first video now.