With over 2 billion active users, YouTube is the second-largest search engine after Google. It’s a platform where people find information, entertainment, and inspiration. YouTube creators have the power to influence their viewers’ opinions and actions, making it a lucrative career path for many. However, standing out from the crowd can be challenging, with many creators vying for attention. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the steps you can take to become a successful YouTube influencer in any niche, with practical tips and relevant examples.

Step 1: Identify your niche

Identifying your niche is the first step in becoming a successful YouTube influencer. With millions of channels on the platform, you need to find a specific topic or category that you’re passionate about and has an engaged audience. Here are some tips for finding your niche:

• Explore your interests: Consider what you enjoy doing in your free time. Are you passionate about cooking, fitness, or travel? The more passionate you are about a topic, the easier it will be to create content around it.
• Conduct research: Use YouTube’s search function to find channels in your area of interest. Look at their videos’ number of subscribers, views, and engagement. This will give you an idea of the potential audience and competition.
• Narrow down your niche: Once you have a general topic, try narrowing it down further. For example, you could focus on vegan cooking or high-intensity interval training instead of creating a general fitness channel.

Step 2: Create high-quality content

Once you’ve identified your niche, it’s time to create high-quality content that stands out. Here are some tips for creating great content:

• Invest in equipment: While you don’t need the most expensive equipment to get started, a good camera, microphone, and editing software can help you create professional-looking videos.
• Plan your content: Create a calendar outlining the topics you want to cover and when you’ll post them. This will help you stay organized and consistent.
• Keep it visually appealing: Make sure your videos are appealing by lighting well and creating visually interesting shots. Edit your videos to remove any mistakes or unnecessary content.
• Provide value: Your videos should provide value to your viewers. Whether teaching them a new skill, entertaining them, or providing inspiration, make sure your content is something they will want to watch.

Step 3: Consistency

Consistency is key when it comes to building an audience on YouTube. You must post regularly and stick to a consistent schedule so your viewers know when to expect new content. Here are some tips for being consistent:

• Set a schedule: Decide how often you want to post and create a schedule. Whether it’s once a week or twice a month, make sure you stick to it.
• Plan: Use your content calendar to plan so you’re not scrambling to create content at the last minute.
• Be realistic: Don’t commit to a schedule you can’t keep up with. It’s better to post less frequently but consistently than to post sporadically.

Step 4: Engage with your audience

Building a relationship with your audience is key to building a loyal following. Here are some tips for engaging with your audience:

• Respond to comments: Take the time to respond to comments on your videos. This shows that you value your viewers’ opinions and listen to their feedback.
• Create polls: Use YouTube’s polling feature to ask your viewers for feedback on your videos or to find out what they want to see more of.
• Ask for feedback: Ask your viewers for feedback on your videos, such as what they liked and didn’t like. This can help you improve your content and tailor it to your audience’s interests. You can ask for feedback in the video itself or in the comments section.
• Collaborate with your audience: Engage with your audience by collaborating with them on your videos. You can ask for their input on video ideas or even invite them to participate in your videos. This can help build community and foster a more personal connection with your viewers.

Step 5: Promote your channel

Promoting your channel is essential to reaching a wider audience and gaining more subscribers. Here are some tips for promoting your channel:

• Use social media: Share your videos on your social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also create dedicated social media pages for your YouTube channel.
• Collaborate with other YouTubers: Collaborating with others in your niche can help you reach a new audience and gain more subscribers.
• Use keywords: Use relevant keywords in your video titles, descriptions, and tags to make it easier for people to find your videos in search results.
• Optimize your channel: Make sure your channel looks professional and well-organized. Use a clear channel icon and banner, and include a channel trailer to showcase your content.

Examples of successful YouTube influencers.

These influencers have succeeded in their respective niches by creating high-quality content, engaging with their audience, and providing value to their viewers. By studying their channels and observing their strategies, aspiring influencers in other niches can gain insight into applying these principles to their content.

1. Shane Dawson – Comedy and Entertainment

Shane Dawson is a YouTuber known for his comedic videos and skits. He has over 23 million subscribers, and his videos have been viewed over 5 billion times. He started his channel in 2008 and has become one of the most successful YouTubers. His content includes parodies, impressions, and short films. He has collaborated with other YouTubers and celebrities, including Jeffree Star and James Charles.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/shane

2. Rosanna Pansino – Baking and Cooking

Rosanna Pansino is a YouTuber known for her baking and cooking videos. She has over 12 million subscribers, and her videos have been viewed over 3 billion times. She started her channel in 2010, and has since become one of the most popular baking channels on YouTube. Her content includes recipes, tutorials, and challenges. She has also released a cookbook and appeared on several TV shows.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/RosannaPansino

3. Casey Neistat – Vlogging and Filmmaking

Casey Neistat is a YouTuber known for his vlogs and filmmaking videos. He has over 12 million subscribers, and his videos have been viewed over 2 billion times. He started his channel in 2010 and has since become one of the most successful vloggers on YouTube. His content includes daily vlogs, travel videos, and short films. He has also collaborated with brands such as Nike and Samsung.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/caseyneistat

4. PewDiePie – Gaming and Commentary

PewDiePie is a YouTuber known for his gaming and commentary videos. He has over 110 million subscribers, and his videos have been viewed over 28 billion times. He started his channel in 2010 and has since become one of the most popular YouTubers of all time. His content includes Let’s Play videos, commentary on current events, and reviews of video games. He has also released his own video game and appeared on several TV shows.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/PewDiePie

5. Zoella – Beauty and Lifestyle

Zoella is a YouTuber known for her beauty and lifestyle videos. She has over 11 million subscribers, and her videos have been viewed over 1 billion times. She started her channel in 2009 and has since become one of the most successful beauty YouTubers. Her content includes makeup tutorials, fashion hauls, and vlogs. She has also released her own beauty products and appeared on several TV shows.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/zoella280390

These YouTubers have become successful by identifying their niche, creating high-quality content, being consistent, engaging with their audience, and promoting their channel. By following their example, you can become a successful YouTube influencer too.

6. MrBeast – Pranks and Stunts

MrBeast is a YouTuber known for his pranks and stunts. He has over 75 million subscribers, and his videos have been viewed over 14 billion times. He started his channel in 2012 and has become one of the most successful YouTubers. His content includes challenges, experiments, and donation videos. He has collaborated with other YouTubers and celebrities, including Bill Gates and Elon Musk.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/MrBeast6000

7. Lilly Singh – Comedy and Entertainment

Lilly Singh is a YouTuber known for her comedic videos and sketches. She has over 15 million subscribers, and her videos have been viewed over 3 billion times. She started her channel in 2010 and has become one of the most successful female YouTubers. Her content includes comedy sketches, parodies, and interviews with celebrities. She has also written a book and appeared on several TV shows.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/IISuperwomanII

8. Dude Perfect – Sports and Entertainment

Dude Perfect is a group of YouTubers known for their sports and entertainment videos. Their videos have over 60 million subscribers and have been viewed over 12 billion times. They started their channel in 2009 and have since become one of the most successful sports channels on YouTube. Their content includes trick shots, challenges, and competitions. They have also released their merchandise and appeared on several TV shows.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/corycotton

9. Jenna Marbles – Comedy and Entertainment

Jenna Marbles is a YouTuber known for her comedic videos and vlogs. She has over 20 million subscribers, and her videos have been viewed over 3 billion times. She started her channel in 2010 and has become one of the most successful female YouTubers. Her content includes parodies, skits, and personal vlogs. She has also appeared on several TV shows and released her merchandise.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/JennaMarbles

10. Tasty – Cooking and Food

Tasty is a YouTube channel known for its cooking and food videos. Its videos have over 50 million subscribers and have been viewed over 17 billion times. It started its channel in 2015 and has since become one of the most popular food channels on YouTube. Its content includes recipe videos, cooking tips, and food hacks. It has also released several cookbooks and partnered with several food brands.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFp8uSYCjXOMnkUyb3CQ3Q

11. Graham Stephan (Finance)

Graham Stephan is a YouTuber who creates content related to personal finance, investing, and real estate. He has over 3 million subscribers, and his videos have been viewed over 350 million times. Stephan’s videos provide practical advice on financial management and investing and insights into his personal experience with real estate. He has also authored a book on personal finance.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/GrahamStephanShow

12. Nathaniel Drew (Self-Improvement)

Nathaniel Drew is a YouTuber who creates content about self-improvement, productivity, and lifestyle design. He has over 1 million subscribers, and his videos have been viewed over 50 million times. Drew’s videos focus on practical advice for improving one’s life and achieving personal goals. He also shares insights into his life and creative process, providing a relatable and authentic perspective.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/nathanieldrew23

13. Binging with Babish (Cooking/Food)

Binging with Babish is a YouTube channel that recurs popular TV and movie dishes. The channel has over 9 million subscribers, and its videos have been viewed over 1.4 billion times. The host, Andrew Rea, provides detailed recipes and techniques for recreating these dishes in a fun and engaging way.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/bgfilms

14. Thomas Frank (Education/Productivity)

Thomas Frank is a YouTuber who creates content related to education, productivity, and personal development. He has over 3 million subscribers, and his videos have been viewed over 160 million times. Frank’s videos provide practical tips and advice for students and young professionals, including study strategies, productivity techniques, and career advice.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/electrickeye91

15. Austin Evans (Technology)

Austin Evans is a YouTuber who creates content related to technology, smartphones, and gaming. He has over 5 million subscribers, and his videos have been viewed over 1 billion times. Evans provides product reviews, comparisons, and gaming content, often incorporating a humorous and entertaining style to his videos.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/duncan33303

16. Dave Lee (Technology)

Dave Lee is a YouTuber who creates content related to technology, laptops, and gadgets. He has over 2 million subscribers, and his videos have been viewed over 200 million times. Lee provides in-depth product reviews, comparisons, news, and insights on the latest technology trends.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/Dave2Dtv

17. The Financial Diet (Finance)

The Financial Diet is a YouTube channel focusing on personal finance and financial management. The channel has over 800,000 subscribers, and its videos have been viewed over 50 million times. The Financial Diet provides practical advice on budgeting, saving, and investing and insights into the psychology of money management.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSPYNpQ2fHv9HJ-q6MIMaPw

18. Vsauce (Science and Education)

Vsauce is a YouTube channel that explores science and education topics fun and engagingly. The channel has over 16 million subscribers, and its videos have been viewed over 2 billion times. The host, Michael Stevens, provides insights and explanations on various scientific topics, often incorporating humor and pop culture references to make complex concepts more accessible.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/Vsauce

19. TED-Ed (Education)

TED-Ed is a YouTube channel that produces animated educational videos on various topics, from science and technology to literature and history. The channel has over 14 million subscribers, and its videos have been viewed over 1 billion times. The videos are designed to be visually engaging and informative and are often narrated by experts in their respective fields.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/TEDEducation

20. Casey Brown (Public Speaking and Presentation Skills)

Casey Brown is a YouTuber who creates content about public speaking and presentation skills. She has over 1 million subscribers, and her videos have been viewed over 70 million times. Brown provides practical tips and advice for improving communication skills, including tips for creating compelling presentations and overcoming nervousness when speaking in public.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/CaseyNeistat

21. Beau of the Fifth Column (Politics and Current Events)

Beau of the Fifth Column is a YouTube channel focusing on politics and current events in the United States. The channel has over 1 million subscribers, and its videos have been viewed over 100 million times. The host, Beau, provides commentary on political issues and events, often incorporating a progressive perspective and a folksy, down-to-earth style.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaYw_yJ_YLPEv6zR2c7hgHA

22. Crash Course (Education)

Crash Course is a YouTube channel that produces educational videos on various topics, from science and history to economics and philosophy. The channel has over 11 million subscribers, and its videos have been viewed over 1.2 billion times. The videos are hosted by experts in their respective fields and designed to be visually engaging and entertaining while providing in-depth insights and information.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/crashcourse

23. Marques Brownlee (Tech Reviews)

Marques Brownlee, also known as MKBHD, is a popular YouTube influencer who reviews and discusses the latest technology products, including smartphones, laptops, and cameras. With over 15 million subscribers, Brownlee has established himself as a leading authority on consumer technology, providing in-depth analysis and insights into the latest gadgets and trends.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/marquesbrownlee

24. Dave Ramsey (Personal Finance)

Dave Ramsey is a YouTuber who provides financial advice and tips to help people achieve financial freedom and success. With over 2 million subscribers, Ramsey’s videos cover various topics related to personal finance, including budgeting, investing, and debt management. His no-nonsense approach and practical advice have made him one of the most popular personal finance influencers on YouTube.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/DaveRamseyShow

25. SmarterEveryDay (Science and Engineering)

SmarterEveryDay is a YouTube channel that explores science and engineering concepts through fun and engaging experiments and demonstrations. The channel has over 9 million subscribers and its videos have been viewed over 1 billion times. The host, Destin Sandlin, is a former engineer who provides insights and explanations on various scientific topics, often using slow-motion footage to capture the physics and mechanics of various phenomena.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/destinws2

26. Rachel Aust (Health and Wellness)

Rachel Aust is a YouTuber who provides tips and advice on health, fitness, and wellness. With over 1 million subscribers, Aust’s videos cover various topics related to healthy living, including meal planning, exercise routines, and mental health. Her holistic approach and focus on self-care have made her one of the most popular health and wellness influencers on YouTube.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/RachelAust

Conclusion

Becoming a successful YouTube influencer takes time, effort, and dedication. However, following the steps outlined in this article can increase your chances of success. Start by identifying your niche and creating high-quality content that provides value to your audience. Be consistent with your posting schedule, engage with your audience, and promote your channel to reach a wider audience. Use the examples of successful YouTube influencers in various niches to inspire and guide your own channel. With patience and perseverance, you, too, can become a successful YouTube influencer.

We hope the examples here inspire you to create your own popular, and influential YouTube channel.