Ultra.
If you got through all the chapters leading up to this one, you probably have a good handle on how to approach making YouTube content and how to set up your channel for success, from finding your niche to mastering YouTube Shorts. You may have even started applying some of that knowledge and using the methods and tools mentioned throughout the chapters. To further help you, we’ve curated this list of essential resources for YouTubers that can make your journey much smoother. Let’s dive in!
Streamlabs Desktop
Did you know that Streamlabs Desktop isn’t only an excellent software for creators looking to customize their live streams? You can also use Streamlabs Desktop to record video content to post on YouTube. The great thing about using Streamlabs Desktop to record compared to simply setting up a camera is that you can add multiple sources and scenes, customizing the user interface to your liking.
Simply hit the record button (circled in red above) to start. To determine where your footage will save, head over to the menu bar, select “Preferences,” then “Output.” Under “Recording,” you can change the recording path in addition to other elements such as the recording quality and format.
Talk Studio
Not big on downloading software? Let us introduce you to an alternative—Talk Studio, a browser-based recording and live streaming solution. In addition to being a fast, web, and cloud-based service that allows you to multi-stream to platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and Linkedin, Talk Studio is packed with features to make video recording a breeze. With either the Standard or Pro Talk Studio plans, you can record 1050p HD with up to 30 days of recording storage.
Video Editor
It’s no secret that properly editing footage can make a huge difference when creating engaging YouTube videos. However, many editing softwares can be expensive, difficult to use, and require a ton of storage on your computer. Video Editor is a free-to-use, beginner-friendly, browser-based editor that allows you to edit your videos like a pro.
Not only does Video Editor give you access to fantastic editing features such as adding text, transitions, and filters, but with the click of a button, you can invite a friend or colleague to collaborate on your project. You can also generate unlimited review links for external clients or partners to review your work and leave comments. No matter how big or small your team may be, Video Editor is a surefire way to make killer YouTube content. Plus, you can easily export and publish to YouTube.
Cross Clip
As we’ve mentioned in previous chapters, creating amazing YouTube Content is only one piece of the puzzle when starting on the platform. You have to promote your content and your channel to see growth and success in the long run. One simple, free, and very effective way to spread the word about your YouTube channel is by cross-promoting repurposed YouTube content on your social media—particularly on short-form video platforms such as YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikTok. Working smarter, not harder, is the name of the game, and Cross Clip makes repurposing your content as simple as copying and pasting the URL of the YouTube (or Twitch) video you’d like to use in your short-form video.
Link Space
Speaking of cross-promoting content, sharing links is a huge part of getting your content out to the world, specifically on social media platforms. However, most of these platforms only allow creators to put one individual link in their bios to direct their followers. A link-in-bio tool like Link Space is heaven-sent for creators because it puts all of your most important links in one convenient place for your followers to access. In addition to sharing links to your latest YouTube upload, or affiliate links for your must-have products, you can link all your social media profiles so followers on one platform can easily join you on another.
Canva
From compelling YouTube video intros to eye-catching thumbnails, you’ll often need to create professional-looking visual assets as a YouTuber. While you could purchase popular software like Adobe Suite or hire a professional to make these assets, this can run you a pretty penny and may not be the most cost-effective way. Your best bet is to use a beginner-friendly tool like Canva.
Not only is Canva free to use (for the basics), it’s super user-friendly and is loaded with customizable templates for almost any visual-based project you can think of. No, seriously, there’s no end to what you can create on Canva. More importantly, Canva is another web-based tool that doesn’t require massive storage space on your computer. Additionally, you can access it on the go, share content with collaborators, and load your profile with reusable elements such as your logo and branding colors.
YouTube Creators
What better way to learn how to excel on YouTube than to get the information straight from the source’s mouth? YouTube has been creating a ton of resources to help creators learn the ins and outs of the platform, no matter if you’re just starting out or are a vet in the creator game. From showing creators how to get started on YouTube to spelling out how to master the algorithm, YouTube has been working overtime to equip creators with all the tools they need to experience real growth on the platform. If you’re a visual learner, you’ll be happy to know that YouTube naturally puts most of the information in video form on the official YouTube Creators channel.
SocialBlade
Whether you want to check your stats or those of other creators in your niche, SocialBlade is a straightforward yet robust analytics tool for Twitter, Instagram, Twitch, and YouTube. Simply input the username associated with the account you wish to analyze and hit search. On the next page, you’ll be presented with helpful analytics such as daily and weekly subscriber growth and even estimated earnings within a specific time period. While we never recommend fixating on numbers, there’s a lot to gain from regularly checking analytics and using the information to pivot when necessary—head back to our chapter on YouTube analytics if you need a refresher. The more you know, the more you can grow!
TubeBuddy
In the world of content creation, having the right browser extensions is like having a virtual assistant by your side—that’s where TubeBuddy comes in. By simply adding the TubeBuddy extension to your browser, it automatically integrates with YouTube to help you manage, optimize, and grow your YouTube channel. From bulk processing tasks such as deleting comments and copying cards to determining the best time to post your videos (according to your audience’s activity), TubeBuddy has a ton of value to offer creators.
In the chapter on YouTube SEO, we spoke about the importance of keyword research and how to help your videos rank. TubeBuddy’s keyword explorer allows you to type in a keyword to analyze, leaving you with information such as search volume, competition, and even related searches on YouTube and Google. Run, don’t walk to add this tool into your arsenal.
Hootsuite
Hootsuite is an all-in-one management solution for cross-promoting your YouTube content on various social media channels. FYI, Hootsuite supports Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube, so if you’re looking to promote to a few places at once, the schedule makes it super simple, saving you time in the process.
Some premium features such as “best time to post” recommendations are only available with higher-tier memberships. However, all Hootsuite memberships allow you to manage up to 10 social media accounts. Regarding analytics, Hootsuite also lets you create customizable reports to track performance. Additionally, Hootsuite supports over 250 apps, such as Canva and Dropbox, that you can connect to the platform to make management and scheduling posts seamless.
Woobox
Promoting your YouTube videos on Facebook just got much more manageable and user-friendly. With Woobox, you can display your YouTube videos on a Facebook Page Tab, which allows your Facebook followers to watch your videos without leaving the platform. You can feature a video to automatically play when someone visits the page. Woobox offers another opportunity to promote your videos and gain more subscribers. What is there not to love?
We’re confident you’ll find the resources here very helpful for growing your YouTube channel. Don’t feel pressured to jump on all these resources at once—weave them into your content creation process as you feel comfortable and go from there.