How to Start a Christian YouTube Channel

If you’ve ever wondered if you should start a Christian YouTube channel, the answer is yes. But how do you do that?” In today’s video, I’m going to show you step-by-step how to start your YouTube channel to help you share your God-given message, increase your impact, and glorify God with your work, gifts, and creativity. Enjoy!

I started the Beloved Women YouTube channel with my webcam (which was not very good by the way) at my kitchen table in our apartment. I recorded quietly as not to wake my daughter who was asleep, because as many moms know, real work doesn’t always get done until the baby is asleep. I had no idea that years later, my channel would reach women all over the world. I truly believe that no matter where you are or what you have, you can start an impactful YouTube channel.  In today's video, I’m going to give the steps for you to take to get started.

1. Define your purposeful mission. 

The first step to take when creating a Christian YouTube channel is to define your purpose. Some people call this your “why.” I call it your purposeful mission. Your mission is how you serve and who you serve. Your purpose is why this mission is significant to you and your audience. One of the first lessons I teach In my YouTube course is how to develop your clear, purposeful mission statement with an easy-to-follow formula because when you are clear on why you want to start a Christian YouTube channel, you obtain not only the direction you need but also the fuel you need as a creator to keep going when it’s not as easy to press record. And if you want a lasting impact, you can’t just post videos just to post them or to get views. You need to be clear on why you are doing what you’re doing. So ask yourself these 3 questions:

1. Who do I want to help?
2. How will my channel help them?
3. Why is this important?

2. Create a Google account and set up your YouTube channel.

Your next step is to create a Google account and then set up your YouTube channel. Google owns YouTube, so you must have a Google account to create a YouTube channel. This may seem simple enough, but do you know how many people just think about starting a YouTube channel but don’t actually do it. They overthink and get so caught up in all the tech and details and stop even before they get started. This doesn’t have to be complicated, and you don’t have to have all the answers before you create your channel, but you do need an actual channel if you want to be a YouTuber. So create a Google account, and set up your YouTube channel with a clear profile picture of yourself, and cover art. Then fill out  the about section for your channel and add any necessary links to your website or social accounts if you want.

3. Choose Your Video equipment. 

Next, you want to choose the video equipment to record your videos. The most important being your camera. Fortunately, you do not and should not spend a lot of money on equipment, especially if you are just getting started. I personally suggest using your smartphone or webcam for new YouTubers and then work your way up to more equipment like a digital camera, professional microphone and more as you become more consistent in creating video. This way, you have time to learn your personal style and what works for you, and you’ll be better prepared to make a wise decision in what type of equipment to buy based on the video experience you’ve gained. Other equipment you might want to consider is a microphone, lighting, and a hard drive to store all your videos. Also, a case for your hard drive just in case you drop it. Ask me how I know.

You can find the list of all the equipment I use here. I always need to note that although people wonder about equipment the most when it comes to starting a YouTube channel, it is not the most important part of your YouTube journey. The content you create and the value you add to your audience is way more important. Remember, God is the driving force of your mission. Do the work and trust Him with the results. Too often people trust the equipment, but it is God who will give you influence and help you to impact others no matter how much or how little equipment you have. Psalm 20:7 says:

 Let me paraphrase this for the Christian YouTuber:

Some trust in camaras and some in perfect audio, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. 

Don’t wait until you have a $500 or $1000 or $5000 camera to get started. What’s in your hand? A smartphone, a webcam, an old camera you haven’t used in years that still works? Use what you have and allow God to grow you from there.

4. Set up your studio.

Next, it’s time to set up your studio. Now this does not need to be an actual studio but a simple space for recording your videos. Wherever the location of your studio is, it should be quiet so you don’t have any distracting background noise, well lit so we can clearly see you in your videos, and functional so you can feel comfortable recording your videos. Maybe this is at your kitchen table, the desk in your office, or on the couch in your living room. Just make sure no personal information is showing on the wall or the background that may reveal too much. I shoot my videos at this desk in our guest bedroom facing a window that gives great lighting. Again, don’t make this more complicated than it needs to be. Keep it simple and then keep it going.

5. Plan your videos. 

Just because you have your equipment and studio set up and ready to go does not mean you’re ready to press record. First, you want to do your research. Decide what topic your first or next video will be about and brainstorm video ideas. If you’re running low on ideas, ask your audience, read the comments on your videos or videos like yours to see what the conversation is like around your topic, and what questions people are asking. I also like to type my topic in the YouTube or Google search bar and see what search suggestions come up to provide even more video ideas. As you come up with ideas, write them down. I keep a running list of video ideas on my phone so I never run out.

6. Start creating. 

Next, it’s time to start creating! Here you will press record and make a video. Make sure the topic of your videos is clearly communicated in your video and that by the end of the video, your audience is helped. Keep in mind there are many directions you can take when creating a Christian YouTube video. You can share a video devotion, or conduct a video interview for your podcast or even share a lifestyle Vlog sharing your behind-the-scenes or day-to-day life. Create a video that best represents you. That’s what YouTube is all about.

7. Share your content. 

Next, it’s time to share your content. This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised to know how many people plan and record videos but never actually share them. Don’t let that be you. Upload your video, add a compelling thumbnail, add your description and tags, and press publish. Then share on social and with your email list if you have one. It's ok to share your work. People can’t benefit from your gifts if they don’t know they exist. Now is not the time to hide; it’s time to shine bright for Jesus and share your gifts with the world.

8. Engage with your audience.

Your next step is to engage with your audience. YouTube is about community, not just people listening to you. It’s a two-way street. So reply to comments on your video and ask your audience questions. Let them know you are just as excited to hear from them as they are from you.

9. Review Your Results.

Next, you want to review your results. After you post a video, check out your comments and see how your audience is responding. Is this a hot topic you may need to create more videos on? Was something unclear, or have you triggered your audience? Also, look at the analytics of your video, such as views and watch time (found in your YouTube studio) and see how your video or videos are performing. Ask yourself what changes and adjustments can you take to make your next videos better. What’s working and what’s not? I need to warn you to be careful here. The numbers are not always a clear indicator of the impact you are making, but they do provide information to help you grow as a YouTuber and content creator. So know who you are in Christ and that you work for God and not the YouTube algorithm.

10. Repeat the process. 

Your next step is to repeat the process all over again. The most successful Christian YouTubers don’t have the best equipment, connections, are the most tech savvy, or even the largest following, but they are consistent. Consistency is the best way to show up for your audience. When you show up for your audience, they will show up for you. So create a workflow that’s best for you. What can you commit to consistently? One video a month or one a week? Two a week? Make a plan and then go for it. If you miss an upload, don’t worry about it. Keep going and upload again next time. Just don’t give up, keep going, and let God use you according to His perfect purpose and plan.

Now that you’re ready to get started with your Christian YouTube channel, you need a plan to grow your channel and, ultimately your impact which is why I want to invite you to my FREE Christian YouTube masterclass, where I will teach you 3 important steps to confidently start and grow your Christian YouTube channel. Click the link in the description of this video to register for free, or visit wwwchristinapatterson.com. 

There is a purpose why God gave you the gifts you have, so be encouraged, release fear, and keep creating for Christ. 

As always, thank you so much for watching today, and until next time, be beautiful, be blessed and beloved.