Lights, Camera, And Record: Beauty Vloggers Talk About How They Take Beauty And Their YouTube Channels To The Next Level
Aug 2, 2018 • 8List
Content creation is fast becoming an interest among young Filipinos. These days, vlogging is just one of their creative outlets: it’s a means to get in touch with friends and develop their skill set (because TBH, perfect contour and on-fleek kilay are what we dream of, too!). For the lucky ones, like Filipino beauty vloggers About RAF and HelenonFleek, it’s also a game-changing opportunity to get their voice out on social.
Not everyone is born with a handheld camera; often, the lights, the lens, and the technique come a little after. That’s why we asked two of our favorite vloggers for advice on how to score that big break on YouTube. Make sure to make it to the last video to see their full transformation!
8. JUST GO FOR IT. You guys won’t lose anything if you at least try
These are wise words from About RAF. It can be pretty scary to be that new kid on the block.
You will probably talk to yourself for hours until you feel ready for your YouTube debut. But it all boils down to uploading that first video. So if you’re still having doubts, close your eyes, hold your breath, and press upload.
7. Know your camera and equipment (aka find hacks)
“Since we’re not really professionals, we just hit record.” Our girl Helen suggests to maximize the camera you already have and ask help from those who can teach you a thing or two about getting your best on camera. “The best advice I can give is put a light in your backdrop so you can get that halo effect for your videos.” Like a spotlight, the ‘halo effect’ puts emphasis on your face so you can showcase your makeup in your beauty videos.
6. Get inspiration from the big world
In the first few months, you will have to feel your way around YouTube. You will have questions and loads of ideas. “Create content that is based on the content of our hearts. Naks!,” says About RAF. There is plenty of space for beauty and even a bigger space to experiment.
5. Pull through with confidence
“Hindi naman hundred-thousand ang following ko, but I found a niche market who really needed my content.” Helen explains there were times when she looked at the channels of beauty gurus like Patrick Starr and felt insecure on the quality of her videos. Still, this beauty vlogger came through with a little help from friends along the way.
4. Spot and seize opportunities for your channel
Both Helen and About RAF shared that they underwent workshops to improve their know-how of storytelling and put in that ‘extra glow’ in their videos. After being active on their channels, they got invited to events like YouTube FanFest and Pop Up Spaces. Here they picked up tips from “partner managers” and fellow creators. Like what they say, good things come to those who wait and hustle with their game face on.
3. Be your own star by creating videos that speak to you
The only way to stand out in a pool of creators is to be yourself. “Every personality is different. Instead of wanting to be like someone, find what interests you, search for what you’re good at, and share it through a story,” says Helen.
This Filipina vlogger started out like most in the beauty genre, sharing her own take on makeup. Later, we watched as Helen went out with her camera in tow, uploading beauty tips for the road. Now, this creator is taking over with her videos on how to be a stylish and beautiful plus-size woman on her channel.
2. Highlight that P in professional
The upside of course is that you have a huge community of creators who also want the same thing. “Sino pa bang magsu-suportahan sa isa’t-isa kung hindi yung fellow YouTube creators.” So you have to work at it with a wide pool of talented people, learn from and collaborate with them, so you land that big break.
1. Make that big break happen
You have got to know when to take your channel to the next level. Both RAF and Helen joined YouTube NextUp in 2017 on a whim, simply filling out the online application. Helen says, “Akala ko talaga yong NextUp, parang reality show na 12 kaming mapipili tapos may isa lang na mananalo.” That’s why it was sweeter when she found out. “Sabi ko, oh my God so panalo pala talaga ako!”
The contest is made especially for those up-and-coming creators who just recently broke into the 10,000 subscriber mark. Those who make it to the YouTube NextUp Class 2018 get a production voucher of $1,000 USD for those oh-so beautiful camera lenses, mentorship from partner managers from YouTube, and opportunities to connect with creators in the Philippines and around the world.
Describing the contest as “one of the best help” YouTube can extend to creators, Helen adds, “Just believe in your content. I have friends who I encourage ko to join, basta alam mo ‘yung isasagot mo sa why do you deserve to be in the NextUp Class 2018.”
Do you know the answer to this question? Are you ready to be “NextUp”? Be part of NextUp Manila’s Class of 2018 and fill out your application by visiting youtube.com/nextup. Don’t miss your chance. YouTube NextUp is only open until August 3, 2018.
Of course, don’t forget to stay slay along the way.
