Things You'll Need:
- Computer Connected to the Internet
- Recording Device (phone, digital camera, webcam, camcorder)
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Step 1
Decide what kind of YouTube video you would like to make. Would you like to simply upload an old home video, or make a funny little skit, or perhaps make a video letter to send to loved ones? Deciding the type of video you want to make in advance will make the production and presentation of your YouTube video go much smoother.
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Step 2
Consider what options you have available to you for creating video files. A digital camera, camcorder, webcam or even a video capable cell phone will work just fine. Some are better than others, of course. A camcorder usually works best of all, and webcams aren’t so bad for close up shots where you are talking. You can also upload your old VHS movies onto YouTube, as long as you have a digital converter that will hook up to either your VCR or the video camera you used when making the VHS tapes.
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Step 3
Choose a place to shoot your video. Depending on how you will be recording the video, you may be restricted to filming at your computer. However, for more mobile options, this step is all about location. Try to shoot different videos from different locations. Ideally, each location will be a unique and interesting backdrop, which helps to add to the entertainment value of the YouTube videos you make.
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Step 4
Shoot your video. This step is pretty much straight forward. After you have filmed your video, you can open a video editing software to edit the clips, split them, slice them, add special effects, or anything else you would like to do to the movie. If you do not have video editing software, don’t worry. Your computer probably came with Windows MovieMaker preinstalled (or iMovie on Macs).
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Step 5
Upload your video to YouTube. You will need to register an account at YouTube before you can upload, but this is easy to do and doesn’t cost anything. You will also need to understand the limitations that YouTube places on video uploads. To begin with, YouTube accepts videos in the .MOV, .AVI and .MPG file formats, so make sure your movie is one of these formats. YouTube also restricts files to be 100MB in file size, and under 10 minutes in video length. Make sure your video conforms to these standards. They generally are not a problem, but large files may need to be split into multiple parts.
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Step 6
Email your family and friends the link to the video that you make with your kids. If you have a web site or blog, you can also use YouTube’s embed code to put the video right on your own site.
