Yeshidon (Yeshi Dolma Lama) is one of the few Nepalis with a prominent internet presence. Last we checked her following on YouTube alone was 52,000 with a total of 6,381,143 views. From fashion, beauty to comedy skits and dancing performances, Yeshi certainly knows how to keep her viewers entertained. And this is despite of not being a full time YouTuber.
“The best part of this job is when people leave comments about how my videos made them laugh. I like that thought,” she says also admitting she likes challenging herself to make the next video better than the last one.
Here with The Week, Yeshi elaborates on her experiences and shares some advice for aspiring YouTubers.
On choosing content
The challenging part of this job is to bring new material that is a combination of something I love and enjoy but also something that will be enjoyable for the viewers. Still I would suggest people to stick to their interests and forte.
If you noticed, my videos alternate between tutorials, fashion tips, comedy videos, vlogs or cover videos. I have been passionate about fashion, makeup and hairdos since I was a little girl. Performing, on the other hand, be it comedy skits or singing and dancing, I feel like I picked those from my mother. I noticed I had a knack for them so I combined the two interests and talents I had and made videos for which I’m being enormously loved by my viewers.
Know your inner self
On making YouTube videos look professional
In my opinion, I still have a lot to learn but if you are comparing my recent video quality with my first released works, then yes, I have improved a lot. After working on making YouTube videos for almost seven years, an advice I would like to share is, never underestimate the importance of good lighting. It’s the key component required for filming. A good light adjustment can help improve the quality of your video by several folds. To achieve good lighting, I either shoot videos facing towards the window during daytime or use only studio light ensuring there no other light is used in the room.
Other tips would be to always shoot videos in HD, which always helps. Also, don’t forget the editing. Get your hands on some really cool editing software programs. Videos come alive when editing is done well and there are many software programs (some free) that can help you with clever editing.
On life as a YouTuber
Having viewers requesting new content does put some pressure to bring good new videos. But I am not a full time YouTuber and I haven’t committed to daily uploads. This gives me some breathing space and, most importantly, the choice to only upload new videos when I feel the content is good enough and when I’m certain that my viewers will enjoy it.
It doesn’t matter if you are singing, dancing, doing comedy skits or even vlogs on YouTube, I suggest that you do it with passion. This is hard work. One must persevere because everything takes time especially building up a following. So don’t give up too easily.
On another important note, learn to take criticism fairly. When you are a YouTuber, this is crucial.
On the journey so far
I first started sharing my tutorial via photo clips on Facebook. Then, I used the webcam from a laptop to make videos where I’m lip syncing to some of my favorite songs. Reminiscing about these old struggling days still makes me laugh.
I think my viewers grew when I shared my first comedy skit “Facebook Parody”. As I got more passionate about engaging in comedy as well, I learnt to use more sophisticated equipment from DSLR camera, studio lights to pro-editing software programs. However, the filming process back in the days as well as now is literally the same. The biggest difference is the video quality.
Advice for new YouTubers
We belong to an era where social media is one of the most powerful mediums. My only advice to new YouTubers is to take this platform seriously. Learn and improve with each video. With this mindset, you will be able to increase your viewers.
# Extra tips to increase views and following
• If want to significantly increase your account following then it helps to maintain a regular schedule. Especially when you are starting off, it helps when your followers know exactly when they can expect new material from you. Anybody who is succeeding on YouTube stick to their schedule and remain active by posting as consistently as possible.
• Know your format. This should be your first step and if you are clear on this matter, it will help you with your views as well. If you notice, popular YouTube channels have developed basic concepts for shows that they post consistently — thus creating a brand for themselves and enabling audience growth.
• Reach out to communities that are relevant to your videos. It is just logic. Whether you are focusing on lifestyle videos, travel videos, comedy, fashion or even social issues, there are online communities and circles for each field. Share your content where people are watching the kind of content you are making. This little extra effort always pays off.
• Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are all essential. Building a presence on other social networking sites is a great way to double-up on your online popularity. Indeed, you might as well make the most of all your resources at hand. Through Twitter, Facebook and such, you can interact with your hardcore fans, and even get feedback on your content.
