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I guess if you are reading this article then you are interested in making and shooting your very own YouTube videos to upload to the site and to share with the rest of the world. If I am right then you may be saying to yourself how and where do I start?

Now you maybe thinking it is very hard to shoot and upload a video to YouTube and you are both right and wrong. But if all you want to do to start is shoot a simple video then the steps are very easy. And to be honest if you can point and click a mouse you have all the computer skills you really need.

Your first step in shooting a video is to get a video recording device. Today these can come in a simple form such as your cell/mobile phone. Your still camera normally has a video recording setting on it as well. Other options are your web cam or your domestic video camera. All these are very suitable for making YouTube style videos.

Now I am going to be honest here, the quality might not be that good with a cell phone, but hey if that is all you have got use it, play around with it, upload some videos and if you like the whole process save up and but a proper domestic video camera.

Your next challenge will come - What do I take a video of? Some ideas to help you get started are :

• A video blog
• Family videos
• Holiday / travel videos
• How To videos
• Comedy Video
• Animal / Pet Videos
• Famous Places

Now with all these and the many more that you will think up can be either scripted or just done on the spur of the moment. To be honest again either one will work, and you need to do what works best for you and the style of video you are shooting.

1) A few tips to keep you in the guide lines of YouTube. With the service you can upload as many videos as you like, but each video must be under 10 minutes, (If you wish to have longer videos then you are able to upgrade your user account). I think the best way to do this is to break your video down into chunks. For instance if your video is 50 mins long make 5 shorter videos. This makes it easier for you and the viewier.

2) When you are ready to shoot your video you need to speak directly at the camera, use a tie-mike or speak in a louder voice so the camera can pick up your voice. Nothing is worse than having to watch a video and try and guess at what the people are saying. The other important area you need to think about is that of lighting. If it is daylight and you are able to shoot outdoors then go for it. But if you have to shoot inside you need to have a good bright light/s in which to shoot. But hey again shoot some video and see what it looks like.

3) With any of the above and for advanced video editing again all is not lost you can you edit and do up your video with some editing software. Now this can go from basic stuff with the free and cheap software right through to complex Hollywood style stuff with real expensive software. Again if you want to go down this route do some research online and find out what is best for your needs and wants.

But a simple tip which even the free software can do is this. Lets say when you listen to the video the sound is rubbish and it is a travel video. You add some captions to each shot, and add some music or do a talk over. Problem solved.

But you can really add some great effects to your videos and you can do some real cool stuff with some. The one I use and I know other uses all the time is the Sony Studio Video software (This is a nice and cheap bit of software and really does the job) If you want to spend mega cash you can buy the Sony Vegas video software.

Like with anything else, shop around and once you have made your mind up do some video , play around with it and then upload it.

Have Fun.

Andrew Milburn, has been self employed for nearly 25 years. He offers consultancy work to small businesses and loves helping those who need that "little Push" to get started. To learn more on using online video in your business please go along to
http://www.andrewmilburn.com