Okay, let’s talk about YouTube. I know, it seems like one of those things that’s just so big and so intimidating, right? But let me tell you, starting and growing your own MUA channel doesn’t have to be some fancy, perfect thing. Seriously, if you’ve got a makeup kit and a phone, you’re ready to go.
1. Start With What You’ve Got (Seriously!)
Forget about all the big gear talk for now. We’re talking about you and your makeup skills. That’s what people wanna see, not your fancy camera setup. Start with your phone (most modern ones have pretty decent cameras). Pop your phone on a stand (or make one out of books and tape, no judgment here!) and start recording.
Start with simple tutorials—like a basic everyday look or a tutorial on how to perfect your winged eyeliner (because, let’s face it, we all need help with that!). You don’t have to be an expert YouTuber from day one.
2. Be YOU—No, Seriously
Look, there’s enough cookie-cutter makeup content out there. What sets you apart is you. Let your personality shine! Talk to your viewers like they’re your besties. Share your makeup mishaps (we all have ‘em) and little tricks you’ve picked up along the way. Trust me, people want to vibe with you, not some polished, scripted version of you.
Got a funny makeup fail? Use it! Laugh at yourself, and you’ll connect with your viewers.
3. Consistency is Your BFF
I know, I know. It’s hard. We all have 100 things to do in a day. But here’s the deal—uploading consistently is how you get seen. It doesn’t have to be a full-on, hours-long production. Heck, make it a goal to upload once a week, even if it’s a 5-minute “quick tip” video. Consistency beats quality every single time when you’re starting.
Schedule your uploads. Set a date and time for your videos. It’s easier than you think to just press “publish” once it’s planned out.
4. Engage, Engage, Engage
You gotta chat with your viewers, girl. Respond to every comment (yes, every single one). Ask them questions! Give them a reason to stick around and subscribe. The more you connect, the more they’ll trust you and your skills. Think of your channel like a community, not just a one-way street.
Do a Q&A or have viewers submit their makeup problems that you can solve on the next video. It makes people feel involved, and it gives you easy content ideas.
5. Your Thumbnail is Everything
We’ve all clicked on a video because the thumbnail was, like, so extra, right? Well, that’s because thumbnails matter. Make yours bold, clear, and eye-catching. Don’t overthink it—just make sure your face is in it (people love a human connection) and add big, bold text like “Quick Smokey Eye Tutorial” or “Flawless Base in 5 Minutes.”
Use Canva to create thumbnails if you’re not sure where to start. It’s free, easy, and makes your videos look more professional.
6. SEO is Your Secret Weapon
Now, I know you’re probably thinking, “SEO? Is that even for makeup people?” Trust me, it is. Keywords matter. Think about what people are typing when they search for makeup tutorials. Is it “easy eyeliner tutorial” or “how to create a perfect contour”? Use these phrases in your video title, description, and tags.
Do some quick keyword research with tools like TubeBuddy or even just YouTube’s own search bar. It’s quick and will help your videos show up when people search.
7. Don’t Stress About Perfection
Honestly, you’ll never feel like your videos are perfect—and that’s okay! As long as you’re teaching something useful, being relatable, and showing off your skills, you’re on the right track. Perfect doesn’t exist, so stop stressing and start recording.
Your first few videos might feel like total cringe-fests, but just press play and get them out there. Every video you make is a step forward.
8. Use Your Other Socials to Get the Word Out
You’ve got Instagram, Pinterest, maybe even TikTok—use them! Post teasers about your YouTube videos and encourage people to subscribe. You can also do cross-promotions—if you’re on IG Live, mention your YouTube channel. Keep it easy and natural, like you’re talking to a friend who needs a little extra push.
Post your videos in stories or as a quick reel. If you tease something fun or educational, people will want to go watch the full video.
Be Patient, but Also Persistent
It might feel like you’re not growing fast enough, but don’t give up! Every subscriber you gain is a win. Keep going, stay consistent, and the growth will follow. Plus, it’s fun! You’re sharing your skills and connecting with people who appreciate your art.
So, there you have it! Start your YouTube channel today—because if you’re reading this, you’re already half-way there. Grab your phone, start recording, and go show the world your magic. You got this.
