'How do I become a YouTuber?' This is my reply

For me, it all started in 2009: I had graduated with a degree in psychology but had fallen out of love with the subject. Whilst trying to decide what to do with my life, I took jobs in insurance, retail and the magistrates court. Time passed but I still had no clue what I wanted to be and I started to panic. My sisters and girlfriend (now fiancée) both had YouTube channels and suggested I start making videos as an outlet. At this point, none of us had any idea what the potential was, we just enjoyed being creative, but my channel began to grow.The most common question I am asked is "How do I become a YouTuber?". Technically, if you have access to a camera and the internet, anyone can make videos, but that definitely does not mean that your audience will grow to the point that it will become your job.It’s impossible to quantify what it is about me or any other successful YouTuber that draws an audience to us. However, it’s very important to remember that for most of us, we didn’t know this could become a career until it already had. We did, and still do, genuinely enjoy making videos.It’s also very important to note that although doing this as a job is by far the most fun I have ever had, it’s not as easy as people might think and I work pretty much seven days a week. Also the reality of my day-to-day life is much less glamorous than it may seem; there is always the risk of sharing too much and not having a private life at all. Being a human being I have my down days, and the dilemma of ‘being real’ or keeping my audience entertained and happy can be tricky to broach.Doing this job really has changed my life. I used to be cripplingly shy, but now it’s my vocation to present myself to millions of people. I get to travel the world with my friends and I have an audience that I truly respect and that genuinely care about me. As my audience grows and more and more people are becoming aware of YouTubers, lots of amazing opportunities are coming through the door. I played a big role on ITV 2’s ‘Viral Tap’ with Caroline Flack, I’m often featured in magazines, and I have started to write for a few publications too. There are never two days the same and as long as I continue to respect my viewers and take them along this journey with me, there seem to be endless possibilities.The beauty of YouTube is that I am not produced by anyone. I plan, film and edit my own videos, I tweet and Facebook and Instagram directly from me to my audience which makes for a genuine connection. I see myself as a role model to a lot of my subscribers, particularly the younger ones and I try to send a positive message and lead by example. I think this shines through when I get stopped on the street by them. Of course sometimes, this happens at inopportune moments (I accidentally sneezed on someone the other day), but for the most part I am greeted like a friend with a smile and hug.(independent.co.uk)Bakudaily.Az