Why become an educational YouTuber?
This chapter is for those who want to create an educational channel but leave the idea thinking that many people are already teaching on YouTube, so what is the need for us? If you have already created an educational channel, you can start reading from the next chapter.
Excuses for those who are not teaching on YouTube are as follows:
1. Many people are already teaching on YouTube, what is my need?
2. It is impossible for me to make videos for YouTube along with my job.
3. My presentation is not good.
4. There is no value of a teacher on YouTube; any student can leave an irrelevant comment and go away.
5. YouTube is not an educational platform; if I have to teach, I will teach on an educational platform.
6. I do not have necessary tools, nor do I have money to buy them.
7. I have no experience in teaching; I only know what I have learned while working and do not know how to teach.
8. What benefit will I get from teaching?
9. I do not even know how to make a video, so how will I make a video?
To cut down each of these arguments or excuses one by one, I will share some of my experiences.
1. Many people are already teaching on YouTube
Many people are teaching on YouTube. I can divide them into four groups.
Teacher: These individuals are actively engaged in teaching, and they possess genuine teaching abilities. They have demonstrated their proficiency by successfully passing specific entrance exams, which qualifies them to educate others. When educators of this caliber produce educational videos, their content is highly likely to be precise and incredibly valuable for students because it is meticulously tailored to meet their requirements.
Individuals with teaching potential: These are people who possess solid knowledge in one subject or another and are enthusiastic about teaching. Nevertheless, in this highly competitive era, they have not yet had the chance to teach anywhere.
Experienced practitioners: These are individuals with substantial experience in their field, even though they may have never formally taught. While they may not be well-versed in theoretical concepts, they have a deep understanding of how to apply them in a highly effective manner. They excel in their work by showcasing their practical expertise effectively.
Unqualified People: It might surprise you how some people who aren't really qualified manage to teach, and you might wonder why they do it. YouTube provides a way to make money by creating videos, and many folks have begun teaching without having proper degrees or teaching credentials. These individuals find out what topics are popular on YouTube and then make videos about them, even though they don't have complete knowledge about those subjects. Their content is often filled with incorrect information, but they are good at making it look interesting, which attracts viewers. Unfortunately, some students get caught in their web, and they often don't realize that the content is not up to the mark.
It's really sad to see people who aren't qualified making educational videos just to make money. They put out so many videos that they often show up at the top when you search for educational stuff on YouTube. Sadly, their videos aren't helping students; they're actually making things worse.
So, I want to encourage people who are good at teaching in the top three categories to start making educational videos. This way, we can give students the right information, especially helping kids and society in a big way. Just think about the good we can do by making sure educational content is trustworthy and easy to find.
In the next chapter, we'll talk about how to understand the people we're making these videos for. It's really important for making videos that work well.
2. Creating videos alongside my job is impossible for me
Creating videos while working a job can be challenging, but it's definitely achievable with the right approach. It might feel overwhelming if you aim to share all your knowledge in one go. Instead, consider setting a realistic goal, like producing one video per week, each no longer than 20 minutes. This way, it becomes a manageable task that you can easily integrate into your schedule.
3. My presentation skills aren't good
Don't be discouraged if you feel your presentation skills aren't up to par. Even the best teachers and artists started somewhere. Over time, they worked on their weaknesses and honed their abilities, ultimately becoming successful. You have your unique style and perspective to offer. Just create your content and upload it on YouTube without overthinking. Share it with friends and students, and actively seek feedback from them. With each presentation, you'll see yourself improving and growing as a content creator.
4. Teachers have no value on YouTube; any student just leaves negative comments
While it's true that you may encounter negative comments on YouTube, they shouldn't deter you. In fact, in most cases, educational videos receive more positive comments than negative ones. It's essential to remember that those posting negative comments or insults aren't your primary audience. You're creating educational content to assist those who genuinely want to learn from you. Embrace constructive criticism and engage with viewers' feedback as it can help you enhance your content and build a supportive community.
5. YouTube is not solely an educational platform; I'll teach on a dedicated educational platform
It's essential to recognize that while YouTube serves various purposes, it isn't primarily designed as an educational platform. However, this doesn't mean that you can't effectively impart knowledge on YouTube. In fact, many individuals turn to YouTube as a valuable source of learning.
If your aspiration is to teach on dedicated educational platforms, it's worth noting that these often require the creation of comprehensive courses with multiple videos. Nonetheless, starting your teaching journey with a single video on YouTube can be an excellent initial step. Teaching on YouTube can provide valuable experience in refining your presentation skills and understanding student demand. Additionally, it can serve as a potent marketing tool if you intend to expand your teaching on specialized platforms.
The next section, "Not YouTube, Then What?", covers the other educational platforms where you can share your expertise.
6. I lack essential tools, and I can't afford to buy them
I want to emphasize that for many subjects you wish to teach, you can create videos using just a simple smartphone. A laptop is generally sufficient for most academic subjects. Many teachers mistakenly believe that creating educational videos requires an excellent camera, a recording studio, and more, which is not the case. You can begin creating videos immediately if you have a smartphone or a computer/laptop. In a later chapter of this book, I've explained the types of educational videos and the setup required to create them.
7. I have no experience in teaching, and I only know what I've learned while working; I don't know how to teach
It's not necessary to have prior teaching experience; a good understanding of your subject and thorough knowledge of your work are more important. If you continue to teach your peers, and they keep coming to you to learn, and they understand what you teach them, then you should definitely consider making educational videos. Teaching skills will develop gradually.
8. Why teach on YouTube?
Have you ever considered teaching on YouTube but had doubts? Let's explore the potential advantages of sharing your knowledge on this platform.
Earning Potential: One compelling reason to teach on YouTube is the opportunity to generate income. While it requires hard work and a grasp of how YouTube's monetization model functions, it can be a lucrative endeavor.
Helping Students: If your goal is to assist students, there's hardly a better platform than YouTube. Its vast reach ensures that your content, once established, can benefit a wide audience.
Promotion and Outreach: If you run a course or an educational institute, using YouTube can help you reach a broader audience. YouTube's extensive user base can be an excellent way to promote your offerings.
Flexibility and Accessibility: You don't need expensive equipment to get started. A basic smartphone or computer can suffice. With dedication, you can create valuable educational content that appeals to learners.
Profit Through YouTube Partnership: YouTube offers a Partner Program where creators can earn revenue. This program, coupled with your educational content, can help you financially.
Remember, the key to success on YouTube lies in having a clear goal and unwavering determination. Your efforts will bear fruit when you keep your goals in focus and steadily work towards achieving them.
9. I don't know how to create videos — how do I begin?
Don't worry if you're not familiar with video creation; it's not as challenging as it may seem. In fact, it's a straightforward task that you can learn right here on YouTube. Additionally, you'll find valuable information about the necessary software and hardware in this book.
So, as soon as possible, you should start teaching your audience.
Answers are generated by AI from this book’s content and may be imperfect — the chapters themselves are the source of truth. This is the same technology behind our AI Teaching Assistant service.