How to Start a YouTube Channel from Your Mobile Phone and Earn Money in Kenya

YouTube presents an immense opportunity for creative individuals in Kenya to earn an income doing what they love. With just a mobile phone camera and internet connection, anyone can create and monetize video content.

But for total beginners, it can feel overwhelming launching and growing a channel from scratch.

From my journey building a profitable channel with over 10k subscribers, here is an actionable guide to start vlogging from your phone and earning money on YouTube in Kenya.

Step 1 – Determine Video Topic and Style

Before launch, decide on your channel niche and vlogging style. Pick topics you’re truly passionate about – not just what’s trendy. Consider niches like:

• Travel tips and destination reviews
• Making local dishes and recipes
• Technology tips and news
• Comedy skits of relatable situations
• Your experience as a young professional or student
• Sports commentary and analysis
• Personal finance and investment advice
• Fashion and beauty tutorials

Determine the combination of topics and video style (commentary, tutorials, vlogs etc) best aligned with your passion and personality. This focus is key to building a loyal audience.

Step 2 – Set Up Your Channel

Open a Google account if you don’t have one already. Use it to create your YouTube channel.

The basics to complete include:

• Channel name – Make it unique but relevant to your niche.
• Profile picture – Use a clear photo of yourself to build familiarity.
• Channel description – Share your niche, style and value proposition for viewers.
• Initial videos – Upload a few videos (more on this next) so the channel isn’t empty.

Take time customizing the look and feel of the channel to appeal to your target viewers from the start.

Step 3 – Record Your First Videos

Here’s how to record quality YouTube videos from your smartphone:

Gear Needed:

• Smartphone – iPhone or Samsung recommended. Don’t worry about expensive cameras yet.
• Tripod – To hold your camera steady hands-free. Get one for under Ksh1,000.
• Microphone – For better audio quality. You can find basic mics for under Ksh2,000.
• Smartphone Light – To brightly illuminate yourself in any setting. Ksh1,000 or less.

Recording Tips:

• Film in a quiet location with no distracting noises.
• Use natural lighting near windows when possible.
• Do multiple takes and pick the best parts to edit together.
• Keep videos 10-15 minutes long initially while building audience.
• End each video with a strong call-to-action for viewers.

Focus on providing value to your viewers above all else – the production quality can improve over time.

Step 4 – Edit Your Videos

For basic editing you can use free apps like VN or Inshot on your smartphone:

• Import your footage and trim unnecessary sections
• Adjust colors and apply filters if needed
• Add transitions between clips
• Include customizable graphics and titles
• Add background music from free libraries
• Insert end screen with your channel icon, new video teaser, and subscribe button

Better editing comes with time. For now, focus on cleanly organizing your raw clips into compelling videos.

Step 5 – Create Eye-Catching Thumbnails

The thumbnail is the first thing viewers see when browsing YouTube. Captivating thumbnails can increase clicks substantially.

Use Canva’s mobile app to design custom thumbnails that make viewers want to click your video.

Tips for thumb-stopping thumbnails:

• Use contrasting bright colors that pop
• Include your face and expressions to humanize
• Feature any text large and clearly readable
• List the payoff the video delivers (e.g Lose 10kg in 2 Weeks!)
• Leverage curiosity-sparking facial expressions and graphics

Test different thumbnail styles for your niche and double down on what works. This can increase viewership significantly.

Step 6 – Upload and Share Your Videos

Now it’s time to start sharing your content and engaging viewers!

Once your video is edited, save it and upload directly from your phone to your YouTube channel.

Include descriptive titles and tags so it’s easily found by YouTube’s search algorithm and suggested to suitable viewers.

Promote your videos:

• Share new uploads on your social media feeds
• Ask friends and family to Like, Comment and Subscribe
• Engage thoroughly with your viewers via comments to build community
• Collaborate with similar channels to expand your reach

Early on, focus less on view counts and more on refining content and sparking authentic engagement.

Step 7 – Monetize Your Content

Once you build an audience over 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, you can start monetizing through:

• YouTube Partner Program: Earn a cut of ad revenue displayed on your videos through this program. Apply to join once eligible.
• Affiliate marketing: Promote relevant products within your video content through affiliate links and make sales commissions.
• Sponsorships: Strike paid deals to promote brands/services relevant for your audience.
• Memberships: Let die-hard fans pay a monthly fee for exclusive content, emojis, livestreams and other perks.
• Merchandise: Sell shirts, mugs, and other merchandise featuring your brand and channel’s signature style.

Diversify income streams once qualified to maximize your earnings and build a sustainable creator business.

Step 8 – Continue Growing Your Channel

The key to building a thriving channel with consistent video views and subscriber growth is:

• Stick to a consistent upload schedule, at least 2X per week. This keeps viewers engaged.
• Always engage with commenters – build personal connections with fans.
• Stay persistent and patient during periods when growth stalls. Consistency compounds.
• Keep expanding the variety and quality of your video content over time.
• Analyze your channel metrics in YouTube Studio to optimize your approach.
• Feature your best-performing content prominently on your channel for new visitors.

With regular value-focused uploads plus authentic engagement, your channel viewership and popularity on YouTube will continue growing steadily.

Step 9 – Expand Your Brand

Once you build a sizable audience on YouTube, it’s time to expand your brand:

• Create content and engage on other social platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Cross-promote everywhere.
• Launch a website with your videos, blog, merch store and contact page.
• Start a weekly email newsletter to engage loyal audience members.
• Attend local meetups and events to connect with supporters.
• Consider podcasting, paid virtual events, courses, and other money-making avenues.

The goal is establishing yourself as an authority and household name locally and beyond.

Step 10 – Enjoy the Perks of Being a YouTuber

If done strategically, vlogging full-time can become a lucrative lifestyle business.

Benefits of running a successful channel include:

• Earning significant income from content you love creating
• Flexible schedule and freedom to work/travel
• Connecting with supportive audience worldwide
• Gaining fame and personal branding
• Opening doors to new career opportunities

Ready to get started? You now have a proven game plan for launching a profitable Kenyan YouTube channel with just your mobile phone.

Every day, ordinary people create extraordinary lives broadcasting their passions to the world. Now is the time to make your dreams reality, one video at a time.

The future of entertainment is yours for the taking. Time to start your vlogging journey today!

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