It is possible to create YouTube videos without a camera, grow the channel and monetise it. Making money on the internet is something that I have always wanted to do. I have been experimenting with a lot of options for generating a passive income to supplement my day job. YouTube video creation is one of the ways that I have found success.
For over 4 years now, I have been educating ArchiCAD users online. My step-by-step tutorials have been viewed more than 800K+ times. Although the channel is small, with just over 9K+ subscribers, I have immensely benefitted from the work.
The process has taught me how to be a better teacher, create better videos and communicate better. Overall, I have made money doing exactly that.
People would argue that you need a fancy studio set-up and a super-quality digital camera to make money from creating YouTube videos. While having a fancy set-up and a good camera is a plus, not having those should not hinder you from getting started and showcasing your unique talent and content to the world.
In this article, I will share how I create videos for my YouTube channel without a camera and the equipment and software I use in the process. Also, I’ll share the various monetisation strategies that I have adopted to make money from the content I create.
As a disclaimer, I do this on a part-time basis as I have another job. I do not own a digital camera or a fancy desk setup; just a laptop, a table, a chair and an internet connection at the corner of my apartment.
My YouTube Video Creation Process
This section discusses how I generate ideas for my videos, record audio and video content, and edit and publish online.
Ideation
This is how I develop ideas to film.
Earlier on when I was getting started, I looked at the things that I struggled to learn about ArchiCAD because there was no educational content on those topics at that time. Then, I made video tutorials covering these because I reasoned that other people might be looking for resources to learn the same.
When I gained the experience, I discovered keyword research. This means you are using tools and techniques to find out what people are searching for on YouTube and make videos answering their questions.
After building a sizeable audience, I started asking my subscribers to suggest the topics they wanted me to cover next. This gave them a sense of ownership of the channel and the number of views continued to increase.
Nowadays, I combine viewer feedback with proper keyword research to generate ideas for my next videos.
Recording + Editing
After coming up with the ideas, the next step is video scripting. However, my version of scripting is very different from most YouTubers who make documentary-style videos. This is because my videos are software demonstrations and tutorials.
Instead of scripting, I build the model or draw the thing I want to teach people to draw first on my own. Then when I am satisfied that it is complete; I begin the process again while recording my screen and talking to an imaginary audience while capturing the audio.
I use Icecream Screen Recorder Pro to record the screencasts.
I can choose to export two sets of files: an audio file and a video file or only one file with both audio and video.
I then import these to Adobe Premiere Pro for further editing. Here add animations, more text to elaborate to explain things further and filter any background noise in the recorded audio.
When I am satisfied that the video and audio quality are okay, I export the media file ready for sharing with my viewers online.
Publishing
What next after recording and editing? – the video content needs to be released to the audience for consumption.
When publishing my videos on YouTube, I give them actionable titles and make sure to incorporate the keywords I found in the ideation phase.
This goes together with a great thumbnail image. The thumbnail is what YouTube uses to showcase your video on the search and other discovery places. I design these using Adobe Photoshop and sometimes Canva.
Also, I write a good description to accompany the video. I make sure to include links to my social profiles here and affiliate links to products and services I use and promote on the channel. When my viewers buy using these links, I get paid a small commission at no extra charge to them.
Tech Gear/Software I Use
I use these equipment and software to make my videos:
- Maono Plug and Play USB Condenser Microphone – for audio recording. Good audio quality is vital to communicate your ideas clearly with your audience.
- Icecream Screen Recorder Pro – Audio and Video Capturing: I record screencasts using this software.
- HP EliteBook Folio 9470 – Core i5, Windows 10 Laptop.
- Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2019 – for audio and video editing.
- Adobe Photoshop 2020 – for making YouTube video thumbnails.
- P47 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones – for listening to audio when editing videos.
- Sai’s Officepoint A5 Subject Notebook – for writing short notes, video scripts and field notes.
How I Make Money from the Content
I have shared my process of making video tutorials without using any camera. After publishing the video on YouTube, it’s time to learn how to monetise this content and make money from our work.
I make money in the following ways:
YouTube AdSense
Google runs a program where it partners with creators to show ads on their videos and give them a share of the revenue generated from the advertising. When ads play in your videos, you get paid at the end of the month. The amount depends on the popularity of your niche, the number of views and how much advertisers are bidding per 1000 views of your video.
I receive a sizeable amount of monthly revenue from this program direct to my bank account.
However, you first need to satisfy Google’s requirements to be accepted into the YouTube Partner Program: 1K+ subscribers and 4K+ total watch hours on your channel.
Affiliate Marketing
I mentioned earlier that I include affiliate links to products I recommend in the description of the video. Most of these are ArchiCAD-related products, such as templates for automating quantity take-off, custom mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) templates and object libraries.
This is how affiliate marketing works:
You promote another person’s products using a unique link that bears your identification. Once a person purchases through the link, you get paid a commission from the sale. The price remains the same, the buyer doesn’t pay any extra money to get the product.
Selling Digital Products
Also, I make digital products that my audience is interested in and promote these in my YouTube videos. I have created PDF guides (for example, the Useful ArchiCAD Keyboard Shortcuts) that I sell both on Gumroad and the BIM Marketplace.
The advantage of this is you don’t need millions of subscribers to start selling digital products. Even with a simple blog, you can link to your products and write articles to teach others how to use your products.
What You Can Do to Get Started
Just get started! Make your first video and upload it on YouTube. It doesn’t have to be perfect. The most important thing is to have something online.
Additionally, you need to decide which niche you will be serving and stick to it. Is it the Architecture community, or tech enthusiasts? It is important to choose a niche that involves work that you care about as the YouTube business is long-term.
Final Thoughts
Your desire to create YouTube videos and make money online should not be limited by a lack of a camera, studio equipment or a fancy desk setup. We have seen how I was able to build an audience without all that and continue to generate some passive revenue over time.
Further, it is possible to benefit more from making videos by opening yourself up to partnerships with other brands and promoting their products. This is called affiliate marketing.
Armed with screen recording software, a good microphone and editing skills, you can make your online creator journey a success. Just make your first video and keep creating!
This is very helpful. I learnt alot through your videos on archicad. Thank you.
Hi Josiah. I am glad to know that my videos have been of help to you. Thank you for checking this blog. Cheers!