Many university undergraduates are increasingly turning to YouTube to share their ideas and experiences.
For them, creating a YouTube channel has become a powerful tool to connect with their peers and, sometimes, launch a career.
Shuffling between lectures and their cameras, and almost with zero budget, these young students still manage to tell their stories on just about any subject.
Iya Magazine recently encountered two such enthusiastic Youtubers.
Naomi Onwuka is a student of Mass Communications at Dominican University, Ibadan, Oyo State. She started her YouTube channel, Nayomi Chang, six months ago, and with only 10 videos so far, she has garnered about 1,800 subscribers. Hers is mainly a lifestyle channel.
Naomi said she was motivated by her passion for videography. “I have always loved making videos and pictures,” she says.
Of course, the desire to make money was also a part of her motivation. But, like many young people, Naomi learnt quickly that making money from YouTube is not an easy task.
“I came to realize that making money from YouTube is not as easy as I thought. In fact, all I have ever earned from my channel to date is only about $3. But the passion for videos has sustained me.”
Naomi testifies that creating a YouTube channel takes a lot of hard work and perseverance. She is a one-person crew and works with a variety of equipment, all belonging to her.
creating a YouTube channel takes a lot of hard work and perseverance -Naomi
Her principal photography is done with a Sony camera, which she complements with her iPhone 13. She also has her own lighting gear and microphones.
Naomi’s major challenge is editing. “Video editing is a lot of stress, but once I am done, it is always worth it,” she said with a sigh.
Combining video-making with her academic work is also another challenge. Her initial plan was to upload at least one video every week. That has not exactly happened. But in the end, the urge to develop herself keeps Naomi going.
Has the channel brought her fame? “No, no” she says emphatically. “I am still the regular girl.”
Naomi doesn’t know where her YouTube channel will be in the next five years, but she is happy with the impact she is making, especially among her peers.
For Michelle Okonkwo, another undergraduate YouTuber, the audience response has been wonderful. A Mass Communications student of the elite Pan African University in Lagos, Michelle created her channel in April 2022 and has made 50 videos so far.
Michelle names her channel after herself – Michelle Okonkwo – and has garnered more than 4,500 subscribers in just over one year.
Michelle’s channel is a lifestyle vlog and like Naomi’s; she is a one-person crew, scripting, shooting, editing and producing herself.
“It is no mean task,” Michelle confesses, but quickly adds that it is a lot of fun. Her motivation is her passion for videos.
“I have always been a fan of YouTube. I love to watch YouTube videos a lot and from that experience, I decided to give it a try, create my own channel, try something new, while having fun at the same time.”
Michelle’s work tools are few and simple: “My iPhone 12 Pro Max and a tripod, alongside a mini light which I use in place of a ring light since I don’t have one.”
Like Naomi, Michelle’s major challenge is in editing her videos, which is quite stressful. Insufficient work tools is another problem.
“Sometimes, it’s stressful because I run out of space on my iPhone and then I have to start deleting things just to have enough space for the video and all these are time-consuming!”
And how about her studies?
“It is difficult to combine, but I manage to cope. Maybe I want to edit a video that I am supposed to post the next day and at the same, I need to sleep early because I have an 8AM class… It can be tough”
Michelle’s foray into the world of YouTube has, however, taught her the importance of planning.
“I try to plan and give myself time for everything I want to do. Time to study, time to shoot a video, time to edit and even time to post the video. Planning is what helps me produce good results.”
Has the money started rolling in? “No,” replied Michelle with a smile. Monetizing a YouTube channel is a tedious process, and I only completed it recently. So, I expect to start earning soon.”
Michelle, however, admits that she earns some income from other sources like brand promotion.
Monetizing a YouTube channel is a tedious process -Michelle
And fame?
“I don’t know about it,” Michelle laughed. “You know, I initially started off as a TikToker before I went into YouTube and, apparently, I get more recognition on YouTube than TikTok.
“Yes, I get a lot of reactions from viewers, even from overseas. I am really grateful to all the people who appreciate what I do.”
Michelle’s long-term goal is to make her YouTube channel recognized by popular brands.
“I want to be sent packages to help promote brands. And I also want to travel and share experiences and create richer content,” she says.
With eyes set on their goals, there’s no stopping young students like Michelle and Naomi.
