Understand Poetry
Poetry has been around since before written communication and is one of literature’s oldest forms. Though it could be argued that poetic language changes as cultures and societies evolve, poetry is generally written to communicate an emotion, thought, or experience by building vivid images and associating abstract ideas. As such, an appreciation of poetry can be developed through some study and practice, particularly with recitation and memorization.
A few popular poetic forms like sonnets and limericks have specific written structures, and studying these can provide a good foundation for poetry writing. Many great poets wrote conventional poetry within the bounds of preset structures, but as the landscape of written expression continues to evolve, some poets experiment beyond these limits, shaping works in unique meters, syllabic patterns, and line lengths.
Regardless of the structure, the main goal of any good poetry is to encapsulate the essence of a moment or experience in a way that can be experienced by the reader. This is usually achieved through vivid and intricate descriptions that evoke emotion. All too often, poets get bogged down trying to make their words conform to a specific structure and forget that their primary audience is an emotional one.
Promote Your Channel
Once your Poetry YouTube Channel is up and running, it’s time to start promoting it. Post relevant content on social media accounts, share teaser clips from upcoming videos, and send out newsletters or press releases. It’s also important to create accounts on sites that specialize in Poetry or spoken word. These channels typically have large and engaged audiences who are always on the hunt for new content.
As your channel grows, consider collaborating with other poets or spoken word artists, inviting them to come on your channel to perform, or vice versa. The art of spoken word is too often an individual one and sometimes an average day on YouTube can become too repetitive. Working with constructive criticism from other artists and/or viewers can evolve a channel from a hobby to a profession.
Live readings in local coffee shops and open mic nights are also great ways to promote your channel and interact with other poets in person. Many venues promote their performers heavily on social media, and this generates more exposure to your brand. Here the focus should be on quality, so take the time to practice and deliver your poems with confidence.
Utilize Multi-Platforms
The possibilities for content don’t just stop at spoken word performance. YouTube star poets like Neil Hilborn have turned their channels into multi-platform companies that offer published works, tour dates, and products. This diversification can only be achieved with efficient time management, as there are only so many hours in a day. A great way to get started is by utilizing platforms such as Patreon or Sellfy, which offer a monthly subscription services to fans who wish to sponsor a poet.
Creating merchandise like tour posters and merchandise, t-shirts, and mugs are also great ways to make money, and many platforms like Printful allow you to design and create pieces quickly and affordably. The success of any product will depend on its unique design, so make sure to pick something that will capture the imagination of your target audience.
Finally, don’t forget to monetize your YouTube channel through the platform’s Partner Program, which enables channel owners to earn revenue from ads. To be eligible for the program, you must have at least 4,000 public watch hours in any consecutive 12- monthly period, and 1,000 subscribers. There’s no easy path to sustainability and success, but this program is a great tool for anyone who is creating interesting and engaging content.
Videography Basics
Video production has become a core part of YouTube, and as such, many of the best channels have high quality audio and visual content. Achieving this level of quality will require a basic knowledge of videography basics, such as lighting, composition, sound quality, and camera options.
Lighting boxes, tripods and good lenses are essential pieces of equipment for good video production, and many of these can be found on Amazon and in local camera stores. It’s also important to invest in a decent microphone, as audio is just as important as video. The Rode Video Mic Pro is one of the best microphones for YouTubers and offers professional quality at an affordable price.
In terms of techniques and videography skills, basic knowledge of exposure, white balance and the rule of thirds is essential. It’s also important to take a few moments and admire your shot before pushing record. As with any art form, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
Equipment and Software
Once you’re comfortable with the basics of videography, you’ll need to invest in the right equipment in order to take your channel to the next level. It’s important to pick up the right software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, and Final Cut Pro, as they are good program foundations for aspiring YouTubers, especially those looking to do more complicated edits.
Once you have the right software, you’ll need to think about equipment. Investing in high quality cameras, such as the Canon C200 or Sony FS7 is a wise choice for those who want to take their productions to the next level. However, for those just starting out, a DSLR like the Canon 5D is more than enough.
It’s also important to invest in basic lighting and editing accessories. A few LED and fluorescent lighting fixtures will go a long way in making your shots look professional, as long as you experiment with white balance and exposure. Finally, do some research on the most popular audio accessories, such as XLR microphones and audio mixers, as these pieces of equipment will take your audio quality to the next level.
Behind the Scenes
Being in front of the camera is one thing, but running a good YouTube channel is much more than just recording poems. Good YouTube channels require a good team behind the camera, of friends and colleagues who can help in many different ways.
A good team should consist of an editor, a cinematographer, and a production and post-production expert. With these people in place, each team member can focus on their specialty and elevate the quality of the production substantially.
Sharing and collaborating are also important parts of any creative endeavor, and it’s important to foster a supportive and encouraging environment when working with others. The expertise of the team can help create projects that the team is proud of, but the team should also be willing to move in a positive direction and be open to constructive criticism.
With a good team behind them, aspiring YouTubers can achieve great things, and it’s important to foster relationships that can help not only with videos, but with other creative endeavors.
Network
Networking is a major factor in success for any career path, and this is especially true for the spoken word scene. Whether it’s joining an organization or attending events, connecting with other poets and influencers can help you gain exposure and open doors to opportunities.
Aspiring writers and spoken word artists should attend as many open mic nights and Poetry Slams as possible, not just to practice their own work, but to connect with other passionate individuals. Conferences like the NAACP’s Spoken Word Conference are also great places to connect with like-minded people world-wide. It’s also important to connect with mentors, who can provide invaluable advice and guidance.
Finally, poets and spoken word artists should stay connected with their audiences. Express genuine interest and appreciation for their comments and viewpoints, and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback on their work. A good YouTube channel will interact with its audience on a regular basis, and this encouragement and conversation will help build a larger and more engaged community.
