Creator Basics
Setting up your account, the right settings, and how to post properly — explained clearly, with zero prior knowledge.
Set up your account
Pick your platform — or read all three.
Set up your YouTube account
YouTube is ideal for longer videos and Shorts — and videos are still found via search years later.
Create a channel
Sign in to YouTube with your Google account → top right on your profile → “Create a channel”. Pick a name that's easy to remember and spell.
Profile picture & banner
A clear profile picture (face or logo) and a banner that says what it's about in one sentence — ideally with your upload rhythm, e.g. “New videos every Tuesday”.
Channel description with keywords
Write 1–2 sentences about what your channel is about — and use words people would search for. That helps you get found.
Set a handle (@name)
Your @handle is your unique address. Short, memorable, ideally the same as on TikTok/Instagram.
Before your first upload
In YouTube Studio under Settings, set the correct country (important for trends) and decide whether the channel is made for kids (usually “no”).
Shorts done right
Shorts are vertical (9:16) and under 60 seconds — the fastest way for beginners to get new viewers.
Set up your TikTok account
For beginners, TikTok is often the fastest way to reach — even with no followers, a video can take off.
Create an account
Download the app, register with email or phone number. Choose a short, memorable username.
Switch to a Business or Creator account
Settings → “Manage account” → switch to a Business/Creator account. Only then do you get analytics for your videos.
Bio & profile picture
One sentence about what it's about, ideally with an emoji. A clearly recognizable profile picture. Optionally a call to action (“Follow me for …”).
Set account to public
Check in your privacy settings that your account is public — otherwise nobody sees your videos.
Before your first post
Set who can comment/duet (early on, feel free to allow everyone for more reach) and whether the right region/language is set.
Video format
Always film vertical (9:16). The first second decides whether someone stays.
Set up your Instagram account
Instagram thrives on Reels (short videos) and a tidy profile — highly visual and great for building a brand.
Switch to a Professional/Creator account
Settings → Account type → switch to “Creator”. Unlocks analytics and more features.
Use the name field smartly
The name field (not the @username) is searchable. Put your topic in there, e.g. “Max | Fitness Tips”.
Bio & link
Clearly say what it's about and who it's for. Set a link if you want to link to something.
Reels are your engine
Reels (vertical, 9:16) bring the most new reach — put your focus there, not on regular photos.
A consistent look
A recognizable style (colours, fonts, theme) makes your profile look professional. Highlights help you keep important things pinned.
Public profile
For growth, your profile has to be public — check that in your settings.
Posting the right way
Frequency, timing, hashtags, hooks — what really matters.
Before your first post — a quick check
Before your first video goes out, go through this list once — it'll save you a lot of trouble later.
Account public & pro account active
Publicly visible and switched to a Creator/Business account (for analytics).
Profile complete
Clear profile picture, name, and a bio that says what it's about in one sentence.
Same name everywhere
The same username on all platforms makes you recognizable.
Set a realistic goal
Aim to post X videos — not to get X followers. That's in your own hands.
How often to post? (Frequency)
The most important rule for beginners: consistency beats perfection.
Better regular than a lot
3–5 short videos per week is a great start — but only if you keep it up. Pick a number you can reliably manage, even on bad days.
Sticking with it is everything
Most people give up after 5–10 videos. Those who keep going win almost automatically. Better to plan your videos ahead (collect ideas).
Volume helps at the start
Every video is a lottery ticket. The more you post (in good quality), the higher the chance one takes off.
When to post? (Timing)
Don't overthink it at the start — good videos still get served later too.
Rough rule of thumb
When your audience is online: early morning, midday and evening (around 6–9 pm) often work well.
Data-based later
Once you have a few videos and analytics, you'll see your best times — only then is fine-tuning worth it.
Don't make it an excuse
Better to post at the wrong time than not at all. The timing matters far less than a good hook.
Hook & thumbnail — the first seconds
Whether someone stays is decided instantly. This is where you win most viewers (or lose them).
The first 3 seconds
No long intro, no “Hey guys, welcome back”. Jump straight in with tension or a promise.
Show the result first
For how-tos or before/after: briefly show the end result at the start — that makes people curious about how to get there.
Thumbnail (YouTube)
Clear, little text, one emotion or a face. It has to be recognizable even at a tiny size.
Using trends & cross-posting
Get more out of every video with little effort.
Use trending sounds
Especially on TikTok & Reels: current sounds/trends give your video an extra boost. Look in your feed for which sounds keep popping up.
One video, all platforms
You can upload the same short video to TikTok, Reels and YouTube Shorts — tripling your chances with no extra effort.
Watch out: watermarks
Upload videos without the TikTok watermark to Instagram/YouTube — foreign logos get served worse there. Save the original file without a logo.
Ready? Get your personal starter plan and get going.
Go to starter plan →