YouTube Vlogger LaMadelynn Shares Foolproof Tips for Starting a Channel
Though the self-proclaimed army brat spent her past early years traveling the world and experiencing different cultures, Maddie of LaMadelynn has a singular vision for her future. The YouTube vlogger plans to become an elementary school teacher, and one look at her channel shows she'd be one every student hopes to have: soft-spoken, yet upbeat and incredibly warm. YouTube provides the perfect platform to practice her teaching skills, and Maddie's videos are a fun mix of how-tos, DIYs, and vlogs.
We asked the Washington, D.C.-based college student to share her best tips for starting and maintaining a great channel, so listen up because this future teacher does know best.
1/5This beauty guru is a master teacher.
Photo: courtesy of LaMadeLynn2/5Where did you grow up?
I'm an army brat, so I've lived all over the world, but my favorite places were Italy and Hawaii.
**What's your major? **
Elementary education. I've wanted to be an elementary school teacher since I was that age myself. I love working with children—their personalities, charisma, and passion for learning is infectious!
When did you first decide to start your channel?
I'd been watching beauty and fashion videos religiously for quite some time before I realized I was mostly hooked on YouTubers from the U.K. I was inspired by how few fashion vloggers there seemed to be in the U.S. and started my own channel in 2011. Since then the fashion community on YouTube has grown tremendously!
Aside from vlogging, what do you like to do in your free time?
Nothing beats exploring D.C. and taking pictures!
Photo: courtesy of LaMadeLynn3/5What camera do you use?
A T3i! My filming setup varies from place to place, but usually it’s somewhere near a window. Just me, my camera, and a tripod!
**What is your most-viewed video? **
A swap I did with CutiePieMarzia. No one can resist a good collaboration! My Fifty Random Facts video is also a popular one. It gives subscribers a more in-depth view.
Tell us about your single most frustrating vlogging moment.
There are so many! I once had to edit and upload the same video eight times. It was awful.
Photo: courtesy of LaMadeLynn4/5**What is your favorite part about being a YouTube guru? **
I love that I’m free to go in any direction I want with my channel. There are so many components to my taste and style, yet I can talk about makeup, video games, and fashion, and somehow they all seem to coincide.
Who are your favorite fellow gurus?
Clothesencounters, for sure. Jenn and Sarah were one of the very few U.S. channels I watched that inspired me to start my own! And I thoroughly enjoy all of Essiebutton’s videos. Estée is hilarious, and she has an amazing personality!
**Many of our readers want to start their own channels. What three nitty-gritties would you advise them to do or not to do? **
Just getting started can be intimidating, but there are ways you can get the word out about your channel pretty quickly. First of all, upload frequently. Later you’ll reach a point where you can upload once a week or so. Quality is also important. Having natural lighting and a decent camera to film with will make your videos aesthetically pleasing and more enjoyable to watch. Always reply to comments and messages, and use social media site to interact with subscribers outside of YouTube. Also, be personable! I think that’s the most important thing to remember.
Photo: courtesy of LaMadeLynn5/5What’s the latest beauty product you’ve fallen in love with?
My Revlon Colorburst lipgloss in Sunbaked goes with me everywhere! It’s one of those your-lips-but-better kind of shades, and there’s no shimmer so it’s great for everyday wear.
What are your three can’t-live-without-them beauty essentials?
Lipstick, mascara, and an eyelash curler. I’d be set with just those items.
Do you have any cool storage tricks for keeping all your stuff organized?
I’m digging the whole acrylic beauty organizer fad. It’s simple and convenient.
