We have all seen it, the making of a star seemingly overnight. Singers, dancers, actors and most of all crazies becoming popular through one medium: videos. YouTube has allowed us to access talent that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. It takes hard work, sweat, tears and the occasional public humiliation to reach superstar status. Most importantly, you need one key factor working in your favor: virality. These tips should help lead you on the road to stardom. So get those sunglasses and that fake microphone ready because we are about to make you a superstar!
1. Pick your talent or highlight your lack of talent
This is the most important step because you are deciding what is going to make you famous. You can showcase typical talents: singing, dancing, and acting; or you can go with that “off the beaten path” talent which highlights uncommon skills such as eating disgusting foods together circa Epic Meal Time. Another popular medium if you think your funny enough would be video blogging or “vlogging” like Jenna Marbles. Have or know a cute kid? They are known to say the darnedest things so make sure you catch one of their many adorable moments, first moments or talented moments. Parents, it’s not exploitation if it will help pay for their college funds! Another great way to appeal to audiences is senior folks attempting to use technology. Guaranteed laughs. One of the biggest misconceptions is that you have to be talented to be famous… not on YouTube friends! In a place where a video like “Sitting on a Toilet” has nearly three million views ANYTHING is possible.
2. To solo or not to solo?
Deciding whether to be a solo act or not is a big deal. As we are naturally selfish human beings my bet is that you will pick the solo act, but do not rule out the partner in crime. Take it from Sophia Grace’s hype girl Rosie who became famous by just dancing next to her friend. Not only is their power in numbers, but they can provide you with moral support and its always nice to have someone to blame if things go awry. Inter generational videos also always seem to do the trick. This Father-daughter duo and Grandma-Grandson rappers raked in the viewers!
3. Invest in a good camera AND camera-man
Obviously you can’t make a video without a good camera so make sure you have one on the day of filming. Does not have to be a professional film camera, but the better the quality, the better the outcome. Also make sure to hire a camera- man and by hire I mean bribe one of your family members or friends ( HELLO your going to be famous they will thank you later!)
4. Sharing is caring
This step is crucial because in order to achieve virality you need to have exposure. Tell everyone. Your friends, your friends parents, their distant cousins abroad, your neighbors, their dogs etc. – everyone must know. Have a Facebook? Twitter? Instagram? Flickr? Pinterest? Share away. This is the only time where self promotion is ok so in the wise words of cheerleaders everywhere, “be aggressive, be, be aggressive. You may even end up in our new “Trending YouTube Videos” feed.
There you have it, your four simple steps to stardom! If all else fails do a “Call me Maybe” parody – we’ve heard those are cool these days.
Don’t forget us when your famous!
Pixable is a start-up founded by three MIT students and is now located in New York City.
