How to become a content creator in 7 steps

Content creation can seem difficult and competitive. Fortunately, there are many different paths you can take to make content creation your career. For example, you can start by creating content on social media or a blog platform. This will help you build an audience over time. You can also develop your skills through formal education in photography, videography, writing, or similar fields — or you could follow the steps below.

What is a content creator?

A content creator produces original content across various media channels. These channels often include social media, video-sharing platforms like Youtube, blogs and podcasts. They create content that is interesting, informative or entertaining for their audience.

There are several different ways you can become a content creator. The path you choose will likely depend on the type of content you want to create. Depending on your interests, you can take steps to become an influencer, photographer, videographer, streamer or writer.

Influencer

An influencer is a trendsetter for a particular audience. They usually have a significant following on social media and affect the decisions of their followers. Influencers use their platform and notoriety to endorse brands or products in ways that affect customers’ buying decisions.

Successful influencers rely on a unique combination of skills. They are creative, communicative and open-minded people who understand marketing. Influencers need an engaging personality, which helps them entertain their audience. Many influencers also need resources like reliable internet and mobile connectivity, video editing software, design tools and analytics platforms to measure their reach.

Photographer or videographer

Photographers and videographers capture visual media that tells a specific story. Some content creators are skilled in photography and videography. Other creators specialize in one or the other. Both photographers and videographers use cameras, lighting and other equipment to create high-quality content.

Depending on their expertise, a photographer/videographer might work on a variety of different projects. They often record media at events like weddings, music videos, fashion showcases, sporting competitions and various forms of travel. Photographers and videographers often rely on cameras, lenses, phones, lighting equipment and tripods.

Streamer

A streamer broadcasts live content on an online digital platform. Streamers commonly use platforms like Twitch, YouTube and Facebook to stream their activities in real time. Many streamers broadcast themselves playing popular video games. Others might create music, cook or perform some other talent.

Streamers often work as independent contractors. They build their own audience and monetize their content. In other cases, a streamer is sponsored by a brand to promote a company’s products or services to a particular audience.

Streamers need excellent skills in communication and multitasking. They often need to keep one eye on their activities and another eye on comments from their audience. Streamers commonly use equipment like gaming consoles, video cameras, webcams, computers and microphones.

Writer

A writer is a professional who creates written content. They use their skills to communicate ideas, convey emotions and tell stories in a compelling way. Writers commonly create poems, short stories, novels, blogs and technical content for corporate use.

Successful writers need skills in grammar, syntax, writing, revision and research. They also need a firm understanding of the topics they write about. Writers typically use computers, word-processing programs and grammar-checking and editing software to make work easier. They also need to understand different formats and writing styles.

Develop your skills

All content creators need to build skills before beginning their careers. Without the right skills, content creators won’t be able to build content that resonates with an audience. Rising competition in the streaming field means it’s even more important to stand out. Today, standing out as a streamer requires skills in content creation, revision and distribution.

There are several ways a content creator can improve their skills. Many content creators pursue formal education, including degree and diploma programs, to elevate their skills. These programs provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to create high-quality content.

Other aspiring content creators turn to more affordable education options. Certification programs, boot camps, workshops and apprenticeship programs also provide foundational skills in content creation. Many of these programs also help to connect learners with professional opportunities once the program ends.

Define your style

All content creators need to develop a distinct style. Your style helps you stand out and contributes to your brand identity. A recognizable style is what distinguishes one content creator’s work from another. It helps your audience identify and enjoy your work.

Your style also helps you appeal to specific viewers or followers. It allows you to build a loyal audience, one that appreciates your perspective and the effort you put into your work. When followers resonate with your style, they are more likely to return to your content again and again.

Identify your audience

Successful content creators also need to identify their audience. A strong, engaged audience can help you achieve your goals, whether you want to reach new people or monetize your content.

There are several factors to consider when determining your target audience. Consider the age range you’re targeting, since different age groups may have different interests, needs, and communication styles. Consider the interests of your audience. This can help you create content that’s continually fun, new and engaging. Consider the financial status of your audience. This can affect their purchasing habits and the success of any brand deals you make.

Choose a platform

Content creators have a wide range of platforms to choose from. Different platforms have different audiences, features, limitations, content formats and requirements. Content creators should choose platforms that suit their goals. They should also consider the platforms where their target audience spends time.

Consider how you want to interact with your audience when choosing a platform. Your platform should allow for comments and direct messages from your content, unless you only want to interact with followers in less direct ways.

YouTube

Youtube is a video-sharing platform. It allows content creators to upload, view and share videos with others. YouTube is currently one of the world’s top social platforms, with more than 2.5 billion active users.

YouTube hosts all sorts of different video types. Some content creators upload how-to videos. These videos explain how to do something. Common how-to videos include cooking tips, DIY project strategies and makeup tutorials. The platform also hosts entertainment and gaming content.

Facebook

Facebook is currently the world’s most used social media platform. It has more than 2.95 billion active users. Facebook helps connect friends, family members, and loved ones in online communities. The platform allows creators to share all sorts of content, from images to videos to written messages.

Status updates are one common form of Facebook content. Users will post a status update when they want to broadcast a message to the world. Many status updates indicate a new relationship, career change or an exciting life update.

Instagram

Instagram is a social media platform where users share photos and videos. It’s primarily a visual platform. Users can caption their images and videos with hashtags and other messages for additional context.

Photos and videos make up the majority of Instagram posts. Many people use Instagram “Stories” to share their updates with others. Stories are short-form videos that disappear after 24 hours. They are often used to share quick life updates.

TikTok

TikTok is a social media app that allows users to share short-form videos. The app is known for dance challenges, music trends and other creative content.

TikTok presents video content in an easily-scrollable format. Users can quickly navigate through content promoting entertainment, education, fashion tips, comedy and other topics. The platform offers a particularly diverse range of content, ideal for content creators looking to express unique perspectives.

Get the equipment you’ll need

Content creators may use a variety of equipment to make content. The equipment you’ll need will depend on your budget, setting and the type of content you want to create.

Here is some of the most popular equipment that content creators use:

• Smartphones: A phone with the proper capabilities such as creating images, videos and other forms of content to be shared will be essential. Content creators use smartphones to capture content and edit it on the go. After editing, they typically post content directly to social media.

• Tablets: Content creators can use a tablet’s camera and editing features to generate new content. Most tablets are convenient and portable, ideal for content creators on the go.

• Lighting: Lighting equipment like softboxes, ring lights and floodlights help enhance visual appeal. Content creators will optimize lighting to achieve a professional-looking shot.

• Sound equipment: Microphones and speakers help content creators capture high-definition audio. They can also provide background audio while creating a piece of music-themed content.

• Headsets: Content creators use headsets in several different ways. Some content creators use headsets while live streaming a video game session. Others might use headphones during the content editing process.

• Internet hardware: Internet access is essential for all content creators. Creators will use an appropriate router, modem and high-speed internet access to upload any new content to social media.

Build your presence

Content creators need a recognizable online presence. Your online presence can help build an audience and increase online visibility. Building a recognizable online presence also helps you promote your brand, establish trust with your audience and solidify your public personality.

There are several ways a content creator can establish their presence online. First, you’ll need to consistently create content. Give your audience the chance to get to know you. After publishing content, don't be afraid to engage with your audience. Answer followers’ questions and offer behind-the-scenes access to your content creation process.

Find a way to get paid

Content creators can get paid for their work in several ways. Many content creators sell their own products. Others are sponsored by recognizable brands. Some content creators find work as in-house creators at creative agencies. Many social media platforms also allow content creators to run ads for additional revenue opportunities.

Many content creators monetize their content through affiliate marketing. Creators earn a set commission by promoting a company’s products or services using affiliate links. When a customer buys a product or service using that affiliate link, the content creator earns a percentage of the profits.

Working as a content creator can be a rewarding pursuit that enables you to indulge your passion for creativity. To become one, you just need the right equipment as well as a strategy to differentiate yourself, put yourself out there and get paid. Consider putting the tips above into action and get started as a successful content creator today.