The YouTube bandwagon is getting really crowded - like a Volkswagen sardine-packed full of flower-power hippies. Only we’re not hippies, we’re YouTubers! We are a new generation of moviemakers. Home-manufactured video has become something totally new and fresh ever since the name YouTube first echoed across the halls of technodom. Who says you can’t create a movie worth watching without a multi-million dollar budget and big name actors? Now you work yourself into Steven Spielberg-like movie fame with a digital video recorder, competent PC, and a knack for knowing what people like to see. Your focus can be on sheer creativity, and not the sales, marketing, and money woes. Or perhaps you’re not into it for the fame, just self-satisfaction. Feel free to make YouTubing a hobby.

"Okay," you’re thinking. "That all sounds fine and dandy. But how do I get from here to there? What are the essentials I need to know to start my home-based movie-making venture?" Well, it is really pretty simple. You’ll be amazed how easy it actually is. So, let’s get started. Let’s go over the basics of how to be a YouTuber.

The Art of Creation

Creating a YouTube-worthy video is not rocket science. There are a number of home concocted "movies" on YouTube which just makes me cringe. Not everyone is a movie-maker. And that is fine. But here are some basic points to keep in mind when creating your YouTube video.

1. What’s the point?

I’ve seen it one too many times. Some poor soul creates and posts a video on YouTube for no reason other than to be on the vastest homemade video-sharing library in the world. And to those people I say - it stands out like a sore thumb. Do yourself a favor. Have a purpose to post your self-actualized flick other than just to say, "I’m on YouTube!" After all, these days a five year old can create a movie and post it. It’s really not a big deal...unless you have a point.

Whatever the reason is up to you. It could be to display a few video clips you recorded from Thanksgiving at Grandma’s, to make people laugh, or to educate. Whatever the point, just make sure there is one.

2. Who’s it for?

Okay. I know I kind of belittled the need for marketing when moviemaking on YouTube earlier in this article, but you do need to do some. Before you create your movie or video - especially if the point is purely entertainment - be sure to have a target audience you are trying to reach. Why? Because if you don’t have an audience out there, your film - which toiled over for hundreds of hours - will be a flop.

Now, frankly, I am convinced that there is a person out there, somewhere in the vast world that would enjoy your YouTubing. I still recommend making sure.

3. Let there be light - Let there be audio

This may seem like a trivial point, but you would be amazed how many homemade movies would be a resounding success if only it had more light on the subject - or if only you could better hear what was going on. Suffice it to say, take lighting and audio into account.

4. Be creative - Be yourself

As a writer, I realize that plagiarism is an unpardonable sin. The same is true with moviemaking. Most importantly, don’t see a video on YouTube and try to "one-up" it...unless you really are exercising your creativity - and not robbing from the original author’s. It’s not worth it. YouTubers don’t take very kindly to such a cheap shot. You may find yourself hunted down by a posse of YouTube cowboys. You may have to give up YouTubing forever. Just don’t do it.

The Science of Uploading

Frankly, there is not much here. If you know how to attach a file to your email, YouTubing should be a breeze. For the fun of it, thought, let’s just go through it.

First off, click the upload button on the upper right side of the YouTube homepage. Then enter some information about your video (title, tags, categories, etc). There are some other options on this page which I will let you decide what you want to do. One hint I can offer is too list as many different tags as you can, and give a detailed (but not too long) description. This will help people find your film easier when they do a search, giving your creating more of a chance to strike it big. Next, you are going to want to click on "Upload Video."

Be patient. It may take as long as ten minutes for your video upload to be completed. Naturally, the bigger your file, the longer it will take. But it will all be worth it, no doubt. Remember, patience is a virtue.

Okay. So once it's done uploading, you're finished! Great job! Congratulations! You’re a YouTuber! For those eager to search for their video by keywords, wait a little longer. YouTube takes a while to upload your information and video totally into its system (up to eight hours). But, again, be patient. It will happen in due time. Before long you’ll be able to search and find it.

After that, you’re absolutely done. Search for your video to make sure it’s in. Then sit back and enjoy the show!