This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Eli Casas. Find them on Instagram at @elicasasnow. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
If you are on any social media platforms, then you have probably come across informative or encouraging videos about how to embrace your inner content creator. Even though the field is competitive, there are various platforms to choose from, and finding your niche takes time. Whether you decide to become a full-time or part-time content creator the best way to start consists of setting yourself up to succeed. Most would argue the best way to do that includes going on a dive deep about what to do and what to avoid as you start this chapter in your life.
What Do You Need To Get Started?
Like anything else we pursue in life, it’s important to have the right equipment to get started! You might actually already have an essential tool in your hands right now, your smartphone. In fact, numerous content creators start off recording vlogs with their phones and later upgrade to cameras. Depending on what platform you strive to grow on, having expensive instruments is not as essential as the quality of your creativity.
From what I have learned, having the right tools is not enough it also requires you to learn more about your smartphone or camera to increase the outcome of your videos. In short, you want to learn all about the specs, settings, and gear that are ideal for your device, to optimize results. However, if you are in the market for high-tech equipment, you can find a handful of recommendation videos on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram created by other content creators.
According to The New York Times Wirecutter, it is recommended to obtain the right camera, but it comes down to the kind of environment you anticipate filming in. For the best results make sure your equipment is meant to perform well under such conditions.
You may also want to consider what software, audio, and lighting are most compatible with your device. Ensure that you are well-equipped to capture the best audio. Enhance your overall audio quality with microphones, luckily there are plenty to pick from!
Interestingly enough, you can also purchase vlogging kits which make it easier to start your content creator journey. It’s good to have options, just pick what works best for you!
Finding Your Niche
Niche in a nutshell consists of finding what you do, for people who have interests in the same things. Let’s say your niche is apartment living, that might consist of you making relatable content as someone who lives in an apartment. Anything from apartment decor to DIYs, or daily vlogs with story times. Keep in mind finding your niche may take time, trial and error, and redirection.
As someone who avidly consumes content, I can’t emphasize how important it is to pick a niche that’s relatable and authentic to who you are. You wouldn’t want to get stuck creating content about something entirely foreign to you.
Marco Zamora found his niche as a content creator on TikTok by sharing with his followers, creative ways to construct DYI renter-friendly renovations. He even incorporated ways to engage with the audience by asking for their opinions. You see, once you have found your niche, you have to interact with your audience to build a sense of community, you reciprocate their time with yours. With time Zamora grew his audience, with now over 1 million followers on TikTok, he found opportunities within his niche all while founding a business.
Narrow down what you want to talk about, this will help users find you faster through search engines. Finding your niche is pivotal to your success regardless of where you decide to start as a content creator.
The Journey
I have followed the journey of Nathaniel Drew, who found success within his niche and expanded over time. With over 1 million subscribers on YouTube, his niche includes living abroad, philosophy, art, and self-care. Drew has created content for almost a decade. Over the years I have watched his content evolve in every way possible, from video quality to editing skills and visuals. His creativity has a unique style, which one might even perceive as a brand. This a prime example of how content creators excel within their niche when they set themselves up to succeed.
Listening to testimonials from different content creators has brought me to the conclusion that the journey of becoming a content creator is all about consistency, strategy, and self-reflection. If you apply yourself and do the work, it’s only a matter of time before you grow. Drew is a good example of how honing your craft pays off in the long run.
Learning Each Platform
Although the ultimate goal consists of gaining a following, the key component is to aim for quality results on the platform of your choice. Note, that having a niche will contribute towards that, but keywords make it easier for users to find you through search engines such as Google as well as social media platforms. According to Forbes, you also want to aim for organic engagement, this can be as simple as commenting on posts or asking questions to your followers.
Aside from that, you want to make sure you’re using as many tools as possible within the apps. Katie Steckly for example, shared in a YouTube video some of her Instagram strategies for 2025, she emphasized how useful the tools within the app are. For instance, the inspiration tab allows creators to look at insights, like what’s trending, ranging from audio to videos. Additionally, Steckly thinks incorporating a variety of content styles contributes to more engagement such as slide carousels, so maybe don’t only focus on Instagram reels switch it up!
Let’s say don’t know how to become a content creator on TikTok, fortunately, you can find a vast amount of step-by-step guides on how to begin. For reference, I went on YouTube and searched how to grow on TikTok, and I came across Sarah Wang’s YouTube video, she covers the importance of consistency, hashtags, and engagement.
Ultimately, confirm that you know as much as possible about the platform you intend to use to create and share content! Use all the tools at your disposal. Remember it’s as simple as a quick Google search!
Do you know how to become a content creator on TikTok or other platforms? Let us know in the comments below.
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