How to Start a True Crime Youtube Channel

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A true crime YouTube channel is a channel on the YouTube platform that focuses on producing and sharing content related to true crime stories.

These channels typically cover real-life criminal cases, including murder mysteries, unsolved crimes, serial killers, and other intriguing criminal incidents. True crime YouTube channels often feature documentaries, interviews, analyses, and discussions about various criminal cases.

They may delve into the details of the crimes, examine the evidence, explore motives, and provide insight into the investigation process. Some channels also highlight the legal aspects of these cases, including trials and the pursuit of justice.

These channels often have a large following of viewers who are interested in true crime stories, criminal psychology, and the workings of the justice system. They can be both informative and entertaining, offering a mix of storytelling and factual information.

Steps on How to Start a True Crime YouTube Channel

Conduct Market Research

Just as it was noted above, true crime stories have become increasingly popular, and YouTube has also presented a viable platform for true crime content.

Owners of these channels cover what the main broadcasting channels do, ranging from investigative journalism to well-known events, but with a few unique twists. Note that you can only refer to yourself as a “true crime” podcaster if you carry out deep result-finding research.

Ensure to find out all you can regarding the crimes you’re covering. This makes it possible to capture and retain the attention of your audience. It as well provides them with a clearer and unique insight into the crime itself.

a. Who is your target audience?

The gruesome details of the genre tend to attract the attention of many. According to industry statistics, half of Americans concur that they love true crime and 13 percent agree it’s their favorite genre.

Women comprise at least 75 percent of true crime YouTube channel watchers, and this crowns them as the majority consumers of true crime content. It is believed that women tend to have an easier time empathizing with the victim and the perpetrator.

b. Is True Crime YouTube Channel Business a Profitable Business?

Yes. When done well, it can be quite profitable. There are a good number of millionaires who have been created on YouTube, and it is inestimable how much money one can make on the platform.

c. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry?

Prior to creating a YouTube crime channel, you need to consider the type of true crime content you would prefer to focus on. Nevertheless, here are viable options to consider;

White-collar Crime
Crime and Criminal Biographies
Serial Killers
Espionage
Organized Crime
Hoaxes and Deceptions
Murder and Mayhem

d. Who are the Major Competitors?

LordanARTS
Law&Crime Network
That Chapter
BOZE vs. the WORLD
Bailey Sarian
Stephanie Harlowe
Rob Gavagan
Ask a Mortician
Eleanor Neale
Bella Fiori
Kendall Rae

e. Are There County or State Regulations or Zoning Laws for True Crime YouTube Channels?

This will most likely depend on your location and how you go about sourcing your information. However, in most situations, you won’t have to worry about state regulations or zoning laws. Nevertheless, it is still important you check online to see your location’s zoning rules. Also, consider reaching out to your local planning department or zoning board to obtain the appropriate information.

f. Is There a Franchise for the True Crime YouTube Channel Business?

No. There is no franchise available for anyone looking to start a true crime YouTube channel. Anyone looking to start this business will have to start from scratch by creating a channel on YouTube.

g. What Do You Need to Start a True Crime YouTube Channel Business?

Camera
External microphone
Good lighting
A tripod
Storage
Video editing software.

Choose a Memorable Business Name

When looking to start a business, before you can begin to file the necessary documents with the constituted authorities or start your website, it is necessary that you come up with a name that you will be recognized with. It is essential that the name you come up with can easily be pronounced, is unique and easily memorable. Some of the catchy business name ideas suitable for a true crime Youtube channel are;

Register your Business

a. What Type of Business Structure is Best for True Crime YouTube Channel Business?

The best business structure for a true crime YouTube channel is an LLC because it helps to protect you from being held personally liable if your YouTube business is sued. Even though liability protection isn’t entirely foolproof, it has proven to offer more protection than a sole proprietorship.

b. Steps to Form an LLC

Choose a Name for Your LLC.
File Articles of Organization.
Choose a registered agent.
Decide on member vs. manager management.
Create an LLC operating agreement.
Comply with other tax and regulatory requirements.
File annual reports.

c. What Type of License is Needed to Open a True Crime YouTube Channel Business?

Truth be told, the license you need to run this business will vary depending on your unique situation. For instance, if your YouTube channel barely makes any money, then you are not mandated to obtain a business license for it. Howbeit, if you have intentions to own or rent premises, you will be expected to obtain a business license irrespective of whether you make any money.

d. What Type of Certification is Needed to Open a True Crime YouTube Channel Business?

Although there are no necessary certifications needed to start a true crime YouTube channel, it is recommended that you get YouTube certified. YouTube Certified is a free educational course provided by YouTube – but a good number of creators just don’t know about it.

It is meant to aid qualified creators and partners leverage advanced YouTube systems and tools. Once the YouTube Certified course is completed, creators obtain a YouTube certificate of approval and also grow the standard of their video content.

e. What Documents Are Needed to Open a True Crime YouTube Channel Business?

Business License (If Necessary)
Online Terms of Use (if you have a website)
DBA
EIN
Business and liability insurance
Federal Tax Payer’s ID

f. Do You Need a Trademark, Copyright, or Patent?

This is without doubt a grey area for YouTube content developers. Truth be told, true crime is good business because aside from being extraordinarily popular, facts can’t be protected by U.S. copyright law. Owing to that, even the most sensational cases can be — and are — retold infinitely across formats.

However, it is important you only use photos or videos that are free. If you intend to utilize someone else’s content—which will most definitely make your video resonate better with audiences—then you must comply with the same rules on copyright that TV does.

Cost Analysis and Budgeting

a. How Much Does It Cost to Start a True Crime YouTube Channel Business?

Note that YouTube channels are started for free. Howbeit, putting together or creating valuable video content will most often necessitate you to spend money on video production equipment, which can cost around $1,300 and $10,000.

b. What are the Costs Involved?

YouTube Account – $0
Internet Access and Computer – $0 – $400+
Studio – $0 – $500+
Video Equipment List – $150 – $750
Video Creation and Editing Software – $0 – $300
YouTube SEO – $0 – $200+ per month
YouTube Marketing Course – $0

c. What Factors Determine the Cost of Opening a True Crime YouTube Channel Business?

Quality of equipment
True crime niche
The extent of research and findings
Insurance
Branding, promotion, and marketing
The required licenses and permits

d. Do You Need to Build a Facility?

No. There is no need to build a facility to run a true crime YouTube channel. This business only requires that you create a YouTube channel on the platform. Once you have done this, ensure that you have a comprehensive web presence to accompany it. Once viewers locate your true crime channel, they’ll want to know more about you and might try to locate your website.

e. What are the Ongoing Expenses for Running a True Crime YouTube Channel Business?

Monthly smartphone bill
Internet connection
Hardware and software.
Video production
Editing
Lighting
Audio

f. What is the Average Salary of your Staff?

Camera operator: $22,721
Script writer: $26,490
Researcher: $32,510

g. How Do You Get Funding to Start a True Crime YouTube Channel Business?

Personal savings
A business line of credit
Friends and family
Crowdfunding

Write a Business Plan

a. Executive Summary

Guilty as Charged is a fresh true crime YouTube channel that will steadily make available insightful and comprehensively engaging content that will furnish our viewers with enthralling stories of real-life cases and crimes.

By carrying out in-depth research and well-polished storytelling, Guilty as Charged will dig into past crimes, providing comprehensive investigations, and mind-blowing concepts, as well as the quest to attain justice. By concentrating on unraveling high-profile and lesser-known cases, we believe our channel will steadily publish a wide array of content that will entice true crime enthusiasts.

b. Products and Service

YouTube video series
Documentary films
Podcasts
Merchandise
Live events
Exclusive content and memberships
Collaborations and partnerships
Educational resources
Community engagement
Consultancy Services

c. Mission Statement

At Guilty as Charged, our mission is to unravel the truth that has clouded real-life criminal cases. We will strive every day to carry out in-depth research coupled with providing well-polished storytelling, and mind-blowing content that will provide insights, entertainment, and satisfaction to real crime enthusiasts globally.

d. Vision Statement

Our vision at Guilty as Charged is to help build a world where the morbid aspects of human existence are properly analyzed, bringing to the limelight buried intricacies of criminal behavior, helping to cultivate a community of enlightened individuals, and helping to provide clarity and closure in the world of true crime.

e. Goals and Objectives

Publish high-quality and insightful true crime content that will intrigue and inform our viewers.
Evaluate and analyze a vast array of real-life criminal cases, both well-known and lesser-known.
Make available fact-based and deeply verified information, and guarantee precisions and credibility.
Cultivate a dedicated community of true crime enthusiasts, as well as give room for discussion, evaluation, thought sharing, and exploration.
Hive significance or importance to unsolved cases or wrongful convictions
Steadily bolster production quality, incorporating creative storytelling antics and leveraging visual and auditory insights to boost viewers’ experience.
Grow Guilty as Charged by cementing strategic partnerships, collaborations, and cross-promotion.

f. Organizational Structure

Camera operator
Scriptwriter
Researcher

Marketing Plan

a. SWOT Analysis

Strengths

Intriguing and properly investigated content that attracts and retains the attention of true crime enthusiasts.
Well-polished storytelling capabilities that are sure to guarantee emotional connection and sustain viewer interest.
Properly trained and very eager team with experience spanning years in true crime investigations and storytelling.
A vibrant and busy community that always guarantees insightful discussions and cultivates a loyal following.
Alliance with experienced professionals and influencers in the true crime field.

Weaknesses

Guilty as Charged over-dependence on a single platform (YouTube) for content distribution.
High possibility of potential backlash or uprisings that have to do with the release of sensitive crime topics.
The field’s requirement is for steady research and staying current with fast-changing trends in true crime.

Opportunities

The possibility of expanding to other content distribution platforms
Massive opportunities to align with mainstream media outlets to boost Guilty as Charged
Establishment of educational resources or courses to see to the fast-rising interest in true crime.

Threats

Ever growing competition within our field and the need for differentiation and creativity
Possible overload of the true-crime field, which can make it very daunting to draw in and sustain the attention of viewers.

c. How Do True Crime YouTube Channel Businesses Make Money?

These businesses make money by growing their popularity enough to monetize the channel. For instance, if any of your videos reach 10,000 views, it is possible to monetize the channel and make good money from YouTube. Once your content doesn’t contravene YouTube rules, you will get compensated for views.

d. Payment Options

As long as your channel’s earnings have attained the payment threshold, you can choose your form of payment. Although this will depend on your payment address, you might pick any of the following options:

Check
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
Wire Transfer

e. Sales & Advertising Strategies

Once your YouTube channel is up and running, the very next phase will be to build a steady stream of viewers. Have in mind that this can be daunting; as such, here are marketing options to consider;

Share your videos on social media
Submit your videos to crime websites and blogs
Join crime-related forums and communities
Use Pinterest
Focus on Search
Publish content everywhere
Try paid services
Optimize your content

Financial Projection

a. How Much Should You Charge for your product/Service?

Have it in mind that all YouTube business owners tend to get paid a precise amount of money for views and clicks of sponsors’ ads. It simply entails that the channel owner barely decides how much to charge clients.

b. How Much Profit Do True Crime YouTube Channel Owners Make a Year?

Truth be told, YouTube channel businesses can generate massive revenues, from a few hundred dollars per year to millions of dollars. Reports have it that most popular YouTube business owners tend to make around $10 million per year.

c. What Factors Determine the Amount of Profit to Be Made?

Channel popularity
Number of legitimate views
The type of ad
The viewer’s location
The ad’s placement on the video.

d. What is the Profit Margin of a True Crime YouTube Channel?

YouTube channel businesses tend to receive around 55% of the revenue generated on their channels, and this simply entails that for every $100 an advertiser spends, YouTube pays $55 to the creator.

e. What is the Sales Forecast?

First Fiscal Year (FY1): $98,000
Second Fiscal Year (FY2): $280,000
Third Fiscal Year (FY3): $420,000

Set Up your Shop/Office

a. How Do You Choose a Perfect Location for the True Crime YouTube Channel?

Just as was noted above, there is really no need to build a facility or choose a perfect location to run a true crime YouTube channel. The only thing you require is to actually create your business channel, and YouTube makes it quite easier for eager entrepreneurs. Note that with only a few clicks here and there, you’ll be ready to set up your new channel.

b. What State and City is Best to Open a True Crime YouTube Channel?

You don’t need to be particular about choosing the ideal location or city for your true crime channel. With over 1.5 billion visitors each month, YouTube ensures you have the platform you need to reach your audience. Over 60% of those users tend to visit YouTube every single day.

Luckily, establishing a YouTube account isn’t that challenging; howbeit, building a successful YouTube channel requires a little more work.

c. What Equipment is Needed to Operate?

In this line of business, although you don’t really need to overinvest in equipment, it is very necessary you consider these equipment noted below;

Camera
External microphone
Good lighting
A tripod
Storage
Editing Software

Hire Employees

Note that most often this business can be started or operated by one man. If your YouTube true crime channel business starts to grow extensively, you can then contemplate adding a camera operator, scriptwriter, and maybe a few researchers.

Nevertheless, have it in mind that a good number of YouTube business owners have enjoyed massive success without having employees.

Launch the Business Proper

There is no need to officially launch your true crime YouTube channel. What you need to do first is to understand the niche you can fit in properly.

After you must have decided on your niche, your next step will be to set up your true crime YouTube channel. This process is quite easy as YouTube has made available numerous helpful guides on its website. Other things to do include;

Name Your Channel
Create a Channel Banner
Set Your Channel Defaults

a. What Makes a True Crime YouTube Channel Business Successful?

As long as you can create captivating videos, you only need to advertise your channel to draw in clients. Don’t forget to properly label your videos to ensure that viewers can conveniently find them. Along with that, ensure to also create a catchy title and description to ensure that you can effectively attract viewers. Always remember to ask viewers to subscribe to your channel and hit the “like” button.

b. What Happens During a Typical Day at a True Crime YouTube Channel Business?

Have it in mind that a good part of your day as a true crime YouTube channel owner will have to be devoted to making and editing videos. To attain success in this line of business, you will have to make sure you continuously put out high-quality video content.

People who enjoy this endeavor and make good money are always willing to invest the time required to edit the smallest details of their videos.

c. What Skills and Experience Do You Need to Build a True Crime YouTube Channel Business?

One of the few things you need to survive in this endeavor is the experience of making and editing videos. You also need a background in entertainment, promotion, and psychology. Stage presence is another very valid characteristic. While you won’t in any way be making your videos on a stage, you have to understand that every setting in which you film your videos is more or less a YouTube stage.