Designer: Sivu

Writer: Ndu Ngcobo

Pull quotes:  rumour has it Bieber used his cell phone to film his debut.

don’t call your video “Lil Wayne dancing in his boxers”

Fame is 45% hard work and 55% luck

The rise of the popular video sharing website, You Tube, has seen a number of youngsters catapult from anonymity to global stardom. Teenage pop sensation Justin Bieber is a prime example. A few “baby baby baby oh’s” later and millions of girls were dancing to his tunes and confused boys everywhere were cutting their hair like the Biebs.

We have hooked you up with a guide to instant YouTube fame.  We are not promising Bieber-type world domination, just some handy tips on how to navigate YouTube and possibly become famous, even if it’s only for 15 minutes.

First things first: before you film your video or you post it, and before you start practising your autograph signing, you need a talent. Whatever you choose to do for the camera, make sure it’s uniquely you and you’re actually good at it.

Great, so you have a talent, start filming. You don’t need fancy equipment; rumour has it Bieber used his cell phone to film his debut.

One video is not enough, trust us on this, an average of 48 hours of video are uploaded on YouTube every minute, so post as many videos of you as often as you can.

Every time you upload a video, make sure to give it a brilliant title that best describes what you’re doing. It makes it easier for people to search for it on
the web. YouTube has sharing capabilities that allow you to post your video on Facebook and Twitter. Although YouTube is not a social network, interacting with other users is essential for your brand. Be active, subscribe to different YouTube channels.

There are a few things you’d better avoid doing or else your dreams will go down the sewer. Make sure all your content is original, label your content accurately; don’t call your video “Lil Wayne dancing in his boxers” when it’s a video of you dancing around in your pyjamas (it just shows lack of creativity and ensures that no one will ever want to watch your videos again). Don’t beg celebrities to watch your videos although sending them a tasteful shout-out on Twitter to check it out is cool.

One thing you have to remember – don’t ever, even if dared, post rude videos. Leave the Jackass antics to Jonny Knoxville and Steve-O. Once you post something on the Internet it’s there forever. You don’t want to go down in history as the guy who

stapled his tongue to a piece of paper and had to get it surgically removed.

Our final parting piece of advice for all budding YouTube starlets: wish on a star and carry a horseshoe. Fame is 45% hard work and 55% luck. Don’t walk under any ladders or crack any mirrors. When you’re famous, don’t forget where you got your first tips.