Being YouTube famous can be just as rewarding as being Hollywood famous. We're not talking infamous, like the unwitting star of "David After Dentist" (who's a few years away from "David After Therapy"). This is about becoming a star on YouTube and maybe even earning some cash from your video exploits.

While the battle for TV viewers plays out between traditional television and streaming services, YouTube has been setting itself and its creators up for success with creator spaces in New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, London, and São Paolo. Three of its stars – Bethany Mota, GloZell Green, and Hank Green – even got a sit-down with President Obama last month. And last week, talent agency William Morris Endeavor signed seven YouTube stars: HolaSoyGerman, Lohanthony, Bart Baker, CaptainSparklez, Veritasium, MakeUpByCamila, and Laci Green.

What You Really Want to Do Is Direct
So how do you achieve such Internet glory? Well, first you need to put the work in and produce a video. Equipment-wise, PCMag senior digital camera analyst Jim Fisher recommends the Panasonic GH3, but said that any decent mirrorless camera with a microphone input would be good.

PCMag senior video producer Weston Almond doesn't disagree but adds, "At the end of the day, an iPhone is a great camera, too." Don't shoot vertically, though, he begs. If you are going to record from your phone, Almond recommends downloading Filmic Pro to get far more control and features.

Fisher and Almond recommend getting a tripod, like the Manfrotto 190. Lighting needs vary depending on your setting and you can buy a lighting kit, but the most important thing to do is to get light on your eyes, Almond says. He also recommends you choose a background that's interesting but not cluttered. Framing a shot requires a good eye, so pay attention to what works when you watch TV or other videos.

While looks are all well and good, your audience should also be able to hear what you say. Get a lavalier or lapel mic, and if you're worried about wires, go for a Bluetooth model. Project your voice and in general be yourself times a thousand. If you think you're being ridiculous, be even more ridiculous. "The camera really does suck energy," Almond says.

Channel Surfer
Once your first video is done, you'll want to set up a YouTube channel with either your own name or a more audience-friendly moniker. Then, create a logo and take a photo that is in keeping with the message you want to send to viewers.

Your YouTube channel can be divided into Playlists, which let you organize your content and can send an audience to exactly what it wants to see. This is also a good time to mention that when you upload a video, the description and tags make all the difference in whether or not your video can be found. YouTube has some great advice on this metadata.

When you're just starting out and have only a few (or maybe even just one) videos to your name, then your About page is especially important. Write up something about what an audience can expect in a tone that's similar to the one in your videos. Be sure to include