—by Nadia Pessoa

(This article extra is a companion to See and Be Seen.)

Write a detailed title and description for each video.

YouTube uses the keywords in your title and description tags to help determine where your video gets displayed in the search results. If it’s a cover song, list the song title, as well as the original band/artist, and “Harp Cover.” For classical pieces, list the composer as well as the title. Write a detailed description, including names of the performers, where the video was filmed, what equipment was used, and don’t forget to credit any artistic collaborators, such as the director or audio engineer.

Add links to your social media accounts and fill out the “About”

section. YouTube allows you to link to your website and social profiles (Google+, Facebook, etc.) from your main channel and your “About” tab. Don’t forget that the only way viewers and search engines can find you is through text, so it is important not to leave these sections blank.

Ask people to like, comment, and subscribe in each video.

YouTube relies heavily on how viewers react to your content, so the more people who subscribe and comment immediately after watching a video, the higher preference you will be given in the search results.

Include a link to where viewers can subscribe to your channel in the description for each video. Another effective method is to overlay a clickable link encouraging subscribers in the video itself (which would be done during the editing process), or if you’re shooting a video that involves talking to your audience, you can ask your viewers to comment and subscribe at the end of the video.

Use keyword-rich playlists.

Once you amass more than 20–30 videos, you might consider grouping some of your content into playlists. (For example, “Classical wedding songs,” “Harp technique lessons,” “Pop harp covers,” etc.)

Embed and share your videos on your website, blog, Facebook page, and other social media channels.

Cross-promoting and linking between your website and YouTube channel will help with visibility and search engine optimization (SEO).

Reduce ambient noise, use a decent microphone, and make sure you record in a well-lit area.

Even if you’re recording DIY and don’t have access to professional equipment, try making a few test videos to check on things like the volume levels and camera angles. You may have to experiment with various mic and camera setups before finding something that works for you.

YouTube is a social community—share the love!

Sharing and commenting on other people’s videos is a great way to engage with the YouTube community. People are more likely to visit your channel if you show some interest in their work, as well. Also, reply to the comments you receive whenever possible—it helps personalize the experience for your viewers.

Tech Speak Translations:

For the uninitiated, some of the technical terms thrown around in the video and sound world can sound like another language. Here’s a quick primer for some of the phrases used in this article.

Audio Interface: Allows you to connect your microphone (or electric harp) to your computer, if you are using it to record. Most interfaces include connections for professional recording equipment (XLR for microphones, or 1/4 inch for direct inputs for electric instruments), a stereo headphone jack, a few sound controllers, and the ability to connect to a computer via USB.

Editing software: If you are recording an audio track separately, need to trim a video, add text, or splice several takes together, you are going to need an editing program. For quick and simple edits, QuickTime can work. For more advanced options, PC users can check out Camtasia or Wondershare. Mac users can try Screenflow, Camtasia for Mac, Wondershare, iMovie, or Final Cut Pro (the last two are extremely advanced).

iRig: An interface that allows you to plug into and record guitars, basses, and harps using an iPhone and an app like GarageBand. A 1/4 inch cable connection is necessary (an acoustic harp would need a pick-up or a mic).

Lavalier microphone or lapel mic: A small, clip-on microphone that can be used to amplify or record speaking. It is commonly used by officiants at weddings.

Loop station: an effects pedal used to record a short section of music that can be repeated or “looped” or overdub effects while you are playing or singing.

Ribbon mic: Named after the thin, ultra-light ribbon of aluminum in its core, this type of microphone became popular during the rise of the broadcast and recording industries of the 1930s. They tend to have a very natural sound but are much more fragile and less affordable than condenser or dynamic microphones.

Search algorithm: The formula Google uses to index your website, based on the relative importance or “weight” of a variety of factors, including, but not limited to: how many years your site has been online, the age of your domain/URL, whether there are active social profiles (Facebook, Google+, Twitter, etc.) linking to your site, the keyword relevance of your content, and how “fresh” or new your content is.

Search engine: A software system designed to search and display information on the web, such as Google, Bing, YouTube, DuckDuckGo, etc.

Synchronization license: A license granted by the copyright holder of a song (most often the publishing company that represents the composer/producer) that allows the licensee to “sync” a sound recording or underlying composition with a form of visual output. Sync licenses can vary widely in cost, from free to several thousand dollars.

XLR: The standard three-pronged connector used on most microphones. There are USB microphones, but most of the higher-quality ones will require an XLR input.