I am a huge fan of YouTube makeup tutorials, product reviews and fashion look books. I’m constantly adding to the numerous channels I follow (Ingrid Nilsen, Michelle Phan and Elle Fowler to name only a few). So naturally my interest peaked when I heard about Katherine Berry, a USC sophomore who was producing similar, highly popular content on her YouTube channel. I searched for her account, cleverly nicknamed “Katherout,” and binge watched her uploads.
I quickly became a fan.
Her channel includes fashion look books, shopping hauls, DIY’s, styling tutorials and a plethora of college life advice. Her editing and filming are professional, her energy is uplifting and her advice is genuine and unique. I knew I had to dedicate an installment of “Artist Spotlight” to Katherine, to show others her work as well as explore what it really takes to make a successful YouTube channel while also working as a full time college student.
Q: When did you get the idea to start a YouTube channel?
KB: I was never exposed to YouTube till seventh grade. I was ravaging the internet for information on these UGG boots I really wanted. I wanted to know other people’s opinions and whether or not I was making a sound investment with them. And all of a sudden this YouTube video pops up on my Google search and it’s this brief video from a girl in Pennsylvania. She had such an amazing personality and great insight into products. So I ended up watching all her videos and discovered that YouTube was a really great platform for my own ideas. And I became interested in sharing my own opinion with the world; because I happen to be a very opinionated person. (laughs)
Q: Uploading videos and going to grade school is one thing, but how do you now balance managing a YouTube account while also living the daily life of a college student?
KB: It’s hard when I see big YouTubers posting daily vlogs, full of nice shots and great editing. I want to do the same, but as a student, right now, I just can’t do that. I value my academics first. That’s how it will always be. My YouTube account does take a lot of time; it’s a part time job posting weekly videos. But I like to see it more as strictly a passion in my life. For example, I play trumpet in the USC band not because it’s my life but because I like it; it keeps me refreshed. And that’s what YouTube is. I just think of it as another extracurricular that I love doing.
Q: Where do you find the weekly inspiration for your videos?
KB: Finding material is really tough at times, but I have a lot of sources. Part of the job is simply watching other YouTubers, looking at trends, learning about new products, filming techniques and so on. I’m constantly learning and staying up to date. Plus, nowadays I have a lot of companies contacting me, asking that I sample and promote their products to my viewers. So it’s really become a mix of people reaching out to me followed by my responsibility to create an engaging video around the topic. There are two parts to it.
Q: How would describe your channel?
KB: In my videos I’m always enthusiastic; I get that comment a lot. I also always want to create content that is relatable. And I think all YouTubers aim for that. I want my viewers to feel like I’m a real person. And most importantly, I want my channel to be seen as unique. My goal is to provide viewers with life advice that is original and not so obvious.
Q: Your videos, especially your look books, involve a lot of planning, editing and designing. Do you view your channel as a creative outlet?
KB: I’ve never considered myself to be a creative person. I am a horrible visual artist. (laughs) But I enjoy the performing arts and music. And YouTube does have that aspect. I just never considered myself a talented cinematographer. But, when I open up my camera, go through shots and collect footage, I do think about what would be aesthetically pleasing to viewers. And, like I said before, I’m really big on music so I do take a lot of time looking for the right fit. I think my creative side really comes into play when I’m trying to make the video consumable. I do a lot of work with introductions, transitions and visuals so that viewers enjoy what they’re watching. Though it doesn’t immediately come off to me as a creative process, every week I am thinking of new material, approaches and messages. So YouTube really is about being creative.
Q: Your path is certainly unique from other students, is there anything special that you feel you’ve learned from becoming a YouTuber?
KB: YouTube has had such a profound presence in my life. When recruiters see my resume they always ask about my channel first. It’s really something unexpected and interesting. It’s also given me such a great awareness of how to deal with a target audience, teaching me a lot about marketing techniques. I’ve gained a thick skin too and know how to handle criticism. It’s been a personal mentor to me throughout the years.
Q: Has anyone ever recognized you from your videos?
KB: Yeah! I wasn’t really noticed though till my sophomore year here. And I think that’s because, if you think about it, I didn’t start making USC related content until last year when I was a freshman. Meanwhile prospective high school juniors and seniors were googling the university and my USC related YouTube videos started popping up. So nowadays, when I’m working as a tour guide and giving tours to upcoming students, I do often get recognized. Which is so flattering and makes me so happy to know that I was able to help and educate others about USC through my channel. To make a difference in their college application process is the ultimate goal and dream.
(In addition to working as a university tour guide, Berry also plays trumpet for the USC Trojan Marching Band and is a part of Society 53, the student governing team for the USC Alumni Association.)
Q: Any advice for those interested in starting their own channels?
KB: The most watched videos on my channel do not fall in the most popular categories on YouTube. For example, a simple “Morning Routine” or “Haul” video will fall into the masses of popular content. But my most successful videos really have been on unique topics. Believe it or not there really are voids of topics on YouTube. So ask yourself: what do you search on YouTube and can’t find a video or extensive advice on? Then you go out and make a video on that topic. And I know it may be daunting if you don’t know much about the subject to begin with, but research it, work at it. Because if you upload it and someone else gains from it, you’ll see how it’s all worth it. Stick to a brand that exudes what you want to see online.
Q: And as for your brand, do you have any future plans for your YouTube channel?
KB: I haven’t ruled out the possibility of it becoming a full time job, however I do know I want to one day be employed and work for a company. Regardless I’ll continue to make videos for as long as YouTube is around and my content is making a difference in my viewers’ lives. I’ll do it so long as I love it.
Check out all of Katherine's videos on her YouTube channel, "Katherout."
