Starting a YouTube channel is so easy for new creators because literally anyone can do it. You don’t need specific content to create a video, it can literally be a video of you waffling for 20 minutes about anything. Even though recently audiences have shifted from YouTube to TikTok, YouTube still remains the place where people can escape.

As a viewer YouTube can be a fun and educational place to be with video s that fit your interest or using YouTube as research. You can watch old footage and be able to live through that moments in time again. I use YouTube to watch true crime videos and history videos, so I mainly use it for educational purposes (I’m a big nerd so this is fun). I love watching football nightlights and comedy sketches. The thing is you don’t even have to search for a video you want to watch because everything’s right at your finger tips with the recommended page, it also recommends you trending videos so you don’t feel like you’re missing out. I can see why viewers use this platform for a more passive viewing, where you don’t have to think or engage – you can just watch.

With YouTube you can like and dislike videos and start debates in the comment section, which is more for the un-passive viewers.

As a creator to make watch worthy content you have to spend a lot of time editing content that would keep viewers engaged which is not very time effective if you’re not doing it full time, I feel like to be a creator it’s almost like having a part time job. However, you can edit inside (partly) inside the app by uploading a thumbnail and adding links to other channels and videos at the end of your video.

YouTube is safe space because it is often regulated with the monetisation and demonetisation, with content having to be “brand friendly” in order to stay on the site- this is good for creators as they can earn money from advertisers and also gain sponsorships from other companies. YouTube regulations is good for children because it saves them accidentally stumbling in mature content. However, I feel like you can upload mature content if it has an educational purpose for example I mentioned I watch true crime videos which can prove to be indigestible at times. I remember a time when you could find virtually anything on YouTube, which can be harmful. Even though there’s an argument that you get what you put in.

In conclusion, the editing features and creating content on YouTube is something that I’m persuaded to in the future.

Rule of thirds: In A-level photography I experiment with the rule of thirds for a project and I must say I really enjoyed how the photos looked in comparison compositions, rather than using a central focal point in photos the image is focused out side the middle which (in some cases) is more aesthetically pleasing then looking at the main object straight. Furthermore using the rule of thirds allows for a more range in background, even though your eyes are still fixated on what they’re supposed to be. This composition allows for more imagination in images without overwhelming the audience , the rule of thirds draws your eye to a main part of the image rather than it been directly smack bang in the middle, which emphasises and draws focus more to the image. In my opinion the rule of thirds adds a little more to an image and gives more space for creativity and as a viewer I would prefer this over a main focal point image. You can express this technique subtle and also not without blurring out backgrounds or adding more which can add and takeaway meaning. This also makes the audience question the meaning behind the image and why the composition is this way.

Landscape: in landscape images you’re able to see a larger perspective and a fuller view, rather than portrait where there’s a direct focus. This composition is good for pictures of stadiums because you get a fuller view. You can also capture beautiful scenic images primarily of the outdoors, this type of photography is also easy because you don’t need any models or props you can just capture the moment. The mistake you make with this is having no main focal point. Have you ever seen a sunset or a sunrise that was so striking to the eyes and then pulled out your phone to snap an image and the quality is awful? It’s common that we can’t always capture an image as we see it in our own perspective, so I believe it’s somewhat important to still have a focus to an image.

Starting a journalism account on X (twitter) is a lot easier than instagram or TikTok because you don’t need to think to have eye catching content to go with it, you can just add text and a picture that relates. Theoretically audiences need a picture along side text in order for more engagement, but images in X don’t need to be too eye catching; whereas for instagram pictures need to look interesting because that’s what is seen first.

On X you can reach a wider range of audience with the “for you” feature because you don’t need to be following the account to see their content (but it has to be related to what you’re interested in) this means more reach without having to rely on shares and likes.

With the thread feature it’s good when you’ve used all your characters on the first post you then can add extra information. This is good for journalism accounts because there is usually more information out there than ‘x’ amount of characters. Also good for audience to click on your post, if they’re passive scrolling and see added information it is more eye catching because they’ll think it’s important information and want to read on. Also it makes the information look less clunky and neater, make your page look more aesthetically pleasing to the viewer.

I will use X for football news (mainly Leeds united) recently on this twitter page I wrote about a Leeds fan confronting Eddie Howe and how they were fined 40k. I find that using new news stories gains attraction because everybody wants to know about it , especially controversial things – which allows for more comments and likes. I also use it to post match fixtures, lineups and reports because they’re mainly the things fans to look out for. To make it more personal to me I add stuff about my day and life just to humanise myself to viewers and so people can understand a “journalist”/ uni students day to day.

I also have an account that’s personal to me, where I share relatable content and things that I enjoy. This is the account where I can just have a good time scrolling and instead of being the creator I can be the viewer and share opinions with other viewers. The multiple account feature is one of my favourites for blogging purposes because one account can just be for me and can be more personal and private, things I don’t want people to see, whereas another account can have all the stuff I want people to see and engage with – I don’t have to have to limit my content to one account, this allows for more niche content on the different accounts rather then a blend.

The link feature is also good for accessibility for other mediums, such as lining to a linktree where you can find all the creators platforms, which is really useful for more engagement and also will increase profile interactions.

Going live on Facebook is not something I usually do mainly because I’m a shy individual with not a lot to say. However whilst using I ended up really enjoying myself, I really love interacting with an audience (even if it was just my family and friends)!

I struggle talking in front of an audience at times, however I believe Facebook or instagram is a good way to start to grow confidence – especially when you’re with someone, I came out my shell. I ended up having such a good time and I enjoyed answering people’s questions and responding to comments, I loved interacting with an audience and them enjoying the “content” I’ve produced.

My only gripe with it is that it doesn’t show all the comments and viewers, which was quite annoying because I ended up not seeing a few comments and I wasn’t able to respond. The viewers didn’t show up either so more people viewed than I originally thought.

This sort of platform is and continues to be perfect for content creators because it’s in real time and it’s more accessible for creators to engage with their audience on a personal level because they can see who’s commented and answer it (also in real time). Which is gratifying for viewers as they feel they’re getting some sort of needs met, which is bringing more hype and popularity for the creators.

All in all i really enjoyed Facebook live, it’s hardly flawed so you get good use out of it.

I mixed opinions about kindle as a huge reader.

One way I’m swayed towards it as the premise is perfect for a reader, I am someone who has bookshelves and bookshelves full at home which means a lot of space taking up! In another way I’m swayed away from it as I love my bookshelves and paper copies!

It’s perfect for all reading purposes; however, with kindle unlimited some books are included with the subscription and others aren’t which kind of feels like a scam. Essentially I’m paying £9.99 for a subscription that only contains handful of books I want to read and the rest I have to pay for. Which (in my opinion) seems rather futile as it deters me from getting kindle all together as I could just buy a paper copy of the book. I think the whole process would be easier if they didn’t use a subscription basis and people just paid for the books as and when they want to read them. As a consumer that would promote me more to use kindle as I wouldn’t feel like I’m wasting money.

Also, I just love the aesthetic on having paper copies because they look so pretty to keep. Sometimes you can’t truly appreciate the book without seeing the cover in all its realness.

I do love the accessibility of it all though, I could carry around my whole entire bookshelf with me in one device. That’s so easy, everything stored in one place! It’s absolutely perfect for commuting, which means I can use it on my phone which isn’t as bulky as a proper book and my phone is something I’d have on me any way! Also there’s nothing more annoying then a book only being released on hardback and it feels like you’re reading a brick, this means I can buy a physical copy of it but read it on the kindle app so my wrist won’t snap.

In all honesty, I would only use the kindle app once in a while because I see no use for it, personally as I’ll just end up buying a physical copy anyway which means spending more money- which as a student I’m not particularly a fan of. I can see the appeal to users because of the accessibility but it’s not something I can personally get on board with. I initially got the app for the purpose of being able to access all my books but I ended up not using it very often

Hey, I’m Kay! I’m a first year Sport Journalism student, at the University of Huddersfield. It’s been a weird 4 weeks in all honesty because I never expected how events would play out and it’s gone way better than expecting; I have an amazing friend group, enjoying my course and importantly I’m enjoying my freedom I’ve never had more fun!

Why did I start studying sports journalism?

It all started in year 11 when I was planning my next steps after GCSEs, I was stuck and I had no idea what I wanted to do! Then when lessons were online in the second lockdown a teacher did a talk about Sports Journalism – it felt like fate, I knew sport was a passion of mine and I definitely didn’t want to play it. I had a fondness of talking about it and writing about it. So naturally I began my research…

In planning my next steps I chose to do A-levels in the following: English language, Media and photography. I knew media was very important in sports journalism we studied audience perception, representation, camera angles etc… in many ranges of media, and I just loved it – everything about it.

During my break after a-levels I was really considering whether or not to go to uni, I had an overwhelming fear of not being good enough or well suited for it. Which was hard I just wanted to give up, until I got my results and then I was desperate to go! I found out last minute I was going to Huddersfield so it felt like everything happened so quickly.

About me

So my name is Kayleigh I’m from a small town in Nottinghamshire called Retford although some people say I’m from Yorkshire as I’m much closer to Doncaster.

I support Leeds United, mainly because of my dad – my dad has been there through the ups and downs. From the highs of Don Revie to lows of 2004. My dad went to almost every home and away game under the giants of Leeds and he’s even gone abroad.

I would say my favourite memory of Leeds is going up in 2020 under Marcelo Bielsa. I was part of the generation that had never seen Leeds in the premier league and seeing that made me feel electric, unstoppable even

I’m a huge reader and my favourite book is My Policeman by Bethan Robert’s. I have to admit I bought the book purely because of the film release (and Harry Styles) and i wanted to read it before then; but this truly opened my eyes and I’ve never felt so emotional when reading a book. It really made me realise how far the LGBTQ+ community has come in terms of acceptance, although there’s still along way to go (I am myself is bisexual).

Bethan Portrayed betrayal, jealousy and love so perfectly. My heart strings were truly tugged!

I can’t wait to take a long with my Uni and Sports journalism experience!

Until next time…

Kay xx