YouTube is a video-sharing platform that makes sense for visual artists working in film or animation. But for artists working in 2D and 3D static works, it can be still be a vital resource.

For the modern artist, there are many outlets and inspirations available at the touch of our keypad, so what is the secret to using YouTube for artists?

YouTube for art resources

In the rush to promote ourselves, it is easy to forget that social media channels offer a vital resource for modern artists as well as a platform. These may be simple ‘how to’ videos designed to teach a skill or more about specific artists and art movements.

YouTube is a treasure trove for art lovers and artists. Many pleasant afternoons can be spent in virtual tours of art galleries and exhibitions across the world in the company of curators as many museums have their own YouTube channel.

The history of art is explored in classic documentaries covering thousands of years of art in every conceivable medium. There are also classic art documentaries and interviews with artists, dead and alive. One of my favorite elements is that it can connect you with individual works of art you will probably never get to see — whether the Sistine Chapel in Rome or Matisse’s Red Studio at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. And even if you’ve been lucky enough to see them, these videos can provide a close-up and often expert interpretation missing from an in-person visit.

One of the best is the Louisiana Channel. Tagged as “videos on the arts by the artists,” this channel has hundreds of videos to choose from. If the featured art or artist isn’t to your taste, these videos are also a masterclass in how to create your own videos.

Some art channels you might want to check out

Tate Shots offers a new video every week

Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) channel

Classic documentaries on art. I recommend Robert Hughes’ Shock of the New and Matthew Collings’ This is Modern Art

In addition to learning about artists and art movements through the centuries, there is a ton of expert advice on offer. Curators, gallery owners, and prominent collectors are generous with their expertise and opinions. There are thousands of these videos, so it’s best to rummage around and be as specific as possible in your search terms, including your chosen medium as a minimum.

How to use YouTube for your art

For anyone who has held an open studio event or attended a preview of their own exhibition, connecting with potential buyers can be the difference in making that all-important sale. Collectors and buyers enjoy meeting the artist before buying their work.

YouTube can help you do this in a virtual world that gives you access to millions of viewers.

Within YouTube, you are fighting for an audience among the many art channels, so you might find it difficult to find viewers there. However, setting up a YouTube channel allows you to upload videos that can be embedded into your website in a couple of clicks.

Setting up your YouTube art channel

Few things are as easy as setting up a YouTube channel.

What you will need:

• A computer, phone or tablet with internet access.
• A YouTube account (you can set this up independently at youtube.com or through your Google account if you have one).
• A name for your channel. Try and use your artist or studio name that matches your website and social media accounts.
• A profile picture. This should be your logo or professional shot that you use on other social media channels.
• Video to upload. You can then copy your video URL and paste it into your website.

TIP: Use your logo, website banner and include your website or social media handle at all possible points. Your channel should resemble your other social media accounts and website as closely as possible for maximum brand recognition. Find out more about creating your artist brand.

Learn how to set up your channel with this tutorial from YouTube.

Content ideas for making your own art videos

• Get to know the artist. Upload content about yourself and your art practice.

• Create an artwork. Set up a camera and in fast motion or stop motion.

• Film a studio visit or gallery exhibition.

• Review a art exhibition or artist. Searching on YouTube is similar to other parts of the web. If your video talks about a new exhibition, it may find more viewers.

• Interview an artist about their career, art practice (or an interview with you).

After all the effort, make sure you use the video across all your channels: your website, links in social media (copy over to create your own reels) and even add a link to your email signature.

How long should a video be?

For some parts of the web, the length of videos or reels is quite prescriptive. We live in a fast-paced world — Instagram favors its video stories told in seconds. Remember you can link to a longer version on your website.

Consider how long you watch videos, probably less than 20 seconds before you move on. If the Museum of Modern Art can tell the story of Cézanne in 90 seconds, there’s no excuse for the rest of us.

While YouTube has endless options, Vimeo is also worth a look, especially for artists looking to learn more about artists.