How to make video content creation
Media is worth the effort, many are pushed away out
of concern for how much it will cost. While there is a need for human effort,
it’s not hard to learn how to make a tutorial video without spending money on
software.
Most
tutorial videos include a person doing a voice over. If you don’t have one,
there are many budget-friendly USB
microphones available. You don’t need the world’s best mic to
make a tutorial video, most microphones you can get will be good enough for the
task at hand.
Once
you’ve got your microphone all you’ll need is a quiet location. The more fabric
in that room, the better the sound will be controlled. Once you’ve found a
suitable location, it’s time to worry about how to make a tutorial video
without spending money on software.
Table of Contents
1) Write your script
Every
video will have a series of key points you’re trying to make. Heading into a
recording session, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “knowing what you want to
say”.
Many
hours have been lost by trying to make up a script on the spot. Typically, you
stumble through takes, figuring out what you want to say as you go. With each
take, you get a little bit further into the subject matter, but you’ll likely
make many mistakes along the way.
While
you can fix many things in editing, it often takes a lot longer to fix it
post-editing. The most time efficient way to make a video is to write out a script
beforehand. You’ll have a chance to review all your ideas and when the time
comes, you can focus on your delivery.
2) Create a Storyboard
When
considering how to make a tutorial video, you need to think about what visuals
will accompany your script. This is where a storyboard comes into play. A
storyboard is a map of what a person will see for each part of your script.
You
can do this in any Microsoft office app, or even using a pen and paper.
1.
Separate your page or document into 2 columns.
2.
In the first column, you’ll add your script.
1.
We advise breaking your script up into smaller
pieces reflecting each part of your video.
3.
In the other column, across from each section of
the script, you’ll describe what the user will see in the video.
You
can see a sample of what this will look like below:
Creating
a storyboard will help you identify what you will need to create this video.
Most tutorial videos are a combination of image cards and screencasts.
Preparing everything you need before you start will help you avoid delays when
you get to editing.
3) Record your Audio
You
will need a specialized software to record your audio. Since we promised to
show you how to make a tutorial video without spending money on software, we
wanted to introduce you to Audacity.
Audacity is a free software that lets you capture audio, while
providing a complete set of audio editing tools.
Using
Audacity is extremely simple. Once installed, launch the application.
1.
Click over here and choose your microphone.
1.
Click here to record.
Once
you’ve got your audio recorded, you may want to edit it. Click here to learn
more about how you can use Audacity to modify your recording.
Once
you are ready it’s time to export your audio.
1.
Click File.
2.
Choose Export.
3.
Pick the format you want to use.
1.
We recommend MP3 or WAV.
You
are that much closer to knowing how to make a tutorial video.
4) Create your Screencasts
Since
you have your storyboard, you’ll know how many screencasts you’ll need to
capture. For this task, we recommend using OBS, another free
application. While this app can be used for many reasons, it’s easy to set it
up to capture your screen.
If
you need a webcam for the job, check out our list of the best webcams in 2018.
1.
Create a “Scene” for your capture settings by
clicking on the +
In
this scene, you’ll need to add a “Source”. A source in OBS is what appears in
your video. You can create a source that captures one of your screens.
1.
Click the + under Sources.
2.
Choose Display Capture.
1.
Give this source a name.
2.
Click OK.
1.
Choose the monitor you want to use.
2.
Click OK.
You
can now adjust the display of your monitor. Then you are ready to record this
crucial piece when thinking of how to make a tutorial video.
1.
Expand the screencast so that it fills out the
video screen.
1.
You can use the red border of the source window to
rearrange it.
2.
Click Start Recording.
1.
Once you have gotten the content you need,
click Stop Recording.
Repeat
this process creating each section’s screencast.
5) Edit your Video
There
are a few free video editors out there. We recommend using VSDC Free Video Editor. This
will be the last tool you’ll need when learning how to make a video tutorial.
We’ll cover the basics on how you can use this app to finish your video.
For
other options, consult our list of the best
video editing software.
1.
Click on Blank Project.
The
project settings window will open.
1.
Add a project name.
2.
Set the Resolution to Full HD 1920 X 1080
pixels (16:9).
3.
Feel free to add any other information.
4.
Click Finish to continue.
You’ll
see the video editor open.
1.
Navigate through your computer to the audio file
you created earlier.
2.
Drag and drop the file into the center of the
editor.
3.
The audio file will appear in the “timeline” area.
You’ll
now start adding the different elements to the editor. Once you add each item,
you’ll need to trim it to fit.
1.
Hold down your left mouse button at the end image
layer.
2.
Drag your cursor until it’s at the appropriate
length.
How To DIY: Home Video Recording Studio Setup + Video Editing
Morgan Timm
| May 10, 2018
People are visual creatures. We can spend hours on
Netflix and YouTube, but when it comes to reading news sites or blogs, we often
get bored and click away after a minute or two.
Clever internet marketers have taken notice, and
have responded accordingly, shifting their strategy to focus on video content.
Course creators have done the same. Online courses
that include video (rather than just text and images), are higher value products and sell for
more.
Furthermore, they create a greater connection
between you and your audience.
For newbies, video production seems like a
complicated and expensive process, but in reality, you can easily create
professional quality video on a budget.
Why Use Video in Your Course?
According to The Next Web, our
brains process visuals faster and retain and transmit more information when
it’s delivered visually.
So basically, video = better results for your
students.
Creating videos can be easy.
Step 1: Build a DIY Video Studio
Creating high-quality video doesn’t have to be
hard. You can create a professional quality home studio with material that you
already own. Otherwise, you can invest a few dollars here and there to up the
production quality. Here are our suggestions:
DIY Studio for Free-$60
1. Shoot with your phone/laptop
Most people either have a phone and laptop, or have
a friend who has a phone or laptop, making this a free option that can still
deliver a high quality end result.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out this
guide to shooting high-quality
video with your smartphone.
Shoot with your phone horizontal, or your laptop
upright. This will create a widescreen video so nobody will be the wiser that
you shot on your iPhone.
If you’re filming with your laptop, make sure the
camera is at a 90 degree angle. Tilting the screen can look funny and distort
your face.
2. Buy a tripod ($20) or elevate your laptop
You want the lens at face level to get the most
flattering shot. With an iPhone, that means using a small tripod (like this $20 one!).
If you’re using a laptop, however, you can stack it
on a pile of books or boxes to reach face height.
3. Use the right editing technologies
If you’re using an iPhone, we suggest the Filmic
Pro app to stabilize your video.
If you’re using a laptop, we suggest Screenflow as an affordable way to
film and edit your content. Just check out our Screenflow tutorial to easily
create your videos.
On a PC? Camtasia is a great alternative. (And
it's what I use!)
4. Never use the zoom feature
Zooming in with your phone can make your video
blurry. Instead of zooming, move your phone or computer closer to you.
5. Shoot at 24 frames per second
The average viewer might not catch if you skip
this, but people with trained eyes will know, and it's a simple flip in your
settings.
6. Use one laptop/phone for video and another phone
as a microphone
This is more complicated than speaking into the
same laptop that’s recording you, but makes a big difference in sound quality.
Set one phone or laptop in front of you to record
visuals, but use another phone closer to your face (but off camera!) for
clearer sound. Obviously we don't expect you to have two phones, but you can
borrow a friend's or use your camera for video and phone for sound.
Later on in the editing process, you’ll combine the
visuals from one device with the sound from the second.
7. Clap your hands to mark the start of a
scene
If you’re syncing up audio to a different visual
source, it helps to have a visual cue for where that start syncs. A clapboard
with its white stripes and loud noise is a symbol of cinema, but it’s also a
waste of money when you have two hands.
Clap loudly at the start of your scene. This will create
a spike of noise that shows up as a tall spike during video editing.
You can use the height of this point to match the
visuals from one camera with the sound on another.
8. Use a sheet as your DIY backdrop
A background is pretty easy to fake with any large
piece of fabric. Black works better than white, which tends to wash out its
subject, especially with bright lights.
9. Use soft household objects to stop echo
A common trouble point is getting an echo from your
sound. This can come from large rooms, empty apartments, or from clearing
furniture out of a room to set up your studio in the first place.
The very simple solution is to use pillows, rugs,
couches, and all things fluffy to absorb sound. It’s as easy as throwing some
cushions around your lights.
Here’s more on recording high-quality audio for your course.
10. DIY lighting: natural light
Your hand-me-down lamp and boyfriend’s reading
light aren’t ideal for casting even and warm light.
Bad lighting can make you look sickly or cast weird
shadows on your face.
The best option for cheap lighting? Filming by a
window or glass door and using that sweet, sweet natural light.
If you enjoyed the infographic, share it on your
site:
<p><strong>Please
include attribution to blog.teachable.com with this
graphic.</strong><br /><br /><a href=‘http://bit.ly/1jZnUK7’><img
src='https://dcavozvb40vtt.cloudfront.net/api/file/RQpKV3iUQoyUl5IQbCMr’
alt='How to setup a video production studio infographic by Allison Haag’
width='1100px’ border='0’ /></a></p>
High-Value Studio for $300-900
The upgraded version of the “DIY home video studio”
is to create a “high-value” studio. While the DIY Studio can create beautiful
results, it’ll be easier to create high-quality video by investing in a few
pieces of equipment.
Compare these two shots:
Not to mention, the High-Value Studio has two huge
advantages.
1. Low cost and high return
2. Semi-Permanent
Download our Studio Set-Up Guide
It’s no surprise that most of our tips read like a shopping list. Below,
I’ll talk about why we suggest each of the upgrades from the DIY studio, but if
you want a quick list of the equipment we suggest, cost and links to where to
buy it, click below to download our Studio Set Up Guide.
Below, I’ll talk about why we suggest each of the
upgrades from the DIY studio, but if you want a quick list of the equipment we
suggest, cost and links to where to buy it, click below to download our Studio
Set-Up Guide.
Below are our tips for the very first things you
should buy in order of priority. We believe this list encompasses the equipment
with the highest return on investment. Once you start buying professional
equipment, you could consider using part of your home/workspace as a permanent
home studio…or not. That’s the beauty of these studios. Leave them up, or take
them down, you have options.
Where to Invest
Buy a mic
Sure, hanging an iPhone from the ceiling with
fishing line might make for a quick microphone fix and good story, but it’s
easily trumped by an affordable and higher quality microphone that instantly
takes your videos to the next level.
For less than $150, you can upgrade to a Blue Yeti. It’s a
product we use and love here at Teachable.
Buy clamp lights
For DIY studio lighting, we suggested using natural
lighting, but you run into problems if you live in gloomy areas, or if you
don't get natural light into your home at all.
You can buy three clamp lights for $39. You’ll want
two key lights pointing at your subject at 45-degree angles and one light aimed
at the backdrop to round out the light and get rid of shadows from a moving
subject.
You can also use diffusion papers to soften the
light to the right amount of brightness and use clamps to keep them in
place.
Shut out natural light
It comes as a no-brainer that if you’re buying
lights, you don’t need to open the windows. Cover them to keep extraneous light
from streaming in.
Buy a camera
This is the natural progression from using an iPhone
or laptop to film your video. There are tons of options, but we’ve found a high
ROI and love the end results from the Canon SL1.
When you buy a better camera, you’ll also want to
buy a tripod to match.
Still the same.
More Upgrades
At some point, you might decide that you want to
invest in higher quality equipment. Before you do, consider if it’s actually
necessary.
1. Is a majority of your content video based?
2. Is a higher quality video really going to convert
and engage your audience more than what you have?
3. Is it necessary for your subject matter?
If you still think upgrading to more expensive
equipment is worthwhile, then start by considering the following:
1. A professional backdrop: Two words: green screen. This opens up a whole new
world of opportunity if you want to invest in green screen. However, a nicer
grey background works as well, or even a white backdrop with a whiteboard like Rand at Moz.
2. Sound Panels: If sound clarity is important to your content, buying and
installing a few sound panels to muffle extraneous noise might be a good option.
3. Nicer Cameras: Because Lord of the Rings wasn’t shot on an iPhone.
Nice equipment is something we’ve toyed with and
our suggestions are included in our Studio Set Up Guide. Check it out for some
tried and true equipment.
Get our go-to video equipment shopping list
Nice equipment is something we’ve toyed with and our suggestions are
included in our Studio Set Up Guide. Check it out for some tried and true
equipment.
Step 3: Video Pre-Production Tips
So you've got your setup, you're gearing up to film
your masterpiece, BUT... now you're feeling a little stuck. Sure, your studio
is looking great, but when it comes to next steps you're a bit
overwhelmed.
Don't worry, we've got your back. Here are some of
our best tips for video production:
1. Do your research
See how other people are teaching online.
Focus on niches that you're not interested in so you can solely focus in on the
technical side of things. What angles are they using?
How are they editing clips together? Do they use slides?
Figure out what you do and don't like about other
people's teaching methods and design a teaching method of your own.
2. Think about framing
It might feel natural to sit smack-dab in the
center of your video, but if you're going to be showing products or adding text
overlays, it might make more sense to sit off to a side.
You also don't want to sit too close to the camera.
We've all seen those videos that make you feel like you're nose to nose with
the person on the other side of the screen, and it's always a bit unnerving.
3. Blur your background
This might feel like a small thing, but it makes a
big difference in how professional your quality looks. It's not hard, either.
Here are two tricks to making it happen:
1. Increase the distance between you and your
background. when the camera focuses on your face, it will focus less on things
farther away
2. Adjust your lens. Changing the aperture
changes how of a scene your camera catches. The lower the number on your
aperture, the smaller part of the scene that’s in focus.
Here’s a quick reminder:
So, if you want a blurry background, add distance
and shoot in a lower aperture.
4. Practice!
Not everyone is a natural at this—and you're
probably going to feel awkward at first and so you might look awkward, too.
Combat this by practicing.
Saying your script to yourself a few times before
you film will make it sound more natural and less forced. You don't want to sound
like you're reading lines auditioning for your high school play.
Step 4: Post-Production Tips
Editing is my least favorite part of video
production. Why? It will never not be weird to see myself talking on the
computer. BUT! I do it anyhow because it's important and I'm waaaay too awkward
to not edit out the bloopers.
We have a few tricks up our sleeve here at
Teachable to make the video editing process smooth as butter, so here are my
best tips for you.
1. Record room tone
To start, no matter what kind of video content
you’re creating, you want to record in a quiet and noise controlled
environment.
Capture around 30 seconds of “room tone”, or the
base sound of the room. Turn on your mic and let it record. This sound will be
used in the editing process to fill audio gaps, eliminate white noise, and
smooth out transitions from one scene to the next.
It’s quicker than trying to edit out every time gap
or inserting filler noise you’ve pulled from elsewhere.
2. Give yourself enough lead-time between takes
Knowing that you’re going to edit your videos, make
life easy on yourself and create silent lead time between your takes and after
you make a mistake.
This is especially important with screencasts. If
you make a mistake while recording, it’s fine to stop and keep going as long as
you take the time to stop. You can cut out your
fumbles and filler time and use room tone to smooth
the transition.
If you hurry to your next point and don’t pause,
you’re going to wind up in editing madness.
Editing out a fumble:
3. Easy transitions with cross-fading
Sometimes, there’s a transition in a video that
doesn’t need room tone, just a little smooth-over. Use crossfading.
A majority of non-linear video editing programs
will let you do this in one of two ways:
1. Drag the beginning/end of one clip over the
end/beginning of another
2. Line up the two clips next to each other and
then apply a cross dissolve/fade.
4. Save your content on an external hard drive
Big screens aren’t the only thing big about videos,
they’re massive files.
Some programs, including Screenflow, capture
your whole project as one file (in this case a .screenflow file). Other
programs create a series of source files, project files and even rendering
files. All are massive.
Check out how long rendering is taking. Let’s AVOID
this:
What to buy:
When buying a great external hard drive, it might
be a good idea to look for quality. Working with video, you need AT LEAST 500GB
of space, but we prefer 1TB+.
Also, check out transfer rates (how long it take to
stream data to and from your computer). If you’re saving and transporting big
files, it’s important to know that a 1.8GB movie transferring at.05MB/sec will
take hours but at 25MB/sec only a few minutes.
5. Compress your videos after exporting them in HD
The better the resolution, the bigger the file, the
better the connection needs to be in order to watch, stream, or download it in
a reasonable amount of time.
We can’t control the internet speeds of our
viewers, but we can do our best with what we can control. Export your videos in
the highest quality possible, then compress them. This provides the highest
quality from your end at the fastest speed.
At Teachable, we’ve compressed a 54GB video to
25MB! This download works lightyears faster, and when compared the quality
side-by-side, it was hardly noticeable in our ScreenFlow.
Check out the size of our files.
We use Handbrake because
it is free and we’ve never had issues with it, but feel free to use another
program if you have a preference.
By implementing the tips in this blog post, you can
begin to create high quality content from your own home and on
a budget. In the comments, let us know your best video production tips!
When my middle son was seven, he knocked it out of the park with the first video he created.
Back when Rainbow Loom bracelets were hot, he put together a tutorial on
how to make a certain type. Within three days, his video received 70,000 views.
He also received quite a few nasty comments. He was seven, after all.
He’s 12 now and hasn’t been able to replicate that success since. He
figured out what many already have about video.
Getting started has never been
easier. You can be on camera in minutes by using the equipment you
already have — your smartphone.
Having success with video? Now, that’s another story.
If you spend time and effort creating videos, you want to see a return on
that investment. You want to grow your audience, increase engagement, and
generate new business.
When done right, video can help you reach your goals.
Why video creates a special type of connection
We are all video watchers.
We go to YouTube to discover how to make a cake in a cup (delicious, by
the way) and how to create budgets in Excel (I did that last month).
When you watch a compelling video, you feel like you know the person (or
people) on the other side of the camera — and sometimes you spend large amounts
of time browsing videos created by your favorite people.
How can you generate that kind of response when you create videos?
Let’s look at three simple keys to a successful video strategy.
1. Spotlight your personality to build trust
People choose businesses they know, like, and trust, and video is a
highly effective way to create that connection.
Before you connect, though, you need to attract the attention of the
people you want to reach.
When you craft your video strategy, consider these three main types of
video content:
1.
Educational. What does your audience
struggle with? What frustrates them? How can you help them
achieve a desired result?
2.
Inspirational. Stories that pull on your heartstrings are often the ones that
also inspire you to take action. Try case
studies about significant client successes.
3.
Entertainment. Make your audience sit up and take notice with surprising features
or humor.
All of these video types present opportunities to spotlight your
personality.
Get started
with cornerstone video content
I learned the term “cornerstone content” from Copyblogger:
Cornerstone content helps visitors to your website or blog know exactly
what you do and how you can help them.
You can start creating videos for your business by turning your existing written content into short
videos.
Then you can rotate through educational, inspirational, and entertaining
topics on a consistent basis to fill out your video publishing calendar.
And set a regular posting schedule — weekly, bimonthly, or monthly. It
gives your audience the chance to look forward to your upcoming content.
2. Create scripts for your videos
Not everyone will agree with this, but I stand by this step. I think a
script is necessary for video success.
You don’t have to script every single word, but mapping out the plan for
your video helps you get to the point faster.
Within the first 30 seconds, explain the transformation your audience should expect,
so your viewers immediately know the benefits they will receive if they keep
watching.
When creating a script, focus on the elements that make up a great story. A
great story always has a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Wrap up the video with a recap of what you talked about and a call to action, whether it’s
subscribing to your YouTube channel, signing up for your newsletter, or
contacting you for a consultation.
Video
ideas
Still not sure what you should cover in your videos? Take a look at
these ideas:
·
Behind the scenes. Take your audience to work with you. Find parts of your job you
know your audience is interested in and show them what you do.
·
Interviews. People feel so much more comfortable on camera when they are in
conversation. When you conduct an interview, you introduce
your audience to another individual. When you’re an interviewee, you share your
message.
3. Put video creation time on your calendar
There are two main reasons why it’s important to create and publish your
videos consistently:
1.
Your audience will look to you for the latest
information in your field. Through your videos, they also learn about the
benefits of your products and services — and may contact you if they need your help.
2.
The more videos you create, the better you will
get. The better you get, the more confidence you have. And once you have more
confidence, you will enjoy creating videos on a regular basis.
It takes work to get to that point, so batching your video production is
an effective and efficient way to stay on top of your schedule.
I host a local TV show and we batch our shoots every four or five weeks.
We book a space for the shoots, our interviewees join us there, and we shoot
six segments, one right after the other. We finish in less than three hours.
Getting a space ready for a shoot, setting up your location with lights,
and even getting camera-ready (makeup, hair, clothing) takes time. Setting up
for a shoot once every few weeks, instead of when the spirit moves you, saves
time and energy.
Your next step
Creating video content is a smart marketing move, but before you start,
ask yourself:
1.
How can you engage your audience?
2.
How will you produce videos regularly?
3.
What’s the goal of each video?
My son is now asking himself those questions. He’s thinking about his
audience more, and he’s aiming to create videos on a consistent basis.
He didn’t always want to put in the time, but it’s the only way to
ensure his first successful video won’t be his last.
At
any time, you can click the Preview option to watch the
in-progress video, helping you find the right time stamps.
Once
you add a video file to the editor you will need to trim it. Trimming a video
file is a bit different than an image.
1.
Right click on the video.
2.
Choose Cutting and Splitting.
A
window will now open.
1.
Click play at the bottom until you get to the
actual start of the video.
2.
Then choose Add Marker at the top.
1.
A little red flag will appear.
3.
Head to the end of the video and find the end.
4.
Click Add Marker
5.
When you are ready, hit Apply Changes…
1.
Click OK in the popup.
The
video will now split into pieces.
1.
Right-click on the video pieces you want to remove
2.
Hit Delete.
1.
Slide the piece that’s left to the appropriate
place in the timeline.
2.
Repeat this process until each element has been
added to the editor.
6) Create the Video
When
you are finished placing everything, it’s time to export the project to video.
1.
Click Export Project at the top.
2.
By choosing Change Name you can
update the name and pick the save location.
3.
Make sure the file type is MPEG4 Profiles.
4.
Choose High Quality.
1.
Click Export Project
2.
Choose PC.
3.
Then pick the Export project
You
can ignore the popup warning you that you are missing a premium feature. This
feature impacts how fast your video renders. It will take longer when using the
free version.
1.
Click Continue.
Congratulations!
Your video is now being created. You can see its progress at the top.
11 Reasons Why Video is Better Than Any Other
Medium
- byBrenna
Clarine
- September 29, 2016
- 6 minute read
Over
the past few years, video has risen into popularity across the globe. You see
it everywhere – on television, social media, text messages, billboards, online
advertisements, and even restaurant menus.
Because
video has become so prominent among the rising generation, creating videos of
your own has never been easier. Now, everyone has instant access to filming,
editing and publishing videos.
If
you are not convinced of the importance of video content, just look at the
digital community.
YouTube
is the second most popular social network as of late 2016, and Snapchat,
Periscope, and Vine are at the top, as well. Almost every major social network
– Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, and more – have all made it
easier to upload, view and share videos on their respective apps and websites.
Additionally,
the importance of video marketing has never been greater. More companies are
launching video marketing campaigns and more small businesses are achieving
success because of it. It’s become clear just by looking at elementary video content marketing stats,
that brands have determined that the future of business lies within visual
content marketing.
Just
to give you an idea of the numbers we are talking about, a user’s positive
experience with a video ad increases their purchase intent by 97% and brand
association by 139%.
Because
video is starting to replace the written word, people have started to ask the
question, “video vs text: which is better?” In addition to text, video has also
challenged other mediums like images, infographics, and podcasts. Although
video will never completely replace these mediums, it certainly will continue to expand as
“the most popular content consumed globally.” Keep reading for more visual
content statistics and video content marketing ideas that demonstrate why video
is better than text.
1. Video displays nonverbal communication.
Body
language and verbal tone play a huge role in conveying a message. Text content
relies on precise word choice, punctuation and visual features like emoticons
to establish the right tone. However, with video, viewers are able to determine
exactly what the speaker is trying to get across by observing body language,
verbal tone and other visual cues.
Not
only that, but videos can extend even beyond verbal and nonverbal communication
by including visual aids like images and footage, which further strengthen the
mood. The simple matter of the speaker being visible makes video all the more
accurate and effective.
2. Video engages audiences.
With
the combination of visuals and sound, there is nothing video can’t do. Because
it is the most popular medium, viewers are ready to listen as long as you
follow up with valuable and concise content. Businesses can use this to their
advantage by marketing with videos instead of with text and images.
As
a matter of fact, consumers are over 27 times more likely to
click on an online video ad than a standard banner ad. Videos that have a hook,
engaging content throughout, and a gripping final call-to-action are bound to
have success with keeping audiences interested.
3. Video comprises all other mediums.
Video
has the ability to include all other visual and auditory content. A video can
consist of a podcast and an article all in one and include limitless images,
infographics, and text. No other medium has this ability.
This
reason alone proves video’s superiority; it is at the top of the virtual food
chain. When a video takes advantage of this innate power, viewers can better
understand its message, meaning more people will be willing to share the video.
So although using several diverse means of communication is the best way to
reach your audience, if you only had one medium to choose, you know what to
pick.
4. Video prompts shares.
As
mentioned in the previous point, Internet users are naturally more inclined to
share videos. They are quick, concise and relatable—all key components of being
shareworthy. The numbers show it, too. Social video generates 1200% more shares than
text and images combined. This number is likely to increase, as video is
becoming more socially relevant.
Almost
everyone you know probably has a YouTube or Snapchat account—not to mention their
use of video on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Videos are a great
way for people to express themselves and this is why many people find them so
shareworthy.
5. Video presents quick and rich content.
It
is no secret that reading takes much longer than watching. Even podcasts take
longer because they lack visual aids. Visual content has
always had a talent for condensing content. Visual aesthetics combined with
audio allows the information being provided to be delivered several times as
fast.
For
example, a graph could be presented with a speaker simultaneously expounding on
the information therein – instead of a graph followed by a paragraph explaining
it. Videos are intrinsically rich with content, which is more fulfilling than
viewing simple images or tedious words.
6. Video incites action.
Video
has been shown to be more compelling than other mediums. Because it implements
a more authentic interaction (refer to point #1), viewers in turn are more open
to what the speaker has to say. Almost every professional video includes a
call-to-action, just like most blog posts and podcasts, the results are more
satisfactory. KISSmetrics found that a call-to-action with a video
produces 380% more clicks than
a regular sidebar call-to-action. In other words, video boosts a user’s
likelihood of taking action on what they see.
7. Video enlarges the economy.
The
invention of video has opened up a whole new industry for ordinary people to
find jobs, start businesses and contribute to the economy. Movies alone
generate revenue and create jobs for millions of individuals and companies.
It
only takes a handful of people to publish a book, but producing a movie, as you
know, employs hundreds, if not thousands. Additionally, video-based social
platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, Snapchat, DailyMotion, Periscope, and Meerkat
have introduced countless jobs. The contribution video makes to the economy is
irreplaceable.
8. Video enables convenient and accessible
production.
Clicking
“record” on your smartphone and speaking about a topic is much easier than writing
an article about it. Video production is more accessible than ever before. The
average Joe can film, edit, publish and even market his own video for free.
Additionally,
although videos require planning, it is not actually essential to their
success. Several YouTubers have gained millions of subscribers just by
producing unscripted vlogs of their daily lives. An unedited, unorganized blog
post would not generate nearly as much attention as a video with the same
amount of planning.
9. Video provides the best search engine results.
Because
there are less videos online than text, they have a better chance of reaching
audiences who search a keyword. To be exact, videos are 45 times more likely to
rank on the first page of Google than text results. Videos have less
competition because, again, the material is more dense.
What
may take one video to express might require five web pages to articulate.
However, just like articles, videos must have sufficient SEO to rank well on
search engines. This consists of optimizing the thumbnail, title, description,
tags and slug.
10. Video enhances social communication.
Video
is the biggest innovation in social communication since texting. Instead of
only hearing someone over the phone or reading what they say in a text, people
can see each other. Two relatives from different parts of the world can have a
face-to-face conversation and all they need is an Internet connection and a
device with a camera.
A
lot of millennials even FaceTime or Skype nearby friends and family throughout
the day to satisfy their craving for genuine social interaction with the ones
they love. Not only is video a major asset for businesses, but individuals are
finding it to be socially irreplaceable.
11. Video reaches the widest market.
You
have probably heard of several successful YouTubers and Viners. Their success
draws from the fact that a lot of people use YouTube and Vine. The same
principle applies to video as a whole: more people are consuming online video,
so more businesses and individuals have the chance to successfully communicate
with their entire audiences.
Simply
put, video is the best way to access consumers in this day and age. Video
currently accounts for half of all mobile traffic – a greater
portion than any other medium. Anyone looking for exposure is bound to have
success in the video market – it is the widest market out there.
Conclusion: The Future of Video
Video
is the medium of the future – it is undeniable. Although articles, podcasts,
and infographics also have a stake in the future, video cannot be overlooked.
People are attracted to video and people are what really matter.
The
medium has had soaring potential for years and now is the time for it to
fulfill its true capacity. The importance of online video marketing in a
business’s strategy is unprecedented. The extent of video’s social scope is
miraculous. If you want to reach out to the world, all you need is video.
Note: The
opinions expressed in this article are the views of the author, and not
necessarily the views of Caphyon, its staff, or its partners.
Videos are
now among the most powerful and engaging marketing tools today. Video
content offers a creative medium for you to not only sell your product or
service but also to showcase your brand visually.
Image,
sound, and body language adds a human aspect that is often lacking online. It
brings the product to life. It is an easy way to grab the consumer’s attention
to convey information.
In fact, people actively seek out videos to get advice and are 64-84% more
likely to buy a product after watching a video.
Although it
may seem daunting at first, making professional and engaging video content
doesn’t mean you need to be an expert.
If you use
our tips, expertise will follow!
There is no
need to allocate a considerable budget to your video. A bit of creativity can
go further than money ever could.
In most
cases, you don’t even need access to a high-powered video camera. Many smartphones
offer high-quality cameras and access to countless editing apps.
No matter if
you have an advanced studio or just borrowed a DSLR from your aunt, these seven
tips are sure to help you get started creating high-quality and engaging video
content.
Creating High-quality and Engaging Video Content
1. Get to Know Your Target Audience
It’s
impossible to hit a target if you don’t know where to aim. Before you start
considering your good side, take a step back.
Ask who your
product or service is targeting.
If you have
sold it before, do a little research to see who bought it. If you’re a first-timer,
check who your competitors are seeking out.
Define your
target consumer by age, location, income level, occupation, educational status,
gender, or marital status.
You can use tools like Google Analytics to glean this
information from web traffic. Once you have figured that out, adjust your plans
accordingly.
Google Analytics, Demographics
It is vital
to tailor your video according to the interest of your target audience. Get
inside their heads and ask what benefits they’ll get from watching your video.
How can it
help them? How can you tell them everything they need to know?
Don’t get carried away by the number of views your video may or may not
receive. If you’ve created the video with your audience in mind, the right views
will come.
Always favor
quality, not quantity. Overall, don’t aim for a high number of views but,
instead, relevant views.
2. Be Professional
Little
things go a long way when it comes to making your video look more professional.
Production
values don’t need to break the bank. At the same time, don’t skimp when it
comes to appearing professional.
No one is
going to enjoy watching a shaky frame while trying to decipher the words of a
muffled speaker. Paying a little bit more attention to detail can eradicate
these issues.
Check out a
few seconds of the video below:
Right off
the bat, this video:
·
appears professional
·
addresses ideal audience’s concerns
Make sure
that the speaker is confident, comfortable, and comes across as natural on
screen. A voice-over might be a good option for some.
Whatever
direction you choose to take, make sure that the audio quality is clear and the
script portrays an understandable message. Preparation and practice are
critical to this.
Make sure
your shot is well lit. Lighting is more important than you’d imagine.
If you don’t
have access to professional ring lights, you can always rent or borrow them. If
this is not an option, you could improvise with natural light.
A top tip is
that overcast days make for the most steady and consistent natural light
sources.
The
atmosphere of a video depends on what you’re trying to portray.
In most
cases, however, video content shot outdoors is highly effective. The outdoors
provides more space for the actors and the viewers to be comfortable. But, make
sure that the audio quality doesn’t suffer because of this.
Keep your
video content engaging and visually pleasing with excellent backgrounds and
exciting transitions.
Depending on
your style, you could consider incorporating both clips of a speaker and
product demonstration. Or, you could add an example of your service enhancing
someone’s lifestyle.
Always be
aware of your creation during the process.
Watch,
re-watch, evaluate, adjust, and reshoot if necessary. Time spent in the
creative process will pay off when the views convert to interested customers.
An excellent example of this is the simple but effective editing used in
a YouTube and Samsung promotion created by YouTube star Casey Neisat.
The message portrayed is strongly inclusive and inspirational.
It
demonstrates how YouTube has enhanced so many people’s lives and provided a
space for creativity.
It also
speaks to the underdogs in all of us and builds up the audiences’
self-confidence. It incorporates many voices and familiar faces, which help to
keep it engaging.
Although it
is shot in an amateur style, you’ll notice that the audio and video quality are
flawless. Transition clips and the voice over are combined with text to
intensify the message of the video.
It also has
a personal touch added when we get to see the speaker directly talk to us.
Enjoyable and engaging, overall, it’s a video we want to watch.
3. Make it Human
Find
original ways to create video content that entertains, delights, and
informs your customers. As much as possible, do this without making the
audience feel like they’re watching a commercial.
If your
video seems forced or fake, the viewer will often stop watching. There are
countless ways of doing this, from animation to storytelling.
Just make
sure that the result fits your brand and comes across as professional.
Your video
can be funny, inspiring, or touching to your audience. A video is more powerful
if it makes the audience feel something or realize something.
You also
need to motivate them to take action, whether that may be buying your product
or subscribing to your service. Keep in mind that video offers what other
mediums do not- a human element. Use this to its full advantage.
Google took full advantage of the human aspect of the video in promoting
‘Google Earth.’ They tell the emotional story of Saroo Brierley and
his journey to track down his original roots after being tragically separated
from his family.
This
compelling story of loss, love, and restoration demonstrates the life-changing
capabilities of Google Earth, without being too obvious. The video portrays
Google Earth as having the goal of improving the lives of its users rather than
making money.
It appeals
to human emotion. This is an incredibly powerful tool when it comes to building
a trusting relationship with your audience and influencing the way they view
your product or service.
4. Do More Than Sell
Use the
potential of your video to market your brand.
Although the
final goal may be to sell your product or service, this should never be your
only goal. You should also take the opportunity video content provides to
showcase and forge a clearer image of your brand.
Every piece
of video content you create to market should add to a discourse that is as
recognizable as yours over time.
It goes
without saying that Nike does a great job enhancing its brand image with every
piece of content it releases.
Video
content should be used as a core representation of your company. If you don’t
know where to start, look to the thesis or ethos behind your company.
What drives
you to do what you do? What inspired you in the first place? What principles
does your company represent?
Core values
and principles are also excellent sources of inspiration when creating an image
for your company.
Your aim is
to showcase the unique aspects of your company in a positive light, so
customers become more interested in your products.
5. Make it Helpful and Engaging
People are
getting more and more careful about how they spend their time online. They are
more wary of advertising than ever before.
Instead of
looking at it as an obstacle, look at it as an opportunity.
If you take
the time to make your video worthwhile, it will be a rewarding experience for
you and the viewer. Offer solutions to problems, answers to questions, and
provide useful information.
On top of
this, take note that even if you offer the most comprehensive information in
the world, no one will listen if it’s boring. If you’re going to plonk yourself
in front of a camera and read off a long list, then don’t even bother hitting
record.
Your video
needs to be engaging to attract and hold attention. There are so many creative
ways of achieving this, from incorporating humor or music to making it
entertaining or relatable.
Another
aspect to note is that people will always be attracted to current things, so
take inspiration from the media. Think outside the box and brainstorm ways that
you can present useful, relevant information in an engaging way.
In this video ‘Cover Letter,’ Chase, the creator, explains his
service. It demonstrates his deep passion for the company (Sprite), and
encapsulates it all in an entertaining (if not slightly ridiculous) way that
has got the whole internet talking.
The video is
colorful and eye-catching, which holds the audiences’ attention. It doesn’t
take itself too seriously, and it’s impossible for the rap not to stick in your
head.
It is also
very unique and recognizable.
The most
important achievement of the video, however, is that it leaves the audience
feeling like they have already gained something from the company. The audience
leaves the video feeling uplifted from just watching.
6. Reach out to Your Audience
Current
businesses have an advantage that most companies in the past never had before.
We can interact directly with customers to find out exactly what they want and
need.
Before
beginning to plan your video, you need to figure out what will enable you to
speak to your customers. You can reach out and ask them what they need from
your business and how they want to receive it.
Luckily,
this is as easy as sending out a tweet or posting a status. However, a more
productive way of gathering information is using live streaming services on
Facebook or Instagram.
Note that
Facebook could be a better option for smaller companies. Facebook can notify
your friends whenever you are going live, which could attract more attention.
If you offer an open “Ask Me Anything” Q&A session,
you are sure to get your audience to tune in. Once this engagement has started,
you will find that people want to have their opinion heard and will be eager to
share.
Besides,
this open relationship demonstrates the transparency and trustworthiness of
your business. Listening to customers provides not only the feedback you need
but will also make them feel valued and important.
Live
streaming is a multi-tasker in more ways than one.
If you are a
rookie when it comes to being in front of the camera, this experience can also
help you build confidence. If you are planning on appearing in your video, this
will also benefit you as your audience will recognize you as a familiar face.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
Anything new
takes a little time to understand.
For
instance, it might take you a while to get comfortable with the video format.
The best thing to do is to experiment with dynamic angles, camera movements,
transitions, focus, and editing effects.
An essential
tip for someone creating videos for the first time: record everything! The
good, the bad, and the ugly.
Eventually,
this will lead to greater comfort with the creative process.
If you need
to show a process within time restraints, then time-lapse could be your best
friend. Figuring out what works and what doesn’t won’t cost you a thing and
could make your video far more interesting in the future.
Take some
time to read up on techniques and actively watch examples of marketing videos
online.
Take note of
what you think works and what doesn’t. Which videos make you feel good? Which
videos make you want to try something new? Most importantly, which makes you
want to buy the product or service?
Constant
searching leads to continuous discovery. As they say, a good artist’s borrow;
great artists steal. We don’t want you ripping anyone off! Just make sure you
are continually looking for new influences.
So, there
you have it — seven tips that are sure to give your videos an edge.
Know your
audience, be professional, make it human, do more than sell, be helpful, reach
out and don’t be afraid to experiment.
Now go forth
and create, Hitchcocks of the future!
A detailed understanding of video content creation is
more important now than ever before.
As digital
marketing evolves, videos are fast becoming a trend.
About one-third of online activities is spent watching videos. Also, 85
percent of internet users in the United States watch videos
online.
Not only are
we watching more videos every day, but we’re sharing them too. Ninety-two
percent of mobile video viewers share video content with others.
So, it’s not surprising that 51
percent of marketing professionals across the world named video
as the type of content with the best ROI. Recent reports suggest
that having a video on your landing page can increase your conversion by 80 percent or more.
Despite these compelling statistics on the benefits of video content, it’s still less competitive to distribute than
text or image. That’s because the process of video content creation can be
intimidating to the noobies.
Well, not
anymore. In this blog post, we’ll break down the whole process into five simple
steps.
Without much
ado, let’s jump right in.
5 Video Content Creation Tips For Beginners
Outlined
below are some tips to help you create the perfect video
1. Start With a Simple Plan
The first
thing you want to do here is to describe your goals. You must identify the
purpose of your video – to teach new things or attract visitors to your site.
Also, you
should single out the audience your videos are targeting. Not only will this
tell you how to write the script and shoot it, but it’ll give you an idea of
the right distribution channel too.
So, to
recap, draft a simple plan which includes your goal, target audience, the type
of script, and your distribution channel. Now what?
2. Find the Ideal Background
Depending on
your goals and target audience, there are two main types of video backgrounds.
You can either use a real environment or a fake one.
Which is
right for you, you wonder?
A real
background is simple to set up. You could use a real-life environment such as
your office, living room, or any outdoor location. Just make sure it
contributes to your message.
On the other hand, fake backgrounds are – well, fake. It’s usually
a green screen, curtains or paper.
While this
background is great for consistency, it can be challenging and pricey to set
up. As such, it may not be ideal for beginners.
Now, let’s
talk about the lights and the camera.
3. Lights and Camera
At the beginning of your video content creation process, you may not
need a camera. Chances are you’re reading this post on a smartphone with
a great camera, and that’ll do just fine.
Just avoid using the camera’s mic. Instead, consider using a simple,
reliable external dedicated audio recorder to
capture the audio.
The best
lighting condition for your video may be natural light. It could be an hour
after sunrise, outdoor on a cloudy day, or an hour before sunset.
Even if you
want to shoot indoor, natural light is still your best option. When combined
external sources – table lamps or ceiling lights -, a room with multiple or big
windows could produce great results.
4. Film in Small Segments
Shooting long bulky videos continuously consumes time and energy both
during filming and editing.
Meanwhile,
shooting in segments is flexible. It’ll allow you to reshoot something you
didn’t like and communicate your message.
Also, the post-production process becomes more convenient. You can use
video editing tools like Final Cut Pro X to make the product
the best possible result.
5. Learn the Composition Rules
The composition rules in still photography are just as
crucial in videography too.
Divide the
frame into a three-by-three grid, and select the intersections that are ideal
placements for your subjects. Also, pay attention to your subject’s head.
You don’t
want to leave too much space above the head, and you don’t want to cut it off
either. Balance is key here.
Wrapping Up Your Video Content Creation
So, what
happens after creating the perfect video? Well, distribution.
It’s time to push your video out to the world. Consider using social
media channels like YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
You can either use it as a regular post or targeted ads.
In the end,
your video may not be the most significant thing on the internet. However,
it’ll generate brand awareness; and that’s the most important thing.
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