Videos have become one of the most effective ways to engage with audiences across various platforms.
According to research by Hubspot, about 66% of consumers watch videos to learn more about products and brands. The study also suggests that more brands will adopt video marketing in 2023.
These statistics demonstrate the effectiveness of videos as a marketing tool, and how they can help businesses increase engagement and conversions.
But to achieve the best results, you must produce the best videos. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there are many ways to enhance the quality and increase their impact when you share them with your audience.
In this article, we’ll be sharing seven tips for making and editing your videos like an expert.
From lighting and sound techniques to editing hacks, the following tips will take your videos to the next level.
Table of Contents
Plan Ahead
Planning is the first and one of the most important steps when producing videos. This is where you consider the overall goal of the video and who your target audience is. Ask yourself questions like:
- What message do I want to convey with this video?
- Who is my target audience?
- What information would I like to share with my audience?
- What are call-to-action ideas for this video?
- What video editing software will I use?
- Are there sound effects I can add to the video?
Once you clearly understand these things, you can begin to create an outline for your video. The outline includes the main points you want to cover and the order in which you will cover them.
It would also help to think about the structure of your video. A well-structured video is easy to follow and keeps the audience engaged. The standard practice is to have an introduction, body, and conclusion.
In the introduction, you can give a brief overview of what the video is about and what the audience can expect to learn. The body of the video should cover the main points and any supporting information, and the conclusion should summarize the main points and provide a call to action.
Neil Patel does of great job of introducing the concept, adding a CTA, talking through the learning points, and then walking through the body of the concept. Here’s an example.
The planning stage also involves creating a short list with all the shots you want to include in your video. This will help you to stay organized and on track during filming.
Finally, consider the overall tone and style of the video. Will it be informative, entertaining, or a mix of both? Will it be serious or light-hearted?
These decisions will help you to create a video that is engaging and effective in delivering your message.
Use a Tripod
A tripod keeps your camera steady, which is essential for achieving smooth and professional-looking footage. Here are some tips:
- Set up the tripod on a level surface: Ensure the legs of the tripod are fully extended and that the tripod is level.
- Adjust the tripod’s height: Depending on the shot you’re trying to achieve, you may need to adjust the height of the tripod. For example, if you’re filming a person sitting at a desk, you’ll want to lower the tripod so that the camera is at the same height as the person’s head.
- Use the right head for your camera: Tripods come with different heads, such as ball heads or pan-tilt heads. Ensure you’re using the right one for your camera — this will make it easier to adjust the camera position and angle.
Experiment With Different Angles
Mix up your shots by using different angles, distances, and camera movements. This strategy will give you various shots that add depth and dimension to your footage and make it more engaging for your audience.
For example, filming from a low angle can make your subject look powerful while filming from a high angle can make them look small and vulnerable.
On that note, try different shots, such as close-up, medium, and long shots, to add variety to your footage and give a sense of scale and context.
Camera movements can also give you varied shots. Panning, tilting, zooming, or dollying can add a dynamic element to your footage and help to convey the action in a scene.
Pay Attention to Sound and Lighting
A good microphone is a must-have if you want to produce clear and high-quality audio for your videos.
Selecting a microphone is easier if you know your needs. If you are recording in a studio, a condenser microphone might be a good choice.
Still, a dynamic microphone might be more suitable if you are recording on location or during live performances.
Proper lighting is also essential for creating a visually pleasing video. Adequate lighting will minimize harsh shadows and make the subject clear.
In the video below, the subject was well-lit, positioned against a green screen. You can see the impact as it made the subject stand out from the animation and added a feeling of quality.
You may use a diffuser to soften the light and create a more natural look. It’s also important to consider the color temperature of the lights you are using, as well as the direction of the light.
Experimenting with different lighting setups can help you achieve the desired look for your video.
Use Green Screen
A green screen, also known as chroma key compositing, is a filming technique that lets you replace the background of a subject with a different one. You can achieve this by filming the subject against a solid green or blue background, which you will then replace with your desired background in post-production.
Here’s an excellent green screen tutorial for beginners. Check out the video for some solid tips.
This technique is commonly used in film, television, and video production to create special effects, such as superimposing a person into a different location or adding digital elements to a scene. It is a great way to make your videos look professional and appealing.
Edit Your Footage
Editing is the final stage in the video production process. It allows you to take raw footage and turn it into a polished, professional-looking video. To achieve that, choose a video editing software and at least follow some basic editing tips:
- Import your footage: You can do this by connecting your camera to your computer or by transferring the files from your camera’s memory card.
- Organize your footage: It will be easier to find footage if you organize them into folders.
- Create a rough cut: Select the best takes and arrange them in a logical order to get an idea of what your final video will look like. Don’t forget to cut out unnecessary footage to ensure your video is to the point, which can help keep your audience engaged
- Add transitions: Adding transitions between shots makes your video flow smoothly. Transitions can include cross-fades, wipes, and dissolves.
- Improve the pacing: Editing allows you to improve the pacing of your video. You can speed up or slow down footage to create a sense of urgency or to emphasize a particular point.
- Color correction and grading: Adjust the color of your video to make it look more professional. This can include tweaking the brightness, contrast, and saturation.
- Render and export: Once you’re happy with your final video, render and export it in the format you need. This will create a final version of your video that is ready to be shared or uploaded.
Add Music, Sound Effects, and Graphics
Music and sound effects can enhance the overall experience of your videos, especially if they fit the mood of your content.
If possible, always use royalty-free music instead of copyrighted one to avoid legal issues down the line. Apart from music, you may also add text and graphics to convey important information or boost the visual appeal of your video.
Conclusion
If you’ve always wanted to create videos but didn’t know where to start, or if your videos are just not quite the best quality for your viewers, then the seven tips discussed above will help.
As we wrap up this article, remember that your videos will only get better with time and that you don’t need expensive equipment to make a video.
All you need is to apply the above tips when creating and editing videos, even if you use a smartphone for videography.
- 7 Foolproof Tricks To Make And Edit Your Videos - January 26, 2023
Tripods help to stabilize videos Mike but also give makers full attention to the process. My mind feels divided when I hold the camera; too much to think about. Positioning it lets me focus on the video content itself; one less job.
Ryan