Creating online videos

The realm of recording and sharing videos online has evolved into a lucrative trend, especially for prominent individuals and social media influencers. Professionals in various fields are also leveraging this medium to disseminate their expertise. These videos encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from tutorials to testimonials, and they can be produced professionally or shot using a smartphone. As long as the content remains consistent and maintains good video and audio quality, maintaining an online video channel can be quite sustainable.

Similar to any video production, certain steps should be followed to ensure the creation of compelling content that attracts views, encourages sharing, and garners positive feedback.

Planning

Before you begin filming, the initial step is to meticulously plan your entire video shoot. To do this, you must make decisions regarding the following aspects:

1. Content: Determine the message you want to convey to your viewers. Is your video meant for informative or entertainment purposes? Regardless, thorough research is crucial to gather comprehensive knowledge in that particular field.

2. Script: Once you have your topic and content in mind, craft a concise and informative script. This script will provide structure to your ideas and material, preventing your video from becoming disjointed. Additionally, avoid lengthy introductions, especially in instructional videos; shorter, more focused videos tend to perform better.

3. Filming Location: Choose whether to shoot indoors or outdoors. Whichever location you opt for, ensure there are no distractions in the background that could detract from your video’s quality, both visually and in terms of sound.

4. Equipment: Decide whether you need to borrow, rent, or purchase the necessary equipment for a successful shoot. In today’s digital landscape, subpar video and audio quality are unacceptable. It’s advisable to invest in quality equipment to ensure a loyal subscriber base. Videos below 480p resolution are typically unappealing to viewers.

Filming

With a prepared script in hand, filming becomes more purposeful and efficient. You’ll save time because you already know what’s required for your final product. For instance, if you’re conducting an interview, you’ll have your questions ready before the shoot. If cover shots are needed, you’ll know where to find them, reducing filming and editing time.

While state-of-the-art equipment isn’t mandatory, it’s crucial not to compromise on video and audio quality. Today’s online subscribers are not known for their patience, given the multitude of content choices available. They’d rather watch subpar content delivered through high-quality videos than valuable content presented via mediocre videos. Therefore, at the very least, you should have a high-quality camera, a tripod, a microphone, and lighting equipment to ensure an all-around high-quality production, from pre-production to post-production.

Editing

Moving to the post-production phase, let’s explore the editing process. If you’re not already proficient in video editing software, take the time to learn the basics. Most editing programs function similarly, whether on macOS or Windows, and there are countless online tutorials available.

Alternatively, you can consider hiring a video editor to assemble a polished final product for you. Numerous freelance video editors offer their services for a reasonable fee, depending on the complexity of your video.

Sharing

If you’re just starting as an online video content creator, it’s important to choose the platform where you want to establish your presence. YouTube is widely recognized and offers monetary incentives, making it an excellent choice. However, it’s important to note that growth on this platform takes time, and immediate income shouldn’t be expected. Instead, let your content speak for itself, and over time, you’ll see your videos gain traction and viewership.”