Image: storyset via Freepik
According to a study, video content makes up 82% of the internet traffic this year. That means many enjoy watching videos when browsing the internet and finding new information.
But why do they love videos that much?
Videos are more accessible because users can share the content easily at their fingertips. What's more, video content is way more engaging compared to other forms of content on the internet. That's why videos have dominated social platforms worldwide.
When it comes to popularity, videos are essential for building an audience and generating viewers. Hence, businesses and professionals aiming to get a bigger audience can use video content in their marketing strategies.
What Beginners Don't Know When Producing Videos
If you want to create content that engages your audience and captivates them, make sure to produce a high-quality video. But, some are afraid to start producing their videos simply because they have no prior experience with it.
Fret not.
Even experts are once beginners. You don't need to feel discouraged if you're just starting out.
There are some things that many beginners don't know when it comes to producing videos.
Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of shooting a video. You need to make sure that your lighting is set up to make your content look good, especially if you film product demo videos. Natural light is always best, but you'll need to use artificial light sources if you're shooting indoors.
Audio
Another important aspect of shooting videos is audio. Make sure you have a good microphone and turn your audio on before you start recording.
Editing
Once you've shot your video, you'll need to edit it to make it look great. There are many different video editing software available, and you can find some great tutorials online to help you learn how to use them.
Formatting
When you're ready to share your video, make sure you format it correctly so that it looks good when people watch it. Different social media platforms have different requirements, so make sure you follow their guidelines.
Publishing
Once your video is formatted and edited the way you want it, you need to publish it on the appropriate social media platform. Make sure you share it with as many people as possible so that they can see it and enjoy it!
How to Make Professional-Looking Videos For Beginners
Now that you know what problems are often there when it comes to beginners' videos, it's time to learn how to produce videos that could make you professional.
1. Plan ahead of your video
You should know that creating a video isn't all about shooting, especially for business. It's best to plan what you're going to do before you start filming.
First off, set the goal of your video. Make sure that you know the result you're aiming for. This will help you make videos as targeted as possible. For example, if you want to create a video for brand awareness, you should focus on creating content that increases curiosity and attracts more attention.
Source: St. Andrew College
You can follow the SMART goal and answer questions, such as:
- What is your video goal?
- How can the video help your audience?
- Is your video relevant to viewers' problems? Or is it about entertaining people?
These questions can help you identify what type of video you will make.
2. Know your audience
If you want to make videos that engage well with your audience, you need to know who your audience is first. Understanding your audience is essential because you make videos for them, and you can't appease them with the wrong content.
So, start by creating buyer or audience personas. A persona represents your ideal audience who watches your video content. You can create one by surveying your current audience or through market research. Once you have created a few personas, you can further research their interests, needs, and even frustrations.
Source: Captain Verify
Here's how you can make viewers' persona:
- Start with their age, gender, and location.
- What are their interests? Do they like to watch videos on how to do things, or are they more interested in funny videos?
- What are their needs and frustrations? This is where you get into more detail about what your audience wants and what problems they're trying to solve.
- What type of language do they use when discussing topics that interest them?
- What devices do they prefer to use when watching videos?
- What social media platforms do they use most often?
- How much money do they typically spend on services or products related to the topic of your video?
By answering these questions, you can narrow down who your viewers are. So, you can start producing videos that fit these audience personas.
3. Write compelling video scripts
A well-written script is the key to a great video. It will help keep your video on track and cover all the important points. Not only that, but a good script will make your videos more engaging and interesting.
Writing a script might seem like a pain, but it can make the filming process much smoother and easier. This way, you'll know exactly what you're going to say, and you won't have to worry about forgetting anything while you're filming.
Source: Business2community
When writing a video script, make sure to :
- Start with a catchy headline.
- Write in a conversational tone.
- Use short, easy-to-read sentences.
- Keep paragraphs to a minimum.
- Stick to the point.
Remember, you want your viewers to actually read your script, so make sure it's engaging and interesting.
4. Storyboard your video
Source: Tallboy
After you've written your script, it's time to storyboard your video. This will help you visualize how your video will look when it's filmed. It can also help you plan out which shots you'll need and how to frame your shots.
Storyboarding can be done with a simple sketch or with more detailed drawings. Whichever you choose, make sure everything is clear and help your filming go more smoothly.
When storyboarding a video, remember to consider these tips:
- Plan out each shot and how it will fit into your overall story.
- Include transitional shots between scenes.
- Draw attention to the most important elements of your video.
- Make sure your drawings are clear and easy to follow.
5. Shoot your videos
One of the beginners' most common mistakes is filming their videos of low quality. This can be a major turnoff for potential viewers and make your video look unprofessional.
To ensure that your videos have high production value, film in high definition, and use a good camera. Lighting is also important, so ensure you have enough light when filming.
Source: Zenetic
If you don't have the resources to film high-quality, consider outsourcing your videos to a professional video production company.
One of the most important aspects of creating professional-looking videos is filming in high quality. This means using good equipment and lighting and ensuring that your framing and focus are correct.
For example, if you're filming indoors, you'll need to use artificial light sources. And if you're filming outdoors, make sure to choose a location with good lighting.
6. Experiment with different shooting techniques
There's no right or wrong https://canadianpharmacy365.net/ way to shoot a video. You'll need to experiment with different techniques to see what works best for you.
Some popular shooting techniques include:
- POV shots: Shots filmed from the perspective of the character or person being interviewed.
- Interview shots: Shots of people talking directly to the camera.
- B-roll shots: Additional footage used to illustrate or supplement the main video content.
- Static shots: Shots filmed in one place and held for a period of time.
- Moving shots: Shots that move from one place to another.
- Establishing shots: Shots that set the scene and introduce the viewer to the video content.
7. Improve your composition
As you make more videos, you'll start to notice that some compositions work better than others. This means learning how to place your subjects in the frame and using the right lighting.
As you make more videos, you'll notice that some compositions work better than others. This means learning how to place your subjects in the frame and using the right lighting.
Composition is important for creating an effective video. Here are a few tips to help you improve your composition:
- Place your subject in the center of the frame for the most impact
- Make sure there's enough space around your subject to avoid overcrowding
- Use lighting to create interesting shadows and highlights
- Avoid filming into the sun or other bright light sources
- Keep your camera still for the most polished look
8. Use different editing techniques
Editing is an important step in creating professional-looking videos. This is where you'll add music, titles, and other graphics. You'll also need to cut and splice the footage to make sure it flows well.
If you're not comfortable editing your own videos, there are many great video editing software programs that are easy to use. If you need help learning how to use them, plenty of online tutorials are available.
Source: Kapwing
You can also use video editing software to improve the quality of your footage. Programs like Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro have many tools to help your videos look more polished.
Some common editing techniques include:
- Cutting: Cutting clips to shorten or rearrange them
- Transitions: Adding transitions between clips to create a smooth flow
- Effects: Applying effects to your clips to change their appearance
- Audio: Editing the audio to improve the overall quality
9. Choose the right video format
Formatting your video for the web can be a challenge. There are a number of different video formats to choose from, so it's important to select the one that will work best for your content.
Some popular video formats for the web include:
- MP4: An all-around format that works well on most devices
- WebM: A newer format that offers better quality than MP4
- OGG: A less common format that provides good quality and smaller file sizes
- FLV: A older format that is mostly used for Flash videos
10. Keep learning and improving
The best way to improve your video skills is by constantly learning and experimenting. There are plenty of online resources, so don't be afraid to explore new ideas. The best way to improve your video skills is by constantly learning and experimenting.
Post-production Tips for Beginners
Upload and promote your video
Once your video is edited and ready to go, it's time to upload it to YouTube or other video-sharing sites. This is where you'll start to see the real benefits of creating professional-looking videos.
When you create a high-quality video, people are more likely to watch it and share it with their friends. This means that your video will get more exposure, and you'll be able to reach a larger audience.
If you're not sure how to promote your videos, plenty of online resources are available. Start by creating a social media plan, and make sure to post your videos on all of your social media accounts. You can also create a website or blog to promote your videos.
Analyze your results
Once you've uploaded your video, it's important to track its performance. This means analyzing how many views it's getting and where it's being shared.
By tracking your video's performance, you'll be able to see what's working and what needs improvement. You can use this information to make better videos in the future.
Wrapping Up
These are just a few tips to help you create professional-looking videos. Keep in mind that it takes practice and experimentation to get the hang of it. But with a little effort, you can create videos that will impress your friends and family.
So there you have it – 10 tips for creating professional-looking videos. Just remember to take your time, experiment, and have fun!
Author
Andre Oentoro is the founder of Breadnbeyond, an award-winning explainer video company. He helps businesses increase conversion rates, close more sales, and get positive ROI from explainer videos (in that order).
Twitter: @breadnbeyond
Email: andre@breadnbeyond.com
