Did you know that viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video as compared to only 10% when reading it in text?
It is no wonder that more content is being uploaded in 30 days than what major television networks in the US have created in the past 30 years.
Even then, many businesses struggle to create videos to engage with their audience, and one of the biggest reasons for this is the myth that creating a video is expensive, time consuming and effort-intensive. But, with an Online Editing Tool like InVideo, you can now create thumb-stopping videos in less than 5 minutes, even if you have no prior editing experience!
In this blog, we break down the exact steps you can follow to get started with video content for your business. Not just that but we’ve also dedicated sections to the two most frequent categories of videos for businesses- YouTube videos and instructional videos. You can dive straight into one of these sections or simply read along to start with the building blocks of how to make a good video.
Here’s what the plan of action looks like:
1. Building blocks of making a good video
2. How to make a YouTube video?
3. How to make an instructional video?
1. Building blocks of making a good video
A. Find topics to create videos on
While you can create a video about anything under the sun, it is important to understand what you bring to the topic and how it is different from everything that is already out there.
Let’s start by answering these 4 questions:
1) What do you want to talk about?
This question is mostly aimed at individual creators who are looking to share their work or passion. If you’re a brand or business, you may want to start by answering question 2 since your content will primarily be centered around your audience and will have to serve their interests.
Assuming that the end goal of your content is to get more people to discover you, the key is to create gold-standard videos consistently. To create consistently, you need to have clarity on what you want to talk about.
So, how do you decide on what you should create videos about?
It’s simple – on a piece of paper make two lists, one of the things that you’re passionate about and the other of the things you know really well or are good at.
At the intersection of these two lists, you’ll find something that you’re both passionate about and good at. For example, if you’re passionate about photography – then there is a list of things that you can naturally talk about – like camera basics, understanding lights, editing images, how to do portrait photography, what lenses are best for street photography, and much more. But if you’ve got a lot of experience with black and white photography then that’s probably the first place you should start creating videos around.
2) Who am I catering to?
While this is a critical step for brands and businesses, it can also be very useful for individual creators who want to identify their audience and create specific content for them.
As a brand, creating content is more than just identifying your target audience. It is important to understand what gets your audience’s attention, what are they actively searching for and how can that tie back to your business.
You can start by creating a persona centered around the problem statement. Think about the age, location (and profession, if applicable) of your desired target audience. This will allow you to understand them better and will help you create content that matches their needs.
For example, if you wanted to create content for photographers who are hobbyists or beginners in the US, between the age group of 15-40 – You can flesh out this persona further in terms of their exact pain points and what they could be looking for.
3) What are they looking for and how can I add immense value to them?
The next thing that can help you find topics to create videos is understanding what your audience is looking for. You can start with where they are going to interact with you – YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Google.
Auto-recommendation on search engines
YouTube and Google both have an automated search bar that will tell you what are the most popular topics that people are looking for around your topic of interest. You will also see what kind of videos are ranking for them which tells you what kind of content works for this search category.
For example, when you type ‘baking’ in the search box on YouTube, you get the following popular results:
As you’ll keep adding more words to your search query, you’ll keep getting more relevant search intents that can help you derive video ideas.
You can go one step ahead by clicking on any one of the results and check out the videos that have ranked for it.
You can also use filters to check the most recently posted videos, sort them by view count, rating, and duration.
You’ll notice that many titles have similar words – like ‘cake without oven’. This is a keyword and we’ll go deeper into keyword research when we talk about how to make videos for YouTube , so make a note of it. You can try the same thing with Google’s search bar.
Browsing through the top videos will help you understand what kind of content format works best for that topic. Whether it is listicles, interviews, Q&A, how-to videos, etc. More importantly, the top relevant videos for your search query will help you in the next step – which is finding out the content gaps that your video can fill.
4) What gaps can my videos fill / how are they different from the lot?
Every topic you can come up with will already have tons of videos that have already been created. How do you then make sure that your content stands out for your audience?
You can start by looking through the top-raking videos of your search. Select 10 top-ranking videos and make notes on the things you think they could have covered or presented better. These are information gaps that you can fill to make sure that the content of your video appeals to your audience.
How do you find information gaps?
(i) Consume the content yourself
When you watch the video, make a note of the parts in which you press rewind or rewatch a section of the video because you didn’t understand it or there was a lack of clarity. Also, make note of the points where you feel like dropping off which indicate a lack of value and may also tell you what you should avoid doing in your video.
(ii) Go through comments
One of the best places to get information on what your audience wants to know, what they agree and disagree with, and what they love and what they need in the comments section. Viewers will leave their comments, thoughts, and questions about their video. These are gateways to understanding what works and doesn’t.
(iii) Talk to people
It’s important to also engage with your audience and there are many touchpoints to have these interactions. You can start a conversation in the comments section, on social media or even asking people within your circle – especially those that share similar interests.
Now that we know how to identify these gaps, let’s look at our examples from before and see how information gaps can be leveraged.
Let’s say you are looking to create videos around the best cameras for beginners. The top videos that show up on YouTube are very comprehensive (mostly Top 5 picks) but when you watch the videos and go through the comments, you realise people are looking for a lot more.
Let’s look at the example of Nyma Tang – a beauty vlogger on YouTube to understand how using the information to fill gaps in your videos can help you create unique and value-adding videos. Beauty vlogging is a crowded space on YouTube. However, Nyma Tang realised that almost all of the makeup content on YouTube was for a fair-skin audience. There was a wider audience of dark-skinned makeup enthusiasts which was entirely untapped. She also realised a similar disparity in makeup products. Marrying these two insights, she created a series called #TheDarkestShade, which reviewed the darkest foundation shade of top brands and helped her tap into an interested audience base.
B. Plan your Production
Once you know what you want your video to be about, it’s time to put the ideas on paper. It is essential that you cover all bases during the production phase so that you’re well prepared for everything on shoot days.
Here’s a list of things you can do before you start shooting your video:
1. Turn the idea into a script
You must turn your thoughts into a well-written script that will allow you to perfectly execute and communicate your ideas to the viewers. After you have locked on an idea, start with creating an idea map – in which you will mention all the elements you want to get into and what details you would like to add in the video. Researching on the topic by watching related videos, reading articles and blogs, and speaking with people who can add more information will help you dive deeper and add more layers to your video. Using this idea map, you can build on a script.
Once you’re happy with scripting the idea, add as many important details to the script as what location do you want to shoot at, what time of the day, what will the person in the frame be wearing. This will ensure that you have all the information you need about the scene right in front of you.
If you’re shooting a scripted video, like the example above, here’s a template you can start using right away. However, if you plan to create videos where you’re directly addressing your audience, choose this template.
Pro Tip: Once you have your script ready, you can bring it to life by creating a stunning video using InVideo’s templates and the intuitive online video editor
2. Create a Storyboard
While creating a storyboard can be optional, it will really help you visualise and plan the narrative. You will be able to visually track how the imagery in your video will look even before you start shooting it, allowing you to have more control over how you want to shoot. You don’t have to be a professional artist or hire someone to create a storyboard – simply use stick figures and rough sketches. You can also add notes to cover any other specifications. You can also plan your shots by simply writing them in a sequence and mentioning the most essential details.
Here’s a StoryBoard template we created for you to get started.
3. Planning your shoot schedule
As much as you have prepared for everything to run smoothly, on-ground shoot days can be hard to predict. Having a shooting schedule will ensure that you finish recording in time. Your shoot schedule will include dates and timings of the shoot but it is also important that you add buffer days for when things don’t go as planned – like the weather, transport information if you’re doing more than one location on a single day, and break schedules. 
Here’s a template you can use to make your shoot schedule.
4. Recce
It’s always a good idea to visit the place you’re planning to shoot to understand its limitations and the on-ground problems you may face on shoot days. Make a note of this and come prepared with solutions to preempt being in an unfavourable situation on the day of the shoot.
To make it simpler, here are 3 things you must check during a recce:
i) Light
This is especially essential if you’re relying on natural light for your shoot – make sure that you’re getting the light you need to make your shot and also note the timings during the day when the light is the best and worst so you can schedule your shoots accordingly.
ii) Potential frames
One of the most important things to do while on recce is to find frames – this will not only allow you to visualise the video better but also figure out if you will need any extra equipment or tools to get the shot.
iii) Obstacles
Obstacles can range from permissions, traffic, and noise. Knowing your obstacles allows you to come better prepared with solutions to tackle them and also plan your shoot schedule accordingly.
C. Shooting the Video
After you’re done with the planning and production phase, let’s take a look at how you will execute the video. The three things you need to shoot your video are camera, lighting, and audio. Choosing the right equipment is quintessential to creating gold-standard videos. You don’t need the most expensive camera and light setup or a studio to record audio. Getting your hands on the right kind of equipment can make all the difference, and what combination of these three do you use goes hand-in-hand with the video type. Hence, we’ve put together this ready reckoner that will enable you to pick the right equipment for your video type.
Snapshots: Equipment list for different types of videos
(1) First-person videos
First-person videos are where you set up the camera on your desk and just talk into it, so it appears like you are having a direct conversation with your audience. These are simple to shoot and you don’t require a lot of equipment.
Here’s all the gear you’ll need with our recommended best buy for each piece of equipment.
Camera: Webcam if you have a PC and want to record your videos from there itself, camcorder, or smartphone if you will be changing your set up or moving around in your videos.
Stabilizer: Manfrotto PIXI or any simple 3-legged tripod that will support your camcorder or smartphone.
Light: Ring lights are the best option for lighting up a single person in the video.
Audio: Opt for the Takstar SGC-598 Shotgun microphone that will connect to your compact camera or choose the Deity V Lav Lavalier Lapel Mic if you’re recording your videos from your smartphone. Blue Snowball mic is a great option if you will be recording your videos directly on your PC.
Softwares: InVideo for editing videos (lets you also add stock footage and animation, if needed), Premiere Pro for advanced editing (in case you’re making long videos), StreamYard, or Switcher Studio for live streaming, and OBS for screen recording.
(2) Product showcases like phone, unboxing, etc.
Creating unboxing videos, tests, and doing reviews are also simple set-up YouTube videos. However, you will need equipment that can easily move around so that you can show your audience different angles.
Here’s all the gear you’ll need with our recommended best buy for each piece of equipment
Camera: If you’re just starting, you can use a camcorder or a smartphone (minimum 12MP camera) to record your video but if you want to upgrade, you can choose between a compact camera like the Canon G7X Mark III or a DSLR – Canon 70D.
Stabilizer: You’ll need a stabilizer with a fluid head for easy pan and tilt movements to show your audience the unboxing and products, like the Manfrotto Compact Action tripod. You can also upgrade to the Vanguard Alta Pro.
Light: You can choose between an 18” Ring light, LED panels, or a softbox depending on how big your set-up is.
Audio: You can use a shotgun mic – RODE Video or even a lapel – RODE Go Compact Wireless to record your audio. Some YouTubers also prefer a podcast mic like the Maona USB Podcast Mic.
Softwares: InVideo for editing videos (lets you also add stock footage and animation, if needed), Premiere Pro for advanced editing (in case you’re making long videos), StreamYard, or Switcher Studio for live streaming, and OBS for screen recording.
(3) Performance art
Whether you’re shooting a dance performance or a band – having the right equipment will allow you to capture the movement and emotion of it.
Here’s all the gear you’ll need with our recommended best buy for each piece of equipment
Camera: Based on your budget, you can choose to shoot with a smartphone, compact camera, or DSLR. If you wish to upgrade, you must go for a mirrorless camera, like the Canon EOS R that records on a 35mm sensor – giving you more vivid colors
Stabilizer: To capture smooth and fluid movements you must use a gimbal. If you’re shooting with a smartphone, the DJI Osmo Mobile 2 and the Moza Mini MI are both great options. If you’re using a DSLR – go for the DJI Ronin-S or the Zhiyun Weebal Lab.
Light: If you’re going to be moving with the subject and want the light to follow that movement, you can use an on-camera LED light panel. However, you can also use this LED panel kit by Fovitech if you want to light up a small room or stage. This stick light by Godox can be used to add colors, drama, or a cinematic feel to the performance.
Audio: Use a shotgun mic like the RODE Video with a dead cat to capture the audio (to match it to the original during edit) but you should put in the original track during the edit of the video.
Softwares: You should use Premiere Pro for editing the video and you can use InVideo to create an animated intro-text, StreamYard or Switcher Studio for live streaming, and OBS for screen recording.
(4) Vlogs and outdoor videos
If you’re going to be shooting outdoors, you want to have steady but portable equipment. More importantly, you want to make sure that all of your footage is recorded smoothly, with no audio or visual disturbances.
Here’s all the gear you’ll need with our recommended best buy for each piece of equipment
Camera: You can shoot vlogs and outdoor videos on your smartphone or you can use the Canon G7X Mark III which is known as the vloggers’ camera. You can also choose to upgrade to a DSLR like the Canon 70D or a mirrorless camera like the Sony A7 RIV.
Stabilizer: For ultimate stabilization, especially because you will always be on the go – choose the Moza Mini-MI or the DJI Osmo Mobile 2 for your smartphone or you can use the DJI Ronin-S or the Ikan MS Pro Beholder.
Light: You will mostly choose to shoot when there is good natural light outdoors. However, this portable ring light, on-camera LED panel, or Godox stick light should do the trick, if you happen to need external lights.
Audio: You will want a portable mic set up that should easily sit on your camera. Go for the RODE Video with a dead cat or the RODE Go Compact Wireless to record your audio.
Softwares: InVideo for editing videos (lets you also add stock footage and animation, if needed), Premiere Pro for advanced editing (in case you’re making long videos), StreamYard, or Switcher Studio for live streaming, and OBS for screen recording.
(5) Live streaming
Live streaming on YouTube needs some extra equipment – like a live stream encoder and podcast mic. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s all the gear you’ll need with our recommended best buy for each piece of equipment
Camera: If you’re live streaming from your desk, the best option for you is the Logitech Brio webcam but if you’re travelling or are outdoors – you can also go live from your smartphone. Many YouTubers also use a DSLR and convert the footage using live stream software – especially for interviews and podcasts.
Stabilizer: If you’re not moving around during your live stream, you can set up a simple 3-legged tripod. However, if you are walking around with your equipment to show your audience where you are and what you’re up to – we’d suggest either an advanced monopod like this one by Manfrotto or a basic gimbal – like the Moza Mini-MI or DJI Ronin-S.
Light: You will need a light that can sit on your desk while you comfortably go live like this 18” ring light or something that moves around with you – like an on-camera LED panel.
Audio: The best audio option to go for during your live stream is a podcast mic like the RODE NT-USB or Maono USB Podcast mic AU-A04, however, if you’re going live outdoors, you must choose the RODE GO compact wireless microphone.
Softwares: Use InVideo to create the promo and intro of your live stream. You can then choose between StreamYard, vMix, and Streamlabs OBS to go live. If you are using your smartphone – go for Switcher Studio.
(6) Screen-recording tutorials
Want to show your audience how you get something done – like how you play a game or create something on Adobe Illustrator? You’ll need a screen recorder to capture all your activity which will help you guide your audience through a step-by-step tutorial.
Here’s all the gear you’ll need with our recommended best buy for each piece of equipment:
Camera: You must use a webcam to record yourself doing the activity – like creating a graphic on Illustrator so that the audience can understand your thought process too. You could also use your smartphone or a compact camera to shoot it.
Stabilizer: You’ll need a simple tripod like the Manfrotto PIXI to mount the compact camera or smartphone.
Light: You don’t need a fancy light for a screen-recording tutorial. A simple ring light will do the trick.
Audio: You can choose between a podcast mic, a lavalier, or even a shotgun mic depending on your budget.
Softwares: You should use Premiere Pro for editing your tutorial and create a stunning intro on InVideo. You can choose between OBS, DU screen recorder, and Camtasia for screen recording.
(7) Animation / stock footage based videos
Got a great idea but don’t have the budget to shoot it? That shouldn’t stop you from creating a great YouTube video.
Here’s all the gear you’ll need with our recommended best buy for each piece of equipment:
PC: Any PC with a minimum of 12GB RAM if you plan to edit your videos on Premiere Pro or FCP. If you don’t want to upgrade your PC yet, choose to edit online with InVideo.
Softwares: InVideo lets you add stock footage and animation from Shutterstock and you can edit your YouTube video on the online editor itself. If you have bought or sourced stock footage from elsewhere, you can edit it in Premiere Pro and FCP.
We’ve also made an exhaustive list of video equipment keeping every budget and use case in mind – read it here.
Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of your shoot day:
Tip #1 - Charge all equipment batteries and carry extra
You don’t want to miss out on a great shot because your equipment battery ran out. Ensure all your batteries are charged and that you have spares for both lights and camera equipment.
Tip #2 - Keep permission slips for equipment handy
Heavy equipment like lights on stand, medium format video cameras, etc. require special permission slips – whether you’re working on private or public property. Keep these slips handy to avoid any delays during the shoot. It is also a good idea to understand the rules and restrictions of the space before you start shooting.
Tip #3 - Ensure all your cameras are shooting in the delivery format
If you want your videos to be in a certain format like 4K or square (for Instagram feed) or 16:9 (for IGTV) – it is imperative that you shoot it in that format and avoid cropping in post. Cropping during post production may take from the quality of the footage and you may also have to let go of parts that don’t fit in the format.
Tip #4 - Don’t underestimate the need for a sound and light test
Do a mic check, light test, and rehearsal to avoid multiple retakes. It is also important that you have backups handy for light and sound – in case they malfunction or don’t work properly.
Tip #5 - Check your final shot to avoid reshooting
Before you move on to the next shot, check your final shot again – you can also get a fresh pair of eyes to see it. This is to confirm that you haven’t missed something in the frame or left something out.
D. How to make Video Edits?
Once you’re done shooting for the video, you will need to edit the best parts and fit them together so they flow as a narrative. Video editing can be extremely tedious with professional softwares like Premiere Pro, First Cut Pro (FCP), After Effects, and Cinema 4D – all of which are used to create movies and cinematic videos. However, there are simpler editing tools out there that can transform your footage into professional videos hassle-free. We’ve listed them based on how simple it is to use and what kind of editing they are best suited for. Let’s jump right in.
1. InVideo ($10/month)
If you’re just starting and don’t know much about editing videos or you don’t have the budget to shoot, InVideo is your best bet to create scroll-stopping videos. It comes with:
– 5000+ pre-built templates that you can readily use or you can start with a blank canvas.
– An in-built media library of 8M+ royalty-free video clips, images, and music from premium sources like iStock and Shutterstock.
– A super intuitive and easy to use video editor that’ll allow you to edit your videos in mins even if you’ve never edited a video before
– 24*7 live chat support so you can always ask for help
The best part- it’s completely free for you to start with and you can create as many videos as you’d like with your own brand logo/watermark and export them in 720p. And If you’d like to get your videos out in 1080p, as well as get access to the premium media library, it’ll just set you back by $20/month or $120/year.
If you want to know more about how to use InVideo and get started today, check out this tutorial.
2. Adobe Premiere Pro & Final Cut Pro (FCP) ($19.99/month onwards)
A popular choice amongst filmmakers and content creators, both of these softwares are used for editing videos. If you have a basic understanding of filmmaking and editing, and you want to create videos using your own unique style, they’ll make for great options. Both of these softwares edit and render in HD and 4K, and you can choose different formats to export your video (like 1080p HD for YouTube and BlueRay for films).
Unlike InVideo, Premiere Pro and FCB require you to start at ground zero and edit your video from scratch. You will have access to tools that let you do more than just basic video editing and you can adjust sound, colour, and a lot more. You will have a lot of functions, creative tools, and presets to aid you but you need to have a working technical knowledge of transitions, colours, and design for you to make the best editing choices. This can be very intimidating for someone who is just starting out but you can find tonnes of tutorials on YouTube to help you understand the softwares better.
Check out this Final Cut Pro Vs Premiere Pro video by Tyler Stalman where he discussed how professionals choose the software they want to edit on.
3. Adobe After Effects ($20.99/month onwards)
If you’re already creating videos and want to level up by creating digital effects and stunning graphics (like this video by Roy Aldin) After Effects is the best option for you. After Effects can be used for keying, tracking, transitions, and adding motion graphics and animation to your videos. Unlike Invideo, you will have to create these on your own using the many functions of the editing tool. However, if you are familiar with Premiere Pro, this software will be easier for you to understand. If you’re creatively inclined to try new things and create new visuals for your videos, there is no better playground than After Effects.
E. Adding Sound Effects and Music
Sound effects and background scores are the silent stars of videos. One of the biggest mistakes amateurs make is to not pay attention to the sound effects and scores in their videos, which makes the video sound flat. These simple additions go a long way in getting your audience’s attention and creating recall value. You can find many sound effects and tracks on the internet but it’s important to ensure that you can use them in your video or that you purchase it and credit the artist.
If you’re editing your videos on InVideo – you’ve got plenty of sound effects and royalty-free music, segregated by mood, to choose from. The audio timeline on InVideo allows you to do super critical changes that can help you selectively trim your audio, add voice over and add sound effects.
Follow these steps to add a background music track for your video:
Step 1: Select an audio track
You can either upload an audio track of your choice or choose one from InVideo’s audio library. The tracks are segregated by mood and you can listen to the track before making your final selection. When you select the audio track of your choice, it will show on the audio timeline.
Step 2: Selectively trim it to fit your scene
Click on the track that has now been added to your audio timeline and then click on the ‘Edit’ option. Then click on the ‘Trim’ option. This will open a wave timeline which will allow you selectively trim the part of the audio track that you want to add to your scene. Simply move the selection cursor on the timeline to choose the in and out the time of the track. When you’re happy with your selection, click on the done button and it will reflect on your audio timeline.
Follow these steps to add a voice-over to your video:
With InVideo, you have the option to record a voice-over for each scene or to record a single file for the entire video.
Step 1: Record your voice over
To record your voice-over on InVideo, simply click the ‘Voice over’ button above the video timeline. You can choose between an automated text-to-speech voice over or you can record your own. For the purpose of this example, we will record our own voice-over. Click on the record button and it will give you a 3-second head start before it starts recording and you can do multiple takes.
Step 2: Add your voice over
Once you’re done recording, click on the ‘Add’ option. Your voice-over will get added to a separate timeline. You can then move it around to perfectly position it for your video or scene.
Add Sound Effects to your Videos
Step 1: Choose the sound effect
You can either upload a sound effect to InVideo or choose from a variety of sound effects from our audio library. Select the one that best suits your video and it will get added to the timeline below (same timeline as the voice-over, if you’re adding one).
Step 2: Position your sound effect
Use the cursor to move around the sound effect to position it perfectly for your scene.
Once you’re happy with the video you have created, you can go ahead and export the file. If you’re editing your videos on InVideo, you can simply share the link with your colleagues who can share their feedback before finally exporting the file – saving you both, time and memory space.
2. How to make a YouTube Video?
Creating a video for YouTube is technically no different from creating a regular video. You can follow steps A-E (like finding topics, identifying information gaps, etc.) which will more or less stay the same, except when you’re creating videos for YouTube, your topics will be powered by keyword research. We’ll also be covering how you can do SEO for your YouTube videos to make them easily discoverable.
A. Keyword research for creating YouTube videos
The first place to start keyword research is right here on YouTube. Use the search bar and see what ideas you get for your search. You must also browse through the top-ranking videos to find patterns of keywords they have used.
A more precise way to do keyword research is to use tools like Ahrefs and VIDIQ. You can use the keywords you identified using YouTube’s auto-recommend on the search bar as a starting point and check their search volume and related keywords using these online tools. It is a great way to really dig deep into what people are searching for and what are the kinds of videos that show up in the top results on YouTube.
Here’s a step by step guide to keyword research on Ahrefs:
Start by typing in the keyword you identified by browsing Youtube’s recommendations. You must change the preference to YouTube as a platform to get specific data and then hit search.
Ahrefs Keyword Explorer will list for you the global and country-wise search volume for the keyword and it will also suggest some other popular keyword ideas that you can analyse before zeroing down on the final topic for your video.
Don’t stop here – you can dig deeper into hundreds of keyword ideas around your main search term by toggling to ‘All Keyword Ideas’.
If you are specifically looking for recommendations on keywords that include your main search term then click on ‘Phrase Match’/ ‘Having Same Terms’.
Check for keywords that have a high search volume every month and create videos on that to get the attention of your audience. After this, follow the rest of the steps listed in the section above to create your YouTube video.
Watch this video to understand how you can use VIDIQ for keyword research and create top ranking videos for YouTube.
We’ve also made an exhaustive list of time-tested ideas that work on YouTube and how you can leverage them to create top-ranking videos.
B. YouTube SEO
If this is your first time uploading a video on YouTube, you can follow this step-by-step guide to take your videos live. However, before you do that, you want to make sure you take care of the following YouTube SEO tenets to maximise the discoverability of your videos:
1) Title
Once you have identified the topic you want to create a YouTube video on (after doing keyword research) all you need to then understand is what your audience will be typing into the search bar to get your video as a result – this is called search intent. By marrying the search intent with your the most relevant keyword and ensuring that the syntax of your headline is based on the videos that are already trending – you’re title is SEO ready.
Here are some best practices for titling your YouTube video:
– Use the most relevant target keyword in your title
– Always keep your titles under 60 characters, with the most important information up front, like your target keyword.
– Write catchy titles that highlight a benefit and separates it from other competing videos. For example, instead of ‘Pad Thai Recipe,’ make your title more interesting – ‘The best Pad Thai recipe’.
Watch this video by Think Media to further understand how to title your videos to get more views on YouTube.
2) Description
One of the biggest mistakes video creators make on YouTube is underestimate the potential of a good description but honestly, it can be a gamechanger for your YouTube videos. A good description will give out the necessary information and further optimize your video for SEO.
Here are some best practices to make your description engaging:
– Write searchable descriptions: Using your target keyword and other related keywords (by checking descriptions of top-ranking videos) in your description will help your video show up in search results.
– Add timestamps to the description: When you add timestamps to your description, you make the video more discoverable and accessible to a wider audience. Not only this, your video may be featured for a particular section highlighted by a timestamp, especially on Google search.
Want to dig deeper into crafting the perfect descriptions? Check out this tutorial by YouTube expert Nick Nimmin on how to write searchable descriptions for your YouTube video.
3) Thumbnail
Thumbnails are the first thing that catches your attention when you’re searching for a video on YouTube – and so it is absolutely essential that it gets your audience to click. That’s why 90% of popular videos use custom thumbnails.
Here are some best practices to help you create click-worthy thumbnails:
– Use hi-resolution images for creating eye-catching thumbnails. Avoid using screenshots or images with distractions or text on them – you want your thumbnail to grab your audience’s attention.
– Use bright colours like blue, pink, green, yellow and orange for your thumbnails. These colours not only attract attention when someone is browsing but also stand out from YouTube’s brand colours which are red, black and white.
– Having a human element in your thumbnails, mostly faces get a higher click-through rate than those that don’t. Make sure that the face on your thumbnail is interacting and engaging with your viewer, encouraging him to click on the video.
– Don’t make your thumbnails text-heavy (limit it to 3-4 words) and always use a font that is clear and visible even on smaller screens.
To deep-dive into custom thumbnails and how to create click worthy thumbnails, watch this tutorial by Video Influencers.
4) Tags
Another way to get your YouTube video easily discovered is tags. Since you have already done your keyword research, adding related tags will not be difficult. Youtube will also suggest keywords and phrases that best fit your video or you can use online tools like VIDIQ and TubeBuddy. You can also do your own research by checking the tags on top-ranking and competing videos. Watch this video by VIDIQ to understand how to use ranked video tags for YouTube.
5) Cards and End screens
YouTube cards and end screens are interactive features on the platform that allow you to keep your audience engaged by redirecting them to more content and your website or other important links.
Cards on YouTube can be set at certain time codes – allowing you to add relevant links – for another video you created or the link to your website. It is important to not stuff your video with cards but instead use them at perfectly timed spaces like when you feel a user may take action or when they are most likely to drop off.
YouTube cards lets your audience take 5 actions:
– Watch another playlist or video
– Discover another YouTube channel
– Donate to a nonprofit
– Answer a poll
– Visit an external link like your website or blog
End screens on the other hand can only be added to the end of your YouTube videos. In an end screen, elements, like subscribe buttons, links to other videos, and playlist pop up, allowing your audience to engage with more content. This feature helps you keep your audience on the platform and most importantly consume content created by you.
Want to dig deeper into YouTube SEO and how you can get your videos to rank? Check out this guide we put together with one of the world’s best YouTube experts- Nick Nimmin. If you want to dig deeper on how to make YouTube videos, you’d definitely want to check out this one-stop-shop guide we’ve put together that covers everything from start to finish.
3. How to make an instructional video?
Instructional videos are exactly what the name suggests – they explain a concept or show you how to do something. It’s simple – what do you do when you want to fix something or learn something new? You look for a video that will teach you how-to. Statistics show that people prefer watching videos about a product instead of reading about it when they’re making purchase decisions.
These informative videos are the best way to build an audience pool, grow your business and support your customers. They allow you to connect with your audience by giving them the information they’re looking for – which creates a bond of trust.
Unfortunately, many businesses are still not creating instructional videos because of three bottlenecks – time, cost, and effort. That’s why we have not only listed the kinds of videos you can create for your use-case but we have also linked templates that you can start using right away, for free – and all of them take less than 15 minutes to create.
A. What are the different formats/types of instructional videos?
1) Micro videos
Micro videos are usually less than a minute long and focus on teaching or highlighting a simple concept or explain a topic in brief. These videos are great to get your audience’s attention because they’re quick to consume and best-made for social media platforms where the attention span of the viewer is always low. Here’s an example of a micro video.
Use this free template to create your own micro-video now.
2) How-to videos
Unlike micro-videos, tutorial videos are longer and usually explain a process or demonstrate how to do something in guided steps. These can be between 2-10 minutes long and work both on social media and video platforms like YouTube. These are perfect for tutoring your viewer on how to do something – like how to create shoppable posts on Instagram. Here’s an example of a how-to video.
Create your own how-to videos using these free templates.
3) Explainer videos
As the name suggests, explainer videos dive deep into a topic and give its viewer important information about it. These can be business concepts, something that’s happening in the news, or even about day-to-day topics like global warming. These videos are created to simplify these terms and make them easy to understand. They’re especially great for businesses to explain new technology or their latest product to their consumers. These are best suited for video platforms like YouTube and Facebook Watch. Here’s an example of an explainer video.
Make your own explainer video using these free templates.
4) Presentation videos
Presentation videos allow you to repurpose your PowerPoint or audio presentations into videos for your audience to rewatch and absorb the content. While these are not the best option for engaging with your consumers, they can be used to share important information with your stakeholders, employees, and potential investors. Here’s an example of a presentation video.
Here’s a free template to create your own presentation video.
5) Screencast videos
Screencast videos allow your audience to take a peek into how you create something by sharing a recording of your desktop or mobile device. The recording is then made complete with a voice-over and graphics that will help your audience mimic your step-by-step process. These kinds of videos are great to teach your viewers more technical how-tos like using a tool on editing software or creating a Facebook ad. Here’s an example of a screencast video.
B. Equipment and tools to create instructional videos
You don’t need expensive equipment to create instructional videos for your business. Instead, it is important to invest in trustworthy tools that can get the job done. That’s why we have listed these quintessential tools that you need in your kit to start creating gold-standard video content.
1) InVideo – Video creation software
This online editing tool allows you to create your video from scratch using pre-made templates, stock footage from Shutterstock, royalty-free music, animations, and graphics. You can also record and add a voiceover on InVideo itself – making it a one-stop solution for video creation. Check out this tutorial to learn how you can leverage InVideo to bring your ideas to life in mins.
2) Loom – Screen Recording software
If you plan on creating screencast videos or you would want to include screen recordings to help your audience understand better – you will need software like Loom. It is compatible with Chrome, Mac, Windows, and iOS, it is easy to use and free. Check out this tutorial to help you understand how you use Loom to create screencast videos.
3) Webcam
A webcam is essential if you’re planning to record yourself at your desk or if you’re screencasting tutorials. This allows your user to see you at work, guiding them through the process. Your computer webcam may not give you the best quality and so you should invest in an external webcam. If you’re on a budget, go for the Logitech C920S and you can later upgrade to the latest Logitech Brio – both of which shoot in high definition.
4) Microphone
You’ll need to record a voice-over for a tutorial, explainer, and screencast videos. The in-build microphone on your system is not designed to give a clear, noise-free output and so it is best to record with an external microphone. You can choose between a podcast mic, shotgun mic, and USB microphones that plug right into your system.
C. 5 steps to creating super-effective instructional videos with InVideo
1) Identifying the right format
Before you start creating your instructional video, it is important to answer a few questions that will help you focus your video on the right audience.
– What is the purpose of this video?
Do you need to explain a concept to your audience or do you want to teach them how to do something? There is an instructional video for each use case so choose the one that best allows you to disseminate your information.
– What platform is the video going to be published on?
Each platform has its own limitation in terms of what your audience is there for. For example, a micro video will work best on Instagram but not on YouTube because people come to YouTube to get more information as compared to Instagram where they are just leisurely scrolling.
Longer videos will work best on YouTube and Facebook Watch.
On the other hand, corporate videos will work best on your website as opposed to any social platform. Your audience on social platforms wants to engage with you so be sure to post videos that add value to them.
Another technical but important thing to keep in mind is the aspect ratio that best suits each platform. Videos created for Facebook Watch, YouTube and your website should be in a 16:9 ratio, whereas on Instagram 1:1 works best (even though it is now compatible for landscape videos). On the other hand, IGTV and Instagram stories require a 9:16 ratio.
– What is your end goal?
What action do you want your audience to take after they have watched your video? If you want them to buy your product by clicking on a link, Facebook and YouTube allow you to redirect them, however, Instagram may not be a great choice for that. On the other hand, all of these platforms are a great choice to engage and build connections with your audience.
2) Storyboard/script
Once you have locked on the video format, you can start breaking down the content into scenes and turning it into a script. This will make it easier for you to shoot and edit the video.
If you’re using InVideo, you can directly transform your script into a storyboard. Click on the option to convert an article to a video. The online editor will then create scenes from your script and you build on it from there.
Here’s how you can create a storyboard from your script on InVideo in 4 easy steps:
Step 1: Log on to InVideo.io and click on the section ‘Text To Video’ on the homepage.
Browse through stories and listicle templates on InVideo and choose the one that is best suited for your video. These are compatible with landscape (16:9), portrait (9:16) and square (1:1) ratio.
Step 2: If you already have your script ready, go ahead and copy-paste the text lines into the editor. You can also paste your blog article’s URL if that is what needs to be converted into a video, and InVideo will pull up the text from there.
Note: Enter each sentence in a new line to add it as a separate scene.
Step 3: The next step is digital storyboarding. You can add, duplicate and delete scenes here. While InVideo will auto-recommend footage for the scenes, you can go in and choose footage from their stock library that is best for your brand. You can also upload your own footage to add to the video. You have to simply drag and drop the selected footage to the matched scene. Use the preview button to play each scene and check if you want to add or edit anything before finally exporting your video.
Once you’re satisfied with your edit, preview your video and then click on export. You’ve created an instructional video in less than 15 minutes!
3) Putting together scenes
With the framework in place, you can start building each scene from your storyboard. Whether you’re shooting the scenes or using stock footage, this is where you start adding them to your edit table and filing in the gaps.
On InVideo, you can choose stock footage and images from premium sources like Shutterstock and iStock or you can also upload your own footage and screen recordings.
4) Add text & record VO
Once you have added the visuals to complete the scenes, you may want to add text to highlight important points in the video. You can also use icons and graphics to make the video more visually satisfying.
If your video is a tutorial, you may want to add a voice-over (especially if you are using only a screen recording and no video footage with sound). Record your voice-over and match it to your video timeline for a seamless audio-visual experience.
InVideo has premade graphics that you can use by simply editing the text and they also have icons and symbols as stickers to creatively add to your video. These come with their own animation and you won’t have to separately add it in.
You can also record and add a voiceover on InVideo itself – either for each scene or for the entire video. If you have a pre-recorded VO, you can upload the file and add it to your video’s timeline. Simply follow the step-by-step guide to adding music and voiceover on InVideo in Section E.
5) Add music
With your timeline almost ready, all you need to do is add good music to keep the pace of the video naturally flowing. If you’re talking for most of the video, you may want to choose a soft track or not add one at all. In this case, you can add sound effects for your visuals, elements, and an important point. However, if your video does not have a voice-over or anyone speaking, you must have a soundtrack to keep the visuals flowing. Think about the mood and emotions you want to convey to your audience while choosing the music for your video.
If you’re editing your video on InVideo, you can choose from a list of royalty-free music and sound effects that are segregated based on mood. If you already have a track selected, simply upload it to the platform and add it to your timeline.
When you’re satisfied with your video, you can export it in the format suited for the platform it will be uploaded to. If you’re working with a team, InVideo allows you to share the link of the video to get feedback from your colleagues, saving you from multiple exports and downloaded files.
Summing it up
We hope this guide has answered all your questions on how to make a video. We’ve not only given you specific steps to follow but we’ve also directed you to information if you want to deep dive into bigger concepts of how to do video. All you need to do now is a start and you’ll be creating scroll-stopping videos in no time.
Found this article helpful? Please do share it with your friends and peers looking to get started with YouTube.
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