Discover top tips and strategies for How To Make A Youtube Video and crafting videos that generate thousands of views, likes, comments, and subscribers.
Do you think it’s difficult?
No, it all depends on some skills only????
Don’t worry, I will teach you about it in this article.
How To Make A Youtube Video
Planning and Outlining: Why It Matters
Regardless of your content, planning can boost your YouTube performance.
You can choose how much you plan, from a rough idea to a detailed script.
Here are some best practices for planning and outlining:
Plan the First 15 Seconds
The initial 15 seconds are crucial as viewers decide whether to stay or leave.
Include an attention-grabbing hook, like a summary, visual, line, or teaser.
Regardless of how much planning you put into your shoot, always map out the first 15 seconds of your video.
You’ll want to include an engaging “hook” that excites viewers for what’s to come.
Hooks can be anything that catches attention, but common ones include:
- A quick summary of your video’s topic (“Today, you’ll learn…”)
- A captivating visual
- A dramatic line (“I almost died…”)
- A sneak peek at what’s ahead
For instance, Good Financial Cents‘ video begins with a hook that instantly grabs your attention.
And im sure you will understand How To Make A Youtube Video
Outline Key Points
Don’t forget to outline key points before shooting your video.
Trust me; it’s frustrating to realize you missed mentioning something important.
Jot down a few key points to cover in your video beforehand.
For instance, Buffer’s YouTube Channel initially made videos without much planning.
They had a rough idea but didn’t use a script or outline, which hurt their audience retention and engagement.
Once they started outlining 3-4 key points, their videos improved, and watch time increased by 61%.
Keep the flow in mind
YouTube viewers can be impatient, so moving quickly from one point to another in your video is crucial.
Unplanned videos often have too many “umms” and “aahs,” killing the flow.
When planning your video, make sure you outline a smooth transition between points.
For instance, avoid getting caught up in unnecessary details when vlogging about a family trip to Disney World.
Your video should swiftly move from topics like “our flight” to “our hotel” and “our favorite rides.”
Take UrAvgConsumer‘s video as an example – they covered over 20 recommended tech gear pieces in just over 7 minutes.
Fast-paced videos like this shine on YouTube.
How To Make A Youtube Video Introducing the H.I.C.C
video structure, a simple yet effective way to outline your YouTube videos:
H = Hook:
Grab your viewers’ attention quickly in the first 15 seconds so they don’t click away.
I = Intro:
After hooking them, introduce your topic. Preview the content, show examples, or tease something unique.
C = Content:
This is the heart of your video, whether it’s a how-to guide or a fitness workout.
C = Call to Action:
End with a call to action, urging viewers to like, comment, subscribe, or follow on social media.
Marie Forleo’s videos are great examples of this formula.
Her videos start with a hook, an introduction, content, and a clear call to action.
Shooting for the Edit
“Shooting for the Edit” is an intelligent video planning approach that makes editing more accessible and creates a better final product.
It’s all about planning your shoot with the editing process in mind.
Here’s how it works:
- Outline or script before shooting to reduce takes and editing time.
- Check test footage for focus, lighting, and audio.
- Use a clapperboard to track takes and sync audio and video.
- Record multiple takes of crucial lines.
Extra tips:
- Teleprompters save time, like the iPad app PromptSmart Pro.
- Practice in front of a mirror to refine your performance.
- Plan for B-roll footage, so you can read lines off your script and avoid extra takes.
Filming YouTube Videos
How To Make A Youtube Video and Filming?
It is easy!!!
Filming YouTube videos can be overwhelming, with many options for lights, cameras, microphones, angles, and techniques.
But don’t worry!
Whether in a professional studio or using an iPhone, these tips will help your videos look and sound fantastic.
What are the Best Practices?
Create a Unique Style
Your video’s style can be hard to define, but it’s essential for making your channel stand out.
Consider these elements to establish a consistent manner:
- Setting: Choose a location that reinforces your desired style, indoors or outdoors, office or kitchen.
- Wardrobe: Your clothing and accessories set the tone for your videos, from business casual to casual.
- Props: They‘re not just for comedy videos. Braces can help reinforce your theme or topic.
- Background: Select a consistent location, whether plain or real-life, like a home office or bedroom.
- Music: Choose music that conveys the right message and complements your content.
Consistency is vital in creating an identifiable style that sets your channel apart.
Select the Ideal Frames and Shots
The Frame
Your frame is what viewers see in the final video.
Make sure to feature essential elements prominently.
If you’re a vlogger, that might be you.
It could be the ingredients and the final dish for a cooking channel.
For instance, in a video about frying the perfect egg, keep the key elements in frame:
Highlight Important Elements in the Frame
Make sure to feature crucial aspects prominently in the frame.
As a vlogger, that would likely be you.
For cooking channels, it means showcasing ingredients and the final dish.
Take, for instance, this video on frying the perfect egg, where the key components are always clearly visible:
3 Essential Shot Types
While countless camera angles exist, YouTubers generally focus on three main types of shots.
Each shot suits different situations, and using the right one can make your video appear highly professional.
- Wide Shot: Ideal for multiple people in the frame (e.g., interviews) or when you want the environment to be prominent (e.g., hiking vlogs).
- Medium Shot: Versatile and suitable for nearly any type of video.
- Close Shot: “the close-up,” perfect for personal videos like vlogs.
Feel free to switch between angles and shot types for a more dynamic video. However, select a “home base” shot used most often to help establish your channel’s style.
For instance, Mindvalley’s videos alternate between medium and close shots, but they predominantly use a medium shot as their “home base”:
Light Up Your Videos with Great Lighting
Lighting is a crucial aspect of your video shoot.
Having the perfect setting, frame, mic, and camera won’t matter if your lighting is off—it can ruin your entire video.
Remember this rule of thumb: having too much light is almost impossible.
Most videos lack sufficient lighting, making them appear dark and grainy.
Avoid this by familiarizing yourself with different lighting options, allowing you to choose the best setup for your needs.
2 Main Lighting Types:
1. Ambient Light: The natural light fills the room.
If you shoot outdoors, sunlight is your ambient light.
If you film indoors, like in a home office, ambient light comes from overhead lights and windows.
In a studio, ambient light typically comes from overhead lamps pointing away from the subject.
However, ambient light alone is usually not enough.
To fully light up your shot, you’ll need…
2. Direct Light: As the name suggests, direct light points directly at your subject.
Relying solely on ambient light can result in unflattering shadows on your subject’s face and body.
Direct lights eliminate these shadows and brighten up the shot, creating a well-lit, professional-looking video.
My Personal Lighting Choices
When I need to pick a lighting source, I usually consider these five options:
1. Natural Light
I love using natural light, whether from filming outside or sunlight streaming in through windows and open doors.
It’s so flattering!
But sometimes, it’s not enough, especially on cloudy days.
That’s when I grab a hand-held reflector to help me out.
2. Fluorescent
This type of lighting is super common and works well for both direct and ambient lighting.
The only downside is that it can be harsh. So, I always cover the bulb with a softbox.
3. LED
I need more bulbs with LED lights to get the right amount of light, but they have some significant advantages.
They don’t heat up, are easily portable, and can be dimmed without any hassle.
4. Ring Lights
These are perfect for close-up shots!
Sometimes, just one ring light is enough to provide all the direct lighting I need.
However, they’re not suitable for medium or wide-angle shots.
5. Reflectors
I often use mirrors to soften my direct light.
My go-to options include handheld reflectors, white poster board, styrofoam, or a piece of the whiteboard.
Setting Up Your Lighting
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to setting up your lighting. To know How To Make A Youtube Video!
It depends on your equipment, environment, style, and setting.
However, if your goal is to look good in your videos, consider using a setup that includes:
- Some ambient light
- Direct light on the subject (ensure it’s even on both sides)
- A single bright light pointing at the background
For instance, take a look at Justin Brown‘s video below.
His lighting is excellent, with Justin appearing well-lit without unflattering shadows or reflections on his face.
Make Your Video’s Audio Sound Great
Audio quality can significantly impact your video.
If there’s a lot of static or echo, YouTube viewers might click away quickly.
Luckily, achieving great-sounding audio isn’t complicated or expensive.
Here are some tips to ensure your videos sound great.
Soundproof Your Environment
Fixing audio issues during the editing process is almost impossible.
No microphone can overcome loud street noise or an echoey room.
Before filming, spend some time making sure your environment is ideal for audio:
- Check for loud noise coming from other rooms or outside. Noisy audio is incredibly distracting for viewers.
- Listen for quiet “hummus” or buzzes from computers, air conditioners, or traffic. Quieter, consistent sounds are more accessible to edit than loud noises, but it’s best to avoid them altogether.
- Do a test recording to check for echo (or “reverb”). Place blankets on the floor and walls (yoga mats work well for feet) or install professional soundproofing panels.
For instance, Kriscoart’s video below was filmed using an affordable lav mic.
However, due to the soundproofed recording environment, the audio quality is excellent:
Types of Mics
- Shotgun (“Boom”) Mic: Ideal for capturing audio from a specific area (such as a single person talking toward the camera). It provides high-quality audio and is commonly used in professional settings.
- Lav Mic: Also known as a lavalier or lapel mic, this is a small microphone you clip onto your shirt. It’s lightweight, portable, and provides good audio quality when positioned correctly (though not as exceptional as a shotgun mic).
- Camera Mic: Built-in camera microphones are generally poor quality and not recommended for capturing professional audio. Positioning your camera in an ideal place for audio and video is challenging.
- Smartphone: Using a smartphone as a microphone can be better than relying on your camera’s built-in mic. You can position your phone close to your subject to capture clearer audio. However, it may not be as good as a dedicated microphone like a shotgun or lav mic.
Consider your recording environment, budget, and audio quality requirements when choosing a mic.
A good-quality microphone can significantly enhance your video’s overall production value.
My YouTube Video Editing Journey
After I’ve shot my video, I can’t wait to jump into editing.
This is where the magic happens, turning an average video into something incredible.
I’ve noticed that top YouTube channels use editing techniques to make their videos stand out.
Take Casey Neistat, for example – his amazing editing skills turn ordinary footage into captivating art.
The good news is, editing doesn’t have to be difficult.
By following some simple techniques, I’ve been able to edit like a pro in no time.
Here are my best practices and editing tips:
Picking the Right Software
The first step is choosing the right software. to know How To Make A Youtube Video!
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but here are some popular options I’ve come across:
- Adobe Premiere: The go-to for many professional YouTubers. It’s feature-rich but still user-friendly.
- iMovie: It’s free on every Mac and super easy to use.
- Final Cut Pro: Professional-grade software used by TV and movie studios. It’s more challenging to learn than iMovie or Adobe Premiere.
- Camtasia: Perfect for screencast videos.
Color Correction Magic
Even with perfect lighting during filming, I usually need to do some color correction on my videos.
For instance, let’s look at a shot from a video filmed in a professional studio with proper lighting:
See the difference?
Playing with On-Screen Graphics
In my YouTube videos, I like to use graphics to help guide viewers, entertain them, and emphasize crucial points.
Actually, on-screen graphics are like a secret weapon that many YouTubers, including myself, use to keep our audiences engaged.
Take Ryan Higa, for example.
He uses on-screen graphics to make his videos more dynamic and fun.
In cooking videos, I’ve seen graphics in the form of text that help viewers follow each step of a recipe:
The Beauty of B-Rolls
B-rolls are additional footage not included in the main video, often shown while someone talks.
I love using B-rolls in my videos because they:
- Add variety, making my videos less static and boosting audience retention.
- Help hide mistakes, allowing me to cover up any visual issues while keeping good audio.
- Educate by explaining and showing simultaneously.
For example, BuzzFeed has a video about guys discussing food.
It could have been dull, but they cleverly use B-rolls to make it engaging and fun.
Angle Changes for Dynamic Shots
Switching camera angles helps me avoid boring, static shots in my videos.
Luckily, I don’t need to change angles during filming.
With the right footage, I can switch between camera angles in post-production.
How awesome is that?
In fact, if my shot is wide enough, I can zoom in during post-production, simulating a physical movement towards or away from the subject.
Check out this example:
Small Angle Changes Make a Difference
I’ve learned that I don’t always need dramatic angle changes.
Even subtle alterations can make my videos more dynamic.
For instance, Mama Natural’s vlog uses slight zooms to avoid a single, static shot:
Cut Out “Dead Air” for Better Videos
Regardless of how great my video skills are, there’s always some “dead air” in raw footage – sections where nothing happens.
YouTube viewers can be impatient, so if my videos have too much dead air, they might switch to something else.
Bring Energy to Videos with Music
I’ve noticed that many YouTube videos use music to add energy and life to their footage.
For example, Jeremy Ethier uses music to spice up his video about improving posture:
Here are my tips for incorporating music during editing:
- Keep it quiet: Ensure the music doesn’t drown out your voice. Adjust the music track in your editing software.
- Use loops: Instead of a full song, loop a 30-60 second track throughout the video.
- Choose a mood: Upbeat music is often best, but sometimes a different style works. Watch the same clip with various songs to see how they impact emotions.
However, music isn’t always necessary.
Channels like Crazy Russian Hacker (11.7M subscribers) rarely use it.
Collaboration and Feedback Made Easy
When working with a team or seeking feedback on a draft, sending Dropbox links back and forth can be frustrating.
I’ve found collaboration software like Wipster or Frame.io to be a game-changer.
Tools like Wipster or Frame.io make it simple for multiple people to view drafts, leave comments, and collaborate more efficiently.
YouTube Export Settings
Thankfully, YouTube’s recommended settings for uploaded videos don’t require memorization.
Most editing programs have built-in YouTube export settings.
Before uploading, I always double-check that my video is HD (720p or 1080p) with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
As long as those are in place, my videos look fantastic on YouTube.
My Experience with Cards
What are cards, you ask?
Cards are interactive elements I add to my YouTube videos.
They help promote videos, playlists, websites, merchandise, or even channels.
Unlike annotations, cards show up on both desktop and mobile.
Making the Most of Cards
Promote New Videos with Cards, Whenever I publish an awesome video, I use cards to attract even more viewers. Here’s my strategy:
- Identify related videos to my new one (e.g., if my new video is about jogging, I choose videos on stretching and recovery).
- Add a card to those related videos, linking to my new video.
- Repeat for every new video I want to promote.
Use Verbal Cues for Card Attention
Cards can be easy to miss, so to increase clicks, I sometimes verbally tell viewers to click on the card in my video.
For instance, check this out:
To make this work, I plan or script the call-to-action beforehand.
With some preparation, I can significantly increase card clicks.
Promote Videos with High SEO Potential
YouTube’s algorithm relies on numerous ranking signals, with Audience Retention being a crucial factor.
Higher Audience Retention means better rankings in YouTube search.
For a video to rank (even with high Audience Retention), it needs a critical mass of views and engagement.
That’s where cards come in.
I use cards to direct viewers to videos with high SEO potential, meaning those with excellent Audience Retention.
To do this, I consult YouTube Analytics to find a video from my channel with an above-average Audience Retention score:
So, you want to keep your viewers engaged?
Let’s use cards to direct them to your videos or playlists.
Timing is crucial; we’ll show them cards when they’re about to leave.
Wondering how?
Just follow these steps:
- Pick a popular video from your channel and look at its Audience Retention report.
- Spot the “valleys” where viewers stop watching. Usually, they end up clicking on other channels’ videos (bummer, right?).
- But don’t worry, use a card right when they’re about to leave. This way, you’ll redirect them to your video or playlist.
Now, let’s make those cards appealing!
YouTube allows limited customization, but you can add Teaser Text and Custom Messages. Here’s how:
- Teaser Text is visible before the card is clicked. Make it benefit-driven! Instead of “Check out this video,” say “Lose 5 lbs this month” or “Want a faster WordPress site?”.
- When the card expands, your Custom Message appears. Add a call-to-action (CTA) like “Check out my merch” or “Click below to watch.”
- If you’re directing viewers to another video on your channel, make it clear that it’s related. Use “Up Next:” or “Related:” to show that the next video is on the same topic. Like this:
Add cards towards the end of your videos
YouTube suggests placing cards in the last 20% of your video.
This way, they won’t distract viewers from your main message.
Use them when people are more likely to stop watching.
Take this video, for instance – its first card shows up at 10:50:
Now, let’s talk about tracking your cards’ performance.
Cards’ performance
No need to guess if your cards are working!
YouTube provides excellent reporting features for them:
You’ll get access to useful information, such as:
- How many people click on your cards
- The best (and worst) performing card types
- Videos with the highest-performing cards on your channel
- And more!
Don’t get too caught up in the data. But it’s great to know what’s working for you in terms of card types, timings, and placements.
This way, you can do more of what works!
Thumbnail
What Is a Thumbnail?
A thumbnail is a clickable, eye-catching image representing a YouTube video’s content.
They’re on every video and play a significant role in a video’s click-through-rate and views.
Why do thumbnails matter?
YouTube says 90% of top-performing videos have custom thumbnails.
That’s not just a coincidence.
How To Make A Youtube Video without Thumbnail. U can’t 🙂
Thumbnails are crucial as they help viewers choose which videos to watch.
Your thumbnail can truly make or break your video.
Creating a standout thumbnail isn’t a walk in the park.
Your video competes with thousands of others, many featuring custom thumbnails.
But don’t worry! Follow these thumbnail best practices to create eye-catching thumbnails that get noticed and clicked.
Best Practices
Embrace Contrast
Contrast makes colors and visual elements pop.
While too much contrast might look odd in everyday pictures, it’s perfect for thumbnails.
High-contrast images grab attention.
Compare these thumbnails:
The left one has little contrast, while the right one is full of contrast.
Which one catches your eye?
Add Graphics
Graphics in your thumbnail help convey your video’s content.
Like this thumbnail – it’s clearly about Instagram:
Graphics can make your video stand out, even if some people consider them clickbait.
As long as you deliver on your promise, YouTube is okay with attention-grabbing graphics.
Choose Striking Colors
YouTube’s main colors are white, red, and black.
To stand out, avoid using these as primary colors in your thumbnails. Instead, try:
- Yellow
- Green
- Orange
- Purple
- Pink
- Blue
For example, BULL1TRC channel uses lots of yellow and orange:
Include Text
Text adds context to your thumbnail.
It should be clear what your video is about without reading the title.
With text, you can easily convey your video’s topic:
Tips for adding text:
- Use huge text: Thumbnails are small, especially on mobile. Ensure your text is readable on all devices.
- Limit text: Too much text overpowers visuals. Stick to 20 characters or less.
- Don’t just use the title: Summarize your video content with a short word or phrase instead.
Check and Track Performance
YouTube Creator Studio’s “impressions click-through rate” feature helps track thumbnail performance.
If a video has a low CTR, try a new thumbnail and compare results.
Advanced Tips:
- Plan thumbnails before shooting: It’s hard to grab a sharp still image from a video. Take pictures during your shoot for the thumbnail.
- Check thumbnails on mobile: Make sure thumbnails are clear and easy to read on small screens.
- Use a logo: Logos make your videos recognizable but take up thumbnail space.
- Include faces: Thumbnails with faces generally have better CTRs than those without. BuzzFeed includes faces in most of their thumbnails, even food videos:
In conclusion, creating eye-catching and effective YouTube thumbnails is essential for grabbing viewers’ attention and increasing click-through rates.
By following these best practices, such as using contrast, maintaining consistency, adding graphics, choosing striking colors, and including text, you’ll set your videos up for success.
Don’t forget to track your thumbnail performance and make adjustments as needed.
With some effort and creativity, your thumbnails will stand out, attract more views, and help grow your channel.
And now I can say i teach you How To Make A Youtube Video 🙂
Happy creating!
