15 tips and 3 things to avoid for creating better Videos

15 tips and 3 things to avoid for creating better Videos

I confess that I believe the rumours that video content is getting better reach at the moment, may well be true!

There has never been a better time to get started on creating video content, so this edition is dedicated to my top tips to help you get started and create better videos.

Anyone can create video

Yes, even you! ??

I’ll start by saying that I whilst I often use professional tools for video editing, I’ve learned in the last 15 months that you do not need all the fancy graphics and green screen backgrounds to get started.

?Animations and effects that are used as pattern interrupts (doing something unexpected) can certainly add interest and help to keep the attention of a viewer for longer. But you absolutely don’t need them to just get started. All you need is:

??A mobile phone - most smart phones have decent cameras and they are often better than your webcam.

??A light source - artificial or even just natural light as long as it's consistent. If going for natural, watch out for cloud cover changing your light.

?? A light phone video editor – for basic editing and captions for accessibility. My top recommendation is CapCut as it works on both Android and iPhone and it has a free auto captioning tool. Simple!

Avoid these mistakes

?There are some basic things to avoid doing that will make a difference to the look and feel of your video and the engagement.

? Do not look at yourself as you record

Look into the lens of the recording camera because this creates eye contact with your audience. You want them to feel like you are talking to them directly. If your eye gaze is elsewhere then it makes you look uncomfortable, and if you look uncomfortable you will make your viewer feel uncomfortable! If you're not creating eye contact, then you're missing out on an opportunity to make a deeper connection.

Man looking away saying "I am so uncomfortable."? Video recording tip - make eye contact

? Don't lose them in the first 10 seconds ??

Don't waste the first 10 seconds of the video introducing yourself. They likely already know your name, title, and company from the post that your video is attached to. Remember, attention spans on social media are short, so get straight to the point or begin your story. Your title also doesn't mean anything to your audience. Make it about them, not you!

? Don't post the video without captions

Doing this is very poor creation practice because we should all be thinking about accessibility for people with disabilities - it affects 1 in 5 of us. Some people may not be able to consume or engage with your content without captions and I'm not just referring to the deaf community. Whenever you create content, you need to think about digital inclusion and not exclude people.

Create better videos

To help you create better videos here’s some of my most popular tips and tricks:

? Create a script - before you record anything create your script. This doesn’t mean an exact word for word?narrative to read aloud but a basic framework or storyline that will build a structure of what you are going to talk about.?Some essentials for this script are mentioned next.

? Have a good hook - you need to start with something in the first 3-10 seconds that grabs attention and piques enough interest to keep people watching. Making it visible on the first frame or the thumbnail is even better.

? Keep it short and simple - for the majority of social media, attention wanes very quickly so keep it short and simple. Go straight to the problem/challenge you can solve, build your story, then present your solution. Remember, you are the guide or guru to help them. Make them the hero, not you.

The video should always be about them - the audience, not you!

? End with a question or CTA - think about what you want your audience to do after they’ve watched the video. Don’t assume they will read the accompanying post text because most will not. Whatever message is included within the video will be more amplified than anything you say in the post text.

??Pro tip: End your video with a visual CTA

a 6 second GIG clip showing a video ending with a visual Call To Action. Yellow arrows are pointing at the text to highlight the use of the CTA.

? Use music to add ambience and connect with emotion - this can help set the tone and mood for a video but make sure any music does not distract or overpower your voice. Think about the way the music can support a change of mood, pace or highlight a key part of your story.

Caution:?? The important bit! Be careful when using video creation tools like Instagram Reels or TikTok where the music is likely to create copyright issues outside of the platform where you created it. For example, TikTok does not permit the use of any of it's music for business purposes and whilst LinkedIn doesn't appear to monitor for copyright at the moment (I'm sure that will change), places like YouTube are super hot on it and you will be hit with a copyright strike. If you want to repurpose across multiple platforms double check the copyright first!

? Camera quality - the quality of the camera makes a difference. Try not to use a webcam unless it's a good one. A decent smartphone usually has a much better camera.??

?? Sound quality - if you have an additional microphone, use it. The quality of the sound is just as important as the images.

?? Light source - always make sure you are well lit. This makes such a difference to the quality of your image. As a beginner, have the main light source in FRONT of you so light is evenly distributed across your face and shadows are not created. No windows behind or to the side unless you can filter the light and balance it from the other angles. If you have a ring light (you can buy them super cheap on Amazon), then use it where natural light is not consistent. Beware using natural light on a windy cloudy day where the light will fluctuate.

? Background - contrary to popular belief your background does nor have to be plain white or a green screen. Everyone is tolerant of WFH situations now and as long as the background is not too distracting, anything goes really.

?Often having a different background can help to keep someone’s attention and changing background during a video can help with engagement - you will see this a lot on TikTok style videos.

? Distance from the camera - getting your position relative to the camera can be important to allow room for editing. Don't be too close or too far or you will reduce how much you can zoom in or out if you want to add 'jump cuts' (those pattern interrupts again). If you record too close with just head and shoulders that seriously restricts the editing. The frame needs to be fully used but allow enough flexibility.?When you record; include head, shoulders and at least the top third of your body. Don't leave huge gaps of space above your head (unless you want to place text there, TikTok style) - use the frame and position yourself in the middle.??

?? Camera angle - get the right camera angle. Do not position your camera lower than your eye level. Your audience doesn’t want to see up your nose! Teens always take their selfies with the camera higher up because the camera angle is much more flattering. Generally having the camera lens at eye level works well. Experiment with what works for you. Use something to position your phone in a fixed position. Ring lights with phone holders are ideal for this.

? Don't think you have to record in one take - you do not have to do this so stop making it difficult for yourself! In fact, it's better not to. Record each section as if it were a paragraph.?Most video is edited to keep audience engagement. Editors will vary the zoom on the speaker to add interest and draw attention to important points being made.?

For your own self editing try using CapCut, ClipChamp, Canva, Inshot or even TikTok to bring your clips together.

Did you know that you can use TikTok like a video editor without having to post out on TikTok? It's fab for video effects and filters. If you don't want to post publicly on TikTok, select 'Private' under the posting options. That way you can get a downloaded copy of your private video to use elsewhere. ??

? Use teleprompters if you must - if you just want to record a written script in one take then get a a teleprompter app. There are tons of free ones out there and some also allow you to add in Captions ??.

Upload your script, set the reading pace and read the autocue like a newsreader. I would use these with caution though as you don't want to come across as stiff and wooden. Practice using it so you can make it feel natural and flow easily.

Finally...

Two very important things to remember:

  1. Before you begin recording do some breathing exercises and try laughing - this is to encourage you to relax. Imagine you are just talking to a friend. Practice until you feel comfortable!??
  2. Smile! Smiling helps people to relax. If you look relaxed then your audience will feel relaxed. ??

There you have it! 15 tips and 3 don't do's to help you get going with video.

And why should you do video?

Because research says we process visual 60,000 times faster than text! Video helps people get to know you, builds familiarity and these help to build trust. ??

Have you got any more top tips to add? Or what's still holding you back?

Drop your thoughts and I'll see you in the comments below. ??

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If you liked this, then please hit?SUBSCRIBE?to be notified of my next edition. ??

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I’m Clare, known as the?#ContentAngel?and I advise on Content Marketing strategy and create (or repurpose) 'done for you', inclusive, humanised content. In other words - I’ll help you think it and do it!?If you need help with video, send me a DM ??.

Clare Carroll "Content Angel"? smiling
Muhammad Sayyab

AR Specialist | Medical Billing Expert | Revenue Cycle Management Professional Experienced AR Specialist with expertise in medical billing. I streamline billing processes, manage patient accounts.

1 年
回复
Deanna Russo

Attract The People You Want To Reach, Change The Way You Think About LinkedIn?, It’s About Know, Like and Trust, The Triangle Strategy Helped Me Grow From 400-30,670 and counting, LinkedIn Trainer, Speaker, Author

2 年

I agree with so much of this Clare Carroll I’m just not a script person. I sound too much like a robot if I read from a script so I know what I want to say and I know a few things I want in there and then I record.

Gary Cambridge

CAMBRIDGE MOTORS PLUMSTEAD Established 1959 UK ELECTRIC VEHICLE OWNERS CLUB Established 2015

2 年

TikTok is great

Meera Kothand

? Email & Content Marketing Strategist ?? Multiple Amazon Best Selling Author ? Speaker, Trainer ?? Award-winning content creator?? Resources ??meerakothand.com/linkedin

2 年

What a great resource! Video doesn't come easily to everyone so this can be really helpful to get started and make sure you're doing it right.

Karen Tisdell

● LinkedIn Profile Writer ● Independent LinkedIn Trainer ● LinkedIn Profile Workshops ● 165+ recommendations ?? Australia based and don't work or connect globally as family complains my voice travels through walls ??

2 年

Amazing tips here Clare Carroll and sure to help all those struggling to get started!

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