It starts with an idea! If you have seen any of the content that we have put out lately, you’re already thinking “Easy for you to say, you have all the camera gear, drones, and a powerful mobile workstation capable of editing 4K videos anytime, anywhere, and about anything…
Well, the truth is, I started with an iPhone 5 (or if you look back even further you will see content from the original Android Google Phone, I’m sure). You can start with any one of today’s recent smart phones that have entered the market and start creating content with up to 4K quality (iPhone X).
But here are the important things to know if you are serious (or even just slightly interested) in creating content for YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, or other video/media platforms.
Edit (video added on 4/9/18): Check out this creator’s video who tells you
3 other important tips about making creating YouTube videos and authenticity.
1. Have A STORY to Tell – (When YOU Make YouTube, IG or Facebook Videos)
This may be the single most important rule when it comes to content creation for any digital media platform. Nothing makes someone click the ‘Unsubscribe’ faster than a pointless, nonsensical video with no story-line or NO PURPOSE.
This is probably the reason that Travel Vlogs have increased in popularity so much over the last five years. As one of my AirBnb Hosts pointed out to me about his experience with his Williamsburg apartment guests, “Most people are the best versions of themselves when they are in ‘Vacation Mode’.” Which brings me to another good point… pull up a map and know your neighborhoods. But back on topic, when you are in vacation you aren’t usually worried about your scheduled time-constraints, what you look like to locals that you’ll never see again, or what time you need to be in bed by in order to have a productive tomorrow.
The beauty of modern technology and the internet is that now anyone who wants to share something with the world (<– or Google Maps) can show you the way.
2. Only Record the “GOOD STUFF” – (When YOU Make YouTube, IG or Facebook Videos)
There is SOOOOO much good content out on the internet these days, so it is crucial that no second(s) are wasted in telling your story. What I mean by that is ‘scrap all the useless video content’ that doesn’t contribute to the Story, Purpose, ‘How To’ Tutorial, or whatever you are trying to convey to your audience. (Also, KNOW your audience… and RESPOND to your Audience. – But this is an entire BlogPost Topic in itself.) Take this video about a Snowboard Trip that was posted about 9 months ago. Sure, it has more dislikes than likes, but the content is what keeps your audience’s attention.
As soon as you click/press the record button on whatever video, cell phone, or other digital camera you’re using you should be ‘ready’ to start speaking to that little small piece of glass. That tiny lens (or larger one depending on your preference/budget) is your pathway to sharing your controlled piece of content that you want others to benefit from. Whether it’s the “Good Stuff” or the “Best Stuff”, if no one is benefiting from the content (entertainment, tutorials, etc.) then second-guess yourself by asking “Why am I clicking Upload right now?”. If the answer if for views… don’t share it! If the answer is to help someone (anyone) with any part of there day… CLICK UPLOAD!!!
3. Try to Tell the Story in a Cinematic Way – (When YOU Make YouTube, IG or Facebook Videos)
If you are reading this far, you are probably somewhat-interested in being a serious content creator, influencer, or video producer. And if that’s the case, it’s time to start learning about lighting, the 2/3rds rule, and controlling all of your camera setting manually. This will save you time in post-production. Decide on a cinematic style that you enjoy watching. Replicating your favorite influencers (in my case… Casey Neistat, Peter McKinnon, and Sam Kolder) should hopefully inspire you to create the kind of content you could see yourself watching.
Figure out what kind of transitions you want to use (and always trying using the best camera at your disposal). Try to have the most “stable” video footage… Yes you can fix some of this in ‘Post’ if you have the right software and workstation, but it will end up cropping some of your image. So, if you were experimenting with one of the cinema rules mentioned above (two-thirds rule), this could crop the image in a way that ruins your shot. Holding your camera closer to your chest with your elbows tucked in will definitely help you with stability in your shots (especially if your camera is heavier).
I don’t use cellphone Applications to edit video footage anymore, but the App stores on Android, Google, Windows, iTunes, etc. will have the app you need (and it’s typically free [with a waterstamp of the app] or available at a very minimal cost [$1.99 – $15.99 one-time fees – no waterstamping.])
Lastly, if you have a solid workstation, I would recommend the software I use, which is ADOBE Premier Pro CC(even though their customer support [online chat specifically]) is horrible… the software is amazing. If you are using Mac, Final Cut Pro maybe the way to go… But I Premiere Pro CC is a solid choice if you are a Windows/PC person or know that you will be using both Mac and PC.
Does anyone use Final Cut Pro (FCPX) on Windows? Is that a thing? I never have.
Please leave a comment or a question if you found this helpful or want more info… Thanks!
BertWill Creative 🙂
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