How to Make YouTube Videos – Plan, Shoot, Edit, Post, Grow
Howto & Style
Introduction
Creating engaging YouTube videos is an art that involves careful planning, shooting, editing, and monitoring performance. My approach aims to tell compelling stories and offer fresh perspectives while keeping the audience engaged. In this article, I’ll share my process, from conceptualization to post-production, and the tools that have proven effective for me.
The Foundation: Starting with Purpose
The first step in creating a video is to ask a simple question: What's the point? Having a clear idea of what you want to communicate is crucial. Without this focus, you may end up wasting time shooting irrelevant content and struggle with organizing your footage. A well-defined purpose keeps your shooting intentional and your storytelling straightforward.
Researching Content Viability
Before diving into filming, it's essential to verify that your idea resonates with your audience. I utilize a tool called Tubebuddy to explore popular search terms related to my topic. This research helps me align my content with existing interest, making it more likely to attract viewers. The goal is to create something unique and better than what's already available.
Planning Your Video
Once I have a topic, I create a script and shot list. This initial layout gives me clarity on what the final product could look like. While the plan is a starting point, it's often flexible. As I shoot, I allow new angles and ideas to develop, which enhances the storytelling process.
Breaking down the project into small, manageable tasks also aids in gauging the amount of work required and helps allocate appropriate time for filming.
Shooting Your Footage
I aim to capture a variety of shots, including:
- Wide shots: To establish the setting.
- Medium shots: To focus on the subject.
- Close-ups: To provide detail and visual engagement.
When capturing B-roll, I ensure to record at least 20 seconds per clip of various angles to give me multiple options in editing. High-quality gear is beneficial, but don’t underestimate the capability of your smartphone; often, the footage can be just as impressive.
Prioritizing Audio Quality
Sound is a crucial part of the viewing experience, sometimes more important than visuals. I capture natural sounds and layer them into my videos to add texture. For voiceover narration, I find a quiet space to record, often in my closet, to reduce echo and background noise. Being close to the microphone ensures rich and clear audio.
Music also plays a vital role in setting the tone, and I typically source my tracks from various music libraries, favoring chill beats for a relaxed atmosphere.
Editing: Assembling the Story
Once all footage is captured, I begin the editing process. I create a rough cut by aligning the visual footage with the narration. This first pass allows me to see how effectively the story is shaping up, and from there, I may need to conduct pick-up shoots for any missing elements.
Refinement is key; I go through multiple rounds of editing to tighten the storytelling and remove anything that doesn’t serve a purpose. To stay organized, I color-code different sections of my timeline in alignment with the script.
Enhancing Visuals with Color Grading
Color correction and grading are where the magic happens in post-production. I apply a classic orange and teal color grade for a polished look. Accuracy is essential, and I rely on the ASUS ProArt display PA278QV for its color accuracy. This monitor is tailored for creative use, providing 100% sRGB and 100% Rec 709 color gamut to ensure that my visuals are as striking as possible.
Publishing and Analyzing Performance
After editing and rendering, I upload my video to YouTube. Crafting a compelling title that includes keywords discovered during research is essential. The thumbnail must be eye-catching to entice viewers.
Post-publication, I monitor performance metrics like views, click-through rates, and audience retention. Using analytics and tools like Tubebuddy, I carry out A/B testing on thumbnails and titles to enhance video performance, as small changes can significantly impact success.
Conclusion
This overview outlines my video production process. The methods I've employed have helped me grow my YouTube channels. I’m currently developing a course that goes into even greater detail on topics such as content creation and analytical understanding.
If you're interested in further insights, sign up for my email newsletter to get updates. Questions are welcome in the comments section, and I'll do my best to provide helpful answers. Check out my gear and additional resources linked below, and now it’s time for me to get back to work!
Keywords
YouTube, video production, planning, shooting, editing, posting, storytelling, Tubebuddy, color grading, audio quality, content creation, analytics.
FAQ
Q: What is the first step in creating a YouTube video?
A: The first step is to define the purpose of your video by asking, "What's the point?"
Q: How do I check if my video idea will resonate with an audience?
A: You can use tools like Tubebuddy to research popular search terms related to your topic.
Q: What types of shots should I aim to capture?
A: Ideally, have a wide shot for the scene, a medium shot for focusing on the subject, and several close-ups for visual interest.
Q: Why is audio quality important in video production?
A: Sound is a critical part of the viewing experience, often even more important than visuals, as it adds depth and immersion.
Q: How can I improve my video's performance after publishing?
A: Monitor your video analytics closely and experiment with A/B testing on thumbnails and titles to enhance click-through rates.
