It's no surprise that video can be a powerful marketing tool. It's rated the most engaging type of content and I'm sure you'll agree too! Just how many videos on socials do you watch a day? I must admit, sometimes I can get a little too carried away endlessly scrolling through social media.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced video producer, having the right tips and techniques can make a significant difference in the quality and impact of your videos. In this article, we will share our top 10 video production tips at Illustory that will help you create a great video that engages and inspires your viewers.
Introduction
In today's digital world, videos have become a powerful medium for communication, marketing, and storytelling. Whether you're creating videos for your business, social media, or personal use, it's essential to produce high-quality content that captivates your audience from the start.
1. Plan your video
Before you start filming, take the time to plan your video and develop a script if you're talking to camera. Outline the key points you want to cover and create a storyboard to visualise the flow of your video. Having a well-structured script will help you stay focused and deliver your message effectively. Create a shot list before you begin shooting so you use your time effectively and ensure you get all the necessary shots to supplement your video.
2. Use the right video settings
Know what you're shooting for. Is it for reels and shorts, a YouTube video or TV? Does it need to be vertical or landscape? Will you need clips in slow motion? Do you need the ability to zoom/scale clips up in post? All of these points need to be considered before you hit record. Screens are also forever increasing in resolution so it's important you meet the minimum requirements to ensure your video looks high quality. As a minimum, your videos should be recorded at 1080p at 25fps. 50/60fps can be used to create slow motion video in post.
3. Use high-quality equipment
Investing in high-quality equipment can significantly improve the overall production value of your video. Ensure you have a good camera that shoots a minimum of 1080p, use a lens with a low aperture for that blurry background everyone wants, have a tripod or gimbal to eliminate shaky footage and use external microphones for clear audio. Using the right equipment will help you achieve a professional-looking video.
4. Pay attention to lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in video production. It can make your videos go from amateur to pro when used well. If you don't have dedicated lights for your videos, use natural light whenever possible. If you're filming indoors with little to no natural light, invest in affordable lighting kits to create a well-lit environment. Also consider investing in a softbox or diffuser to reduce the harshness of your light, creating a beautiful soft light. Proper lighting will enhance the visual appeal of your video and make it more engaging for your viewers.
5. Capture clear audio
Good audio quality is just as important as good visuals. Invest in an external microphone like a shotgun mic or lavalier kit to capture crisp and clear sound. Minimise background noise by selecting a quiet location for recording and placing your microphone close to your subject. Monitor audio levels and ensure that the audio isn't peaking, creating distortion.
6. Frame your shots thoughtfully
Composition is key when it comes to video production. Frame your shots thoughtfully by applying the rule of thirds and utilising leading lines or points of interest. Consider the background and foreground elements to create a visually appealing and balanced composition.
7. Add engaging B-roll footage
B-roll footage is footage that supports your main A-roll footage. Incorporating B-roll can help tell your story and make your video more dynamic and engaging. Capture additional shots related to your topic and add them into your video with your main A-roll footage during the editing process.
8. Edit and enhance your video
Editing is where your video truly comes to life. Use video editing software to trim unnecessary footage, add b-roll, colour grade, and include graphics or text overlays. Enhance your video with background music or sound effects that complement the mood and tone of your content.
9. Optimise your video
It's important that you know where your videos are going so that you can ensure it has the best chances of keeping your viewers engaged. If they're on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok, they're likely to be viewing on a mobile. So make sure it's optimised for mobile viewing. According to Mic, on average 85 percent of Facebook's 30-second video views are without sound. So, be sure to include captions!
Vertical videos for viewing on mobile (i.e. reels/shorts) usually require an aspect ratio of 9:16 and a minimum resolution of 1080x1920p. For landscape videos, the aspect ratio is generally 16:9 at a minimum 1920x1080p.
10. Promote and share your video
Creating a great video is just the first step; promoting and sharing it is important in getting it seen! Share your video across multiple platforms, including social media channels, your website, and relevant online communities. Encourage your viewers to like, comment, and share your video, as this can significantly increase its reach and engagement.
Conclusion
So that's our top 10 tips to creating awesome pro-looking videos! Remember to plan and script your video, use high-quality equipment, pay attention to lighting, audio, framing, and bring it all together in editing. These tips will help you produce videos that will leave a lasting impression on your viewers.
FAQs
1. How long should my video be?
The ideal video length depends on the platform and the type of content you're creating. Attention spans seem to be forever decreasing, so ideally you want to keep your video reels and shorts for Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to under 30 seconds. For more detailed and informative videos, keep your videos between 1 to 3 minutes to maintain viewer engagement.
2. What software should I use for video editing?
There are several video editing software options available, both free and paid. Some popular choices include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, iMovie, DaVinci Resolve and CapCut for mobile. DaVinci Resolve is a great free choice so long as you don't require to export your video at 4k. CapCut is also free on mobile and surprisingly has a lot of features!
3. Should I use a script or improvise my video content?
Having a script provides structure and helps you deliver your message concisely and effectively. However, some videos can benefit from a more spontaneous and natural approach. Find the style that best suits you, your content and audience.
4. How can I make my videos more shareable?
To make your videos more shareable, create content that is valuable, entertaining, or informative. Incorporate storytelling techniques and asking your viewers questions will help increase engagement.
5. Can I use copyrighted music in my videos?
Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to copyright infringement. Platforms like YouTube won't allow you to monetise your videos and/or will remove your video completely. To avoid legal issues, use royalty-free music or explore platforms that offer licensed music for video creators.
If you're ready to start creating video content but want an extra hand, get in touch with Illustory and we'll help you produce amazing content!
