Videos have dominated the digital world. Video-sharing platforms like YouTube and live streaming sites such as Netflix experience a continuous rise in demand.
Along with this comes the heightening competition in the video content industry. Viewers are no longer satisfied with boring and one-dimensional videos. Instead, they are demanding higher quality and more engaging content.
Such demand can sometimes feel overwhelming. Content creators and even digital marketers need to find ways how to improve the quality of their videos. To help you with this, here are some helpful tips on video content creation to take your videos to the next level.
Elements Of A Good Video
Source: Pexels
Before we dive into the different techniques and strategies for making high-quality video content, let’s first look at some of the key components of a good online video.
Length
Good video content creation takes into account the suitable length of videos depending on their content and purpose. Much like written content aims to avoid fluff, creators should also make ensure that their videos provide viewers with valuable and relevant clips. Fluff in videos can make them boring and uninteresting which can turn viewers away.
However, it is also important to understand the difference between long-form and short-form video content. Creators must learn that different video lengths suit particular content styles and objectives.
Take for example tutorial videos. This type of video requires video content creators to be as detailed as possible to educate their viewers properly. If tutorial videos are cut short, it can be difficult for viewers to grasp everything which can render them valueless.
On the flip side, a social video typically receives higher conversion rates when it is relatively shorter, just around one to two minutes long. Online ads posted on social media platforms also work best when they are only seconds long as they are able to catch viewers’ attention more effectively.
Script
Writing a script is one of the first steps in effective video content creation. It is the element that influences your video’s length, theme, and cinematography. Considering this, it is important for video creators and content marketers to pay close attention to the quality of their scripts.
Video scripts should match the target audience or demographic. Aside from that, it should also be thought-inducing and engaging. More importantly, the video script should be able to clearly deliver your intended message.
Another thing to consider when writing a script is the ideal length of your video. Generally, narrated videos can fit around 120 to 130 words per minute. Use this as a guideline on how long or short your video script should be based on your target video length.
Content
Video content should follow much of what is in the script. Generally, the visual content of videos should support what the script says. Content creators can use stock clips, live footage, and even still images to emphasize the message of the script.
Format
Video format plays an important role in how video content is received by viewers. One of the primary considerations when choosing a video format is the digital platform or channel it would be published on.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have different format preferences. These platforms also have different video-sharing features that require different video formats.
For example, the layout of Instagram and TikTok works best for vertical or portrait styles as they are most commonly consumed on mobile devices. On the other hand, social videos on Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn are best set in a horizontal or landscape format. However, vertical videos work for other social media video features such as Facebook reels and YouTube shorts.
Aside from orientation, it is also important to ensure quality video resolutions. The standard HD resolution for video content is at least 720p or 1280×720 pixels. However, most online videos are set at a minimum of 1080p or 1920×1080 pixels for a clearer and crisper resolution.
Keep in mind that higher resolution video would require longer render periods that may affect the length of the video creation process.
Sound
Other than the visual content of videos, music, and other sound elements are also key in good video creation. If your videos include a form of narration, pay close attention to the quality of your recordings. Use a good quality microphone such as a condenser or a Lavalier-style microphone to ensure that the sound recording is crisp and clear.
Aside from that, take into account the setting or environment of your recording. If you’re shooting a scene that includes live narration, don’t rely on the built-in microphone of your device. Instead, use a handheld or hands-free microphone that will better capture voice as well as minimize background noise.
Other than the voice track, incorporating background music and supplementary audio helps engage viewers. It will also help in setting the mood and build a more immersive viewing experience.
Lighting
Proper lighting is essential in creating pleasant-looking and higher-quality videos. Lighting can dramatically change how your videos look. Poor lighting, even with the highest-resolution equipment, can still result in bad recordings. Understanding the right placement of lights and ways to manipulate them can make your videos look even and natural.
The rule of thumb when it comes to lighting is to avoid harsh shadows, glare, and too much exposure. Proper video lighting should highlight the subject rather than drowning them in the background.
Editing
Video editing is an equally critical part of video creation. It’s highly unlikely for a video to be shot in just one take. The goal of video editing is to cut out non-essential footage, pinpoint specific snippets and clips, and build a complete and understandable video.
Considering this, an edited video should not have any distracting elements. Avoid unnecessary special effects like spirals or flashes that can be jarring to viewers. Instead, stick to soft transitions between cuts such as wipes, fades, and dissolves.
Helpful Tips To Make Your Videos Better
Source: Unsplash
Now that you have a better understanding of the different elements that make a good video, let’s go over some of the tips, tricks, and techniques you can use to improve the quality of your content.
Use the right amount of light
As mentioned earlier, lighting plays a crucial role in how your videos look like. Poor lighting can make your videos look bad, even if you use some of the best recording devices. So how can you use lighting in video creation?
Generally, natural light is one of the best sources for live scenes. Whether you’re filming indoors or outdoors, utilize natural light as much as possible by filming near a spot where natural light comes in. The best time to do this is either in the morning or a couple of hours before sundown as the light is much softer.
There are also an array of tricks used in lighting when filming indoors. One of the first things to consider is the type of light you use and where to put them. As much as possible, avoid using harsh light that casts significant shadows on the subject or the background as this can be distracting.
Instead, use softer light and direct the light in a manner that it bounces off a surface evenly. The most common technique is to dace the light source to a wall to create a softer and more natural tone.
You can still add some light sources in front of the subject to illuminate them but ensure that you are using a soft and flat approach to avoid possible glare or heavy shadows.
Dive into the different principles of film composition
There are several principles of film composition that you can use to create a more creative and artistic approach to your video creation. One of the most popular filming techniques is the rule of thirds.
Imagine an imaginary 3×3 grid laid over your composition. In this principle, the four spots where the lines intersect are the best spots to incorporate an element to draw viewers’ attention. This rule helps video content creators to experiment with their film composition than simply sticking their subject at the center of the shot.
Other popular principles in film composition include concepts like balance and symmetry, leading lines, and depth of field.
Confidence is key
More than the film composition or the quality of lighting, one of the most important video elements that you can work on is yourself. If your videos include shots of yourself speaking to your audience, it is critical that you work on your confidence and camera presence.
Study how you look in front of the camera. Do you look stiff, tense, or uncomfortable? Practice proper posture and use calm and soft body movements. Keep in mind that body language can also be used as a tool so make sure that you are relaxed and don’t over-exaggerate.
When speaking, try to maintain an engaging tone. Smile and ensure that you are properly enunciating your words. Avoid talking too fast or too slow as this can make you look nervous or boring.
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