Make Your Own Amazing YouTube Videos

1. Choose a topic you love and plan your content

You can make videos about almost anything!

Find your passion. Start by identifying topics you genuinely enjoy and are knowledgeable about. This could be your hobbies, interests, or areas of expertise. Consider how you can approach these topics from different angles to create diverse content. For example:

• If you love soccer: discuss favorite teams/players, demonstrate techniques, analyze strategies
• For makeup enthusiasts: showcase daily routines, review products, create tutorials for different looks
• Cooking channel ideas: demonstrate recipes, explore food cultures, try unique ingredient combinations

Plan your content. Develop a content strategy by brainstorming video ideas and creating a schedule. Use the "ten ideas" technique: force yourself to list at least ten potential concepts, even if some seem silly. This pushes you to think creatively and often leads to unexpected gems.

2. Set up your recording environment for optimal quality

Your cell phone or tablet can probably shoot videos that are just as high-quality as a video camera.

Choose the right equipment. Most modern smartphones can produce high-quality video, so don't feel pressured to invest in expensive gear when starting out. Key considerations:

• Hold your phone horizontally for proper video framing
• Use the rear-facing camera for typically higher quality
• Set up a stable recording surface (e.g., shelves, windowsills, or creative DIY solutions)

Optimize audio and lighting. Clear sound and good lighting are crucial for professional-looking videos:

• Minimize background noise by choosing a quiet location
• For daytime shoots, use natural light from windows (but avoid harsh direct sunlight)
• When using artificial light, position lamps above eye level and to the side for flattering illumination
• Consider investing in affordable "daylight" bulbs for better color accuracy

3. Master the art of framing, lighting, and set design

The emotion of your cold opening can be totally different from your video intro.

Frame your shots effectively. Position yourself properly within the frame for a visually appealing composition:

• Place your eyes in the upper third of the frame, not dead center
• Experiment with off-center positioning for visual interest
• Use the "rule of thirds" for balanced shots

Create an engaging background. Your set should be interesting without being distracting:

• Avoid blank walls; use bookshelves, plants, or simple decorations
• Personalize your space with items that reflect your channel's theme
• Change your background periodically to keep things fresh

Introduce variety. Use techniques like "cold openings" and "cut scenes" to add visual interest:

• Start with a brief teaser or behind-the-scenes moment before your main intro
• Incorporate short, relevant clips throughout your video to illustrate points or add humor

4. Edit your videos for maximum impact and engagement

Keep enough of your video to cover these three parts!

Structure your content. Every video should have a clear beginning, middle, and end:

1. Introduction: Greet viewers and explain what the video will cover
2. Main content: Deliver your primary information or entertainment
3. Conclusion: Summarize key points and include a call-to-action

Edit for pacing and clarity. Use these techniques to create a polished final product:

• Cut out mistakes, repetitions, and unnecessary pauses
• Edit for sound by trimming clips to start and end with speech
• Incorporate background music at a low volume to enhance mood
• Consider including bloopers for authenticity and humor

Add visual elements. Enhance your videos with:

• Text overlays for key points or step-by-step instructions
• Simple animations or graphics to illustrate concepts
• "Picture-in-picture" effects for gaming or reaction videos

5. Craft compelling metadata to boost discoverability

The best way to come up with a title, description, and tags for your video is to think about what random people in the world might type in when they're looking for a video like yours.

Optimize your titles. Create clear, descriptive titles that include relevant keywords:

• Use phrases people might search for (e.g., "How to Wash Your Dog")
• Keep titles under 60 characters for full display in search results
• Consider adding emotional hooks or numbers (e.g., "5 Easy Dog Washing Tips")

Write engaging descriptions. Use natural language to describe your video content:

• Include relevant keywords throughout the description
• Provide a brief summary of what viewers will learn or experience
• Add timestamps for longer videos to help viewers navigate content

Select effective tags. Choose 10-15 relevant tags that accurately describe your video:

• Include variations of your main keywords
• Use both broad and specific tags
• Avoid misleading or irrelevant tags that could hurt your credibility

Create eye-catching thumbnails. Design custom thumbnails that stand out:

• Use bright colors and high contrast
• Include close-up faces with clear expressions
• Add minimal text (3-4 words maximum) in large, readable font

6. Incorporate advanced techniques to enhance your videos

Most popular YouTubers have an intro they use to begin every video. When you watch one of their videos, you expect to hear that intro.

Develop a signature intro. Create a consistent opening for your videos:

• Keep it short (5-10 seconds maximum)
• Use a catchy tagline or greeting
• Consider adding a brief animation or jingle

Use background music effectively. Enhance your videos with appropriate music:

• Choose tracks that match the mood of your content
• Adjust volume levels so music doesn't overpower your voice
• Create a folder of go-to tracks for different video types

Incorporate "cut scenes." Add variety to your videos with short, relevant clips:

• Demonstrate concepts or act out scenarios
• Use different camera angles or locations
• Play multiple characters by changing outfits or using props

Create repeating elements. Develop recurring segments or jokes that viewers will recognize:

• Design themed "shows" for different days of the week
• Use consistent sound effects or visual gags
• Establish catchphrases or running jokes

7. Build a loyal fan community and collaborate with others

Make your fans feel important! They will stay fans, they'll tell their friends how cool you are, and your channel will grow and grow!

Engage with your audience. Foster a sense of community around your channel:

• Respond to comments regularly and thoughtfully
• Ask for viewer suggestions and incorporate them into videos
• Give shout-outs to active subscribers in your content

Collaborate with other creators. Expand your reach through partnerships:

• Seek out collaborators with similar subscriber counts
• Choose creators whose content complements yours
• Plan clear roles and responsibilities for each collaborator

Manage negative interactions. Handle trolls and inappropriate comments professionally:

• Ignore or delete overly negative comments
• Use YouTube's blocking and reporting features when necessary
• Focus on positive interactions and constructive feedback

8. Consistently upload and optimize your channel for growth

Did you notice that a lot of popular YouTubers upload videos on particular days of the week?

Establish a consistent upload schedule. Help viewers anticipate new content:

• Choose specific days of the week for uploads
• Aim for a consistent time of day (e.g., 9:00 AM in your primary audience's time zone)
• Communicate your schedule to subscribers

Optimize your channel page. Make a strong first impression on new visitors:

• Create an eye-catching channel banner
• Write a clear, concise "About" section
• Organize your videos into themed playlists

Track and analyze your performance. Use YouTube Analytics to inform your strategy:

• Monitor view counts, watch time, and subscriber growth
• Identify your most popular content and create similar videos
• Experiment with upload times and video lengths to maximize engagement

Stay active on the platform. Regularly engage with the YouTube community:

• Comment on other creators' videos in your niche
• Participate in relevant YouTube events or challenges
• Share your content on other social media platforms to drive traffic

Last updated: August 12, 2024