Do you want to make a polished, professional YouTube video that wows your viewers? It’s not as big of a challenge as you may have initially assumed. You don’t need to break your bank on expensive equipment to achieve a professional look. The chances are high that you can make great videos with whatever you have right now if you pay attention to a few important aspects.
And those are exactly the things that we will be focusing on in this article. There are many workarounds and shortcuts, as well as simple fundamentals that will help you excel in your career as a video content creator on YouTube. So, without further ado, let’s get you started on your way to internet fame and worldwide renown with these eight simple tips!
Table of Contents
Make Sure Everything Is Well Lit
Lighting is going to be your main worry when filming because it can make or break a professional video. Doesn’t matter if your video is fantastic in every other way; it will look amateurish if you don’t employ enough well-placed light.
One of the best light sources for video is the sun. Always try to shoot in natural light, try to do so early in the morning or late in the evening, when the light is softer. Direct overhead light during the day can throw harsh shadows on your subjects, whereas morning and evening light are more attractive. If you must shoot during the day, attempt to do so on an overcast day or in a shady location for softer light. Get your film as early as possible in the morning or late in the evening, when the light is softer.
You’ll need to be more deliberate about the types of lights you use and where you set them if you’re filming indoors. Overhead lighting should be avoided since it can produce unattractive shadows on your subjects’ features. Windows are a good source of natural light. You may also use a huge lamp or two to create the desired effect.
Make Use of a Clean Background
Consider a background you’ll utilize for filming. Featuring a cluttered or distracting background in a video is basically showcasing your amateurish vision.
Using a single-colored background for your video is an easy way to give it a professional look. A huge sheet of backdrop paper, a wall, or a bedsheet – all good options. Don’t cast shadows on the backdrop. Make your subject stand a good distance away from it. Shooting a video in a “professional” setting, such as where you work or spend time, is also a fantastic option.
Keep your shots away from windows, mirrors, or other reflecting surfaces in the background. This is a good way to get the camera caught in the mirror. Aside from that, having a light source behind your subject, such as a window, might make it appear dark and shadowed.
Choose a Video Editor That Suits You
Video software can help you transform your unprocessed footage into something spectacular. How to do that? Make sure you can do the following:
- Do scene transitions; the ability to add text to video, cut and crop films;
- Alter the aspect ratio;
- Add filters and overlays;
- Have a collection of royalty-free films and sounds.
Get a good video converter, too, while you’re at it. HandBrake and AVC are popular options. Or just download the MOV-to-MP4 converter for free.
Keep It Simple, Silly
Trying out different effects during the video editing process might be entertaining, but don’t go overboard. The most professional editing style is straightforward and neat. If you’re going to cut from one scene to another in your professional video, do so when both portions are moving. This is more natural and fluid than leaping from one scene to the next with nothing happening.
Get the Best Audio You Can
The quality of your video is not more important than the quality of your audio. Most people will watch a film that isn’t in high definition or even a touch grainy as long as the rest of it is good. However, a mere few seconds of enduring a movie with scratchy, unintelligible audio is generally enough to make anyone back out. Because audio is so important, getting a good microphone is mandatory.
Say No To a Shaky Cam
A shaky cam is a surefire way of tanking the professionalism of your video. Plus, it can make your viewers feel seasick, to boot. It’s difficult to keep a camera totally free of motion, so try not to hold it at all. Set it down on a firm surface or utilize a tripod.
Use Your Phone’s Full Potential
Don’t you have a DSLR camera? It’s no problem. You can take professional video footage with your phone — the quality is usually adequate. Recording in landscape mode ensures that your footage appears great on wider displays, not just phone ones. Also, use the feature on your phone that allows you to overlay a grid on your screen. This will assist you in maintaining the level of your phone and avoiding slanted footage.
Master Multiple Angles
Strive to add visual interest to your professional videos by cutting from one angle to another. It is a fantastic and simple technique. Especially if you’re filming a how-to video, a product demo, or another form of video where you’re doing something rather than just talking, this is a very beneficial strategy. Shoot plenty of B-roll for each film. You’ll thank yourself later.
Conclusion
The more professional you make your videos, the more they will help your brand. Making professional-looking videos requires some skill and know-how, but it isn’t magic or requires years of study. By using the basics outlined in this article, you can drastically improve the quality of your next movie.