How to Make YouTube Videos People Actually Watch (Complete Guide)

Summary

This video offers an insightful behind-the-scenes look at the YouTube content creation process. It emphasizes the importance of planning, clear communication, and a systematic approach to filming and editing. Key advice includes prioritizing value over production quality, engaging with the audience early on, and learning from each video. The creator shares their personal workflow, from editing the A-roll to adding B-roll and overlays, and highlights the role of audience feedback in shaping content. Viewers are encouraged to take a hands-on approach, keep learning, and leverage simple tools to create effective, engaging videos.

Takeaways

• 😀 Planning ahead is essential for smooth filming. Having everything ready, like camera angles and setups, avoids last-minute issues.
• 🎬 Filming is like cooking—prepare all your ingredients beforehand to make the process easier and more efficient.
• ✂️ Editing should have a systematic approach: start by trimming repetitive parts, then refine your A-roll before adding B-roll and overlays.
• 💡 Value always beats production quality. Focus on content that resonates with your audience over perfect visuals.
• 📅 Set deadlines for editing to ensure timely content production. Spend time optimizing your video without over-polishing.
• 🎨 Thumbnails are a key part of your video's success. Personal involvement in creating them can lead to better results, even without advanced skills.
• 🖥️ You don’t need expensive editing software to succeed. Basic editing programs are sufficient if used with a strategic approach.
• 💬 Engaging with your audience early by responding to comments helps build relationships and boosts video performance.
• 📊 Track video performance by looking at watch time, comments, and comparing with other videos to understand what works.
• 🧠 Growth comes from consistent learning and improving content rather than creating perfect videos from the start.
• 📚 The speaker offers a free 7-day YouTube crash course to help creators focus on what really matters for success on YouTube.

Q & A

What is the main importance of planning before filming according to the speaker?

Planning before filming is crucial to avoid wasting time during the actual shoot. The speaker compares it to cooking, where you want to have all your ingredients ready before starting to avoid running to the supermarket mid-process. Proper planning helps streamline the production process.

How does the speaker suggest you approach editing if you don’t have a professional editor?

The speaker advises that you can still grow your channel even without a professional editor. They recommend a simple editing process that includes cutting repetitive parts, solidifying the A-roll, adding B-roll to enhance understanding, and layering in music and sound effects. Consistency and a systematic approach are key.

What is the recommended approach for creating thumbnails?

The speaker creates 99% of their thumbnails using Canva and emphasizes the value of being deeply involved in the creative process. While they may hire freelancers for more complex tasks, they find that making the thumbnails themselves results in better engagement because they understand the exact message they wish to convey.

Why is it important to engage with early viewers after uploading a video?

Engaging with early viewers is important because these viewers are your biggest supporters and can help you build relationships with your audience. Responding to comments also improves engagement, which can increase the chances of the video being recommended by YouTube’s algorithm.

How does YouTube’s algorithm play a role in video success?

The YouTube algorithm pushes videos to new viewers based on the engagement and response from the existing audience. If viewers engage with a video by liking, commenting, and watching it, YouTube is more likely to recommend it to a broader audience.

What factors does the speaker look at to measure the performance of a video?

The speaker looks at watch time (how long people watch the video), comments (to understand viewer reactions and get ideas for future content), and compares the video’s performance with other videos on their channel to see what worked and why.

What is the speaker’s view on production quality versus value in videos?

The speaker believes that value should always take precedence over production quality. They suggest that having clear audio and helpful content is more important than perfect production, as long as the video provides value to the viewer.

What advice does the speaker give for creators who are starting out?

For creators who are just starting out, the speaker advises focusing on making videos that help people rather than striving for perfection. Consistent learning and improvement are key to growing on YouTube, even with basic equipment or software.

How does the speaker recommend you learn from video performance?

The speaker recommends reviewing key metrics such as watch time and comments to learn which parts of the video worked well and which didn’t. They suggest understanding why a video performed better or worse, whether due to the topic, explanation, or thumbnail, to continuously improve future videos.

What is the free resource offered by the speaker to help creators improve their YouTube strategy?

The speaker offers a free 7-day YouTube crash course that covers common myths holding creators back and shares important elements to focus on for growth. This course aims to provide actionable insights and guidance, similar to personalized coaching for aspiring YouTubers.