How to Make YouTube Videos that People Actually Watch

Summary

This tutorial offers a comprehensive guide for aspiring YouTubers, covering the entire filmmaking process on the platform. From selecting the right gear to crafting compelling content, the video provides tips on optimizing videos for engagement. It discusses the use of smartphones and affordable equipment for shooting, the importance of audio quality, and the role of lighting and lenses. Additionally, it offers advice on video planning, scriptwriting, and editing, emphasizing the learning curve and the importance of practice over analytics obsession. The goal is to create captivating content that grows a channel, with a focus on continuous improvement and enjoyment of the creative process.

Takeaways

• 🎥 **Start with What You Have**: You can begin creating YouTube videos with the camera on your smartphone, as modern devices offer good enough quality for starting out.
• 📱 **Leverage Your Phone's Potential**: iPhones and high-end Android phones are capable of producing quality footage, and using pro camera apps can help you learn professional settings.
• 📸 **Invest in a Tripod**: A basic tripod from Amazon is sufficient for beginners, but consider upgrading to a more durable one for long-term use.
• 🔊 **Prioritize Audio Quality**: Good audio is crucial for viewer retention; consider using shotgun mics or wireless lavalier mics for improved sound.
• 📚 **Research and Plan**: Planning is essential for creating purposeful content; understand your channel's focus and your audience's interests.
• 🔍 **Keyword Research**: Use tools like TubeBuddy for SEO and to ensure your videos are discoverable through relevant keywords.
• 📝 **Script Writing**: Develop a script with a clear story structure to ensure your videos are engaging and informative.
• 📷 **Use B-roll Wisely**: Incorporate B-roll footage to complement your talking points and maintain viewer interest.
• 💡 **Lighting is Key**: Proper lighting can significantly enhance the look of your videos; start with natural light and consider investing in studio lighting.
• 🖥️ **Editing Equipment**: A capable computer with sufficient RAM and an SSD is necessary for smooth video editing; DaVinci Resolve is a recommended editing software.
• 🎨 **Post-Production**: Utilize plugins and templates for adding effects and enhancing your videos; MotionVFX offers a wide range of plugins for this purpose.
• 🔄 **Continuous Learning**: Treat video creation as a learning process; improve by practicing, reviewing your work, and learning from each video you produce.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the tutorial in the video script?

The main purpose of the tutorial is to guide beginners through the entire process of creating YouTube videos, from choosing the right gear to optimizing videos for maximum engagement.

What does the script suggest for starting YouTube video creation without professional gear?

The script suggests that beginners can start with the cameras on their smartphones, as most modern iPhones and mid to high-end Android phones have good enough quality for starting YouTube video creation.

What are some of the recommended microphones for better audio quality in YouTube videos?

The script recommends shotgun microphones for vlogging, wireless or lavalier mics for attaching to clothing, and mentions specific models like the Rode VideoMicro series, VideoMic Go 2, and Deity V-Mic D4 for budget options.

Why is investing in a good microphone considered more important than the camera itself?

Investing in a good microphone is considered more important because poor audio quality can quickly cause viewers to stop watching, regardless of the video quality.

What are some tips for using lenses effectively in video creation?

The script suggests starting with a wide-angle lens for vlogging, using 16-20mm range for full-frame cameras, and longer focal lengths like 35, 50, and 70mm for B-roll shots to bring the viewer closer to the subject.

How does the script address the importance of lighting in video creation?

The script emphasizes the importance of lighting by suggesting the use of natural light from a window, investing in proper studio lights, and using techniques like backlighting and sight lighting for a cinematic look.

What video editing software does the script recommend for beginners?

The script recommends DaVinci Resolve for its powerful free version and mentions Final Cut Pro as another great option, although it requires a one-time payment after a 90-day free trial.

How can one enhance their video editing skills according to the script?

The script suggests using plugins and templates from MotionVFX to add effects, titles, and looks to videos, and also recommends watching additional tutorials and courses on video editing and camera usage for videography.

What is the script's advice on planning the content of YouTube videos?

The script advises knowing the channel's focus, researching viewer interests and problems, and using tools like TubeBuddy for keyword research to ensure the video content is valuable and discoverable.

How does the script discuss the process of filming oneself for YouTube videos?

The script discusses filming oneself by capturing different shots like wide shots, close-ups, and cutaway shots, and emphasizes the importance of consistency in actions and settings across shots.

What are some of the final tips given in the script for improving the quality of YouTube videos?

The script's final tips include practicing often, using AI apps for editing, setting up a home YouTube studio for efficiency, and focusing on the learning process rather than solely on analytics.

Outlines

00:00

🎥 Starting a YouTube Channel: Gear and Content Creation

The script offers guidance for beginners looking to start a YouTube channel, focusing on gear selection and content creation. It emphasizes that high-quality consumer devices like modern smartphones can be sufficient for starting, with the example of the iPhone 15 Pro and DJI Air 3 drone. The narrator shares personal preferences for professional cameras like the A7C Mark II for fun and learning purposes. Apps for professional camera settings and affordable lenses and filters to enhance phone camera capabilities are suggested. The importance of a good tripod and microphone for clear audio is stressed, with recommendations for budget-friendly options. The script also touches on the significance of planning and the types of microphones and lenses suitable for various video styles.

05:00

🔍 Video Planning and SEO Strategy

This paragraph delves into the planning process for creating YouTube videos, starting with understanding the channel's focus and the target audience. It suggests researching online, utilizing keyword suggestions from YouTube and platforms like Reddit for idea generation. The importance of refining video ideas for interest and value is highlighted, along with the use of tools like TubeBuddy for keyword research to enhance search engine optimization. The paragraph also covers the process of crafting engaging titles and thumbnails, with a focus on including relevant keywords and creating a compelling first impression. The planning workflow includes ideation, research, and scripting with a story structure, emphasizing the significance of a clear narrative for video content.

10:00

📝 Scriptwriting and Shot List Preparation

The script explains the importance of scriptwriting for video quality, highlighting how it helps in staying focused and saving time during filming. It provides insights into creating a shot list to understand the concept of A and B-roll, detailing how to mark different parts of the script for various types of footage. The paragraph outlines creating a detailed shot list with sequences, transitions, and complex shots, as well as planning for the organization of captured footage. It also mentions the use of Notion for task management and shot list organization, offering a streamlined approach to video planning and production.

15:01

🎬 Filming Techniques and Audio Quality

This section emphasizes the importance of audio quality in video production, offering tips on capturing clear audio using microphone techniques and room materials to reduce echo. It advises on checking audio levels and conducting audio tests before filming. The paragraph also covers filming techniques, including the use of proper lighting, the significance of a clutter-free environment, and the use of window light for cinematic effects. It discusses the use of video lights for consistency and control, and the importance of camera settings, such as shooting in 4K and using face tracking autofocus. Tips for talking to the camera naturally and dealing with awkwardness are also provided.

20:02

📹 Self-Filming and Visual Storytelling

The script provides advice on self-filming to enhance storytelling and emphasize video points. It introduces the concept of 'show, don't tell' in filmmaking, suggesting ways to capture different shots for a sequence, including wide shots, close-ups, and cutaway shots. The importance of maintaining consistency across shots and the use of manual focus for self-filming are highlighted. Lighting techniques, such as back and side lighting, are discussed, along with the use of natural light from large windows for a soft lighting effect. The paragraph also touches on the use of camera sliders and tripods for added camera movement and variety in self-filmed content.

25:02

✂️ Editing for Efficiency and Viewer Experience

This paragraph discusses the complexities of video editing, advising against overemphasis on retention editing driven by YouTube analytics. It encourages focusing on the viewer's experience and the informative nature of the content. The script suggests using AI apps for cutting A-roll, building a home YouTube setup for streamlined recording, and automating repetitive tasks. It also recommends capturing sound effects during shooting and curating stock music for efficient editing. The importance of not overcomplicating color grading as a beginner and using LUTs for easy color enhancement is highlighted. The paragraph concludes with the suggestion to view analytics as a tool for improvement rather than a definitive measure of success.

30:04

🚀 Continuous Learning and Improvement in Video Creation

The final paragraph emphasizes the learning process involved in creating YouTube videos, advising creators to focus on making better videos rather than obsessing over analytics. It suggests rewatching own videos after some time for a fresh perspective on improvement areas. The script shares the narrator's personal journey from being a beginner to making YouTube his full-time job, highlighting the importance of patience and enjoying the process. It encourages continuous learning through watching informative videos and subscribing to channels that provide valuable insights into videography and video editing.

Keywords

💡YouTube filmmaking process

The 'YouTube filmmaking process' refers to the comprehensive steps involved in creating content for YouTube, from the initial idea to the final product. In the video, this concept encompasses choosing the right gear, crafting compelling content, setting up shots, and optimizing videos for viewer engagement. It is central to the video's theme of guiding beginners through the complexities of starting a YouTube channel.

💡Gear

In the context of the video, 'gear' refers to the equipment used for filming, such as cameras, microphones, and tripods. The script emphasizes that high-quality consumer products like smartphones can suffice for beginners, but also mentions professional gear for those looking to enhance their video quality. This term is integral to the video's educational message on the tools necessary for YouTube video production.

💡Microphone

A 'microphone' is a device used to capture audio. The script highlights the importance of audio quality over video quality, suggesting that viewers will stop watching if the audio is poor. Different types of microphones are discussed, such as shotgun, wireless, and lavalier mics, each serving different filming needs and contributing to the overall video production advice.

💡Tripod

A 'tripod' is a three-legged stand used to stabilize cameras or other photographic equipment. The video mentions tripods as essential gear for aspiring YouTubers, noting that even a cheap one can suffice initially. The concept ties into the broader message of the video about setting up a basic yet functional filming environment.

💡Lens

In videography, a 'lens' is an optical device used to focus light and create images. The script discusses various lens options, such as wide-angle lenses for vlogging and longer focal lengths for B-roll, which are crucial for creating different visual perspectives in videos. This keyword is key to understanding the video's technical advice on videography.

💡Lighting

'Lighting' refers to the use of light to illuminate scenes or subjects in a video. The video script explains the importance of proper lighting for video quality, suggesting the use of natural light, studio lights, and various lighting techniques to create a professional look. It is a fundamental aspect of the video's guidance on enhancing video production value.

💡Editing

'Editing' is the process of selecting and arranging film clips to construct a coherent video sequence. The script touches on editing as a complex part of the filmmaking process, mentioning the use of editing software and the importance of a good editing workflow. This keyword is central to the video's overarching theme of creating high-quality YouTube content.

💡B-roll

In video production, 'B-roll' refers to supplementary footage that is edited into the main footage, or 'A-roll', to provide context or to make the video more engaging. The video script advises on using B-roll to complement talking head footage and to enhance viewer interest, illustrating the concept's relevance to creating dynamic YouTube videos.

💡Color grading

'Color grading' is the process of altering and enhancing the color of a video to create a specific look or mood. The video script provides a beginner's tip on achieving good colors through the use of LUTs (Look-Up Tables), which can be applied in-camera or during post-production. This keyword is part of the video's broader discussion on video aesthetics.

💡Teleprompter

A 'teleprompter' is a device used to display a scrolling text of a script at the same speed as it is being spoken by the presenter, allowing them to maintain eye contact with the audience. The script mentions teleprompters as a tool to speed up recording but advises against their use by beginners to avoid sounding robotic. This keyword illustrates the video's focus on natural and engaging communication in front of the camera.

💡AI apps

In the context of the video, 'AI apps' refer to artificial intelligence applications that can assist in the video editing process, such as Gling, which can help in cutting A-roll by removing pauses and filler words. The script suggests using such apps to streamline the editing process, demonstrating the video's theme of leveraging technology to improve video production efficiency.

Highlights

Tutorial covers the entire YouTube filmmaking process from gear selection to content optimization for engagement.

Modern smartphones like iPhones and high-end Android devices are sufficient for starting YouTube video creation.

Dedicated cameras offer minor improvements over smartphones for budgets below $1000.

Use pro camera apps for learning professional settings before upgrading to actual cameras.

Affordable lenses and filters can enhance smartphone camera capabilities.

DJI Pocket 3 is recommended for its stabilization and microphone quality.

Tripods are essential, with recommendations for Freeware, Ulanzi, or Peak Design.

Audio quality is critical, with microphones being more important than camera quality.

Recommendations for beginner microphones include Rode VideoMicro and VideoMic Go.

Wireless mics like Saramonic Blink 500 are good budget choices for flexibility.

Importance of lenses for video quality, with recommendations for wide-angle lenses for vlogging.

Explanation of focal lengths and their effects on field of view for different camera sensors.

Natural light and window positioning tips for better video lighting.

Recommendations for studio lights and the benefits of investing in quality lighting equipment.

DaVinci Resolve is the top recommended video editing app for its power and free version.

Importance of video planning, including channel theme and target audience definition.

Ideation process for video content, including research and keyword optimization.

Scriptwriting tips, emphasizing story structure for engaging video narratives.

Shot list creation for organized filming, distinguishing between A-roll and B-roll.

Tips for filming talking head footage and creating a natural on-camera presence.

Techniques for self-filming to enhance storytelling and emphasize video points.

Editing advice focusing on viewer experience over retention metrics.

Color grading tips for beginners, including using LUTs for instant cinematic looks.

Strategies for efficient video creation, including pre-recording sound effects and streamlining setup.

Emphasis on learning from the process and improving video quality over time.

Transcripts

Have you ever daydreamed about creating

YouTube videos that people

actually watch but didn't

know where to start?

Like me a couple of years ago, you

probably worry that all

the work you put into YouTube

might be for nothing and your channel

will never take off.

But don't worry, in this tutorial I will

take you through my whole

YouTube filmmaking process

from choosing the right gear and crafting

compelling content to

setting up your shots

and optimizing the

videos for maximum engagement.

By the end, you will be ready to create

captivating videos

that grow your channel.

When you're starting to create YouTube

videos, you might

wonder about the best gear.

Fortunately, today's consumer products

are so good that you

can likely begin with what

you already have.

Hey!

What's that?

Oh, I just got a camera, I told you I

want to start this YouTube channel.

But I just got the new iPhone

because the camera is so good.

Oh, that's true, that was something.

Too late.

Most modern iPhones and mid to high end

Android phones are actually good enough.

So start with them.

Dedicated cameras may offer slight

improvements, but the quality

gains for cameras below $1000

are often minor.

The whole video until here has actually

been shot on the iPhone

15 Pro together with the

DJI Air 3 drone, I bet

you did not recognize that.

But from now on I will use proper cameras

like the A7C Mark II

here, because they are

just a bit more fun to use and I like to

have fun when I shoot my videos.

You can use pro camera apps like

Blackmagic cam, Kino,

Protake or Filmic Pro to learn all

the professional camera settings.

That will prepare you

for using actual cameras.

Just use your rear cameras as they

usually have better

quality than the selfie cam.

You can also buy affordable lenses and

filters from Freeware,

Sandmok and other companies

to make your phone's camera look more

like normal cameras.

A notable mention for an affordable

dedicated camera

though is the DJI Pocket 3.

It stabilizes videos perfectly and

includes a decent internal

microphone and an even better

wireless mic in the creator combo.

Perfect to film yourself, but not so

great for close ups and product shots.

For more camera recommendations check my

yearly camera buying guide

linked in the description.

Here you will

definitely need is a tripod.

Luckily any cheap tripod from Amazon is

good enough to get started.

Just ensure it supports the

weight of your camera setup.

From my experience these tripods will

likely break after about a

year, so if you are still

making videos by then invest

in a better tripod later on.

I recommend tripods from

Freeware, Ulanzi or Peak Design.

Later is expensive but

will likely last forever.

More important than your camera and

tripod is actually the microphone.

You can get away with lower video

quality, but if the audio is

bad people will stop watching

quickly.

The main microphones to know about are

shotgun and wireless or lavalier mics.

Shotgun microphones are great for

vlogging and can also be

mounted on a mic stand to

bring them closer to your mouth for

better audio quality.

Wireless and lavalier mics clip to your

shirt which also

improves the voice quality, but

they are less

convenient for on the go filming.

For beginners I recommend the Rode

VideoMicro 1 and 2,

VideoMic Go 2 and Deity V-Mic D4

for budget shotgun mics.

The Rode VideoMic NTG is a more versatile

but also more expensive option.

Shotgun microphones last forever though

so it does make sense

to invest a bit more.

For wireless mics the Saramonic Blink 500

is a good budget choice while the DJI Mic

2 and Rode Wireless mics are

excellent higher end options.

For a podcasting setup consider the Shure

MV7 which reduces

background noise and room

tone but will always be visible in front

of your mouth as you

have to get very close to

it.

If I were starting over I would get a

wireless or a lavalier mic

first because they are quite

flexible overall.

You can use them for example with your

normal camera but also

with your iPhone and you can

get them close to your mouth easily so

they give you good audio overall.

The exception would be trouble vlogging

because their shotgun

microphones are just a bit more

practical.

Also more important than

your camera buddy are lenses.

I recommend to start with a

wide angle lens for you too.

The 16-20mm range is great for vlogging

and 20-24mm for static

talking head videos on

full frame cameras.

For B-roll use longer focal lengths like

35, 50 and 70mm as those

bring you closer to the

subject and have a more natural feel.

On cheaper APS-C cameras these numbers

have to be a bit lower

though because the sensor

is 50% smaller what

essentially zooms the shots in by 50%.

So you have to multiply the focal lengths

by 1.5 to get the full frame equivalent.

For example a 13mm APS-C lens has the

same field of view as a

20mm full frame lens and

a 16mm APS-C lens equals

24mm on full frame cameras.

I recommend the Viltrox 13mm f1.4 and

10mm 11-20mm f2.8 for

vlogging and Sigma 16mm f1.4

for static shots on APS-C cameras.

The Viltrox 27mm f1.2 and Sigma 18-50mm

f2.8 are amazing and

affordable lenses for B-roll.

For Sony full frame cameras the 20-70mm

f4 is versatile enough

for vlogging and B-roll

though it has a bit less background blur.

You can save some money on lenses by

buying used, just make

sure the seller is legit.

And there is another piece of gear that's

also more important

than your camera, light.

To save money in the beginning start with

natural light from a

window that can already

look pretty good if you sit close to it.

The problem with window light though is

that it changes often

affecting your video's brightness.

That's why investing in proper studio

lights over time is crucial.

Cheap Amazon lights with a

softbox will work initially.

Either get a set with two lights or one

light and a reflector.

In the long run it makes sense to invest

in better lights though

because they make lighting

videos a bit better and easier like here

for my YouTube studio

setup for example I only

have to press a button and all the lights

turn on except for that there.

And the lights that I'm using are the

Xionmolis B-Series lights

and they do a very good job.

You will also need a

proper computer for editing.

Mac Minis or MacBook Airs with Apple M

chips offer great value.

8GB RAM in those machines is enough for

simple projects but 16GB

plus is better for complex

ones.

For Windows get a decent graphics card

and take the same

recommendations for RAM.

Also ensure you edit off SSD

drives for best performance.

HDD hard drives are only good for long

term storage as they are much slower.

The video editing app I recommend the

most is DaVinci Resolve

as even the free version

is already plenty powerful.

Final Cut Pro is also a great app and a

bit easier to use but

only comes as a 90 days

free trial and costs $300 after that.

No matter which editing app you choose

you will always need

plugins and templates to

add fancy effects, titles

and looks to your videos.

The plugins that I mostly use are from

MotionVFX which is also

the sponsor of today's video.

MotionVFX offers a huge library of high

quality plugins for both

DaVinci Resolve and Final

Cut Pro.

As a becoming YouTuber you definitely

want to check out their

Mtuber and M channel modern

plugins.

Those plugins bundle all sorts of titles

and effects that you

will need to lift up your

videos easily.

Their title and logo animations make your

videos look a lot more

professional and combined

with their transitions and backgrounds

your videos become

more interesting to watch.

I use their titles and animations a lot

in my own tutorials.

Looking for cinematic colors, their M.LUT

plugins give your videos cinematic looks

with the click of a button while also

giving you a good amount of control.

That's great when you're starting out as

color grading takes

some time to learn but

you want your videos to look good, right?

For Final Cut Pro they

even offer a iRoto scoping.

That makes it super

easy to mask out objects.

So you can for example put text behind a

person and create all

sorts of other effects.

But the main reason I love MotionVFX is

that their plugins

still work many years after

I put chasing them because they regularly

update their plugins

via the M installer app.

Many other plugins I bought before

stopped working after a

few software updates of my

video editor but with MotionVFX plugins I

never had any issues.

I will leave links to my favorite

MotionVFX plugins in the

description below together

with a 10% discount code so

definitely check them out.

To wrap the gear part up, I can only say

that your first few

videos are all about learning.

So, even if your gear is not perfect yet,

start with whatever you

have or you can afford

just to gain experience.

And that's the next question.

How do you get started?

The first step in making videos is

planning. Without a plan your

video will likely be pointless

or you ramble too much in front of the

camera and therefore

lose viewers. So spend time

planning your videos. Here is how I do

it. The planning process

starts with knowing what

your YouTube channel is about. If you

just make random videos

there is no point for people

to follow your channel. So start by

writing down what kind

of videos you want to make

about which topics and for what kind of

person. Think about what

problems your viewers have

that you can help them solve or at least

what topics they are

interested in if you want

to create an entertainment based channel.

That also makes it easier for you to come

up with interesting ideas which is

important because if your

video idea isn't interesting

no one will watch it. To come up with

ideas for your videos

you have multiple options.

An easy way is to simply do some research

online. You can type

keywords into YouTube

search that your viewers might look for

and see what keyword

suggestions YouTube gives

you. These keywords are great to create

videos around. You can

also research on websites

like Reddit to find questions people are

asking. So you can make

videos answering their questions

and solving their problems. Another way

is to utilize training

topics. Look at what everyone

is talking about or doing within your

niche and give it your own

spin or share your thoughts

about it. Soon ideas will also pop up

randomly in your head.

That usually happens when you

least expect it so be prepared.

Cat videos.

Okay, I added how to make cinnamon funny

cat videos for this morning at 10.58.

In addition to Siri, I also have a Notion

widget on my home

screen that allows me to

note video ideas quickly.

The problem with ideas

is that most of them suck.

That's why the first part of my video

planning workflow is ideation.

I do some research on YouTube and Google

to see if an idea might

actually interest people

and explore different ways to frame it.

For example, how to make cinematic funny

cat videos might not be popular, but tips

to improve pet photography could be.

So spend a few minutes refining each idea

to ensure it's interesting and valuable.

If not, move on to the next one to avoid

wasting time on videos no one will watch.

My next step is keyword research.

That's good for search engine

optimization and to ensure people

actually look for what

your video is about.

I also find it important to be clear

about the point of each

video and defining a main

keyword that I target helps with that.

For the keyword research, I use the

YouTube search bar to

come up with relevant keyword

suggestions and a tool called TubeBuddy

which shows me even

more relevant keywords.

I note all these keywords so that I can

include them in the text

of the video later when I

upload it.

These texts are not super important

anymore to optimize your

videos, but even if they

only help a little bit, I would rather

have them in there than not.

Choosing a main keyword also helps

crafting your title, which

is essential to plan along

with the thumbnail before shooting.

I generate 10 title ideas myself and then

I ask chatgpt for more suggestions.

By combining my own titles with the AI

ones, I usually end up

with pretty good ones.

Sometimes I switch titles after a few

days to optimize for

homepage clicks first and

later for search ranking.

Search based titles should include the

main keyword and

ideally at the beginning.

Titles for the homepage should be catchy

and need less emphasis on keywords.

Planning the titles and thumbnail early

ensures they are not

afterthoughts as they are crucial

for attracting viewers, so do

that before shooting the video.

The title works together with your

thumbnails, so plan that next.

Look for similar videos on YouTube to see

what thumbnails work,

then develop your own

ideas from there and write them down.

Aside from that, make sure that the

thumbnail makes it clear

what the video is about or

makes the viewer curious to watch it.

It should also be easy to understand as

viewers will move on otherwise.

A great tool to visualize ideas is

chatgpt version 4.0.

Just ask it to draw your

ideas and it will do so.

Its thumbnails often look good already,

but I only recommend

using them if your video

is AI related.

Especially for a camera channel like

mine, it's important to show my own work.

So use chatgpt as an assistant, but don't

let it create the final product for you.

That counts for

everything, not just thumbnails.

My next step is research.

On big videos like this one, I write down

everything I think

should be in the video,

plus more information I find on the

internet as a simple bullet list.

That ensures that I

don't leave anything out.

For small videos that don't require so

much information, I skip

this step and go straight

into writing the script or

outline, which is our next step.

When you're writing a script, it's

important to give it a

story structure, so that it has

a beginning, a middle and an end.

The beginning usually introduces a

problem, a goal or an

objective and its importance.

The middle shows how you overcome hurdles

towards the goal and the

end reveals the outcome

and lessons learned.

I write down the story structure by

answering simple

questions before scripting.

You can download these questions as a

free PDF attached to this video.

I want to thank Ali Abdolf for inspiring

this part of my workflow.

The story structure works for all types

of videos, including product reviews.

Even there you can start with one or

multiple problems the

product solves to tell a story.

When it comes to writing the script, use

a simple outline

instead of an actual script

for small videos, just to stay on point.

For longer or more complex videos, create

a detailed script

starting with an outline.

The outline acts as an index in this

case, allowing you to fill

in the parts of the script

under each point.

That makes writing the script a lot

easier compared to

starting with a blank page.

You can also add a bit of fun while

writing the script, just

like the iPhone sequence

you saw at the beginning of this video.

Just be creative when it comes to that.

Writing a script takes a bit of time, but

it improves the video's quality, makes it

straight to the point and saves a lot of

time during filming, so it's worth it.

The last point in my planning process is

writing a shot list.

That can also be either simple or more

complex depending on the video.

To get started you have to understand the

concept of A and B-roll.

It's simple.

A-roll is your talking head footage,

while B-roll shows

what you're talking about.

For a full script I define which parts

show A-roll and which

B-roll using colors to mark

them.

Green for A-roll at home, green for

A-roll outside and white for voice overs.

That are parts that show B-roll while I

talk without showing my

face, just like right now.

From there I create a detailed shot list

with sequences,

transitions and complex shots like

motion time lapses.

Each shot or sequence has a number and

location and I plan the

shot and its type whether it's

white, medium or narrow.

I also use two check marks, one for

capturing a shot and one

for copying it to the project

folder.

This ensures that all shots

are captured and organized.

This level of detail is only necessary

for complex videos though.

For simple ones just list the necessary

B-roll shots to

complement your talking points and

keep the viewers engaged.

Including at least some B-roll shots

makes your video overall

more engaging than just

a talking face, so always include that in

your YouTube videos.

At the end of my planning process I

schedule all my shoots

and editing days as tasks.

These tasks automatically appear on my

Notion dashboard so I

always know what I need to

do each day.

Talking about Notion, I've also created a

Notion template for

you with my step by step

process, essential task manager and

essentialized shot list.

This means all tasks from your video

projects, private to-dos

and other projects like web

design in my case

appear together in one place.

When you open Notion it shows you all

your tasks for today and

tomorrow on your dashboard

after scheduling them

inside the projects.

Perfect to stay organized.

The shot list is streamlined too.

If you need to film for multiple videos

in one location you

can filter by location to

see all the shots you need to get there.

No more searching

through multiple Google Docs.

The template also includes a habit

tracker, is well designed

and easily customizable.

If you want to simplify your planning

process you will find

the link in the description

of this video.

But let's finally come to

filming your actual videos.

And now the visuals are not the most

important part, it's actually your audio.

Getting good audio is crucial because

having bad audio makes

people leave even if your

visuals are great so

definitely follow the following tips.

First bring the microphone close to your

mouth using a boom stand

if you use a shotgun mic

or by attaching a wireless

or lavalier mic to your shirt.

This captures clear and crisp audio

thanks to the proximity effect.

You can improve the sound quality further

by using soft materials

like curtains, carpets,

foam panels or furniture like sofas to

dampen the room and reduce echo.

That often makes a bigger difference than

buying an expensive microphone.

Also always check that your mic is well

plugged in and that the

levels don't go into the

red areas on the level meter on your

camera to avoid distortion.

I always do a quick audio test before

filming to avoid frustration.

Every filmmaker can tell the story of

messing up audio these

ways so take that seriously

or you might have to record twice.

Additionally, you can use AI effects such

as Adobe Podcast AI or voice isolation in

the VINCE Resolve or Final Cut Pro to

enhance your voice and

reduce background noise.

You can also make adjustments in the EQ

panel of your video

editor to make your voice sound

even better.

For example, you can raise the lower

frequencies in case it sounds

too bright and the opposite.

But now let's finally

get to the filming part.

To capture good looking video, your

environment, your camera settings and

lenses are important.

Start by cleaning up your environment.

A clutter free space makes your video

look more professional and ensures

distracting objects are out of the shot.

Of course, if certain items or even

clutter enhance your story,

make sure they are included.

To make your videos look good, lighting

is the most important factor.

Let's start with window

light to keep it affordable.

Sitting straight in front of a window

makes your face rather flat looking.

That can be good to hide imperfections in

case you have a beauty channel or so,

but to make it look cinematic, better sit

at an angle to your window

because that throws shadows over your

face which gives the impression of depth

and therefore leads

to a more dynamic look.

Your background should usually be a bit

darker to separate yourself from it, but

it shouldn't be too dark.

So play around with the available lights

in your room and curtains to adjust the

lighting of the background.

When you can afford it, you should move

on to using proper video lights though as

they are more consistent

and give you more control.

To get started, use a key light as your

main light source, a fill light or a

reflector to brighten up dark shadows

and a backlight to

separate you from the background.

Only using one light can be enough as

well, especially when it's combined with

the ambient lights of your room,

but having two or three lights makes it

easier to get it to look good.

I also have a more

in-depth tutorial about lighting.

You will find it like

always in the description below.

Aside from lighting, a blurry background

also helps to focus attention on you.

To achieve this, use a lens with a low f

number, ideally f1.8 or lower on APS-C

cameras or f2.8 or

lower on full frame ones.

For B-roll shots, get closer to the

subject to achieve background blur even

with higher f numbers like f4.

Regarding lenses, narrower focal lengths

like 35mm or higher on full frame cameras

are better for capturing product and

close-up B-roll shots as they bring you

closer to the subject.

The Viltrox 27mm f1.2 is a great budget

option for that and my

overall favorite APS-C lens.

On your phone, use the 2x or 3x tele

lenses for such B-roll shots

and ensure there is a good amount of

light for best quality.

If you only have a wide lens, you can

also use your camera's

crop mode to digitally zoom in

without losing much quality.

Refer to your camera manual to find this

option. It's usually called something

with crop or clear image zoom.

For lighting your B-roll shots, sight and

backlighting techniques work great.

Backlighting means placing a light source

like a window, a video light or the sun

within the 180-degree

angle opposite your camera.

This creates an interesting look, but the

shadows can sometimes be a bit too dark.

In that case, you can brighten the

shadows with a second

light or a reflector

or you can use sight lighting to

highlight the important

areas of your subject.

Also, always ensure your camera settings

are optimized for the best video quality.

Always shoot in 4K and make sure the

autofocus is set to face tracking if you

film yourself or others.

Set the autofocus to focus area for

B-roll footage and at

times where you want the focus

to stay where it is,

switch to manual focus.

That's important as the camera otherwise

wouldn't know where you want it to focus.

If your lens doesn't have a button for

that, use the quick menu or a button on

your camera to switch to manual focus.

For detailed guidance on using your

camera, watch my free videography basics

for beginners guide here on YouTube.

Also, if you're serious about learning

how to get the best

footage out of your camera,

check out my practical videography

course, which covers all the

essentials you need to know,

plus videography drills that teach you

videography by gaining

the right experience fast.

I will leave links to both the free

tutorial and my course in

the description below as well.

The next challenging part when you record

your videos is talking to the camera.

It just feels awkward in the beginning.

So here are a few tips to make it easier.

When you're talking to the camera,

composition is important.

Ideally, you should be centered and not

too low in the frame to avoid too much

space above your head.

I also prefer placing the

camera slightly below eye level.

There are more ways to frame your shots,

but that's enough to get started without

overcomplicating it.

From there, look mainly into the lens and

not on the screen because looking into

the lens feels like if you would look

into the eyes of the viewer.

While doing so, imagine you're talking to

a friend to keep it natural.

You wouldn't constantly stare into his

eyes, but you would also not look

somewhere else most of the time.

So look into the camera around 90 percent

of the time, but also look a bit around

sometimes and use your hands just as if

you would naturally talk to someone else.

If talking into the camera still feels

hard for you, try doing something else

while talking to the camera because then

you're not so focused on it.

And it makes it feel a bit more natural

like you would actually talk to a friend.

And it's the same for you,

but also for the one watching.

Of course, maybe if you're in awkward

positions like I was right now mounting

the camera on a tripod, it's

probably not the best idea.

Keep it simple.

Another tip when you sit in front of the

camera is to lean slightly forward.

I noticed on myself and other YouTubers

that we tend to lean back a bit while

talking to a camera so that our eyes

essentially move down to look at it.

That feels weird and can easily be solved

by just focusing on

leaning a bit forward.

That also makes the viewer feel like he

gets more attention.

From there, I can only say don't worry

too much about making mistakes and repeat

what you said if necessary because you

can still cut out the bad

takes later in the edit.

I do that all the time and also now I

have to do that because this is already

my sixth take of this part of the script.

So don't worry.

Like so often, training is key.

So practice often and keep the camera

rolling all the time for outtakes.

Ideally talk to the camera every day

until you get comfortable.

You mustn't publish the videos.

Just look at each one and imagine what

you could do better.

To speed up recording the a-roll, you can

also use a teleprompter, but I wouldn't

recommend it in the beginning because it

makes you sound robotic.

So learn to talk freely to the camera

first and if you want,

add a teleprompter later.

Aside from talking into the camera, you

can also film yourself to tell your story

better or to emphasize

certain points of your videos.

There is the saying show don't tell in

the filmmaking space, which literally

means that the more you're capable of

showing without telling

at all, the better it is.

Of course, it's not always possible

without talking, but even then it's still

better to show and tell

instead of only telling.

So better learn how to film yourself.

Here's how to do it.

A good way to film yourself is to capture

three to five different shots of whatever

you do to create a sequence.

This usually includes a wide shot, a

close up of what you're doing, a close up

shot of your face and shots of your

environment, also called cutaway shots.

For even more variety, capture multiple

angles of the same action.

You can just do the same thing a few

times and change your camera position,

distance and focal

lengths or the world lens.

When doing so, make sure that you do

everything exactly the same every time.

If you use your right hand to hold

something in one shot and the left hand

in the other, it won't fit.

So you really have to think about all

those details while filming yourself.

When capturing such shots, you should

also often use manual focus.

Otherwise, your camera might focus

somewhere it shouldn't.

Lighting is also crucial, but it's

exactly the same as I told you already.

Just use back and side

lighting to keep it cinematic.

A little lighting hack for such shots is

to choose a room that has a very big

window and just shoot

everything around that window.

If this window has white curtains, that's

even better as it softens the light.

Aside from that, you either want to use a

tripod to film yourself or bring a friend

to add some camera movement.

If you don't have friends, a camera

slider can do the job as well.

And in the long run, they are often

cheaper than friends.

Just kidding.

Okay, that's a lot and it will take you

some time to implement all of that.

So my most important tip to get started

is to capture a good variety of shots

because it gives you more flexibility in

the edit and you learn more what's most

important when you're starting out.

After capturing all your

footage, it's time for the edit.

Honestly, editing is pretty complex and I

made a whole ultimate guide about video

editing for beginners not too long ago.

So just watch that to learn all the

basics about video editing.

It's also free on YouTube and like always

you find the link in the

description below as well.

But here's one tip I want to give you and

that is to forget about retention editing

as it often makes your videos worse.

Many YouTubers, including myself, started

editing in a pretty fast

paced way over recent years

because of all the short form content and

Mr. Beast style videos.

That can definitely work

for certain video formats.

It's not necessarily wrong, but from my

experience, it makes videos generally

worse because it takes away personality.

And as an editor, you're likely focused

too much on that fast paced editing

instead of actually creating informative

and meaningful videos.

So instead of only thinking about the

retention and YouTube

analytics when you edit your videos,

better think about the

experience for the viewer.

How do you want your viewers to feel

after watching your video?

How can you make it easy for

non-professionals to

consume your information?

And how can you show without telling?

These are a lot more important than

retention editing will ever be.

Another part of editing is color grading.

And here I have to say don't do much in

the beginning because it can get

difficult and there are more important

things to learn when you get started.

However, I have a little tip for you to

make your videos look better that you can

even implement as a beginner.

If you want to make your videos look a

bit better without much work,

either use a Fujifilm camera such as the

XS10 or XS20 for nice film

look straight out of camera,

use the Kyno app on your iPhone to do the

same or get some good looking LUTs from

your Sony or Panasonic cameras like the

A6700 and S5 Mark II.

I recommend the Phantom LUTs from Joel

Famularo as they make your footage look

like every cinema cameras.

Newer Sony and Panasonic cameras can bake

these LUT files into your videos which

act the same as

Instagram filters just better.

These are the easiest ways to get pretty

good looking colors

straight out of camera.

You might want to read the manual of your

camera though to learn how to set it up.

But don't leave now because I also have a

few more tips for you to

create YouTube videos even faster.

My first tip is to capture sound effects

while shooting your videos by always

having a shotgun microphone attached.

That saves a lot of time editing videos

if you want to have

sounds in the background

because otherwise you would have to spend

hours looking for sound effects.

Also listen to stock music in your free

time on platforms such as

Epidemic Sound and Artlist

and add the good tracks to your favorites

so you have to search less

when you edit your videos.

I will also link both music platforms in

the description below.

You find great music there without

getting any copyright strikes on YouTube.

That's why there's no

way without one of them.

After recording use AI apps like Gling to

cut your A-roll fast.

Such apps automatically remove pauses and

filler words and you can cut the rest

just by editing text.

That's a lot faster than editing the

A-roll in your timeline.

In the long run you should also build a

YouTube setup at home with fixed lights

and maybe even a fixed camera.

This way you don't have to set anything

up to start recording.

You generally want to streamline your

process as much as possible over time.

So automate repetitive tasks and create

templates for titles, transitions and

effects that you often

use to edit your videos.

To come to an end I want to remind you of

one important thing which is that you

should not worry too much

about YouTube analytics.

Because YouTube analytics can be a bit

confusing at times because on one side

YouTube analytics is good because you can

use that data that you get there to

improve certain parts of your video,

certain aspects at least.

But it can also be confusing at times

because maybe you have a video that

doesn't perform good that

doesn't get many clicks.

So you might think for example that the

thumbnail or the title is bad and then

you work on that all the time.

While in reality the reason why it

doesn't perform good is simply that the

idea of the video is not very

interesting for many people.

So obviously many

people don't click on that.

So you waste all that time working on the

title and thumbnail while in reality you

did everything right and you would just

have to make the next

video with a better idea.

So overall when you get started making

YouTube videos you'll see

it as a learning process.

And instead of looking at the analytics

all the time just try

to make better videos.

A good way to do that is to simply

rewatch your own videos after one or two

weeks after publishing it.

Because then you have headspace you're

not connected to the video anymore

because you're out of the edit mentally.

And then you have the capacities to judge

your video and see if you actually like

to watch it if it wouldn't be from you.

And if not then what

you could improve upon.

That's actually exactly the same way as I

started out because when I started on

YouTube I did not do it to make it my

full time job which it is today luckily.

But I just did it because I wanted to

make better videos and I

was a complete camera noob.

I wanted to make better travel videos and

I knew that one of the best ways to do so

is to simply make videos all the time and

try to improve with everyone.

And that eventually lead me to YouTube

becoming my full time job.

So definitely see it like that because if

you do that you're also more patient and

you also have more fun.

You enjoy the process a lot more.

So see it as a learning process.

Two good ways to learn more about

videography are watching those videos

here which are pretty

similar to that one.

But on other subjects video editing and

using your camera for videography.

Also consider subscribing if you learned

something today and I

see you in upcoming videos.

Bye!