10 Smart Hacks For Creating Content!

Summary

This video script introduces 10 smart tools for content creators, starting with using Instagram Stories to craft YouTube thumbnails. It highlights the convenience of smartphones as microphones, enhancing audio with Adobe Enhancer, and controlling cameras wirelessly. CapCut is praised as the best free editing software, while the Captions app automates emoji and gif additions. Think Media offers a free YouTube masterclass for monetization strategies. StreamYard and Loom are recommended for high-quality presentations and interviews. Linktwin is suggested for sharing YouTube links effectively, and vidIQ as a plugin for channel growth. Lastly, the Shure Motiv Video App is highlighted for adjusting microphone gain for better audio in videos.

Takeaways

• 📷 Use Instagram Stories to create YouTube thumbnails by taking a photo with a plain backdrop and editing with text and images.
• 📱 Use your smartphone as a makeshift microphone for recording audio, and enhance it with Adobe Enhancer for professional sound.
• 🎥 Download the free software that comes with your camera to control it wirelessly, which is especially useful for solo creators.
• 🎬 CapCut is recommended as the best free editing software for both beginners and experienced editors, available on smartphones and MacBooks.
• 📽️ The Captions app uses AI to add emojis and gifs to video captions, simplifying the process for content creators.
• 📚 Think Media offers a free one-hour YouTube masterclass for those interested in monetizing their channel or starting a part-time income.
• 🤳 StreamYard and Loom are tools for recording presentations and interviews, with StreamYard allowing for guest interviews and post-edit finalization.
• 🔗 Use Linktwin to create a URL that opens your YouTube video within the app for better analytics and viewer engagement.
• 📊 vidIQ is a Chrome plugin that helps grow your YouTube channel with keyword suggestions, real-time performance tracking, and optimization tools.
• 🎤 The Shure Motiv Video App is a free tool that recognizes plugged-in microphones and allows for gain adjustment to improve audio quality in videos.
• 👍 The video encourages viewers to like and engage with Think Media's content for more valuable insights in future videos.

Q & A

What is the first smart tool recommended for content creators in the script?

The first smart tool recommended is Instagram Stories, which can be used to create YouTube thumbnails.

How can iPhone users remove themselves from the background in a photo for thumbnail creation?

iPhone users can hold down on themselves in a photo to be removed from the background, and then paste the image into Instagram Stories for thumbnail creation.

What can be added to Instagram Stories to enhance the thumbnail design?

Transparent images, or screenshots from software tutorials, and text can be added to Instagram Stories to enhance the thumbnail design.

How can content creators save the designed thumbnail from Instagram Stories?

After designing the thumbnail, hit the three dots on the top of the phone, save the image to the camera roll, rotate it correctly, and then upload it to the YouTube video.

What is suggested as an alternative to using a traditional microphone for recording audio?

Using a smartphone as a microphone is suggested as an alternative to traditional microphones, with the ability to sync audio during post-production.

How can the audio quality from a smartphone be improved for professional sound?

Running the audio file through Adobe Enhancer can improve the sound quality, making it sound like it was recorded with a professional setup like a Shure SM7B.

What free software can camera owners use to control their camera wirelessly?

Camera owners can download the free software that comes with their camera to control it wirelessly, which allows them to start and stop recording remotely.

Which app is considered the best free editing software according to the script?

CapCut is considered the best free editing software, suitable for editing both horizontal and vertical videos with many features.

What app uses AI to add emojis and gifs to video captions?

The Captions app uses AI to automatically add emojis and gifs to video captions, making it easier for beginners.

What is the free one-hour YouTube masterclass offered by Think Media?

The free one-hour YouTube masterclass by Think Media provides training on how to make money using YouTube beyond Google AdSense.

What are the two tools mentioned for creating high-quality content with PowerPoint presentations or reaction style content?

StreamYard and Loom are the two tools mentioned for creating high-quality content, with features like interviews and guest invitations.

Why is it recommended to use Linktwin when sharing YouTube links on social media?

Linktwin is recommended to ensure that the YouTube link opens within the YouTube app, providing proper analytics and viewer engagement options like subscribe and like.

What is the purpose of the vidIQ plugin for YouTube channel growth?

The vidIQ plugin helps with keyword, title, and description recommendations, tracks video performance in real-time, and offers optimization tools to save time on video SEO tasks.

What does the Shure Motiv Video App do for audio recording in videos?

The Shure Motiv Video App is a camera app that recognizes the microphone plugged into it and allows for gain adjustment to achieve high-quality audio in videos.

Outlines

00:00

📱 Creative Content Tools with Instagram and Smartphones

This paragraph introduces ten smart tools for content creators, starting with using Instagram Stories to craft YouTube thumbnails. It explains how to take a photo against a plain backdrop and use iPhone's feature to remove the background, allowing for the addition of transparent images and text. The paragraph also suggests saving the designed thumbnail to a camera roll and uploading it to YouTube. Moving on, it discusses using smartphones as microphones for video recording, with a tip to enhance audio quality using Adobe Enhancer. The paragraph also highlights the utility of camera software for wireless control, particularly beneficial for solo creators.

05:01

🎥 Editing and Audio Enhancement Tools for Creators

The second paragraph delves into additional tools for content creators, beginning with CapCut, a free editing software for both smartphones and MacBooks, praised for its comprehensive features suitable for beginners and advanced users. It then introduces the Captions app, which uses AI to add emojis and gifs to video captions, ideal for social media platforms. The paragraph also promotes a free YouTube masterclass by Think Media for those interested in monetizing their YouTube presence. It continues with StreamYard and Loom as tools for recording presentations and interviews, and mentions the importance of using Linktwin to share YouTube links effectively on social media. Lastly, it touches on vidIQ, a plugin for growing a YouTube channel with features like keyword suggestions, performance tracking, and optimization tools.

Keywords

💡Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories is a feature within the Instagram app that allows users to post photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. In the context of the video, it is suggested as a tool for creating YouTube thumbnails. The video mentions using Instagram Stories to take a photo with a plain backdrop and then editing it to create an eye-catching thumbnail for YouTube videos, showcasing its versatility beyond just social sharing.

💡Thumbnails

A thumbnail in the context of video content refers to the small, representative image that appears alongside a video in a list or search results. It is crucial for attracting viewers as it gives a first impression of the video's content. The script explains how to use Instagram Stories to create an effective thumbnail for YouTube, emphasizing the importance of design and text for engagement.

💡Smartphone as Microphone

Using a smartphone as a microphone is a creative solution for content creators who may not have access to professional audio recording equipment. The video suggests that smartphones can be used to record audio that can later be synced with video footage during editing. This method is highlighted as a cost-effective way to improve audio quality in videos.

💡Adobe Enhancer

Adobe Enhancer is a tool mentioned in the script for improving audio quality. It can enhance audio files to make them sound more professional, akin to recordings made with high-end microphones like the Shure SM7B. This tool is part of the video's theme of leveraging technology for high-quality content creation without incurring high costs.

💡Wireless Camera Control

Wireless camera control software allows users to operate their cameras remotely from a smartphone or tablet. The script suggests downloading the free software that comes with your camera for this purpose. This feature is particularly useful for solo creators, as it enables them to start and stop recordings without needing to physically interact with the camera.

💡CapCut

CapCut is a free editing software app highlighted in the video as an excellent tool for video editing. It is available on smartphones and MacBooks and is praised for its features that cater to both beginners and those looking to create complex edits. The app's inclusion in the video underscores the theme of utilizing free or affordable resources for content creation.

💡Captions App

The Captions app is an AI-powered tool mentioned in the script that assists in adding emojis and GIFs to video captions. This feature is beneficial for enhancing viewer engagement, especially on platforms like Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts. The app exemplifies the video's focus on smart tools that simplify the content creation process.

💡Think Media Masterclass

The Think Media Masterclass is a free resource offered by the creators of the video. It is an hour-long class aimed at teaching viewers how to monetize their YouTube channels beyond traditional methods like Google AdSense. The masterclass is an example of the video's theme of providing valuable educational content to aspiring content creators.

💡StreamYard and Loom

StreamYard and Loom are tools mentioned for creating high-quality content, particularly for those who use PowerPoint presentations or want to create reaction-style content. StreamYard is highlighted for its ability to conduct interviews and invite guests, which can then be edited using other tools like CapCut. These tools are part of the video's exploration of various methods to enhance content production.

💡Linktwin

Linktwin is a service that optimizes YouTube links for sharing on social media platforms. The script explains that using Linktwin ensures that when a viewer clicks a shared link, the YouTube video opens within the YouTube app, providing better analytics and viewer engagement options like subscribe and like. This tool is part of the video's message on maximizing the effectiveness of content sharing.

💡vidIQ

vidIQ is a plugin for Google Chrome that helps grow a YouTube channel by providing keyword, title, and description recommendations, tracking video performance, and offering optimization tools. The video positions vidIQ as an essential tool for content creators looking to improve their YouTube strategy, aligning with the video's overarching theme of leveraging smart tools for content success.

💡Shure Motiv Video App

The Shure Motiv Video App is a free application that enhances audio recording by recognizing and adjusting settings for different microphones plugged into it. The script mentions this app as a solution for improving audio quality in videos, especially when using various types of microphones, which ties into the video's theme of utilizing technology for better content creation.

Highlights

Instagram Stories can be used to create YouTube thumbnails with simple editing features.

Using an iPhone, you can remove the background from a photo and paste it into Instagram Stories.

Add transparent images or screenshots to Instagram Stories for tutorials or other content.

Instagram Stories allows adding text to your thumbnails with ease.

Save your designed thumbnail from Instagram Stories to your camera roll for later use.

Use your smartphone as a microphone for video recording.

Sync smartphone audio with camera footage in post-production for high-quality sound.

Adobe Enhancer can improve audio quality to a professional podcast level.

Free camera control software can wirelessly operate your camera for solo creators.

CapCut is a free editing software for both smartphones and MacBooks with comprehensive features.

The Captions app uses AI to add emojis and gifs to video captions.

Think Media offers a free one-hour YouTube masterclass for channel growth and monetization.

StreamYard and Loom are tools for creating high-quality content with presentations and interviews.

Linktwin generates a URL that opens YouTube videos within the app for better analytics.

vidIQ is a Chrome plugin that aids in growing a YouTube channel with optimization tools.

The Shure Motiv Video App recognizes and adjusts gain for different microphones for improved audio.

The video provides a collection of smart tools for content creators to enhance their workflow.

Transcripts

- Here are 10 smart tools

every content creator should be using.

With the first one being Instagram Stories

to create your YouTube thumbnails.

I've literally done this in the past

especially if I'm in a pinch.

It's really simple.

Number one, you can use the camera

to take a photo of yourself over a plain backdrop.

And here's a power tip.

If you have an iPhone, you can actually hold down

on yourself if you've taken a photo of yourself

and it'll literally take you off the background

and then you can paste it into Stories.

It's really cool.

But what you can also do is add transparent images

or ping files.

Maybe you're doing a software tutorial,

or you can take that from Google Images

and paste that into your Instagram story.

And you can also add text by simply hitting the text icon

and then just adjust it accordingly.

Obviously, you want to turn your phone sideways

and make sure that you're designing it

for a YouTube thumbnail but literally,

once you're done designing the thumbnail,

hit the three dots on the top of your phone

and then save that image to your camera roll.

Go into your camera roll, rotate it correctly

and then upload it to your YouTube video.

But really just a great and free way to get a thumbnail made

and that is by using Instagram Stories.

The next tool is to use your smartphone as a microphone.

Most people have smartphones

and you can use this as a microphone.

And here's a cool thing.

You know, all you have to do

in post when you're editing is simply sync,

and usually most editing softwares allow you

to do that with one click.

But just sync up your audio from your camera

or your other smartphone, and you'll be good to go.

Now, another bonus tip when it comes to this

is that you can run this audio file

in a tool called Adobe Enhancer

and it'll literally make this audio file

sound like it's a professional podcast,

like it literally sounds like I'm using a Shure SM7B

which is like a 400 plus dollar microphone setup.

But you can literally do this

if you're out and about or you need the ability

to move around just use your smartphone.

Just make sure you're getting scratch audio

on whatever camera you're using

so that you can sync it in post.

What a great way to level up your audio in your videos.

Now, if you own a camera and you're a solo creator

download the free software that comes with your camera

to control your camera wirelessly.

Not only will it give you an image

from where you're sitting and you can see yourself

but you can literally start and stop recording as well.

It just unlocks, you know, more potential with your camera

and you don't even have to buy anything

and it just makes using your camera a lot easier

rather than getting up, starting and stopping.

Having this ability to start and stop recording alone

is super convenient, especially if you're a solo creator.

Now, this is an arguable debate

but I think the best free editing software

right now is CapCut.

And this is an app that could be found

on any smartphone device

can also download it if you have a MacBook.

And if you haven't heard or looked into this app

it honestly gives you everything you need

to be able to edit videos, both horizontal and vertical.

And there's so many features within this app

that as you learn it

you can really create some complex and engaging edits.

But if you're just getting started

it's super great for beginners as well.

And I can't say enough good things about CapCut.

It's definitely worth giving a try.

The next one is the Captions app.

What's cool about this app is it uses AI to add both emojis

and gifs when it comes to captioning your videos

which is super great for beginners.

You don't have to think about it

it literally will do it for you.

This is also a free app you should definitely be using

especially if you're doing Reels, TikToks,

and YouTube Shorts.

This next free resource is actually brought to you

by us here at Think Media

and that is our free one hour YouTube masterclass.

You know, a lot of people know you can make money

using YouTube but not a lot of people know

how you can actually go about doing that

beyond Google AdSense.

And if you're considering

starting a YouTube channel this year

or maybe you want to use YouTube

to make more money in your business

or start a part-time income or side hustle,

or maybe use YouTube and go full-time

then I would encourage you to check out

that free one hour YouTube masterclass.

Put a link to it down in the description

or you can just go to thinkmasterclass.com.

Super valuable training, check that out.

And the next tool is going to be more of a recorder

that is either using StreamYard or Loom.

Now if you are somebody who has PowerPoint presentations

or you wanna do reaction style content

you can create great quality content.

What's cool about StreamYard is you can actually

do interviews and you can invite guests on it

and then you can download it

and make any final edits in something like CapCut.

And we personally love using StreamYard a lot

here at Think Media, especially at our Think Media podcast,

'cause we do a lot of virtual interviews

but definitely two great tools to look into.

Next is a solution to a mistake I see so many creators make

and that mistake is sharing your YouTube link

on Instagram Stories or on another platform

meaning you click on a link in Instagram

and it opens up a YouTube page within Instagram

but then that person's not logged in

and then that viewer is not giving you proper analytics.

And then number three you're not giving them any options

to be able to subscribe or like a video

because you have to be logged in, right?

Using something like Linktwin

which is simply a website where you paste your YouTube URL

and you paste it into this website, it gives you a new URL

which you would then use that to share

on your social media platforms

and or in emails and things like that.

And it'll open up your video inside of the YouTube app

which is super powerful and everyone should do this.

Anytime I wanna share a video on my Stories

I just throw it in there

and then use that link to share to my followers.

This next tool is a plugin that will help you

grow your YouTube channel, and that is vidIQ

which is something we've been using for years

and we absolutely love having this plugin

on our Google Chrome.

And it not only gives you keyword, title and description

recommendations when it comes to posting your videos,

it also tracks video performance in real time

like how your tags are being ranked in YouTube Search

or even your competitors' insight inside of their videos.

You can get access to daily video ideas,

which they use AI connected to your channel to produce

which is pretty sweet.

And really one of our most favorite features

is the optimization tools to save you time.

There's so many things that you need to do

when it comes to tags, titles, descriptions.

vidIQ is awesome for that.

The next tool that I would encourage you to check out

is a free app called the Shure Motiv Video App.

And I think the coolest thing about this app,

it's literally a camera app that will recognize

whatever mic is plugged into it,

and you can plug in whatever kind of mic

and just adjust the gain

so that you can actually get really great audio

in your video.

And I wish the iPhone would allowed you to adjust the gain

but it doesn't.

And so checking out this free app will be awesome.

But I hope you got value in this video.

If you did hit that like button.

And if you wanna check out another video from us

here at Think Media, just go ahead

and click or tap the screen

and I can't wait to see you in a future video.

Peace.