Discover essential video making tips for beginners that will help you overcome the initial hurdles and start creating engaging content.
Let's face it, the thought of creating a compelling video can feel overwhelming. Especially if you're just starting out.
There's a sea of info out there, filled with technical jargon and expensive gear recommendations.
And there's the pressure to be the next viral sensation.
These are enough to make anyone hit pause.
But I think a newbie doesn't have to feel that way. Even I find it hard to start doing something when I'm feeling overwhelmed. It hampers my productivity.
The good news is, video making can be a fun and rewarding way to express yourself, share your ideas, and connect with a wider audience!
What I find helpful is to have just enough actionable tips I can use right away at the start of my learning journey.
I know those tips are not all that I need to learn. But at least, they're easy enough to implement.
And that gives me the feeling that I'm progressing, and it encourages me to learn more and do more.
So, to guide you through the video making basics, let's dive into some actionable video tips for beginners that you can use right away.
You can be someone who provides videos that people enjoy.
According to stats published by Oberlo, 91% of consumers want to see more online video content from brands. People also love to see more videos on social media.
This means that your future engaging videos are in demand.
An audience is waiting to enjoy what you have to share on video.
Of all the video production tips, I think knowing your audience is the most important.
Why?
It's because you cannot make an engaging video, if you don't know who you're engaging with your video.
Your video needs an audience to watch and appreciate it.
And identifying the intended or ideal viewers of a specific video influences other video making tasks like scriptwriting, shooting, editing, and distribution (how the video reaches the audience).
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So, get to know the intended viewers of a particular video project by asking,
This way, you can tailor the video content to resonate with them.
For example, if your target audience is teenagers interested in skateboarding, you'll want to use fast-paced editing, energetic music, and visually appealing shots to capture their attention.
Note also that, just like you, your audience deserves a pleasurable and meaningful viewing experience.
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You can also involve your audience with your video. For example, if the video is for social media uploading, you can...
You can do these using the title, description, and comment sections of your video post.
By understanding and engaging your audience, you'll be well on your way to creating compelling videos that resonate.
Do you think you need a high-end camera to create great videos, or is your smartphone enough?
Here's a secret many video creators won't tell you...
One of the biggest reasons you'll give in to this urge of getting an expensive camera, or a different camera model, is peer pressure.
For example, if you want to join a production team that only uses a certain camera brand, you'll be forced to own that same brand. Otherwise, they won't allow you to join their team.
However, if you're shooting your own videos, or making your own projects, you can start using what you already have.
A study made by TechSmith found that high-end gear is not a prerequisite for creating engaging videos. Instead, good content is what keeps viewers interested and engaged -- specifically, easy-to-follow and relatable content.
So, start creating with the device you already have.
You need good light. Every video needs it.
Now, I don't mean you have to go out and buy fancy studio lights right away.
Here's a tip I really love but others won't openly tell you about...
Often, your best option is to use natural light. It's free and gives you beautiful results -- if used correctly.
Here's how I use it...
What about when the sun has set?
I just take advantage of available light from different sources. LED lights, street lights, fluorescent lights, tungsten lights, whatever.
The trick is to make sure you have sufficient available light that illuminates well your subject or the moment.
Not all moments or scenes have to be brightly lit (high key lighting).
Sometimes, you may want to capture shadows or dark areas in your shots to achieve a different mood or look (low key lighting).
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How about using those fancy studio lights?
Of course, there are use cases for studio lights.
So, ring lights and photography lights fall under the "studio lights" category.
Studio lights are artificial lights that you yourself set up for the video shoot.
I don't know about you, but to me, I'd rather watch a low-resolution video with clear sound... than to struggle understanding a high-resolution video with bad audio.
Of course, high-resolution video + clear audio = ideal.
However, it's more satisfying for me to learn from a low-res -- even a bit shaky -- video with great sound... than to stare at a hi-res video with poor audio.
A TechSmith study has shown that people consider clear audio quality to be the number one and most important feature a video needs to have.
Not clear video. Not fancy graphics and effects. But simply clear sound.
Take a look at this screenshot...
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My point?
Avoid obsessing so much on the visual side of things.
Focus also on capturing clear audio for your video.
Especially when you're shooting interviews, covering key messages or speeches from events, or filming short narratives.
Clear audio captures the important details of your story.
Much better than a video that relies solely on music as their sound track. Which usually happens because the videographer is not keen on capturing clear audio.
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Here are some ways we can capture clear audio...
Let's talk about framing and composition specifically for shooting videos, to avoid confusion with photography and painting.
I admit, I was also confused because I couldn't tell exactly the difference between framing and composition. Though I know how to shoot visually appealing shots in practice.
So, here's my take on framing and composition...
Think of framing as choosing your window.
And think of composition as arranging the contents you see inside that window.
Framing sets the boundaries to your shot. Composition uses those boundaries to create a compelling visual.
The first step to framing your shot well is knowing the aspect ratio you'll be using. This essentially refers to the shape of your video, like a window that captures your scene.
There are two main aspect ratios to consider:
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The best aspect ratio depends on where your video will be displayed.
Now that you've chosen your frame size, let's talk about composing the elements within it.
Composition refers to how you arrange the objects and people in your shot to create a visually pleasing image.
Imagine dividing your 16:9 widescreen frame into a grid with nine squares (three rows and three columns).
The "rule of thirds" suggests placing your subject along these lines or at the points where the lines intersect. This technique can help create a more balanced and interesting composition.
Here's another one. This time a silhouette...
Many smartphones and cameras offer a grid overlay feature to help you visualize the rule of thirds. It's a handy tool to use when framing your shots.
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However, the rule of thirds isn't a rigid rule. Sometimes, a centered composition can work better, especially for close-up shots of someone talking directly to the audience.
This is the 9:16 aspect ratio with grid lines. This frame is commonly used for vertical videos.
The rule of thirds can still be effective for composing objects within your vertical frame.
However, it's generally less applicable for people, particularly when focusing on their faces.
For vertical videos, centering a person within the frame often creates a more natural and visually appealing composition. If you place a person's face near the edges of the 9:16 frame, it can appear stretched and unnatural.
Here's what I know is the very reason I need to edit a video...
To make the viewers feel something worthwhile and get something meaningful out of my video.
I know what it feels to get drowned in executing techniques and effects, just for the sake of the techniques and effects themselves. It's a waste of time!
Techniques and effects are a waste of time if they're not used to serve that core purpose of editing a video.
And if they're not about the specific video I'm trying to make.
And I hate to use or do things just to impress people. (But that's just me!)
What I want is to express a feeling or a thought. To evoke sincere feelings. To communicate meaning.
So,...
Instead of being flashy to look cool in how I edit the video, I'm aiming to be relevant and sincere... to evoke feelings in my viewers.
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Knowing your purpose for editing a video, what do you do then when you edit a video?
Here are the key steps in purposeful video editing...
Most of the time, I find that a simple cut is sufficient as a transition. It helps me to pace the presentation, in addition to cutting out errors during the shoot.
When you're still cutting out the fluff, I suggest you focus more on the flow of thought and mood conveyed by your cuts. Instead of immediately adding transitions or effects. Those can come later.
Remember, editing is about enhancing your story, not just applying fancy effects. Focus on your purpose and let that guide your editing decisions.
I can move on now to the next main point in this article, because the message of the above subheading is clear enough.
But I decided to add something else -- a reality in life that others seem to forget...
Your first attempts at video making won't be perfect.
But that's fine!
Research indicates that mastering complex skills like video making requires deliberate practice. This means focused, effortful training designed to enhance specific aspects of your craft.
For instance, you could dedicate time to mastering different camera angles, experimenting with various editing techniques, or learning advanced audio post-production.
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Just like learning to ride a bike, mastering video making requires patience and persistence.
I remember the time when I was still learning how to ride a bicycle and keep my balance.
My first attempts at riding a bike weren't perfect. I mean, I fell many times. And even if I already knew how to balance a bike, I sometimes rode the bike carelessly, so I still fell.
Well, learning how to make a video that works is just like learning how to ride a bicycle and keep your balance.
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For example, my first attempts at editing an audio-visual presentation were far from being professional. The first one I made had a fancy transition after every shot or visual I included in the presentation.
But I just kept making videos and every video I made taught me something new. So that helped me improve.
And I'm still learning and improving.
It helps if you keep in mind that being perfect or impeccable isn't a healthy target to aim for. You'll just disappoint yourself.
A worthy goal of video making to me is to communicate and connect. And what helps achieve that is by being authentic and sharing your own take on life in videos you make.
So, keep creating videos, keep testing, keep learning, and enjoy the process!
It doesn't matter what kind of video you're making, or how long or short it is. A video has to tell a story.
But what is a story?
According to dictionary.com, a story is "a narrative, either true or fictitious, in prose or verse, designed to interest, amuse, or instruct the hearer or reader".
In short, ...
A story is simply a narrative -- or account -- of something that interests humans.
So, why is storytelling important in video making?
It's because when you use storytelling in your videos, your viewers will better remember the info you communicate and present to them.
Studies suggest storytelling is an effective way to influence, inspire, and teach. So much better than merely giving facts and figures.
Here are several ways you can tell a story in your video...
The use of actions, video, images and other visuals to depict an idea or mood, instead of describing it in words.
The use of visuals better evokes emotions, builds suspense, or explains complex concepts.
This is why you hear sayings like, "Show, don't tell", and "Action speaks louder than words".
The use of recorded human voice and words to communicate feelings and thoughts in video.
The viewers only hear the narrator's voice, but don't see their face.
Voice-over narration usually accompanies the visuals, but it doesn't describe what the visuals already show the audience. Voice-over is another layer of info that the audience receives.
The use of the talking head of a person that directly addresses the viewers.
The on-cam presenter may simply report a piece of information, share an anecdote or experience, or explain and demonstrate how to do something.
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I suggest that you keep the structure of the story in your video simple. This helps your viewers easily follow what you convey to them.
For example, you can use simple guides like, "before-and-after", "problem-then-solution", "question-and-answer", and "beginning (hook)-middle (main content)-end (conclusion)".
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Okay, here are other essential video making tips for beginners.
Let's talk about something really important when you're starting out in video making: content versus style.
Think of content as the heart of your video – it's what you're actually saying or showing.
On the other hand, style is how your video looks – the fancy effects, transitions, and all that visual jazz.
Here's the thing...
Your story is the real hero. It's what really matters. Don't get me wrong, style is great too, but it should complement your story or content, not overshadow it.
Imagine you're telling a story to a friend. You wouldn't focus on using big words or fancy gestures if the story itself isn't interesting, right?
It's the same with videos.
A simple, natural-looking video with a great story or message can really connect with your audience.
On the flip side, a video that looks super polished but doesn't say much... well, it might not hold people's attention for long.
So, when you're planning your video, start with your message.
Once you've got that nailed down, then you can think about how to present it in a way that fits.
Remember, as you're just starting out, relax. Avoid stressing about making your videos look like Hollywood productions.
Instead...
Focus on telling your story in your own unique way. That's what will make your videos stand out and connect with people.
There's one thing I'd love to share with you that could really make your videos stand out from the crowd.
You see, every person has a unique way of looking at the world. Your experiences, memories, and personality all come together to create a perspective that's entirely your own.
And guess what? That uniqueness is your secret weapon in video making!
Ever heard the term "auteur" in filmmaking? Don't worry if you haven't - it's just a fancy way of describing someone who brings their personal touch to their work.
The cool thing is you don't need to be a big-shot Hollywood director to be an auteur.
You can start developing your unique voice right now, with whatever equipment you have.
Want to learn more about how to unleash your inner video auteur? I've written a detailed guide that breaks it all down. This guide will help you understand:
Ready to dive deeper and discover how your unique voice can create amazing videos? Check out the full article here: What Is an Auteur? The Secret Behind Standout Videos
Remember, your individuality is your strength. Don't be afraid to let it shine through in your videos!
So, you want to make videos that people actually enjoy watching? It's a skill anyone can learn with a bit of patience and practice.
Think about the last video that really caught your attention. What made it special?
That's the kind of effect we're aiming for!
The good news is, you don't need expensive gear, or years of film school to create videos that connect with your audience. There are simple techniques you can use to make your content more creative and engaging.
Ready to explore? Check out this detailed guide on how to make creative videos that connect with your viewers. I'll walk you through the process step-by-step, from coming up with ideas to sharing your finished work.
Remember, every skilled person was once a beginner too!
One thing that can really help when you're just starting out is to be aware of some common challenges that many new videographers face.
Understanding these obstacles can help you avoid them or overcome them more easily when you encounter them.
I've put together a list of seven common hurdles that new videographers often encounter. These aren't meant to discourage you – quite the opposite!
By knowing about these potential stumbling blocks, you'll be better prepared to tackle them head-on and keep moving forward in your video-making journey.
If you're interested in learning more about these challenges and how to overcome them, check out my article on "7 Videographer Obstacles to Great Video Creation".
It goes into more detail about each obstacle and offers some friendly advice on how to work through them.
Here are the links to some "shorts" we made. Each focuses on delivering single, clear tip or insight about video making that you can quickly understand and apply.
Video creation is an accessible and powerful medium for expression and connection. Here are your key takeaways:
Remember, your individuality is your strength in video creation. Focus on authentic expression and connecting with your audience rather than technical perfection.
As you begin your video-making journey, what unique perspective or story are you most excited to share through video?