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Are you looking to connect with an audience, educate, entertain or inform? Video content may be the choice for you. Video is a fantastic way to tell a story, build brand awareness, and increase customer engagement, among many other benefits.
In this guide, we'll discuss step-by-step instructions on how to create video content. Plus we'll look at best practices, video content ideas, types, and examples.
What is video content?
Video content refers digital materials that include video. These can include traditionally edited videos, live streams, webinars, and more. With the increase of smartphones and internet access worldwide, online video content has become much more popular. And what’s more – video is a highly engaging way to connect with people online.
Why should you create video content?
Online videos reached nearly 93 percent of worldwide internet users last year, reports Statista. Video content has the ability to engage, inform, and inspire viewers. Companies, small business owners, and individuals can produce video content to build brand awareness, showcase services, and products, and create a community following.
Video content is also an effective way to educate or inform viewers about a topic. It’s also ideal for social media marketing, with most platforms like TikTok now focusing solely on video.
6 Steps to How to Create Video Content Professionally
In order for your video content to be professional and successful, it’s important to create a plan. Review the below steps to create the best video content possible.
Step 1: Determine your purpose and audience
When first planning content, determine the purpose of the video. Do you want to be entertaining and witty? Or perhaps you want a reserved tone for a serious topic. Think about what you want viewers to accomplish or feel after watching your video.
You'll also need to consider your target audience and which platforms they use. This will determine the way you write your script and the type of video you’ll record. You can even create a customer persona in which you outline what your ideal customer may look like and the solution they are looking to find.
Step 2: Research and scripting
Now that you have a good idea of your video's purpose and target audience, it’s time for scripting and storyboarding. Start by researching your topic. Take a look at trends in your industry as well as what people are searching on Google for.
Decide on the type of video you’ll make. (We share some you can choose from later in the article). For example, you can create a one-person vlog, an interview video, FAQ, and more. This will determine how you shoot the video.
Now you can write a script for your video. Depending on the type of video, you may want to write a full script word-by-word. This would be appropriate for more corporate videos or for animated explainers. For an interview, you will likely need to write an intro and outro, as well as a list of questions. For more casual videos, you can just write down the general topics you want to cover.
A storyboard is similar to a script, except that it includes visuals or illustrations of each scene. This is specifically good to use if you have a specific angle, or visual scense you’d like to create. You can find templates online, you don’t have to be an artist, as long as your message is clear.
Step 3: Gather your equipment and software
Once you have a solid plan for your video, decide what equipment and software you'll use to record with.
Software for recording video content
We recommend using a video content software like Riverside for the highest quality content. Riverside is ideal for remote and online recording because it doesn’t rely on your internet connection for top-quality results. You can record in up to 4K video resolution, and you’ll receive separate audio and video tracks for each participant, making editing easier. Best of all, Riverside comes with built in transcriptions and automatic captions, plus a text-based video editor. You can even repurpose your long-form content into short social media videos effortlessly with our AI Magic Clips tool.
Equipment for video recording
On the equipment end, an external microphone and headphones will improve your sound quality. While many modern smartphones are capable of recording high-definition 4K videos. If you have a DSLR camera, this could also be a good choice.
Make sure you record in the right location. You should be well-lit with a basic, uncluttered background. Before recording, do a test run with your equipment and in your location to check that everything is sounding and looking good.
Step 4: Record
Now that you have everything set up, you're ready to record!
The way you record depends on your setup. If you’re recording alone, it can be as simple as capturing everything from a camera (or phone). You’d go over your script, but it’s also a good idea to record some b-roll which you can use to make your video more exciting.
If you’re recording remotely with guests, you’ll need to use software like Riverside. Recording is as easy as inviting your guests, and hitting ‘Record’ when you’re ready. Riverside records all your participants on separate audio and video tracks to give you more editing flexibility. You also don’t have to worry about anyone’s internet connection, as Riverside uses local recording. Everything records directly on each person’s device and then uploads to the cloud while recording.
Read more: Tips for Video Recording Yourself in Professional Quality
Step 5: Edit
After recording your video, it's time for editing and post-production. Watch your recordings through, making notes of parts you can cut. A tighter, faster-moving video will have greater success with online engagement. Fine-tune your audio to make sure everyone sounds great. Then finish off your video content with effects, background music or audio and some transitions.
If you’re looking for a way to speed up your post-production, Riverside is a good choice for you.
Riverside uses AI transcriptions that connect with our built-in editor for text-based editing. You can use our text-based editor to cut and trim your video as easily as deleting text in a document.
A last step we’d suggest is to add captions to make your video more accessible to people. You can also add text on the screen for people's names and titles.
Step 6: Publishing and optimizing
Now that your video is looking great, it’s time to publish it. Upload your video to your targeted platform, for example, YouTube or TikTok. Optimize your videos by adding relevant keywords, hashtags, and an SEO-friendly thumbnail, title and description.
Share your video on social media channels, encouraging followers to like, comment, and subscribe for more content. For further reach, embed your video content on your website and share on your other marketing channels, like email newsletters.
Types of video content with inspiring examples
There are many formats for creating video content that performs well online. Check out the below video types as well as content examples to inspire you.
Interviews with experts or influencers
Interviews can be an engaging way to discuss or debate a topic and learn more about a person’s story. You can interview experts, like professors and doctors, thought leaders, influencers, and other interesting people. Do lots of research beforehand on your interview subject and topic. Then write interesting questions based on your findings.
Example: Vogue magazine has a popular video series called 73 questions where a cameraman enters a celebrity's house and interviews them as they tour the house.
Vlogs
Short of time, money, or people? Make a vlog! A vlog, short for a video blog, just features one person talking directly to the camera and is very popular on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. A vlog is like a video diary or journal to capture the thoughts and daily life of a person. Vlogs can create more intimacy for the viewer, as if someone speaks directly to them. These types of videos are very popular in industries like travel, beauty, and fashion.
Example: Rachel Aust is a popular lifestyle YouTuber. Check out this vlog video where she discusses how to build confidence and overcome shyness.
Webinars
Webinars are an increasingly popular type of video content that is excellent for teaching your audience members about a topic. They are often done live with audience members asking questions of the expert or panel. You can use webinars as online training sessions, education, or just to share information.
Example: Here is a webinar that is now on YouTube for viewing about how neuroscience helps you make better recruitment decisions.
Live Streams
During the pandemic, live streams also exploded in popularity, similar to webinars. Livestreams are broadcast in real-time to an online audience. Large companies may also use live streams to announce new products or share breaking announcements. Apple often does livestreams to release new versions of their iPhones or other devices.
Live streams are also great for engagement. You can include a chat box for people to answer or ask questions, or you can invite audience members to call into the stream.
Example: The Farming Simulator Podcast hosts invite their audience to watch them record an episode live and leave room for interactive Q&As at the end.
How-to tutorials
How-to tutorials can be a valuable type of video for showing viewers how to do something or learn a new skill. Often how-to videos are presented as a series of steps. You can do tutorial videos on a variety of topics. Beauty and makeup tutorials are very popular. So are home repair, DIY, crafts, and other types of project how-to videos. Many well-viewed channels teach digital skills like coding, social media management, and graphic design.
Example: Epic Gardening knows all about gardening, of course. So they use their YouTube channel to teach followers how to garden. Check out this video about what to do with garden pests:
Testimonials
If your company or brand already has fans, use this to your advantage. Testimonial videos feature clips from people talking about what they like most about your product or service. To learn more about a company or for hiring purposes, testimonials with current employees can also be a good form of video content.
Example: This is a testimonial from a customer using Mx Skincare about what she likes most about the products.
Demonstration and product explainers
A product demo is a way to show rather than tell customers what you’re trying to sell. Demonstration videos put the product front and center, showing the consumer what it looks like and what it can do. These types of videos can be made with live-action footage, interviews, B-roll, and other footage types.
Example: This product demonstration video by Samsung showcases the new Galaxy Z Flip4 and how you can fold the phone to do a hands-free selfie.
Animated explainer video
Do you have a more difficult concept you’d like to explain? An animated explainer video may be what you need. In this video type, you use voiceover to discuss a topic with accompanying simple animations. You can also add sparse words here and there for emphasis. Keep them short and engaging for the most impact and shareability over social media, websites, and email.
Example: For an animated explainer video about solar power, check out this video on YouTube:
Behind-the-scenes
Behind-the-scenes videos are very popular in the film, TV, and music industries. They give fans a closer look at their favorite stars and can be used to promote upcoming releases. But it can also be fun to give customers a behind-the-scenes look at how your company operates or how you make your products. Most people have never been in an industrial factory. With this type of video, you can share about the manufacturing process as well as promote services and products.
Example: Check out how Kit Kats are made in the factory in this behind-the-scenes video.
Company culture video
If you have an innovative or cool company culture, consider making a video about that. It’s a way to build trust with customers, give more of a human feeling to your brand, and showcase your excellent employees. You can use this video to tell the history of your company as well as how you are innovating for the future.
Example: In this video, Netflix includes quotes from employees on their culture and their thoughts on freedom and responsibility.
Tips for creating video content effectively
If you're looking to create efficient video content, consider the following tips:
- Shorter usually is better: The best-performing video content on social media channels is generally only a few minutes long or less.
- Be authentic: It's easy to spot when someone seems fake or uncomfortable on camera. People respond better to authenticity, so avoid being overly promotional.
- Define your goal: Having a clear purpose for your video, such as to educate or entertain, will make your video’s message more effective.
- Be well-lit: Make sure the lighting where you are recording is adequate for your video. You may need more lighting, such as a ring light, to light up your face.
- Add subtitles: Subtitles make your video content more accessible to more people. That includes people with disabilities but anyone who wants to read the captions while listening to the audio.
- Have good audio: Bad audio quality can quickly turn off viewers and have them click away without watching the full video.
FAQs on Video Content
Still curious about creating stellar video content? Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about video creation:
What are good video ideas?
When starting out finding good video ideas, first take a look at what you or your company are good at, what your expertise is, and what you could teach other people about.
Use a how-to video or a product demonstration to showcase how to do something. Interview a subject matter expert or influencer in your industry to share another person’s knowledge to your viewers. Or you can do a vlog to share your own personal experiences.
How do I find video content ideas?
Finding video content ideas may be difficult, but with a little research, you’ll likely have a list of content options. Start by researching your target audience and what their interests and needs are. Then take a look at trends and topics that are popular in your industry. This can include searching Google and YouTube for the topic to see what is most popular.
You can also check what questions your clients or potential customers have and use those to make an FAQ video. Take a look at what your competitors in your market are doing, which may give you an idea on what content is performing well.
Experiment with a few types of video content and then check the website and social media analytics to find out what performs best for your audience. This could be around a specific topic where there is lots of interest or a specific type of video, say a short vlog versus a long-form interview.
What video content is most popular?
According to Statista, the most popular video content last year was music videos at 50 percent of views. Comedy, memes, and viral videos were the second most consumed type of content. The next most popular video content includes:
- Tutorial or how-to videos
- Video live stream
- Educational video
- Product review
- Sports clips or highlights video
- Gaming
- Influencer videos and vlogs
What video content should I make on YouTube?
The best way to decide what video content you should make is to go directly to YouTube. Once at youtube.com type your general topic into the search bar. You will then see a drop-down menu with suggestions of words to put after your topic. These are the current most popular search terms. For example, if you type in “chat gpt”, YouTube will suggest additional terms like “chatgpt uses”, “chatgpt explained” and “chatgpt to make money”. These would all make good video content choices.
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