As I continue to create videos, I have slowly started to embrace Youtube. Youtube is this incredibly large space where people from all over the world uploads video contents. It can be very overwhelming. There are 400 hours of videos uploaded to Youtube every minuet. I’ve been using Youtube for while now. Earlier on, Youtube as just space where I store few of my videos to share with friends. I thought that was pretty much what Youtube is for. But as I learn more about Youtube, I am slowly realizing that Youtube can be very effective channel where you can share your creation to like minded people and even make money from it.
Like I mentioned it on my earlier post, my first attempt to embrace Youtube is starting my own weekly VLOG. It forced me to continue to create a new content every week. At the same time, force me to try new things and experiment with different ideas. That is where I started to experiment with how-to videos. I know there are lots of how to videos out there, but I want to start creating good quality and entertaining how-to videos.
In my vlog episode 11, vlogged about doing few chore around the house. One of the chore was replacing trim liner for my grass trimmer.
So I thought it would be good opportunity for me to start experimenting with how-to video by making “How to replace Trim liner” video. Since most of the video was already shot for the vlog, it would easy for me to get started. My goal was to make the video helpful to other viewers who are also trying to replace the trim liner. I try to address all the issues that I went through as I trying to replace the trimmer myself. The result wasn’t too bad. It was bit of struggle since I never really made how-to videos before but I was able to push it through. Here is the result:
At the end of the video, I put the link to parts I used in the video using Amazon Associate program. So the viewers can easier click on the link and purchase the parts that is needed. At the same time, I could get few dollar for commission if they purchase through the link I posted. It’s win win situation for both of us. My plan is to continue to make how to videos and trying to make the internet better place, at the same time, make few bucks.
Tips for Making How To Video
Making how-to video is same as making any other videos. Here are some tips that will help you.
- Before shooting the video, quickly do pre-production by figure out how you are going to layout the video. You may want to ask these questions: What are you going to talk about? What are some of the issues you faced that will be helpful? Where are you going to shoot? Are there good lights? What camera are you going to use? Where you going to put the camera? How are you going to shoot? How can you get the best audio for your video?
- What are you going to talk about? It might be good idea to write down things you want to say, specially if you are doing it for the first time. But if you are having hard time talking in front of camera, you might want to go far as word by word script.
- Remember that you are going to edit things later, so if you make a mistake, just start over from beginning of the sentence. You don’t have to do it from the start of the video.
- Shoot much footage as you can. It is better to have more footage than you need, because you have more freedom in the editing room. If you find out you are missing some shots, it is better to shoot is again instead of just releasing video half done.
- Make the video short as possible with all the points covered. If you are not sure you need to keep certain shots or not, chances are, you probably don’t need it. If are pausing between words, you need to cut all the silences out. So the it flows quickly.
- Get to the point quickly as possible in the beginning of the video. Avoid long intro.
- Good audio is key to good video. Make sure you have good audio and talk slow and clearly. Be sure to look at the camera. If you are having hard time with this, don’t get discouraged. Just keep practicing. I promise you, you’ll get better.
- Make sure, at the end, engage with the audiences by asking them to subscribe and leave a comments.
- Don’t forget to add background music and make the volume low.