Preparing To Film. Learning To Edit

Today I was watching some YouTube tutorials about how to edit and film and setup lighting and audio for YouTube videos and I realize I have no idea how to edit even using iMovie (which is apparently considered an easy to learn program).

I have learned a few things to consider when filming and editing videos and I must say I find it a bit overwhelming.

I thought I'd just share a little (tiny bit) of the things I've managed to pick up on during my research/learning curve.

1. Don't Use A Script. Use Bullet Points

You don't want your focus to be on the words you've written out. You want to talk to your audience like you're talking to a friend. Some tutorials even suggest you not address a large audience by saying things like "you guys" or "you all" and just stick to saying "you" because you want your audience members to each feel like you're talking to them specifically.

You also don't want your video to come out sounding choppy or "scripted" because your goal is to build trust. Using bullet points keeps your thoughts focused, but also flowing, like a natural conversation.

2. Look At Your Lens, Not Yourself

Have you ever watched a YouTube video and the person looks like they're looking off-camera somewhere? That's because they're looking at themselves on whatever screen they have setup and it can be distracting because we as viewers are wondering what they're looking at.

Would you look off to the side if you were talking to one of your best friends about something? Most likely you wouldn't, so when filming, try to look at the actual camera lens, whether it be your phone or an actual camera.

It'll feel more personal to your viewers and you'll be able to help you resonate your message with your viewers.

3. Lights! Sound! ACTION!

While you don't have to spend a fortune on filming equipment when starting out (you can always upgrade later if you choose) but you definitely (according to what I've learned) want to make sure everyone can see and hear you clearly.

I'm sure you've seen videos with bad lighting and sound quality and even if what they were saying was informative and helpful, the lack of quality made it really hard to focus on what they were saying and you probably moved on to the next video without finishing the video.

The only way to improve is to start.

I'm guilty of hesitating to start in the past because I've been watching my favorite YouTubers for years and I want my video quality to be, not like theirs per say, but REALLY good.

Unfortunately, the only way to improve your videos is to start. We have to start somewhere, even if you end up with a cheesy intro and seem nervous on camera (I know I won't be nervous as long as I am able to keep from losing focus because I can ramble).

My point is, you'd be surprised what people enjoy watching on YouTube and just like your website, it's going to take time to build a successful YouTube channel, but the only way to get to where you want to be is to tackle this learning curve.

4. Be Yourself

Don't try to pretend you're someone else. YOU are your brand and the only way to make your brand stand out is to be who you are naturally.

Otherwise, you're going to have to spend the rest of your YouTube career as someone else and since it's not your goal to be an actor or actress, this wouldn't be a good idea.

You're not playing a role, you're delivering a message and you want your message to be sincere. It can't be sincere if you're too busy focusing on staying in character.

YOU are the character and the character is YOU.

5. Don't Try To Sell. Don't Seek Perfection

Have fun with your videos. If you're geeky, be geeky. Don't focus on selling products because people are gonna be able to tell and they won't trust you if you're just trying to sell them products right out of the gate. Your goal should be to offer them something, whether it's advice or entertainment.

Don't seek perfection. Focus on getting your message across clearly, but authentically, just as you are doing with your website(s).

6. Be Consistent

Don't just film, edit and upload one or two videos (or even ten videos) and expect your channel to grow. You have to (again, just like with your website) consistently upload content, but in order to do that you need to figure out what time works best for you to sit down and focus.

Last, but certainly not least:

7. Try Bulk Filming

If you only have one or two days a week to film (as I do) one YouTuber suggested you bulk film your videos, especially if it's informational content or advice.

You'll FEEL like a celebrity because you'll likely want to change outfits or shirts prior to each new film.

Bulk filming will give you time to edit and then upload each week. For example, if you film 4 videos in one day, you will be able to edit them and upload a video each week, even if you don't actually have time to film and edit once a week.

The only thing left to do after filming is to edit, so you're decreasing the work load of a single day.

I'm so excited to get started this Friday and I'm also nervous about learning the editing process.