In today’s digital landscape, video content has become an incredibly powerful communication tool. Research shows that viewers retain an impressive 95% of a message when watching it in video format, compared to only 10% when reading text. Despite this advantage, many individuals and businesses hesitate to create videos due to misconceptions about cost and complexity. With modern video editor online platforms like InVideo, anyone can create professional-looking videos in minutes, even without prior experience.
This guide covers the essentials of video creation, from planning to production, with specific techniques for YouTube and instructional videos.
Building Blocks of Making a Good Video
Find Topics to Create Videos On
Start by answering four critical questions to guide your topic selection process:
First, consider what you genuinely want to talk about. Create two lists: topics you’re passionate about and areas where you have expertise. The intersection reveals your sweet spot—topics you can discuss with both enthusiasm and authority.
Next, clearly define your audience. Develop detailed personas outlining demographics, pain points, and specific interests. For instance, beginner photographers will have different needs than professionals seeking advanced techniques.
Understanding what your audience is actively searching for is equally important. Use platform search features like YouTube’s auto-suggestions to discover popular queries. Type initial keywords and note the suggestions that appear, studying successful videos ranking for these terms.
Finally, analyze top-performing content to identify information gaps. Watch critically and review comments to spot unanswered questions—these represent opportunities for your content to provide unique value.
Plan Your Production
Transform your ideas into an actionable production plan by developing a comprehensive script that outlines content, visuals, and timing. Consider creating a storyboard to visualize your narrative before filming begins. Simple sketches are sufficient to map out camera angles and scene composition.
Develop a detailed shooting schedule that accounts for filming dates, times, and equipment needs. Include buffer time for unexpected delays. Before filming, conduct location reconnaissance to identify potential challenges with lighting, framing, and logistics.
Shooting the Video
Different video types require specific equipment setups:
For first-person videos (speaking directly to camera):
- Camera: Webcam, smartphone (12MP+), or camcorder
- Stabilization: Simple tripod
- Lighting: Basic ring light
- Audio: Shotgun or lavalier microphone
For product showcases and reviews:
- Camera: Smartphone or dedicated camera
- Stabilization: Fluid-head tripod for smooth movements
- Lighting: Ring light or softboxes based on set size
- Audio: Quality directional microphone
When shooting, always charge all equipment batteries, prepare necessary permissions, configure cameras to your target format, conduct sound and light tests, and review final shots before changing setups.
How to Make Video Edits
For beginners, online platforms like InVideo offer significant advantages through pre-built templates, royalty-free media libraries, and intuitive interfaces. These accessible tools make professional-looking results possible without extensive training.
More advanced creators might prefer Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro for greater control, while After Effects enables sophisticated visual effects. Your choice should align with your technical comfort level and project complexity.
Adding Sound Effects and Music
Quality audio dramatically improves viewer engagement. Select background music that complements your content without overwhelming it. Consider recording voice-over narration to guide viewers through information, speaking clearly at a moderate pace in a quiet environment.
Add strategic sound effects to emphasize key moments, but use them sparingly. When combining audio elements, maintain careful balance—background music should support rather than compete with narration.
How to Make a YouTube Video
YouTube success requires understanding platform-specific optimization techniques. Begin with thorough keyword research, using YouTube’s search suggestions as starting points. Analyze search volumes and competition using tools like Ahrefs or VIDIQ.
Optimize your videos by crafting strategic titles that include your primary keyword while remaining compelling. Create detailed descriptions that utilize the first 30-50 words effectively for search visibility. Design custom thumbnails with bright colors, human elements, and minimal text to maximize click-through rates.
Add relevant tags starting with your primary keyword, then expand to related terms. Implement interactive cards and end screens to encourage continued engagement with your content.
How to Make an Instructional Video
Instructional videos build audience trust while providing tangible value. These educational assets come in several formats:
- Micro videos (under one minute) for single concept demonstrations
- How-to videos (2-10 minutes) for comprehensive step-by-step guides
- Explainer videos for concept clarification
- Presentation videos that enhance slideshow content
- Screencast recordings showing digital processes
Creating effective instructional content requires minimal specialized equipment—just an online editing platform, screen recording software, a decent webcam, and a microphone for clear audio.
To create instructional videos with InVideo, start by identifying the appropriate format based on your purpose and platform destination. Create a conversational script, then use text-to-video features to generate an initial storyboard. Assemble visual elements from stock libraries or your own recordings, arranging scenes logically with smooth transitions.
Add text overlays to highlight key points and record clear narration. Finish with subtle background music, then review for clarity before exporting in the optimal format for your target platform.
By following these guidelines, you can create professional-quality videos that effectively communicate your message without specialized training or expensive equipment. The key is to start with thoughtful planning, leverage user-friendly online tools, and focus consistently on delivering value to your viewers.
Whether you’re creating content for social media, business presentations, or YouTube growth, these fundamental principles will help you produce engaging videos that achieve your communication goals. The democratization of video creation through accessible online editors has opened new possibilities for creators at every skill level—all that’s required is your unique perspective and the willingness to begin.