Soothing videos – table of contents:

1. What is Generation Z watching? YouTube’s survey results
2. Soothing videos – or what?
3. Peace of mind and mental health – important for Generation Z
4. Needs of Generation Z – summary

What is Generation Z watching? YouTube’s survey results

In August 2022, YouTube’s Culture & Trends team published on its company blog Culture & Trends the results of a study that looked at the viewership of selected categories of videos uploaded to the site among post-Millenials from over 10 different nations from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East). The team discovered that as many as 69% of Generation Z say they often return to creators or content that they find comforting, and 82% watch YouTube to evoke feelings of nostalgia. The most revealing result of the study, however, is that 83% of respondents classified as Generation Z look for so-called “soothing videos” on YouTube. What are these types of videos and why are young people so eager to reach for them?

Soothing videos – or what?

Soothing videos are clips that help relieve stress. The most popular are the so-called ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) clips, i.e. those that evoke a spontaneous response of the sensory meridians. What does this medical term mean? It refers to a sensation of pleasant tingling, mainly in the head and neck area, but sometimes in other parts of the body.

It can represent our body’s reaction (brain activity) in response to delivered visual and auditory stimuli (such as whispering, scraping, whizzing, or even the sound made by a hair dryer). In 2021 alone, they viewed these types of YouTube videos more than 65 billion times, which confirms the fact that people (not just Generation Z) are looking for this type of soothing experience.

Also, young audiences appear to favor nature films and those from the so-called cottage core theme, i.e. showing idyllic life in the countryside, which can also have a soothing function.

Peace of mind and mental health – important for Generation Z

What does the fact that a considerable percentage of Generation Z representatives are searching for “soothing” material on YouTube? indicate? Notably, everyday life causes them a lot of stress, and these types of videos are their way to relax and fall asleep, getting rid of the feelings of anxiety that are the result of, for example, a tense political situation, an economic crisis, the consequences of a pandemic or a climate crisis at the moment. We may also point out that stress among the young derives from overstimulation, too many opportunities, or social pressure, among other things.

For whom should these types of consumer trends be important? Undoubtedly, the marketing people in charge of corporate communications whose target audience is precisely those classified as Generation Z. The awareness of the existence of such a trend – and perhaps even more of the reasons behind it – will allow one to understand the needs of this audience and adjust messages or take better marketing actions. All indications are that Generation Z needs a haven that is free from the anxieties that hound them daily.

Needs of Generation Z – summary

Stress is a phenomenon that none of us can avoid in our lives, but everyone will deal with it in their way. Some choose to exercise, others relax with an evening of Netflix, and yet another group – especially Generation Z – reach for soothing videos, looking for soothing sounds and images to quiet the mind. Has discovering this trend given you a better understanding of who your audience is? If you’d like to harness it for your marketing efforts, consider partnering with a YouTube soothing video creator or forgo another flashy commercial in favor of becalming auditory and visual experiences.

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How to make a simple affiliate marketing video? – table of contents:

1. Videos sell!
2. Shopping haul
3. Tell a story
4. The first impression
5. Look in the mirror!
6. Technical background
7. Lighting
8. Professional video publisher

Videos sell!

Video marketing is breaking records of popularity. Why do we love this form of advertising? How does the video form win over the content? A huge advantage is an impact on the senses. It is also hard to find monotony when there is a picture and sound and all kinds of props involved. You can promote the video in many places.

As a rule, we do not duplicate every word of the content in different communication channels. However, a short note with a link to the material is highly recommended. You won’t upload to YouTube what you upload to Instagram – reverse promotion is a natural procedure, though. Not everyone has time for long reads. After a long day it is easier for us to absorb entertaining content.

Shopping haul

In many environments, the so-called “shopping haul” is quite popular. Surely, you have met with similar material. The person promoting a product shows what he or she bought today. During the recording, a test of the product takes place. This may include, for example, trying on clothes and putting together a styling. A short presentation of a cosmetic product or a comparison of sweet snacks are other popular topics. It is difficult to find a universal principle of operation. The nature of the recording follows the group of recipients and the specifics of the industry. Fashion, cosmetology and food products like comparisons and experiments. Maybe your branch will love them too?

Tell a story

Behind both business and individual customers there is a person. To achieve satisfying results, you need to know your target audience and their needs. Only this way you can convince the viewer that you are advertising something they need. A proper affiliate marketing video should present a neat story. Adequate music, imagery and genuine emotion are mandatory. Your story must also have a specific message. A problem arises and you offer a solution. You can say goodbye to dry hand skin once and for all with a natural cream. Running shoes don’t have to be expensive or elegant dresses uncomfortable.

The first impression

Start with flair. An interesting punchline is one thing. The user has to get to the ending and conclusions. Ask a question, encourage to action (call to action). A clear video description, carefully chosen thumbnail and catchy title are a must. Don’t forget about all these points.

Look in the mirror!

Some of us are born speakers. Others need a moment of preparation to perform. Whatever your character, we recommend that you give yourself a chance to rehearse. Perform in front of yourself. Walk up to a mirror and see your facial expressions. Over time, recording will become completely natural to you. It can get stressful at first but practice makes perfect! Pay attention to your diction. No one likes to have to bend their ear with all their might.

Technical background

Don’t be intimidated by the online community. Don’t worry about the technical background either. The equipment must allow you to record a affiliate marketing video in decent quality – this is obvious. However, you don’t have to be a Hollywood camera owner. Use what you have. The basics are camera/laptop/phone camera, selfie stick/stand, microphone or headphones with microphone. To edit the video, you can make the most of the software available on the web, which we covered in more detail in this article.

Lighting

We know that your affiliate marketing video will be created at home or outdoors – not necessarily in a professional studio. Here are some basic rules to keep in mind.

1. Make sure the background is natural and unobtrusive. A white wall does not look interesting, but a background full of gadgets can distract the viewer’s attention. Classic solutions include a wall with a painting or a bookshelf, for example. In the open air, a meadow or a section of a path will also pass the test.
2. Seek compromise in terms of light. We invariably recommend daylight. Remember that its source should be in front of you, not the other way around. Avoid harsh colors!
3. Despite appearances, recording outdoors can be more difficult. Sunset can result in uninteresting tones. Constantly squinting doesn’t look good either.
4. If you’re performing on camera, stock up on mattifying blotting papers and transparent powder. This is an option for those who choose not to wear makeup (after all, it’s not mandatory).

Read more about this.

Professional video publisher

YouTube video description allows you to add as many affiliate links as you want. You may link not just one beauty product, but five and seven. It all depends on your affiliate agreement. One thing is for sure – YouTube and video marketing are powerful tools. Hence, telling stories with passion will not only be a great way to earn money but also a chance to improve your communication skills.

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How to use YouTube to promote your business? – table of contents:

1. Know your audience
2. Create content that sells
3. Optimize your YouTube videos
4. Create and manage playlists
5. Encourage your viewers
6. Focus on quality
7. Promote your YouTube channel
8. Summary

Know your audience

How to use YouTube? First of all, you must know who you are creating content for. Make sure to find your target audience. Every customer has different needs. For instance, if you are selling sports equipment, you should determine who your model customers are and tailor your content to their expectations. If your customers frequently buy bicycles from you, it may be a good idea to create content concerning this topic.

Create content that sells

If your YouTube channel is going to be an advertisement for your brand or products, it needs to be something like a billboard. Create content that is strictly related to what you do. Don’t get too pushy. Think creatively.

Since we’ve mentioned the example of bicycles, let’s go a step further. Create content that is useful and shows off your product. For example, demonstrate in what conditions a certain bike model will be useful, what its capabilities are and who it will be most suitable for. This will give your audience more information about the product you offer and help them to make a final decision.

Optimize your YouTube videos

What do you need to know about the videos themselves? Let’s break it down into a few points:

• Video description – When you manage to create a good description of your video, users will find it easier to spot it in the maze of similar content. Remember to include all the most relevant information. In this way you will encourage the viewer to stay longer on your channel.
• YouTube business card – A good logo, banner, and other aspects of visual communication are pretty much the basics. Stand out from the crowd by using elements that are aesthetically pleasing and easy to remember. Also, keep in mind that the images you upload should be in high resolution and in the right format.
• Thumbnails – Thumbnails of the videos you upload to your channel are even more important. It’s your job to create thumbnails that are eye-catching, and encourage viewers to click on your feed, even if it appears unexpectedly.
• Channel trailer – When viewers visit your channel, let them be greeted by a compelling, short and informative video that showcases what it is about.

Create and manage playlists

Once you have several videos on your channel, try to group them into themed playlists. When your viewers click on a given playlist, the videos will be played automatically. That way, they will watch one clip till the end, and they will be more likely to watch the next one which is on the playlist.

Encourage your viewers

Almost every youtuber uses such phrases as “subscribe”, “comment on the video”, “thumbs up”, and other similar expressions to improve audience interaction. Of course, many viewers may find it annoying. However, it’s the easiest and the most common way to encourage them to stay longer on your channel.

Focus on quality

Your company and the brand you create need to be strong. Therefore, make sure that the content you upload meet several criteria, such as high image quality, high sound quality, and subject matter.The more professional productions you create, the better.

Promote your YouTube channel

You can promote your channel using a variety of tools. These will include Google Ads and paid campaigns available on YouTube, etc. You can also create skippable in-stream ads, non-skippable ads or masthead ads that appear in search results on the homepage or in related videos.

How to use YouTube – summary

Reaching customers through all possible channels is now a must in the competetive market. Online advertising,whether on YouTube or any other platform, is a reliable and effective way to acquire more leads.

You already know how to use YouTube to promote your business. Other resources: 10 ways to increase your YouTube views.

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How to attract more customers – table of contents:

1. YouTube video marketing
2. Effectiveness of video marketing
3. Video marketing tools
4. Equipment
5. How to make YouTube videos
6. TikTok and Instagram ads
7. Video SEO
8. Summary

YouTube video marketing

Simply speaking, video marketing is all about creating video content that relates to your business or personal brand. Obviously, it involves not only creating materials, but also the adoption of an appropriate strategy. The majority of created videos are shared on company websites, blogs or social media. As you can easily guess, the most popular platform for uploading video content is YouTube.

Let’s assume that someone wants to start a YouTube channel for their business. What actions should they take, what must they pay attention to? Check out our tips:

• introduce your business and show what the company deals with,
• make short and specific guide videos on topics closely related to the company profile,
• host live webinars with experts to discuss current events and answer the questions submitted by Internet users,
• create viral videos and sell your products through humor.

Effectiveness of video marketing

If you don’t know how to attract more customers to your business,video marketing can help you increase website traffic. Blog posts enriched with videos are more interesting and can grab the recipient’s attention, who at that point is not only a reader, but also a viewer. The written form is a completely different medium from the visual form.

Video marketing tools

In order to evaluate whether our marketing activities produce a measurable effect, we should use appropriate tools. For example, programs such as Google Analytics will allow you to analyse traffic and user behavior on your website. Surveys are a quick way to check if people started to recognize your brand. It is also worth reading comments, opinions and reviews to assess customer satisfaction.

Equipment

Viewers are much more likely to reach for content that, apart from catchy slogans and good targeting, has a high production value and impeccable aesthetics. A crackling microphone, poor video resolution – these are the basic worries of beginner video content creators. Sooner or later you will have to do shopping. Look around and buy good equipment.

How to make YouTube videos

How to attract more customers to your business? You should learn how to make YouTube videos. Perhaps your company has an expert in a particular field. Their opinion on a given topic is certainly a valuable source of information. Maybe, a joint project will not only have a marketing, but also substantive value.

Nobody expects you to immediately become a professional filmmaker. However, the expert’s support is always a valuable lesson for everyone who tries their hand at video marketing.

TikTok and Instagram ads

Apart from YouTube, there are also other communication channels, such as TikTok and Instagram. Here, your content can take the form of short presentations, slideshows and funny videos.

Video SEO

When implementing videos on YouTube and other platforms, you need to keep in mind that proper SEO efforts are a priority. The optimal visibility of your content means a greater chance of increased traffic and interaction among viewers. Therefore, you should remember about inserting a video transcript and paying attention to the title and description of your video.

Summary

Nowadays, video marketing is one of the best ways to make your company stand out from other businesses with a similar profile. However, keep in mind that this marketing strategy requires a lot of money and commitment.

Read also:How to overcome stress in front of a video camera?

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How to overcome stress in front of a video camera? – table of contents:

1. Preparation stage
2. Video recordings
3. Take a break
4. Effective communication
5. Good recording conditions
6. Positive thinking

Preparation stage

Before we publish anything or perform live, we must be properly prepared. A good practice is to record yourself a few times to check how you are seen and heard. It should be approached a bit like an exam in college. The more content that we want to convey we know by heart, the better the results of the final recording will be.

Video recordings

Have you rehearsed a few times? Then check if you speak loudly enough and look directly at the camera lens. You should also examine your body language. Fortunately, we are still in the preparation stage. Treat your rehearsals as “working copies”. Don’t worry if you don’t get something right. Keep in mind that you are just rehearsing and your recording can be improved at any time. Every next one will be certainly better!

Take a break

Have you managed to do a few recordings and feel tired? Cool down, do some relaxing exercises, spend a few minutes outside and let your head rest. Coming back to work will be much easier now.

The most important thing is to stop thinking about the recording when you take a break. After all, it forced us to have some rest for a while. The moment does not have to be short – do something you like doing, something that makes you relaxed and lets you forget about the hardships of everyday life. In fact, recording videos is hard work for a lot of people. Beginners can get lost at some point and this is completely understandable.

Effective communication

You can’t see people who you communicate with on the Internet. This is the case with YouTube videos where recipients can only comment on the finished material. They do not witness the creative process. Nevertheless, you should remember to communicate with your viewers effectively. Use personal forms to suit your audience, for example “Ladies and Gentlemen” or “My Dear”.

However, when you need to make a live presentation, for instance, to your contractors, take care of the subject matter. Such speeches do not have to be excessively rhetorical. Obviously, it’s worth making a good impression. Anyway, the most important thing here is the message that you want to convey.

Good recording conditions

Depending on where you are recording, even at home, set up some space where you feel at ease. If you become distracted by people who live with you, the weather outside your window or anything else, then try to eliminate such external factors. Only complete inner peace will guarantee achieving the intended results.

Positive thinking

Beginnings can be hard. Prepare for it. Nevertheless, do not forget to stay positive about the project that you’ve decided to do. Each attempt will bring you closer to the goal that you want to attain.

Now that you know how to overcome stress in front of a camera, check out how to prepare a shooting day: click here.

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Storyboard – table of content:

1. What is a video storyboard?
2. How to create a video storyboard?
3. Why storyboard is worth doing?

What is a video storyboard?

Storyboard is nothing more than a script in a form of collection of drawings – it forms the guideline for the movie producers. It shows what exactly is in the video from the very first to the last scene. Notes and subtitles are attached to all drawings, which makes storyboard look like a typical cartoon strip.

Usually, a storyboard for a short movie is drawn manually, but there are already specialized programs for storyboards, which facilitate creation of more complicated graphics and animations. Among many free programs are: StoryboardThat and Storyboarder. Fully animated storyboard displays not only the content of the movie but the speed and the duration of all subsequent frames.

How to create a video storyboard?

Surely, one can start working on storyboard spontaneously, but well-planned actions bring better results. Sharpen your pencil, ask yourself a few questions regarding the aim of your movie, engage cooperators for brainstorming, and let them asses the results.

Planning stage

Before you start any work on your movie, re-examine your goals. What is the main aim of your movie? Does it have to boost the sales of some particular products, improve recognizability of your brand, or perhaps it should form an instruction for the new employees. Concentration of the main goal allows you to make conscious, sound decisions.

If you are working in a team start the brainstorming session and together make list of all suggestions for the movie. Remember, there are no bad ideas – even the most ridiculous at first concept may be the beginning of something groundbreaking and innovative.

Having the clear vision of the content of your recording, you may order all your scenes chronologically.

Make decisions about the entry scenes, as well as the middle section and the end of the movie. Mark all important points of transition such as: insertions or changes of the background and location.

Start drawing

On the paper board or piece of paper draw series of squares amounted to the number of the most important scenes of your movie. Fill your squares with drawings. For this task it is better to use a pencil (and to have the rubber aside). While drawing don’t worry about the lack of artistic talent – your drawings should be demonstrative and convey your ideas, they don’t have to entice admiration.

Under each of the squares you may attach description of the action or even precise dialogues for the actors. This is the place, where all notes regarding subtitles or voice of the dubbing speaker should go.

Here a few tips:

• generally it is better to present every important in the movie event (change, novelty) as one separate drawing
• adding graphical pointers describing movements of the objects and interactions of the people is beneficial as well
• adding numbers under each scene helps later with referencing.

Re-examine your ideas

Show your newly created storyboard to your cooperators and check their feedback. At this moment, with the accurate plan in front of you, you have all the chances to discuss your ideas for the movie and see if it matches your initial goals. After this make necessary corrections in your storyboard, prepare the setting, invite all the participants and start filming.

Why storyboard is worth doing?

Drawing of the storyboard while creating the video recording may seem one more unnecessary task on the list. Still, it is worth sparing some time on this process because there are at least several benefits of it:

• Organization of your thoughts: at the initial stage of your script’s creation the storyboard helps arrange your thoughts in one sequential string and present them in shape, which allows concentration on your vision.
• Planning of the recording: knowing exactly, what is happening in every minute of the recording helps you to predict, what tools and accessories may be needed during the recording as well as it allows smooth co-ordination of people involved in the production of the film.
• Sharing of ideas: storyboard close at hand provides easy representation of your ideas to your cooperators (they will forgive you your bad drawings) or clients (here storyboard should be made with specialized application).
• Simplification and savings:: storyboard increases efficiency of movie production – it speeds up the whole process, it helps to implement changes and early identify all possible problems. The storyboard limits the amount of unnecessary scenes (usually removed from the movie at the phase of post-production) and allows to concentrate on showing the most important matters.

Undoubtedly, to create a movie that will impress your audience and support your business goals requires great effort. Well-made story board guarantees that you will spend less time and far less effort during the film production process and your work will be better coordinated.

Try for yourself – the storyboard may transform the way you work with your recordings.

Previous articles in video category:

• How To Properly Prepare a Shooting Day?
• Transcription of video recordings – 7 reasons why you should do it

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Creating a professional video with your phone – table of contents :

1. The essential trio – “lights, camera, action!”
2. The play of light. How to record with a phone and illuminate the scenery
3. Light up the exposure. Shooting YouTube videos with your phone
4. Camera. What kind of phone can meet your expectations?
5. Accessories to improve professional video quality
6. Action – it’s the idea and the quality of execution that counts

The essential trio – “lights, camera, action!”

The popular slogan, shouted by directors on movie sets, is not just a clichĂ©. In these three words lies the secret of creating a perfect film production. Focus on how to take into account the lighting, the correct work of the camera and the action, or the movement of actors on the set. That’s how to make our production objectively considered “good enough”. We do not have to have a professional movie camera – a phone will suffice.

The play of light. How to record with a phone and illuminate the scenery

Famous painter, artist and photographer Andy Warhol did not have a camera with a lens that had a resolution in the millions of pixels. He used an outdated Polaroid, with which he took perfect shots. His photographs are still considered masterpieces. Although part of his genius was due to the use of his shutter method, the key to his success was the proper lighting of the photographed objects . The “play of light” allows you to get the most out of your equipment, even in film production.

Light up the exposure. Shooting videos with your phone

A certain number of features render a motion picture captivating. We can distinguish between technical issues and substantive matters. The interplay of these two aspects will ensure that the created material engages the audience. When it comes to the technical issues, namely the lighting of the space, remembering about the appropriate light intensity.

When recording in an office, apartment, or anywhere else, you should position yourself as close as possible to the light source – facing the window.

In the case of creating content in night conditions, you can use a ring lamp or spontaneously and creatively use strong lights, such as store displays.

Camera. What kind of phone can meet your expectations?

To put it bluntly – one that can record and has a clean, scratch-free lens. Unsatisfactory effects associated with poor focus, lack of image stabilization, or poor video color can be “tweaked” using dedicated programs. For this purpose, a movie recording application such as Cinema FV-5, among others, will prove useful. It features a variety of options like the correction of brightness, adjusting ISO, focus settings, or exposure correction. Other recommended programs include Shotlight, Vimeo Create, and iMove.

Accessories to improve professional video quality

Don’t think of switching to bulky, TV-based recording equipment, which – not only is it expensive – but also requires expert operating skills. External accessories will be a hit if we want to professionalize our work at a low cost. Although there are dozens of them for various purposes, we can distinguish a few that are necessary for every home-grown filmmaker:

• lighting – a lamp, also the small version, mounted directly on the recording device, will come in handy,
• stabilization – a mini tripod may turn out to be an effective solution for a screen that shakes too much. It allows you to set the device in a stable position,
• grip – an additional cover with non-slip grips, intuitively mounted on the back of the device, will provide your hand with a firm grip, making it easier for the camera,
• microphone– the one built in the smartphone may prove to be insufficient. The solution is to purchase an external microphone and use headph
• charging– recording several minutes of video bears a significant load on the phone battery. It is worth using a portable power bank for immediate charging.

Action – it’s the idea and quality of execution that counts

Although at the outset avoiding mistakes is impossible, it’s worth professionalizing your skills.

Taking care of the aesthetics of the display, the neat appearance of the speaker, the appropriate script for the speech – these are the basics, without which our materials will be sterile in reception.

For instance, a common beginner mistake is the inappropriate use of zoom. Equally often, it happens that the video is shot on a bad background that blends with the objects. Still, you can avoid many flubs with the help of dedicated accessories. Undoubtedly the content layer is the essence of any professional video production, also one that’s the hardest to modify, so don’t forget to put the most effort into what you have to communicate, not how.

Prepare a Shooting Day – table of contents:

1. The basis for starting the recording
2. Production department
3. Director’s department
4. Camera and photography
5. Sound production
6. Make-up and scenography departments
7. Who else is responsible for the final recording?
8. Summary – how to align the work of all departments

The basis for starting the recording

It all starts with the script – the text determines the appearance of the characters in our clip, the scenery, and the mood that will prevail. It also enables you to properly prepare a plan of work at subsequent stages of production. Then the director can make final corrections to the script so it’s coherent and in line with his vision.

Screenplay and storyboard – these are extremely important elements, especially in large feature projects. They form a blueprint for the director and cinematographer to create images resembling how the shots will look during the shooting. Others involved in the project can prepare props, set design, and those responsible for post-production and special effects can work on their part, all thanks to a well-prepared screenplay and storyboard. The director of photography sketches a storyboard and looks for the locations to shoot. When the script is ready and the director has chosen a cast, a screenplay and a storyboard. What comes next?

Calendar – a general production plan that is later converted into what is called a CALL SHEET, or otherwise known as the Work Plan for the day. This document is essential for each department, cast and producer. It helps to see the work schedule for a given period, but also the detailed daily plan to facilitate the preparation of the entire team.

People on set

Let’s go back to who is on set in general and what they are responsible for. The people working on the film can be divided into a few main departments.

Production department

This department is made up of people who do most of the pre-production and then make sure that the actual production goes according to plan and without problems.

1. Producer – this is the person to whom comes a director or screenwriter who wants to create a new project. They deal with the creation of the crew (which we will get to in a moment) and “look” for money, for example in the PISF (National Institute of Film Art), but also among potential sponsors.
2. Production manager– is the most important person in the production department after the producer. They establish such things as budgets for individual members of the crew, permits for shooting, prepares contracts with their assistant, time of shooting included in the calendar and all the smallest details that allow for smooth work without any slip-ups.
3. Plan Manager – based on the calendar and especially the work plan, the plan manager coordinates the work of the entire team. Sounds easy? It’s not.

Apart from the fact that the crew may count up to several dozen people or even more, the set manager has to organize each shooting day. They appear on the set first, or even a day before, to prepare for possible problems, such as neighboring construction sites during the outdoor shooting, lack of parking spaces, or difficult entrance to the shooting area. In addition, the CAMP should be prepared, i.e. the place where catering vehicles, dressing rooms or power generators will be directed.

The manager is responsible for ensuring that everything runs according to plan, mitigates potential conflicts and leads to the successful implementation of the scenes scheduled for the day.

Director’s department

1. Director

The person responsible for the artistic vision of the project. It is important that he can focus on his work directly, without being distracted by other things that are happening on the set. Depending on his experience, he can allow himself more or less freedom to bend the script.

2. 2nd director

The scheduling support for director is the 2nd director, who takes care of smaller matters such as answering questions from episodes, preparing extras, generally supports the director by drawing attention to himself, and thus allows him to concentrate fully on the execution of his work.

3. Script

A character found on television productions, feature films and commercials. He makes sure that the post-production process maintains the continuity of the scenery, and also pays attention to such details as holding objects in the same hand. This role is substantial for many reasons, one of which is avoiding slip-ups that can hamper film’s reception and reputation.

Camera and photography

Right after the director comes the director of photography. They compose the story with appropriately chosen frames and lighting and describe exactly where the cameras will be. Most often you can meet them in the director’s room at the previews. The director of cinematography, as they are also called, are people with great experience in the camera and lighting.

In addition, the photo division is made up of people such as:

• Seamstress or camera operator – is in close contact with the cinematographer. Their task is to realize the picture according to the arrangements and vision of the director of the picture;
• Focus puller is the person who is responsible for what object or person the image will be sharpened on. He or she agrees on this with the cinematographer. This requires great precision and concentration.
• Camera assistant – takes general care of the camera and the equipment directly related to it. They make sure that the cards are formatted, the batteries are always charged, sets the parameters set and lenses and filters changed. Depending on the size and sophistication of the production, they may also act as a sharpener.
• Lighting engineer (or gaffer) – determines with the director of the image what lighting units to use in the implementation of the scene. Together with his team (called skylights) prepares the light, as well as the elements that send natural light, which by its variability is not used in large productions.

Sound production

Here, the number of people is quite limited, and their job comes down to delivering dialogue at the highest possible level and catching unwanted sounds such as a shoe rustling, a phone vibrating in your pocket, or a plane flying overhead.

On large sets, the production designer stays in the director’s room and the rest of the work is done by an assistant (otherwise known as a microphone technician), who takes care of the best possible placement of the micro ports on the clothes or body of the performers and sticks during the shots in close cooperation with the seamstress so that he can be as close as possible to the person playing, but remain invisible in the frame.

On smaller sets, the filmmaker occupies both functions outlined above.

Make-up and scenography departments

1. Characters – are often underestimated, and in practice turn out to be extremely important, because it is thanks to them that we see the final appearance of the characters. Characterization is not limited to popular powdering but is several indispensable elements that build the reality of the character. Thanks to them, the face of actors does not reflect the light, and in other cases, we are able to believe that they were beaten or refused to live.
2. Costumes – this division is shared by various people, although each is responsible for the final result. The main costume designer, together with the director, creates collections for the entire cast, and then before the start of the shooting, costume fittings and corrections are made. On the set, in turn, they are responsible for maintaining the costumes in impeccable condition during the shooting, they hide sweat stains and take care of the cleanliness and neatness of the clothes, i.e. washing, drying and ironing.
3. Production designer – a person who is responsible for how much we can believe in the reality of the scenery and props used on the set. They construct scenery, create the necessary props according to the vision of the director. You can also find an interior decorator especially when the objects appearing in the scenes are unusual.

Who else is responsible for the final recording?

In the end – a person not always appreciated on film sets, who has a special role of preparing everything that was planned by the set manager and the production designer. Often moves in a car with a large capacity in which you can find almost everything. Takes care of repairing all technical failures. He is usually equipped with the necessary tools, tapes and everything that will help to improve the work of other divisions.

Of course, let’s not forget about the people who are crucial to the creation of the film – the actors.

Each of the risers consists of at least several people. During the shoot, all the risers are in constant radio communication and also each riser has its own individual channel.

The process of pre-production, production and post-production is an extremely complicated machine that will work smoothly only if we prepare for shooting in a solid way with attention to the smallest details. The production department works hard to make sure that the set crew has the highest possible comfort of work and avoids any problems. Everything is based on cooperation, mutual respect and communication.

Summary – how to align the work of all departments

Working on feature films, television productions, or commercials means at least a 12-hour work schedule, and for people like set managers, camera assistants, and set supervisors, it means extra hours before shooting begins and after the last scene scheduled for the day.

It is crucial to prepare for the project from the production side in all respects, the shooting schedule and the sequence of recordings are the basis of a well-produced material. Additional people on set, sometimes are necessary and cutting costs negatively affects the entire process of shooting.

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YT video editing programs – table of contents:

1. Why is editing of primary importance in the context of content variety?
2. Is editing YouTube videos difficult?
3. YT video editing app – free or paid?
4. Paid programs for YT video editors
5. Free video editing software
6. Mobile app for editing videos on YT – which is the best?
7. Summary
8. Video editing programs – Key questions

Why is editing of primary importance in the context of content variety?

Editing videos on YT is the process of cutting, modifying, and pasting individual pieces of footage into a whole. It also includes other activities, such as adding visual effects or uploading a soundtrack, which is the background of the material.

Editing is the final stage of creating a youtube production. It can be compared to renovating an apartment: at the beginning, we define the goal, budget, and method of implementation (pre-production). Then we go on to buy particular materials and start working (production). The last step is the finishing work, as well as any corrections that will help achieve the intended purpose (postproduction).

The assembly in this case will be all the actions that we take on ongoing basis, at each stage of the work. At some point, we will have to change something, reduce the amount of a particular factor, or make appropriate corrections. Assembly allows, among other things:

• personalizing the raw material;
• framing the relevant parts of the video;
• trimming, stretching, and modifying lengths;
• adding a soundtrack or removing it altogether;
• censoring situations that should not be in the final production.

Is editing YouTube videos difficult?

Editing interesting productions for YouTube does not require above-average manual skills. However, something else is needed: a vision of a perfect whole. The creator faces the need to compose all the components in such a way that the final material feels complete to the viewer.

It’s all about skillfully cutting parts of the video, adding a soundtrack and making the content more attractive with dedicated effects – so that the whole thing is not chaotic, but orderly and attractive.

The exceptions are productions based on live reports, or those that are specifically created to be clumsy (YouTuber Klocuch is a good example of intentionality in this context).

YT video editing app – free or paid?

The main differences are functionality and usability.

Free video editing programs often do not have technical support, guaranteed by the manufacturer. For expert tutorials or training on editing techniques on the most popular, free applications, we will have to pay extra.

Using paid programs for editing videos on YT, we gain, first of all, access to an extensive user interface. In this case, you will be covered by technical support if any problems with the operation of the software occur.

Some features may, perversely, work against premium programs. A novice filmmaker will benefit more from simplified applications without extensions than from those designed strictly for professionals.

Paid programs for YT video editors

For a professional editor for film processing/editing, we will have to pay from several dozen to several hundred dollars. Some applications, such as Adobe Premier Pro (used by professional creators and even television companies), work in the form of a subscription. Monthly costs oscillate around 20-30 $ per month.

An extremely important aspect of professional programs is that they provide a huge scope for creative developers. Applications are usually very complex, and the process of learning and acquiring knowledge from tutorials can take weeks. Some of the most popular paid editing programs include:

• Vegas Pro,
• Adobe Premier Pro,
• COREL VideoStudio,
• VSDC Video Editor Pro 6,
• Movavi Video Editor Plus.

Free video editing software

Free video editing programs are software designed for easy and fast editing of uncomplicated footage. Unlike paid versions, free applications are devoid of some plugins, extensions or interfaces. There are a few exceptions from these, such as Shotcut or Kdenlive. The creators of the software regularly update the base of add-ons, thanks to which the user can professionalize his work without spending a penny. The best free video editing programs include:

• Lightworks,
• Avidemux,
• DaVinci Resolve,
• Kdenlive,
• VSDC Free Video Editor.

Mobile app for editing videos on YT – which is the best?

There are also mobile applications that can instantly make your holiday video blog or a video recorded outside your home more attractive. The iMovie program is dedicated and adapted only for iOS devices or Mac OS. If we, on the other hand, are the owners of smartphones with Android, we can then use CyberLink PowerDirector. The basic functions of the software are free of charge, for gaining more capabilities, we will be obliged to pay up to a few hundred dollars.

Summary

Today, virtually anyone can become a YouTuber – all you need is a smartphone, an original idea and efficient editing of the material. The latter can help reduce the weaknesses of the recording device, make an already interesting idea more engaging or attract new viewers to the group of subscribers. Creators can choose between simple and free editing software or complex and paid applications for professional editing.

Check out our previous article in the series “Running a business on YouTube” here.

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Choosing the right microphones for recording- table of contents:

1. Who is most likely to succeed in YT?
2. Microphones for recording – universal or with a specific purpose?
3. What is the biggest problem in choosing microphones for recording?
4. Alternative voice recording option
5. Microphones for recording – Key questions

Who is most likely to succeed in YT?

A unique idea and a vision for its implementation is one thing. The second issue is technical factors that can verify the efforts of ambitious creators. In the era of constant implementation of new technologies the average viewer expects high-quality stimuli that attract his or her attention.

It is enough to take a look at the works of leading ranking YouTubers to see fully professional equipment in their productions. The times when you could make a name for yourself by publishing content recorded with a smartphone of dubious quality without the use of, for example, ambient noise reduction in the sound recording device, are long gone. Investing in a professional streaming camera or a good microphone for a YouTuber is essential.

But what will be the characteristics of “good” equipment? Is there any objective basis for saying that the equipment will bring us success?

• The data is clear: the biggest YouTubers, who boast a high number of subscribers, use professional sound recording equipment.
• Sound quality is of great importance in terms of attracting viewers – voice modulation, recording clarity, noise reduction eliminates problems with conveying valuable content to your viewers.
• Good sound quality and clarity are essential – it gives the creator confidence and professionalizes the channel.

Microphones for recording – universal or with a specific purpose?

It’s no surprise that the most popular video creators on the Internet use at least a few microphones of various types. Some of them have a typical streaming purpose and are used, for example, to report gameplays from computer games. Others are used for studio recording, which makes them useful in the context of conducting interviews, recording podcasts or creating static video blogs.

Just as often, we can see so-called clip-ins, or professional tie microphones, which are characterized by omnidirectionality and are invaluable when you need to collect sounds coming from different directions (for example, when creating content outdoors).

A professional YouTuber has at least a few sound recording devices in his or her closet. Buying good equipment is a significant financial expense, but in most cases getting a device can be included in the cost of doing business. So if you run a one-person company, focused on creating content for multimedia portals, the purchase of a microphone can be safely included in the costs of running the business.

What is the biggest problem in choosing microphones for recording?

A big obstacle is the price barrier, which can scare novice creators. The financial expense for a good quality microphone is in the range of several hundred to several thousand dollars.

While in most cases the purchase of a device can be counted as part of doing business, in the case of an investment in a very expensive microphone, not commensurate with industry standards, the term “representation costs” may be triggered. These, according to the legal regulations, cannot be counted as business expenses.

What kind of microphone for recording will be suitable if our budget is not exorbitant? Let’s focus on the three most important parameters:

• The type of transducer used.

You can choose between condenser, dynamic, electret and digital microphones. Dynamic microphones have the simplest design and are able to withstand heavy loads and maintain effective performance even in the case of very high noise. Condenser microphones are the second recommended choice. These recorders are extremely sensitive to sound and are characterized by high sound quality – they are used in studio recording, among other things.

• Practical use.

For gamers streaming their struggles, computer microphones will be the optimal solution. In the case of music creators, it is worth using vocal recorders. Journalists and video bloggers recording outdoors will usually use tie and reporter microphones. When creating content in a studio, a studio sound recorder will prove invaluable.

• The direction of the sound collection.

The most popular microphones for recording are those with cardioid or condenser characteristics. A cardioid recorder is a good microphone for recording sounds from one direction, while a condenser mic is able to record sounds omnidirectionally. The difference is important in terms of the specifics and type of video creation.

Alternative voice recording option

In less demanding semi-professional productions you can successfully use a small microphone for recording, which has been built in another peripheral device. We are talking about popular gaming headsets or webcams with voice recorders. However, due to the need for miniaturization of equipment, while maximizing their usability, built-in microphones may prove to be insufficient in the creation of ambitious video projects.

The sound quality leaves a lot to be desired, and the lack of additional features, such as noise reduction or equalization, can have a negative impact on the final output on YouTube. Therefore, it can be said that the more professional equipment we have, the more effectively we “grow” in the eyes of the audience.

Check out our previous article in the series “Running a business on YouTube” here.

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Video lighting for YouTube – issues discussed:

1. Why is proper lighting so important?
2. How does light affect the viewer’s perception?
3. Is professionalizing your recordings a good way to make your channel popular on YT?
4. Video lighting for Youtube – types and alternative options
5. Video lighting for YouTube – Key questions

Why is proper lighting so important?

Beginning internet creators face the huge challenge of adjusting their film sets to their personalized needs. It’s no wonder that choosing the best tools, techniques, and lighting configurations can be a daunting task for youtube novices.

The main issue usually concerns the camera. It is the one, in the opinion of many creators, that is the most essential device in terms of providing good video quality. And while the recording equipment is of undeniable importance, it is not unconditionally essential.

Lighting is more important – if we can illuminate the frame well, emphasize the emotions and highlight the desired details with lamps and accessories, our production will always look good. The quality and functionality of the camera then recede into the background.

How does light affect the viewer’s perception?

Good quality video lighting will allow us to systematize the conditions that will prevail in the place of filming. Then we get a constant and certain look of the scene, which we plan to illuminate.

If we record video blogs, then standardizing the look of the scenery by proper lighting of our characters combined with the use of light modifiers will contribute to a better reception of our production.

Manipulating lighting can evoke specific emotions in the audience, set the right tone for the film and build the desired mood.

Lighting for recording on YT not only helps to illuminate the area so that the camera can record more effectively, but it is also a tool for building a story, creating tension and creating a unique style.

• A recording device needs much more light to properly record scenery than the human eye can see. This is why scene lighting is so important.
• The video lighting configuration sets the tone for the story. By placing the lamp at eye level we in a way “uncover” ourselves in front of the viewer, while the light set at an angle, from the side, adds a pinch of drama to the whole shot.
• The manipulation of contrasts helps to emphasize those elements of the set which are to attract the viewer’s attention. Using the right lighting we can focus the viewer’s attention on certain elements, or draw them away from others.

Is professionalizing your recordings a good way to make your channel popular on YT?

The scale of popularity of this multimedia service and the fact that virtually anyone who can effectively implement their idea for a channel can exist on YouTube are sufficient reason to begin youtubing.

If we go through the works of the most prominent YouTubers we will quickly conclude that they are professional creators, using expert recording equipment for the production of their films. The recordings use proven lighting techniques by implementing drawing, filling and auxiliary lamps.

Professional video lighting for YouTube often includes more than a dozen disparate elements, with light-emitting devices positioned either at the front, back, or ceiling of the recording studio.

Video lightinh for Youtube – types and alternative options

Proper configuration of lighting elements should consist of several parts. The main aspect is the key light, which is placed relatively close to the camera, usually on one of its sides.

In some cases, this type of light can be applied frontally, thus reducing the number of shadows visible on the subject. This technique is usually used by beauty bloggers – in makeup tutorials, close-ups of the face are as desirable as possible, and the best effect is achieved by using ring lights.

The second element is the filling light, which eliminates possible shadows. It aims to diffuse the light and evenly fill the space with a delicate glow. Many artists use softboxes, which work exceptionally well in this context.

The third element is the backlight, which separates the element being recorded from the background. Professional lighting for YouTube videos will consist of these three elements mentioned above.

• The lighting used on YouTube will depend on the nature and subject of our recordings. To the specialization of the channel, we also adjust the way of placing the camera and the light, or the type of lighting used.
• One of the most useful ways to achieve a good lighting effect is a rail set or so-called YouTube rail lighting. Spotlights installed on the rail can be freely rotated, changing their lighting direction, making it a highly practical solution.
• The purchase of lighting equipment is an expensive financial expense. An expert set will cost up to several thousand zlotys. Part of the cost can be safely reduced by including the price of the equipment in the cost of doing business. The condition is to have a company whose business is based on the creation of videos on YouTube. Reducing costs can also involve making your lighting equipment.You don’t need great skills to make your own makeshift LED ring light, or to create an effective softbox with a fabric frame.

Check out our previous article in the series “Running a business on YouTube” here.

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]]> /is-good-video-lighting-necessary/feed 0 /youtube-video-description /youtube-video-description#respond Wed, 17 Nov 2021 10:55:01 +0000 /?p=19530 Even though YouTube is the largest video-sharing site in the world that has bred a plethora of successful enterprises, producing an attractive and popular video and joining them requires a lot of effort. It depends not only on the visuals and content of your videos but also on the title, description and credits. The content is always the most important, as they say, it’s king, but it’s also what you put in the description that may determine the position in search results and whether viewers will stay with you until the end of the video. What should the description include? What other elements influence the positioning of your content?

YouTube Video Description – issues discussed:

1. YouTube video description – why is it crucial and what is its function?
2. What should the description of a video on YT contain so that it reaches your viewer?
3. Youtube description – what other elements to include
4. YouTube video descriptions – what to avoid?
5. YouTube video descriptions – Key questions


YouTube video description – why is it crucial and what is its function?

For most viewers, by far the most important element in deciding whether to stay on your video for longer is the introduction, or more specifically, the first 30 to 90 seconds. If you fail to capture their attention in that time, the chances of them continuing to watch your content and ultimately subscribing to your channel drastically decrease. However, elements such as description, title and hashtags also have an impact on how many people choose to click on your video when selecting it from search results. It’s also the place they pay attention to after watching your video – for example, looking for a link to your social media or links to future content.

It matters not only how many people read or don’t read descriptions, but the text on your page is also very important for YouTube positioning algorithms. It is based on the description, tags, or title that they will be able to match your material to the user’s query in the search engine. A properly optimized YouTube description can be an effective tool in attracting new visits (especially from those who are not yet subscribed to your channel), as well as in redirecting viewers to your social media.

What should the description of a video on YT contain so that it reaches your viewer?

Of course, the content you create won’t reach all audiences. So it’s best to target the group of users on the portal who might be interested in your content. For this to happen, your video description should contain at least three elements:

• a summary or clue of the inserted material, which will be visible under the title – especially important for users who use the search engine and thanks to the information contained there will be more likely to click on your material. Including a reasonable amount of key phrases can also be very important for search engine algorithms, but you should avoid over-saturating the description with them as the Internet giant is sensitive to such practices,
• links – especially if you use other social media in your business – Facebook, Instagram or Tweeter. It is under the description of your video that is the best place to encourage your viewers to visit and stay with you for longer. It’s also in the description that it’s best to include links to source materials (research, media articles) that you refer to in your material. It’s worth using shorteners to make them look a little more accessible.
• until recently, the popular Youtube tags were almost completely replaced by hashtags, which are known from other social networking sites for searching specific groups of materials. You can use them both in the title of the video and its description, but remember not to overdo it and make sure they are related to the actual content of the video, and not just added to increase its popularity. Search engine algorithms do not like this and it can significantly decrease your video’s results. Properly used hashtags will help users searching for content on a specific topic find your video.

Youtube description – what other elements to include

An increasingly popular feature that viewers will undoubtedly appreciate is a table of contents with links to a specific section. When viewers click on it, they are taken directly to the relevant part of the video, which allows them to find what they are looking for faster. This works well e.g. instructional videos or reviews, but using this option enlivens almost all materials.

When preparing a video description on YouTube, it’s also worth remembering that they are divided into two parts – the one you can see right away and the one that appears only after you click “Show more”. The first part should be interesting for the viewer and the second part should contain more technical elements such as links, hashtags, or table of contents. This will make the description clearer and more attractive to the viewer.

In addition to the description itself, the title of the video is also important – if chosen skillfully, it will not only encourage viewers to read the content, but it will also be a hint as to what they can expect. Thanks to this more of them will watch your content to the end, which will improve your position in search results (videos that are not watched to the end are positioned worse by the algorithms). The title should work with the description, providing a clear and concise answer about the video content they are describing.

A fairly new and increasingly common tool are cards that are displayed while watching a video. With the right formatting, they can be a natural complement to the content discussed and combined with a call to action, they can be an effective tool to encourage viewers to read other content (also on channels you collaborate with), subscribe, or visit your company website.

An extension of this idea is also the end screens, which can appear in the last 5 to 20 seconds of a video and can redirect to further content on the channel, promote your website, products or campaigns you are participating in.

YouTube video descriptions – what to avoid?

In the pursuit of new viewers, it’s not hard to make mistakes – some of them may result in the removal of the video from the site, while others may simply worsen the results. Any bending of reality, e.g. by adding hashtags that have no relation to the content of the video or misleading descriptions and titles will be easily detected by the algorithms.

Even if for a moment you manage to gain more visitors in this way, the profit would be poor, because they will not watch the content until the end, which will translate into advertising revenue. Moreover, not misleading your viewers is one of the requirements for your content to be featured in the “tab for the time” – which would bring you a bigger audience.

You should also scrutinize your descriptions, hashtags and titles for vulgarities, sexual and erotic overtones, and potentially offensive content. Their presence may not only discourage potential advertisers from establishing cooperation but even result in removing the material from the website.

Another common mistake is overloading descriptions, tags, titles, or hashtags with keywords. Contrary to what you may think, this will not improve your position; once recognized by search engines, it will significantly worsen the chances of your added video being found.

Check out our previous article in the series “Running a business on YouTube” here.

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