This video is going to be fun because it will help you share your experiences. You learned how to write a how-to guide in an earlier post. Now you have to record a how-to video. Before recording, let us discuss quality.
Many people assume that quality can be achieved only through technical elements in a video. However, on YouTube, the real measurement of quality is content. So, be sure that you concentrate on your content rather than get distracted by the technical aspects. You can have a great video with the right lighting and sound set-up. Let’s quickly look at the recording set-up so that you can focus on your content.
Table of Contents
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Recording Set-Up
Lighting
The ideal lighting set-up for recording a video is 3-point lighting. It is super easy. You have to ensure three lighting sources to help your video look bright and right. The first one should be the key light at 45 degrees from the camera, the second will be the fill light that will be placed opposite to the key light so that it brightens the shadows caused by the key light, and the third will be placed between you and the background to separate you from the wall. This will help guide the viewer’s eyes to focus on you and what you are saying. A simple 3-point lighting can convert your video from ordinary to high quality.
Sound
Try using a noise-canceling microphone so that ambient noise is not captured in the video. If you are low on budget, you can also use the microphone in the earphone of your mobile. Just try not to record your voice without any specific device. The recording device ensures that your voice is loud and clear.
Recording Quality Content
1. Keep It Simple and Informative
Before recording, prepare yourself to use simple language. You have to guide your viewers through a series of steps to make it easy to understand. Furthermore, ensure that your script is informative. Try not to deviate from the core topic. If your video is about “How to Record a How-to Video,” then do not deviate and talk about writing a how-to guide. You can just use a sentence to direct the audience to another video that will help them write, but for this video, just focus on the selected topic.
2. Add Visuals
YouTube videos should be visually interesting. If the how-to video involves just you talking about the steps, then it could get boring. Adding visuals at few points helps you retain viewers for the whole video. Furthermore, the how-to guide is more understandable with visual representation. Take your audience through the whole experience. Don’t just say how to do it – show them how to do it.
If you are making a how-to guide in the technical field, then you can do two things:
- either screen record the whole process and add your voice over instructing through the video,
- or just narrate the process in front of the camera and add screenshots to help the viewer understand each step better.
3. Don’t Rush
If your video is informative and interesting, then people will watch the whole clip. On the other hand, if you are rushing and just saying the names of the steps and then moving ahead in an attempt to make a shorter video, then it won’t work. A quick how-to video sometimes catches viewers, but the in the end, it proves to be useless. You aim to explain the process and help viewers complete it. So, do not be in a hurry and elaborate wherever needed.
4. Provide Alternatives
Many of how-to videos miss this point. It is the step that will allow a viewer to connect with the video. Incorporate numerous scenarios in your video. Put yourself in the shoes of your viewers and think of alternative steps. Giving them choice puts them in positions of power and people love to be in power. So, don’t present a rigid set of steps. Wherever you can cut some slack and provide them with an alternative, just do it. For example, if your how-to guide is about assembling personal computers, then try to incorporate alternative tools that can be used in the process. Use sentences like “If you don’t have this, then you can also work with that”, “Don’t worry if you don’t know how to use this – this other tool is equally compatible.”
Also, try new things and see if a step can be performed in two different ways. If the experiment is successful, then tell your viewers that there are two ways to do this action; choose what fits you the best. Small details like these catch the attention of viewers and makes them realize that you care for them. In return, they might appreciate your content, engage with your page, and care for you. Always try to find and include alternatives in your how-to video.
5. Share the Mistakes
Some people think how-to videos are only about the right way to do things. They present the video in a monotone with just the right set of steps. But you know better than this. How-to videos are a blend of what to do and what not to do. If you don’t warn viewers about the common mistakes, they might commit them and later blame your content for misleading them. If you are willing to offer a successful experience through your how-to video, then share your mistakes.
You are making the video only after having attempted the action numerous times. You are well researched, and you are aware of the common mistakes. So, why not share them with the audiences and add value to the content? Anyone can record a how-to video, but you can record a quality and helpful how-to one. For example, if you are explaining a yoga position, you should point out the wrong position that could harm the body. Just give them the warning steps. Tell them your story and why your steps will help them successfully complete the task.
6. Share Relevant Reasons
Adding value to the content adds quality to a video. When you accompany each step with a valid reason, it elevates the credibility of your video. People will know why your method is the best and will share your video with friends and family. If you just name the steps and do not tell the reason behind what you are doing, then they might just skip and try to find a more reliable video on YouTube. Your secret ingredient for retaining a viewer throughout the video is adding reason with each step. Even when you are giving a warning, tell the result if they do something wrong. For example, if they use the wrong equipment, the circuit might short. So, along with what to do and what not to do, add why to do it or not do it.
A how-to video is all about your experience and your techniques. At the end of the day, your personality should be reflected through your how-to video. Imagine that you are taking your viewers through a journey and you are doing this with the help of personal stories and visuals.
