Video Making Tips for Beginners: Master the Basics and Create Engaging Content

By Alvin Motilla

Discover essential video making tips for beginners that will help you overcome the initial hurdles and start creating engaging content.

Let's face it, the thought of creating a compelling video can feel overwhelming. Especially if you're just starting out.

There's a sea of info out there, filled with technical jargon and expensive gear recommendations.

And there's the pressure to be the next viral sensation.

These are enough to make anyone hit pause.

But I think a newbie doesn't have to feel that way. Even I find it hard to start doing something when I'm feeling overwhelmed. It hampers my productivity.

The good news is, video making can be a fun and rewarding way to express yourself, share your ideas, and connect with a wider audience!

What I find helpful is to have just enough actionable tips I can use right away at the start of my learning journey.

I know those tips are not all that I need to learn. But at least, they're easy enough to implement.

And that gives me the feeling that I'm progressing, and it encourages me to learn more and do more.

So, to guide you through the video making basics, let's dive into some actionable video tips for beginners that you can use right away.

Video Making Tips for Beginners:
1. Know that people want to be engaged by videos.

You can be someone who provides videos that people enjoy.

According to stats published by Oberlo, 91% of consumers want to see more online video content from brands. People also love to see more videos on social media.

This means that your future engaging videos are in demand.

An audience is waiting to enjoy what you have to share on video.

Video Making Tips for Beginners:
2. Know your audience and engage them.

Of all the video production tips, I think knowing your audience is the most important.

Why?

It's because you cannot make an engaging video, if you don't know who you're engaging with your video.

And identifying the intended or ideal viewers of a specific video influences other video making tasks like scriptwriting, shooting, editing, and distribution (how the video reaches the audience).

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So, get to know the intended viewers of a particular video project by asking,

• Who are they exactly?
• What interests them?
• Where do they hang out online? Or, Where and how are they going to watch the finished video?

This way, you can tailor the video content to resonate with them.

For example, if your target audience is teenagers interested in skateboarding, you'll want to use fast-paced editing, energetic music, and visually appealing shots to capture their attention.

Note also that, just like you, your audience deserves a pleasurable and meaningful viewing experience.

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You can also involve your audience with your video. For example, if the video is for social media uploading, you can...

• ask them questions,
• encourage their comments, and
• respond to their feedback.

You can do these using the title, description, and comment sections of your video post.

By understanding and engaging your audience, you'll be well on your way to creating compelling videos that resonate.

Video Making Tips for Beginners:
3. Content trumps equipment. Start creating now.

Do you think you need a high-end camera to create great videos, or is your smartphone enough?

Here's a secret many video creators won't tell you...

One of the biggest reasons you'll give in to this urge of getting an expensive camera, or a different camera model, is peer pressure.

For example, if you want to join a production team that only uses a certain camera brand, you'll be forced to own that same brand. Otherwise, they won't allow you to join their team.

However, if you're shooting your own videos, or making your own projects, you can start using what you already have.

A study made by TechSmith found that high-end gear is not a prerequisite for creating engaging videos. Instead, good content is what keeps viewers interested and engaged -- specifically, easy-to-follow and relatable content.

So, start creating with the device you already have.

Video Making Tips for Beginners:
4. Harness the power of light, from natural to studio.

You need good light. Every video needs it.

Now, I don't mean you have to go out and buy fancy studio lights right away.

Here's a tip I really love but others won't openly tell you about...

Often, your best option is to use natural light. It's free and gives you beautiful results -- if used correctly.

Here's how I use it...

• I avoid the 12:00 noon sunlight -- sunshine that's directly above the subject and creates harsh shadows on the subject's eyes.

Harsh shadows on a person's face caused by direct sunlight above the head.

• I take advantage of overcast sunlight -- that soft quality of light you get when the sky is covered by clouds. Overcast light can happen any time of the day and doesn't create harsh shadows on your subject.

The soft light quality you get when you shoot under overcast sunlight. (By the way, she's Mariel, my daughter. :-) )

• If indoors, I look for opportunities to shoot near windows or doors and let the natural light illuminate my subject. I aim for enough natural glow, similar to the way the Dutch painter Vermeer uses sunlight to enhance the look of his subjects.

Indoor natural light that comes from windows and doors illuminates Jessica--my wife. ;-)

• Sometimes -- and if needed -- I shoot during the day's "golden hour", which is just after sunrise and before sunset. It gives my subjects that unique, golden warm look.

A photo I took of the golden hour. This was just before the sun has set.

What about when the sun has set?

I just take advantage of available light from different sources. LED lights, street lights, fluorescent lights, tungsten lights, whatever.

A photo I took of the street lights at night.

The trick is to make sure you have sufficient available light that illuminates well your subject or the moment.

Not all moments or scenes have to be brightly lit (high key lighting).

An example of high-key lighting.

Sometimes, you may want to capture shadows or dark areas in your shots to achieve a different mood or look (low key lighting).

A photo of Jessica Motilla near a street light to demonstrate low-key lighting.

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How about using those fancy studio lights?

Of course, there are use cases for studio lights.

• One is when you want more control over the brightness of your subjects, especially when shooting indoors or at night.
• Or when an event doesn't have enough available light.

So, ring lights and photography lights fall under the "studio lights" category.

Ring light used by an influencer.

An LED light can be used both for videography and photography.

Studio lights are artificial lights that you yourself set up for the video shoot.

Video Making Tips for Beginners:
5. Aim for clear audio, the unsung hero of great videos.

I don't know about you, but to me, I'd rather watch a low-resolution video with clear sound... than to struggle understanding a high-resolution video with bad audio.

Of course, high-resolution video + clear audio = ideal.

However, it's more satisfying for me to learn from a low-res -- even a bit shaky -- video with great sound... than to stare at a hi-res video with poor audio.

A TechSmith study has shown that people consider clear audio quality to be the number one and most important feature a video needs to have.

Not clear video. Not fancy graphics and effects. But simply clear sound.

Take a look at this screenshot...

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My point?

Avoid obsessing so much on the visual side of things.

Focus also on capturing clear audio for your video.

Especially when you're shooting interviews, covering key messages or speeches from events, or filming short narratives.

Clear audio captures the important details of your story.

Much better than a video that relies solely on music as their sound track. Which usually happens because the videographer is not keen on capturing clear audio.

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Here are some ways we can capture clear audio...

• Use an inexpensive lapel mic, especially for shooting interviews and messages. Your sound will become impressively good.

A lapel mic on the interviewee's shirt.

• As much as possible, pick a quiet place to record your key sound files, like interviews and voice over narrations. This is to lessen any background noise.
  
  
• Stay away from aircon and fans -- or, in the meantime, turn them off if possible. Any wind noise can literally make your sound unusable.
  
  
• If you have to film in a windy place, like outdoors, you can use a dead cat filter on your mic to minimize wind noise.

A sample dead cat filter on an external mic lessens the wind noise during video recording.

• Avoid shooting near refrigerators and smartphones. They can cause interference and unwanted sound frequencies in the recorded sound.
  
  
• Get closer to your subject to minimize undesired ambient sounds and to capture the sound clearly.
  
  
• Do a sound check and a test record to set your audio levels. I aim to keep the maximum peak level at 75%. I want enough headroom to keep the audio from distorting.

Video Making Tips for Beginners:
6. Frame your shot and compose its contents well.

Let's talk about framing and composition specifically for shooting videos, to avoid confusion with photography and painting.

I admit, I was also confused because I couldn't tell exactly the difference between framing and composition. Though I know how to shoot visually appealing shots in practice.

So, here's my take on framing and composition...

Think of framing as choosing your window.

And think of composition as arranging the contents you see inside that window.

Framing sets the boundaries to your shot. Composition uses those boundaries to create a compelling visual.

Choosing the Right Frame ("Window")

The first step to framing your shot well is knowing the aspect ratio you'll be using. This essentially refers to the shape of your video, like a window that captures your scene.

There are two main aspect ratios to consider:

• 9:16 Vertical Video: This format is ideal for social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.

The 9:16 "window" (aspect ratio).

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• 16:9 Widescreen: This is the classic format for TVs, YouTube videos, and most online content.

The 16:9 "window" (aspect ratio).

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The best aspect ratio depends on where your video will be displayed.

• For platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels, choose the 9:16 frame.
• For TVs, laptops, desktops, and most video hosting sites, choose the 16:9 frame.

Composing Within Your Frame

Now that you've chosen your frame size, let's talk about composing the elements within it.

Composition refers to how you arrange the objects and people in your shot to create a visually pleasing image.

Using the Rule of Thirds (for 16:9 Frames)

Imagine dividing your 16:9 widescreen frame into a grid with nine squares (three rows and three columns).

The "rule of thirds" suggests placing your subject along these lines or at the points where the lines intersect. This technique can help create a more balanced and interesting composition.

This placement of subject follows the rule of thirds. See how those grid lines guided me to compose this shot?

Here's another one. This time a silhouette...

Many smartphones and cameras offer a grid overlay feature to help you visualize the rule of thirds. It's a handy tool to use when framing your shots.

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However, the rule of thirds isn't a rigid rule. Sometimes, a centered composition can work better, especially for close-up shots of someone talking directly to the audience.

An example of a centered composition.

Composing Within Your Frame (for 9:16 Frames)

This is the 9:16 aspect ratio with grid lines. This frame is commonly used for vertical videos.

The rule of thirds can still be effective for composing objects within your vertical frame.

However, it's generally less applicable for people, particularly when focusing on their faces.

For vertical videos, centering a person within the frame often creates a more natural and visually appealing composition. If you place a person's face near the edges of the 9:16 frame, it can appear stretched and unnatural.

Example of a centered composition of a person within the 9:16 "frame".

Video Making Tips for Beginners:
7. Edit with a purpose.

Here's what I know is the very reason I need to edit a video...

To make the viewers feel something worthwhile and get something meaningful out of my video.

I know what it feels to get drowned in executing techniques and effects, just for the sake of the techniques and effects themselves. It's a waste of time!

Techniques and effects are a waste of time if they're not used to serve that core purpose of editing a video.

And if they're not about the specific video I'm trying to make.

And I hate to use or do things just to impress people. (But that's just me!)

What I want is to express a feeling or a thought. To evoke sincere feelings. To communicate meaning.

So,...

Instead of being flashy to look cool in how I edit the video, I'm aiming to be relevant and sincere... to evoke feelings in my viewers.

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Knowing your purpose for editing a video, what do you do then when you edit a video?

Here are the key steps in purposeful video editing...

• Familiarize yourself with the raw footage: Get a feel for your raw footage to identify the strongest moments for your story.
  
  
• Cut the fluff: Remove unnecessary pauses, rambling, or anything that doesn't directly contribute to your message.
  
  
• Discover the golden moments: Find clip parts that evoke the strongest emotions, convey your intended meaning, or help tell the video's specific story. These are the building blocks of your compelling video.
  
  
• Craft a compelling sequence: Arrange these golden moments using cuts to create a clear and engaging flow. You can add transitions later, but focusing on the raw emotional impact of the sequence is key at this stage.
  
  
• As you edit, regularly ask yourself: "Does this cut/transition/effect serve my video's purpose and enhance the viewer's experience?" This is something I ask myself every time I edit a video. And it helps a lot.
  
  
• Enrich your video: Consider additional layers of shots (B-roll) and text overlays to provide context and depth. B-roll can illustrate your points visually, while text can emphasize key ideas or provide additional information.

Most of the time, I find that a simple cut is sufficient as a transition. It helps me to pace the presentation, in addition to cutting out errors during the shoot.

When you're still cutting out the fluff, I suggest you focus more on the flow of thought and mood conveyed by your cuts. Instead of immediately adding transitions or effects. Those can come later.

Remember, editing is about enhancing your story, not just applying fancy effects. Focus on your purpose and let that guide your editing decisions.

Video Making Tips for Beginners:
8. Practice is essential. Practice again. And again.

I can move on now to the next main point in this article, because the message of the above subheading is clear enough.

But I decided to add something else -- a reality in life that others seem to forget...

But that's fine!

Research indicates that mastering complex skills like video making requires deliberate practice. This means focused, effortful training designed to enhance specific aspects of your craft.

For instance, you could dedicate time to mastering different camera angles, experimenting with various editing techniques, or learning advanced audio post-production.

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Just like learning to ride a bike, mastering video making requires patience and persistence.

I remember the time when I was still learning how to ride a bicycle and keep my balance.

My first attempts at riding a bike weren't perfect. I mean, I fell many times. And even if I already knew how to balance a bike, I sometimes rode the bike carelessly, so I still fell.

Well, learning how to make a video that works is just like learning how to ride a bicycle and keep your balance.

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For example, my first attempts at editing an audio-visual presentation were far from being professional. The first one I made had a fancy transition after every shot or visual I included in the presentation.

But I just kept making videos and every video I made taught me something new. So that helped me improve.

And I'm still learning and improving.

A worthy goal of video making to me is to communicate and connect. And what helps achieve that is by being authentic and sharing your own take on life in videos you make.

So, keep creating videos, keep testing, keep learning, and enjoy the process!

Video Making Tips for Beginners:
9. Tell a story.

It doesn't matter what kind of video you're making, or how long or short it is. A video has to tell a story.

But what is a story?

According to dictionary.com, a story is "a narrative, either true or fictitious, in prose or verse, designed to interest, amuse, or instruct the hearer or reader".

In short, ...

So, why is storytelling important in video making?

It's because when you use storytelling in your videos, your viewers will better remember the info you communicate and present to them.

Studies suggest storytelling is an effective way to influence, inspire, and teach. So much better than merely giving facts and figures.

Here are several ways you can tell a story in your video...

Visual storytelling

The use of actions, video, images and other visuals to depict an idea or mood, instead of describing it in words.

The use of visuals better evokes emotions, builds suspense, or explains complex concepts.

This is why you hear sayings like, "Show, don't tell", and "Action speaks louder than words".

Voice-over narration

The use of recorded human voice and words to communicate feelings and thoughts in video.

The viewers only hear the narrator's voice, but don't see their face.

Voice-over narration usually accompanies the visuals, but it doesn't describe what the visuals already show the audience. Voice-over is another layer of info that the audience receives.

On-camera presenting

The use of the talking head of a person that directly addresses the viewers.

The on-cam presenter may simply report a piece of information, share an anecdote or experience, or explain and demonstrate how to do something.

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I suggest that you keep the structure of the story in your video simple. This helps your viewers easily follow what you convey to them.

For example, you can use simple guides like, "before-and-after", "problem-then-solution", "question-and-answer", and "beginning (hook)-middle (main content)-end (conclusion)".

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Okay, here are other essential video making tips for beginners.

Video Making 101: Further Basics

Video content matters more than style.

Let's talk about something really important when you're starting out in video making: content versus style.

Think of content as the heart of your video – it's what you're actually saying or showing.

On the other hand, style is how your video looks – the fancy effects, transitions, and all that visual jazz.

Here's the thing...

Your story is the real hero. It's what really matters. Don't get me wrong, style is great too, but it should complement your story or content, not overshadow it.

Imagine you're telling a story to a friend. You wouldn't focus on using big words or fancy gestures if the story itself isn't interesting, right?

It's the same with videos.

A simple, natural-looking video with a great story or message can really connect with your audience.

On the flip side, a video that looks super polished but doesn't say much... well, it might not hold people's attention for long.

So, when you're planning your video, start with your message.

• What do you want to say?
• What story do you want to tell?

Once you've got that nailed down, then you can think about how to present it in a way that fits.

Remember, as you're just starting out, relax. Avoid stressing about making your videos look like Hollywood productions.

Instead...

Focus on telling your story in your own unique way. That's what will make your videos stand out and connect with people.

Discover your unique voice in video making.

There's one thing I'd love to share with you that could really make your videos stand out from the crowd.

You see, every person has a unique way of looking at the world. Your experiences, memories, and personality all come together to create a perspective that's entirely your own.

And guess what? That uniqueness is your secret weapon in video making!

Ever heard the term "auteur" in filmmaking? Don't worry if you haven't - it's just a fancy way of describing someone who brings their personal touch to their work.

The cool thing is you don't need to be a big-shot Hollywood director to be an auteur.

You can start developing your unique voice right now, with whatever equipment you have.

Want to learn more about how to unleash your inner video auteur? I've wrote a detailed guide that breaks it all down. This guide will help you understand:

• What exactly an auteur is (in simple terms!)
• Why your unique perspective matters in video making
• How to start developing your personal style
• Tips for expressing yourself, even when working in a team

Ready to dive deeper and discover how your unique voice can create amazing videos? Check out the full article here: What Is an Auteur? The Secret Behind Standout Videos

Remember, your individuality is your strength. Don't be afraid to let it shine through in your videos!

Create engaging videos. Here's your guide...

So, you want to make videos that people actually enjoy watching? It's a skill anyone can learn with a bit of patience and practice.

Think about the last video that really caught your attention. What made it special?

• Was it the story it told?
• The way it made you feel?
• Or maybe how it presented information in a unique way?

That's the kind of effect we're aiming for!

The good news is, you don't need expensive gear, or years of film school to create videos that connect with your audience. There are simple techniques you can use to make your content more creative and engaging.

Ready to explore? Check out this detailed guide on how to make creative videos that connect with your viewers. I'll walk you through the process step-by-step, from coming up with ideas to sharing your finished work.

Remember, every skilled person was once a beginner too!

Start your video-making journey. Overcome common hurdles.

One thing that can really help when you're just starting out is to be aware of some common challenges that many new videographers face.

Understanding these obstacles can help you avoid them or overcome them more easily when you encounter them.

I've put together a list of seven common hurdles that new videographers often encounter. These aren't meant to discourage you – quite the opposite!

By knowing about these potential stumbling blocks, you'll be better prepared to tackle them head-on and keep moving forward in your video-making journey.

If you're interested in learning more about these challenges and how to overcome them, check out my article on "7 Videographer Obstacles to Great Video Creation".

It goes into more detail about each obstacle and offers some friendly advice on how to work through them.

Video Tips for Beginners in the Form of 1-minute Short-form Videos

Here are the links to some "shorts" we made. Each focuses on delivering single, clear tip or insight about video making that you can quickly understand and apply.

• Why do we make videos? It's not for fun only.
  
  
• Why are videos important and how I use them for expression
  
  
• Practicality in Videography--Make Videos to Express Not Impress
  
  
• How to make engaging videos? Focus on this...

Conclusion: Video Making Tips for Beginners

Video creation is an accessible and powerful medium for expression and connection. Here are your key takeaways:

1. Content trumps equipment - start with what you have and focus on storytelling.
   
   
2. Understand your audience to create engaging, tailored content.
   
   
3. Use natural light effectively before investing in studio equipment.
   
   
4. Prioritize clear audio - it's crucial for viewer engagement.
   
   
5. Master basic framing and composition techniques for visually appealing shots.
   
   
6. Edit with purpose, focusing on enhancing your story rather than adding flashy effects.
   
   
7. Practice consistently to improve your skills over time.
   
   
8. Embrace storytelling in all forms - visual, voice-over, or on-camera presenting.
   
   
9. Develop your unique voice and perspective as a creator.
   
   
10. Be aware of common obstacles and prepare to overcome them.

Remember, your individuality is your strength in video creation. Focus on authentic expression and connecting with your audience rather than technical perfection.

As you begin your video-making journey, what unique perspective or story are you most excited to share through video?