How to Create a YouTube Video Essay: Full Guide

Summary: What makes a good YouTube video essay? Here's everything you need to know about voice, research, scripting, editing, and building a lasting channel.

It's no coincidence that the average video length on YouTube still hovers around 11.7 minutes, even after the meteoric rise of YouTube Shorts and other forms of short-form content. The need for longer content is still quite high, and one of the best ways to capitalize on it is through video essays.

YouTube video essays have exploded in popularity over the past few years, with creators building massive audiences, diving deep into everything from film analysis to social commentary. Yet despite the high interest in becoming a video essayist, there's a surprising lack of real, actionable advice online about how to actually succeed in this space.

So, today, we'll explore how you can go about achieving this successfully as a YouTube creator. Let's get started!

What is a Video Essay?

A video essay is an essay that is presented in a visual format instead of the conventional written method. It pretty has the same components as a standard essay, consisting of an introduction, a main body (which may be divided into sections), and a conclusion.

Why Most Video Essays Fail?

Walk through YouTube video essays, and you'll find countless videos rehashing the same tired takes.

"The Last Jedi ruined Star Wars." "Marvel movies are formulaic."

The issue isn't having these opinions—it's presenting them as fresh insights when they're actually echo chamber repetitions. Viewers can sense when you're simply repackaging existing discourse rather than adding something new to the conversation.

But that doesn't mean your takes need to "stand out" just for the sake of it. Instead of trying to be different for the sake of being different, focus on finding a way of creating videos that only you can make. This isn't about being different—it's about being irreplaceably you.

Understanding Voice vs. Format

Before diving into the how-to, let's clarify what we mean by "voice" in video essays. Your voice isn't about:

Editing style or flashy graphics
Using trendy music or sound effects
Copying another creator's presentation format

Your voice is about:

Perspective: How you see and interpret the world
Personality: Your authentic self coming through the screen
Insight: The unique understanding you bring to topics
Presentation: How you naturally communicate ideas

To develop your voice, you need to identify three core elements:

What you care about: Your genuine passions and interests
What you know: Your areas of expertise or deep knowledge
What you can offer: The unique perspective only you can provide

The Discovery Process

Try Different Styles: Experiment with various approaches to see what feels natural. Some creators are naturally analytical, while others are more emotional; some are humorous, while others are serious.
Strategic Emulation: Initially, it's acceptable to incorporate small elements from creators you admire. Notice how they structure arguments, pace their videos, or present information. But avoid wholesale copying.
Reflect on Authenticity: After each video, ask yourself: "Did this feel like me? What parts felt forced? What came naturally?"
Evolve Continuously: Your voice will develop and change as you create more content. Embrace this evolution rather than trying to lock yourself into a rigid style.

The Foundation of Great Video Essays

Let's get on with the uncomfortable truth that many aspiring video essayists don't want to hear: You cannot provide insightful analysis when you have no insight.

Too many creators jump into making video essays about topics they understand only at a surface level. They watch a few other videos, read some Reddit threads, and think they're ready to contribute meaningfully to the discourse.

Before you make your first video essay, ask yourself:

Do I know this subject deeply?
Have I studied beyond surface-level takes?
Can I offer perspectives that aren't already widely available?

If the answer to any of these is "no," you're not ready to make that video yet—and that's okay.

Choosing Your Niche: Become a Student First

The path to becoming a respected video essayist starts with becoming a dedicated student. Here's how:

Pick Your Focus Area

Choose a topic you're either deeply passionate about or willing to dedicate yourself to learning inside and out. This could be:

Film analysis (specific genres, directors, or eras)
Video game criticism
Social issues
History
Literature
Pop culture phenomena

Commit to Deep Learning

Once you've chosen your focus, immerse yourself completely:

Read academic books on the subject
Take online courses from reputable institutions
Watch lectures from experts
Study primary sources
Engage with scholarly articles
Join communities of serious students and practitioners

Accept the Time Investment

Becoming truly knowledgeable enough to offer valuable insights takes time—often years. This isn't a shortcut to YouTube fame; it's a commitment to expertise.

The goal is to become someone with significantly more insight than the average person interested in your topic. Only then can you offer something genuinely valuable.

Finding Your Authentic Voice

Your voice isn't something you can pick off a shelf or decide on in advance. As the saying goes about wands at Ollivander's, "the voice chooses the creator." Finding yours requires experimentation and patience.

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Great Video Essay

If you've followed along so far, you now know the headspace needed to become a YouTube video essay creator. Now, let's get you ready for your first video upload!

1. Start With Research

Before you even write:

Read at least 3-5 credible sources
Watch and rewatch your primary materials
Look at what’s already been said—and ask how you can go further

2. Build a Clear Argument

Every great video essay has:

A strong thesis
Solid supporting evidence
Clear structure (intro, body, conclusion)
Counterpoints or nuance
A clean, logical flow

3. Script Like You Talk

Use your natural voice
Don’t overwrite or get too academic
Read it out loud—does it sound like you?
Infuse your rhythm, your phrasing, your you-ness

4. Prioritize Audio Quality

Get a decent mic (USB condenser mics are a good start)
Record in a quiet space
Learn basic EQ and noise reduction
Speak clearly. Don’t mumble.

5. Edit for Clarity, Not Just Aesthetics

Use visuals to support your points, not distract
Keep pacing tight
Add transitions only where they make sense
Clean audio always > cool visuals

6. Build Community, Not Just Audience

Respond to thoughtful comments
Accept good criticism
Collaborate with other creators
Build relationships, not just view counts

And there you have it. Upload your content and get the learning process started!

The Long Game: Patience and Persistence

Building a successful video essay channel will take time. Many successful creators spent years developing their voice, building expertise, and growing their audience before achieving significant success.

Your first video essay won't be perfect, and neither will your fiftieth. But if you commit to continuous learning, authentic expression, and serving your audience with genuinely valuable insights, you'll build something meaningful—both for your viewers and for yourself.