7 Tips to Create YouTube Videos That Look and Sound Good

Are you happy with the way your YouTube videos look and sound? Or do you still have room to improve your audio, video, and on-camera presentation?

Perhaps Ed Lawrence can help. He has a YouTube channel called Film Booth, owns a video production company, and knows, through years of practice, how to shoot a good video. Oftentimes, the best content comes from a good setup and a relaxed presenter.

On this episode of TubeTalk, we chat with Ed about how to make better YouTube videos. As he shares powerful production tips, Dan and Rob offer their advice as YouTube educators.

With three experts on the mic, you’ll learn a lot from this episode. But as a sneak peek, here are seven ways to create pure video magic:

1. Invest in a good microphone before anything else. Visual quality is important, but audio delivers the information viewers are seeking. The RODE Wireless GO is a solid, affordable option.
2. The best setup is one you can set and forget. If you don’t have much space, pick a film location that best integrates with your gear – a camera you never detach from your computer, a compact ring light that doesn’t take over your desk, etc.
3. When filming with a smartphone, use the wide-angle selfie mode. Then you can get close to the camera without looking like you’re too close. Also, the cheapest and best sound happens when you’re close to the mic.
4. Sometimes it’s best to buy a clip-on mic for your smartphone. Again, RODE sells a good one!
5. How you present yourself on camera is more important than having fancy gear. As you film, make people feel like they’re in the room with you. Be entertaining, relaxed, and genuine.
6. Talk slower to appear more relaxed. Speak as if you want only the camera to hear you and not the neighbors next door. It’ll slow you down and soften your voice.
7. It’s OK to have an on-camera persona. You’re not becoming a different person; you’re just showing a different side of yourself.

And lastly, pay attention to Ed’s advice about slowly improving your video production:

“The biggest mistake is trying to overcomplicate your setup to start out with. I believe you should put effort into it as much as you can. But I don’t think you should put so much effort in that it distracts you from the message and the way you’re trying to tell a story. [Your setup] should you be something you build on over time.”

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