Tag: video quality

  • 5 Core Components of Successful Vlogging

    5 Core Components of Successful Vlogging

    If you’re a budding vlogger just starting out, this article is for you! Setting clear expectations for your audience is crucial. Understanding what keeps viewers engaged will help you create high-quality content that resonates with your audience.

    Of course, by the time you decide to start creating content, you likely already have a vision for the kind of content you want to produce.

    I’ve spent the last 15 years crafting high-quality videos for a diverse clientele, including major corporations and remote clients. My portfolio boasts over 3,000 completed projects, and I’ve also shared my passion for video production through my YouTube channel, which now features 400+ videos.

    Here are five key elements to consider when planning to create high-quality vlog content:

    Sound

    Clear audio is paramount to keeping viewers engaged. If your audience can’t hear what you’re saying, they’ll quickly lose interest and move on to the next video.

    For optimal audio quality, find a quiet spot in your home and record using your device’s built-in microphone. If you need better sound, consider investing in an external microphone. These come in various price ranges, compatible with cameras, phones, and other recording devices.

    Video Quality

    If you’re using a camera, familiarize yourself with manual settings. Because you’re filming in a controlled environment, you can precisely adjust your camera’s video settings to achieve the desired look for your videos.

    Mastering the Exposure Triangle: Aperture, ISO, and Shutter Speed

    Understanding how to control aperture, ISO, and shutter speed is fundamental to capturing high-quality video footage. By mastering these three elements of the exposure triangle, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect balance of light and exposure in your videos.

    Frame your shots effectively to enhance your presentation. Understand the difference between close-ups, medium close-ups, and long shots. For most talking-head videos, a close-up shot works best.

    Finally, to ensure the highest possible video quality, shoot at a frame rate of 50 frames per second or higher. This will result in smoother and more detailed videos.

    Lighting

    Ensure optimal lighting for your indoor vlogs. If you’re filming indoors, choose a well-lit space or invest in additional lighting equipment. Take the time to set up your lighting and test your shots to avoid overexposure.

    Good lighting can significantly enhance your video quality and boost your confidence. If you don’t have professional lighting equipment, consider filming outdoors in natural light whenever possible.

    Work on Your Content And Composure

    Plan your content in advance. Outline what you want to discuss and, if necessary, write a script. Practice your script multiple times to ensure a smooth and natural delivery in your video.

    A more natural approach to vlogging is often preferred by viewers. Scriptless vlogs can feel more authentic and engaging, as content creators can speak directly to their audience without the constraints of a script. This direct, point-to-point style can help keep viewers interested and focused.

    Video Editing and Branding

    Master the art of editing and personal branding! Explore the wealth of user-friendly video editing software available today. Enhance your skills with free YouTube tutorials on video editing techniques.

    Once you master video editing, you can elevate your brand. Editing allows you to add professional touches like standardized intros and outros, incorporate your logo, and remove unnecessary footage. The result? A polished final product that reflects your unique brand identity.

    Conclusion

    Viewers are drawn to high-quality video content. Videos with clear audio, sharp visuals, proper lighting, well-researched information, a composed presenter, and professional video editing attract a more dedicated audience.

    To maximize your content’s impact, prioritize these 5 essential elements. Remember, content is king. Consistent high-quality content is the key to success.

    And that is from me here. I hope you have found this article helpful. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
    If you need quality video production services, you request for our services here. I will be glad to help.

    Up until next time, bye bye and take care.

    Follow me on all social media networks @cheptionymutai

  • Top 9 Things Every Client Should Know Before Contacting a Video Editor or Producer

    Most clients who hire video editors or producers do so because they have little or no knowledge in video production and are in search for an expert. So, as a new client, how do you address the video editor you contact so that he/she understand what you are looking for? There are many components which when compiled together, makes a winning video.

    Each of these items has a name or a keyword. Knowing the various components that makes a video is crucial. It will make your communication with the producer or editor smooth and easy. Here are some of the common components that you should know

    Script

    This may sound straight forward to many,  but surprisingly , some clients can\’t fathom the need for a script in a video. To understand why a script is an important element for your video read my post on writing a winning explainer video script to learn more.

    Story board 

    Once you have the script ready, the producer will work alongside you in creating a storyboard for your video. This is a sketch of how your video will be presented in real time. Storyboard is best designed in slideshow style or table style where script is broken down into sections with proposed videos/images/graphics inserted for each text line.

    Background audio music/voice over 

    Some scripts will need just background music or voice over to accompany the video presentation. This is one of the components that makes up your video. It\’s therefore important that you are aware of the right term to use for the editor or producer to understand you well.

    Intro and Outro 

    This is a branding component that is used in the introduction and at the end of your video. The intro may be your own company logo animated and it\’s Outro being how your customers can contact you for service. This is very important as it shows your users that you own the video.

    Video Quality and Format  

    This is the level of quality the video will be shared. Currently, the most common video quality is HD 1080 (high definition) and UHD (Ultra High Definition)2k, 4k. To learn more about video quality, please read video resolution definitions on demand in 2018. When it comes to video format, there are several formats available outside there. The most used forma that plays in most devices is .mp4 and .m4v.  To learn more about the latest video formats read four commonly used video file formats online in 2018.

    Lower Thirds 

    These are the text or graphics that appears below the video as it is playing. The best example is the name of a person in an interview. Sometimes it\’s the phone number or website address. Make this know the editor from the onset if you need them.

    Subtitles is the text transcription of the voice over in the video. It appears as it is spoken below the video. In some occasions where there is no voice, subtitle text appears on the screen to explain what is happening.

    FTP 

    FTP  stand for File sharing Protocol. Most of you subscribe to it. This where you will share your folders and files. The most common FTPs outside there is Dropbox and Google drive. FTP allows to collaborate with the freelancer easily and speed up the process of production.

    Video thumbnail  

    Finally when the video completed and ready for publishing, video thumbnail is crucial. It will prompt viewers to click on it and play the video in most common video publishing sites like YouTube.

    These are nine common things you should know as a client before you contact a producer. Most of the editors will ask you to provide some of these. It will be a bit confusing if you do not understand what they mean.

    Do you have anythings else you think the client should know? Please share in the comments area.

    Till next time, bye bye and take care!

    If you need professional help on video, let me know by sending me an e-mail on connect@cheptiony.com

    Don\’t forget to give me a thumbs up and leave a comment below.

    Also, follow me on twitter @cheptiony