12 Simple Tips for Making YouTube Videos Look More Professional

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Content is one of the most important aspects of making a YouTube video. It should be interesting and engaging, so a viewer pays attention and keeps watching. 

YouTube can be a fun and easy way to share your content with the world, but if you want to know how to make a YouTube video that looks more professional, there are a few things you can do. Greater content often gets more views, which increases your chances for success.  

In this article, we will discuss 12 simple tips that will help you create better videos and increase your views!

How to Increase Views on YouTube?

1. Create a video strategy

Before you start making YouTube videos, it’s important to have a plan in place. Here are some of the most important topics to consider when making your video strategy:

• Type of video content: are you into tutorials, funny skits, reviews, etc.?
• Target audience: what are their age, location, and interests?
• Message: what is the main point you want people to learn or take away from your videos?
• Tone: are your videos informative, entertaining, or a mix of both?
• Style: what visuals, music, and other elements will you use?

Make sure your strategy is based on long-term goals. Consider how much you can realistically post and make a content calendar to keep yourself organized and better manage your time.

2. Invest in quality equipment

Investing in equipment can make a huge difference in the quality of your videos. Although it's not necessary, things like cameras, microphones, lighting, and other equipment are still essentials of video making. You don’t have to break the bank—just make sure you have the right tools to get the job done.

• Camera: Camera choice greatly depends on what kind of quality you’re trying to achieve. A DSLR camera with a good lens is usually great for making YouTube videos, but even your smartphone camera can work for making quick videos.

• Microphone: Investing in an external microphone is important for making sure that the audio in your videos is clear and professional. You can also use audio tools to improve the audio quality by reducing background noise, equalizing levels, and more.

• Lighting: Natural light is free, but it’s not always good and available. Artificial lighting is a viable option if you have the budget for it. Use rings, softboxes, and other lighting setups to get the right look. Soft lighting and filters will also give your video a more professional look.

3. Adjust your background

The background you choose for your YouTube video sets the tone for your content. Pick a background that is suitable for your video’s topic and make sure it has no distractions.

A clean, simple background can help focus the viewer’s attention on your message and make it easier for the viewer to understand your content. You can also use a green screen or apply virtual backgrounds for extra effect.

You can also set up a studio-like background in your home, making sure the space looks neat and uncluttered. Clear out any unnecessary items that may be seen in the video, making sure the only items visible can help carry your message or add some interest.

4. Choose a good video editor

Editing can completely transform your video. It can help you create an awesome video and give it the right mood.

There are lots of editing tools out there, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Some programs offer basic editing like trimming and cropping, while others offer different advanced options.

You can use online tools like Animoto and WeVideo or download feature-rich software like a video editor by Movavi and Shotcut. Choose the one that works best for you depending on the features you need.

5. Create a catchy thumbnail

Your video’s thumbnail is the first thing viewers will see when they come across your video. It should be eye-catching and interesting — this will make it more clickable and visually appealing.

Spend some time on a sketch and make sure it follows YouTube guidelines. Research what colors, fonts, and images work best for thumbnails in your niche and adjust accordingly.

For example, you can create a simple thumbnail with text that gives a hint about the content of a video. To make this step easier, you can use Canva to create an outstanding thumbnail.

6. Make an interesting intro

An intro is what drives people to watch your video. Pairing it with a good thumbnail will make the viewers stay longer and even subscribe to your channel.

There are different types of intros you can use — a simple animation, a short video clip with your logo or brand’s name, a music video-style intro, and so on. Choose what works best with your YouTube channel’s theme and create something memorable that viewers will associate with you.

After the intro, you can give a sneak peek of what’s to come or explain why your video is worth watching. Keep it short, but informative and make sure you don’t overpromise — viewers should be interested but not misled.

7. Add a unique style

Make your signature style! Check if all the elements of your video are integrated and consistent — from transitions to audio and visual effects.

Music can add a nice touch to your video and help set the mood. It will also help you draw attention to certain moments in the video and make it more entertaining. There are plenty of resources where you can find royalty-free music like SoundCloud.

Moreover, add animations and text to help break up the video’s monotony. Animations can make your content more engaging and exciting while adding subtitles helps explain complex concepts or introduce your video’s topics. 

8. Brand your videos

Branding is a great way how to make a YouTube video look more professional. The key factor is to be consistent and make sure all the elements you use match your brand.

Choose a strong, memorable logo, and use the same font, colors, and design elements in each of your videos. Include links to your social media profiles or website in the description and end screen, making sure you always use the same URLs.

9. Monitor competitors

Sometimes it can be difficult to come up with new ideas for making a YouTube video. A great way to brainstorm and get inspired is by watching what your competition is doing. 

Analyzing different YouTube channels can help you understand what works and what doesn’t, making it easier for you to come up with new ideas. Check out similar videos in your niche and see what makes your competitors perform better.

Look for the elements that have the highest engagement and make sure you include them in your videos. Just make sure you don’t copy the exact concepts, as this will not benefit your channel in any way.

10. Avoid common mistakes

The fewer mistakes you make, the better the quality of your video. Sounds simple, right? Some people think making mistakes is part of the learning process, however, making too many in your video can be a huge turnoff for viewers.

Read through the script several times before recording and check for any typos and errors. If you notice any, take the time to fix them. You can also use tools like LanguageTool to simplify the process.

You should also double-check the audio and visuals. The crisp and clear sound makes it easy for viewers to understand what you’re saying. Similarly, the video should be free from any distortions or blurring. Don't overload it with too many effects and transitions, as this can distract viewers from the actual content.

11. Optimize for SEO

One of the top strategies how to increase views on YouTube and make your videos more popular is creating search engine-friendly videos.

According to statistics, 79% of internet users have a YouTube account. That means most of your potential viewers are already searching for content on YouTube. Therefore, making sure you have the right title, description, and keywords can help search engine algorithms rank your video higher in the results.

Include key phrases that are closely related to your video’s content. Don’t try to be too creative with the title — everything should be clear and straightforward.

12. End with an effective call-to-action

One of the most important things in how to make a YouTube video is having a goal in mind. The end of your video should be as effective as the beginning. This will help you increase engagement and build a larger audience for your channel.

Invite your viewers to subscribe if you haven’t already, or ask them to watch another video you’ve created. You can also ask them to comment or share the video, making sure you include links in the description to make it easier for them.

Add creativity to your call to action by making it interactive. You can ask your viewers to complete a challenge or use a fun hashtag to make sure they stay engaged and entertained.

Wrapping Up

Creating professional YouTube videos doesn't have to be complicated. Some of the tips mentioned above do require a bit of time and effort, but all of them have a considerable effect on how successful your video will be.

Start with a few basics and gradually build up your skill set. Before long, you’ll be making videos that leave a lasting impression on viewers and help you grow your channel.

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