Youtube videos are made for business, education, entertainment, commentary, practical skills and the list goes on.  However, in each of these cases, having a professional video truly makes a difference.  What I’ve noticed in the case of some people who are trying to launch a successful Youtube channel is that they mistakenly don’t pay attention to the many little cosmetic details which influence viewership. 

They sometimes justify this by saying “I just want to be myself; I don’t need any equipment or editing.  I just want to get on the channel and show my content”.  While the intent is to appear authentic, it just comes across as a person who is not devoted enough to what they are doing to even polish it.  I’m by no means suggesting that very expensive equipment is needed or that it needs a bunch of stage trickery to look like a Hollywood production.  However, the video should come across as clean, pleasant, dedicated and focused. 

  • At least 1080p resolution.  Higher if possible.
  • Use a real microphone (not the mic built in with your laptop)
  • Don’t enable background noise reduction if it cuts out part of your voice.
  • Record in an area with soft surfaces to reduce the echo from your voice.
  • Dress well (clean, ironed).  Not necessarily formal, but presentable.
  • Comb hair.  Use concealer to cover any scars, rashes, wounds or acne. 
  • Don’t make a habit out of recording in the dark with your computer screen as light.
  • You want lighting, that’s bright enough but not too harsh (no CFL bulbs)
  • Lighting should be evenly balanced on both sides.
  • Face the camera directly at an even level (not too high or too low)
  • Get to the main point of your video within the first minute.
  • Keep the length under 10 minutes unless its very detailed content.
  • Keep the length under 2-5 mins if it’s an ad or a viral vid.
  • Don’t ramble off topic.  
  • Don’t repeat the same points over and over again.
  • Use a video editor to edit out repetitive or off-topic moments.
  • Also edit out any interruptions such as barking dogs, firetrucks or children.
  • Use a video editor to add notes inside the video as needed.
  • Include links and notes in the description to save time.