So you wanna create YouTube videos? Honestly, it's not just about hitting record on your phone anymore. After making over 200 videos (and plenty of cringe-worthy mistakes), I'll show you exactly how to make a video for YouTube that people actually watch. Forget the fluff – this is the practical roadmap I needed when I started.
Here's the truth: My first video got 37 views. Mostly my mom and cousins. Why? I filmed in a noisy coffee shop with terrible lighting and rambled for 15 minutes. Don't be like past me.
Before You Film: Planning That Actually Saves Time
Planning feels boring, right? I used to skip it too. Bad idea. Wasted hours fixing avoidable mistakes. Now I never film without these:
Choosing Your Video Topic (The Right Way)
Don't just pick what you like. Ask: What do viewers actually search for? Use free tools like Google Trends or YouTube's search suggestions. Type "how to..." and see what auto-populates.
Example: Instead of "My Trip to Paris," try "Paris Travel Mistakes to Avoid in 2024" – way more searchable.
Warning: I made a 20-minute review of a niche camera lens. Almost no searches. Wasted effort. Check search volume first!
Scripting vs. Outlining
For tutorials, I script word-for-word (prevents rambling). Vlogs? Bullet points work better. Here's my simple framework:
- Hook: First 5 seconds (e.g., "Stop ruining your steak!")
- Problem: What pain point do they have?
- Solution: Your main content
- CTA: Clear next step ("Subscribe," "Link in description")
My ad-libbed videos always run longer and lose focus. Scripting saves editing headaches.
Gear You Actually Need (No BS)
You don't need a $2000 camera. Seriously. Here’s what matters:
| Priority | Low Budget | Mid Budget | High Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera | Smartphone (iPhone/Android) | Sony ZV-1F ($500) | Sony A7IV ($2500) |
| Audio | Phone mic (quiet room) | Lavalier mic ($20-50) | Wireless lavs ($300+) |
| Lighting | Natural light by window | Neewer ring light ($60) | 2-3 softbox lights ($200+) |
| Tripod | Stack of books | Amazon Basics tripod ($25) | Fluid head tripod ($150+) |
Audio: Your Secret Weapon
Viewers forgive bad video before bad audio. My biggest regret? Not getting a lavalier mic sooner. Even a $20 one improved my videos more than a $500 camera upgrade. Record a test clip – listen for background hums (fridge, AC).
Lighting Hacks That Work
I filmed for months in my dim apartment. Results looked ghostly. Simple fixes:
- Face a window (overcast days = perfect soft light)
- Use a white poster board as reflector ($1 at craft store)
- Desk lamp with white cloth over it (DIY softbox)
Pro Tip: The "golden hour" before sunset gives gorgeous natural light. Free cinematic effect!
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Video for YouTube
Alright, action time. Here's my exact filming workflow:
Setting Up Your Shoot
- Location: Quiet room with minimal echo (closets full of clothes work great!)
- Background: Clean but not sterile. Add 1-2 personal items (plant, bookshelf).
- Camera Settings: 1080p at minimum. Lock exposure/focus (tap screen on phone).
I once filmed outdoors without checking wind noise. Ruined audio. Now I always do a 10-second test.
Filming Techniques That Engage
- B-Roll is Essential: Shoot close-ups of actions (hands pouring coffee, keyboard typing). Cuts monotony.
- Eye Contact: Look directly at lens – not your preview screen.
- Energy: Sound slightly more excited than normal (camera flattens energy).
My early talking-head videos put people to sleep. B-roll and energy shifts fixed that.
Editing: Where the Magic Happens
Editing used to take me days. Now I do it in hours with these shortcuts:
| Software | Price | Best For | My Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| CapCut | Free | Beginners, phones | Surprisingly powerful auto-captions |
| DaVinci Resolve | Free | Serious editors (steep learning curve) | Professional color grading tools |
| Premiere Pro | $20.99/month | Professionals | Industry standard but pricey |
Editing Workflow That Saves Time
- Import all footage into folders (A-roll, B-roll, audio)
- Trim main footage using your script/outline as guide
- Add B-roll over speaking parts (cover cuts)
- Adjust audio levels: Voice -6dB, music -22dB
- Add transitions sparingly (cuts > fancy effects)
Cut ruthlessly. If a sentence doesn't add value, delete it. My rule: If I'm bored editing it, viewers will skip it.
Essential Editing Tricks
- J-Cuts: Audio starts before video (smoother transitions)
- Text Overlays: Highlight key points (helps retention)
- Sound Effects: Gentle "whooshes" or "dings" (use sparingly!)
Uploading for Maximum Views
Great video + bad upload strategy = invisible. Don't skip this!
Title Formulas That Work
Test these against your topic:
- "[Number] Ways to [Solve Problem] Without [Pain Point]"
- "The Ultimate Guide to [Topic] for [Audience]"
- "[Result] in [Timeframe]: [Method] Tutorial"
My highest-viewed title: "3 iPhone Photo Hacks You're Not Using (Save Time Now)"
Description Box SEO
First 3 lines are crucial (shown in search). Include:
- Main keyword phrase ("how to make a video for YouTube")
- Key resources mentioned (linked)
- Timestamps for long videos
Example snippet: Learn exactly how to make a YouTube video step-by-step. FREE checklist: [link] 00:00 Best gear under $100 00:35 Lighting mistakes to avoid 02:10 Editing shortcuts...
Thumbnail Rules You Can't Ignore
- High contrast colors (red/yellow/white pop best)
- Large readable text (3 words max)
- Your face showing emotion (surprise, excitement)
I tested 5 thumbnails for one video. The winner got 3x more clicks. Always A/B test!
Promotion: Beyond YouTube
Relying solely on YouTube search is risky. Here's how I get initial views:
- Shorts Teaser: Post 15-second hook on Shorts pointing to full video
- Pinterest: Create vertical graphics with key takeaways
- Communities: Share value-first in relevant Reddit/Facebook groups
Never spam links! I got banned from a group by being too salesy. Share insights first.
Annoying Problems (and How I Fixed Them)
"My Videos Look Blurry!"
Usually an export issue. Settings that work:
- Resolution: 1080p HD
- Frame rate: Match footage (usually 24/30fps)
- Bitrate: 12-20 Mbps for H.264
"Nobody Finds My Videos"
Check these first:
- Search your exact title on YouTube – do you appear?
- Install VidIQ or TubeBuddy – check keyword scores
- Analyze click-through rate (CTR) in Analytics (aim for 5%+)
FAQs: Real Questions I Get Daily
How long should my first YouTube video be?
Focus on value, not length. My rule: Take as long as needed to solve the problem thoroughly, but cut every second that isn't essential. Most tutorials: 5-8 minutes. Vlogs: 10-15 mins. Don’t pad for watch time.
Can I use copyrighted music?
Big mistake I made early on. YouTube flagged my videos. Use:
- YouTube Audio Library (free)
- Epidemic Sound or Artlist (paid, worth it)
- Original compositions
How often should I upload?
Consistency > frequency. Better to post one quality video monthly than four rushed ones. Algorithm rewards viewer satisfaction (watch time, likes). I upload weekly now but started bi-weekly.
Do I need 4K video?
Not for beginners. 1080p is fine. Most viewers watch on phones. Focus on content and audio first. Upgrade later.
Key Takeaways for Making YouTube Videos
Look, learning how to make a video for YouTube is a marathon. My biggest lessons:
- Audio quality makes or breaks you (invest early)
- Planning saves hours in editing
- Optimize titles/thumbnails like your life depends on it
- Focus on solving problems, not showing off gear
The first video will suck. My early stuff is embarrassingly bad. But each one gets better. Start simple. Use what you have. Hit record today.
Final Reality Check: Your first 10 videos are practice. Don't expect viral hits. Focus on improving one skill per video (lighting, editing pace, scripting). Progress compounds.