Buzz
This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to prepare, film, and upload your video to YouTube. You can choose to shoot your video in standard or high quality, depending on your preference. If you prefer not to write a detailed script, you can skip that and refer to the final section of the article for instructions on how to upload your video to YouTube.
Steps
Preparation Before Filming
Use a webcam for convenience. Similar to smartphones, most laptops made within the past five years come with a built-in webcam (usually at the top of the screen). While the quality is lower than a professional camcorder, a webcam can still be a reliable tool if you don't have the budget for a smartphone or professional video camera.
- If your laptop doesn't have a webcam, you can purchase one and install it for less than 500,000 VND.
Use a smartphone for flexibility. Most smartphones on the market come equipped with three essential features for creating videos: a camera with video recording capabilities, a microphone for sound recording, and a large storage space for data. While smartphones are portable, the audio and video quality may not match that of a professional camcorder.
- Videos typically take up a lot of space. It's best to transfer your videos from the phone to another storage device once you're done filming.
Use a camcorder for high-quality video. You can find basic camcorders for under $50 (around 1 million VND) on Amazon, or purchase a high-quality one for about 3 million VND. Camcorders usually offer better display quality than smartphones or webcams.
- Most modern camcorders come with removable SD cards, which you can use to transfer video to a computer. Be sure to check that the camcorder you're considering has an SD card before buying.
Record screen content on your computer. You can do this by downloading third-party software that supports screen recording. With this software, you can easily create tutorial videos or capture scenes from video games.
- While recording, make sure to check the audio and video quality by doing a test recording and reviewing it for assessment.
Tip: Many programs allow you to record multiple videos at once. If you wish, you can set up an additional webcam to capture yourself. This way, you can record the main content while including a shot of your face. This method is popular not only among streamers but also with many other YouTubers who incorporate this technique into their videos.
Consider purchasing a dedicated microphone. While this isn't mandatory, good audio quality can make or break a video. Therefore, relying on the built-in microphone of your recording device may not be sufficient. If you're able to buy an affordable microphone that is compatible with your recording equipment, the quality of your video will significantly improve.
- Some camcorders come with a professional microphone and all necessary connection components included.
Write a script. Although not mandatory, writing a script before choosing the video type will help you define the content you need to shoot. Additionally, occasionally reviewing the script keeps you on track, organizes your video content logically (which contributes to a more professional look), and ensures you don’t miss any important details.
Consider creating videos based on current trends. Millions of users have contributed countless videos to the YouTube community. Here are some popular video types:
- Vlogs are a series of regularly updated videos where the creator shares their thoughts, usually lasting around 10 minutes.
- Gaming videos attract a lot of views, especially when covering newly released games.
- Tutorial videos on various topics where the creator is an expert.
- Compilation videos featuring a collection of images or short clips, often with background music added.
- Pet videos are very popular, with creators often using handheld devices like smartphones or camcorders to capture their pets doing funny or cute things.
- Review videos focus on critiquing products or services, and injecting humor or sarcasm can increase viewer engagement.
- Comedy videos come in many styles and formats. They’re perfect for filming with friends, ranging from real-life humor to goofy dance routines, sketch comedy, and much more.
Create videos for personal purposes. If you want to share experiences with friends or family who couldn’t be there with you, YouTube is a great platform to connect.
- Plan ahead for events like family outings, weddings, and birthday parties, so you can edit the footage and upload it to YouTube afterward.
- You can set the video to private and share it only with those who have the URL, but keep in mind that third parties may still be able to view it. Therefore, create content that aligns with YouTube’s policies and is family-friendly.
Create videos from other videos. This is a highly popular method on YouTube, often involving user-uploaded clips of non-copyrighted material, such as old cartoons or TV shows.
- If you choose this route, no filming equipment is needed, but you’ll need short video files that you can download (you can download YouTube videos to create your own video if necessary).
- Such “remixed” videos often overlook copyright laws. While you might not face issues when creating the video, if the copyright owner of any original content in your video requests YouTube to remove it, the platform will take it down immediately.
Film the video
Ensure you have enough lighting. If possible, shoot during the day to take advantage of natural light. If you’re filming at night, you'll need additional lighting so viewers can clearly see what you’re doing.
- If you're filming yourself, sit facing the light source and position the camera towards you.
- This step does not apply to screen recording videos.
Choose the right outfit. Avoid wearing clothes that match the color of your background (for example, if your wall is black, don’t wear black or dark-colored clothing).
Keep the background clean and tidy. If your background looks messy, others may think you're disorganized. A clean and professional background will make viewers feel more comfortable compared to an untidy one.
Start filming. Once you have a concept for your video, do everything necessary to set the scene and prepare for shooting.
- It’s likely you’ll need to film multiple takes. This is completely normal, especially for beginners.
Tip: Film more than you initially planned. You can always cut out extra footage during editing, so there’s no need to worry too much about capturing the perfect moment on your first try.
Speak clearly and loudly. This not only ensures the best audio quality but also captures the attention of your audience.
- If you're using a microphone, speak directly into it. This is especially important when using a device with a built-in microphone.
Be cautious about sharing personal information. Never disclose your real name, phone number, or address.
Stop recording once you're done filming. Don’t forget to press the Stop button on your recording device. This will automatically save your footage.
Upload video to YouTube from your computer
Transfer the video to your computer (if necessary). If the video is stored on the SD card of your camcorder, insert the SD card into your computer, open the card if the folder doesn’t appear automatically, and transfer the video from the "DCIM" folder to your computer.
- Your computer might not have an SD card slot. If so, you’ll need a USB card reader.
Open YouTube. Go to https://www.youtube.com/ through your computer's web browser. If you're already logged in, you'll be taken to the YouTube homepage. If you're not logged in, click SIGN IN at the top right corner of the page and enter your Google account details to access your personalized YouTube experience.
Click on the Upload video button. This option will open the video upload page on your screen.
Click on the Select files to upload button in the middle of the page. Clicking on it will open the File Explorer window on Windows or Finder on Mac.
Upload your video. Choose the video file you want to upload by clicking on it, then click Open in the bottom-right corner of the window to begin uploading.
Add a title and description. Type the title of your video in the "Title" field and, if desired, provide a description in the box below the title field. The description is optional.
Select a thumbnail. Click on one of the thumbnail options at the bottom-right corner of the page to set the thumbnail for your video.
- You can also click on Custom thumbnail here to choose your own thumbnail.
- If desired, you can change or edit the thumbnail later on.
Click the Publish button. This is the blue button located at the top-right of the page. Clicking it will upload your video to YouTube once the upload process is complete.
- You can also track the processing time by monitoring the progress bar at the top of the page.
Upload videos to YouTube via the mobile app
Open YouTube. Tap the app with the distinctive YouTube logo. This will bring up the YouTube homepage if you are logged in.
- If you are not logged in, you will need to select your account or enter your email and password when prompted to continue.
- If you wish to make advanced edits before uploading the video, it’s better to transfer the video to your computer and edit it there. In that case, you should upload the video from your computer.
- You may need to grant YouTube access to your camera, microphone, and/or phone’s camera roll before proceeding.
Select a video. Tap on the video you wish to upload.
Edit the video (if necessary). You can adjust the video's length by tapping and dragging either end of the video slider, or you can modify the image or sound by switching to the appropriate tab at the bottom of the screen.
Tap on NEXT (Continue). This option is located at the top-right corner of the screen.
Enter a title and description for your video. Type in a title for your video in the "Title" field, and add a description (optional) in the box below the title.
Tap on UPLOAD (Upload). This option is also located at the top-right corner of the screen. After this step, your video will be uploaded to YouTube.
Wait until the video upload process to YouTube is completed. Once the video is live, you can watch it on your channel.
Upload a video to YouTube using the mobile site (for iOS).
Open the Photos app. Tap the Share icon to bring up the sharing options menu.
Tap on the YouTube icon. If you don't see it, swipe the first selection row to the right and select MORE. Make sure YouTube is enabled.
- If you're not logged into YouTube, you will need to select your account and input your email and password to proceed.
- If you'd like to perform advanced edits before uploading the video, transfer it to your computer first and edit it there. In this case, consider uploading the video to YouTube via your computer.
Enter the title and description, then adjust the video’s quality settings and privacy preferences.
Click on the "Upload" or "Publish" icon. This option can be found in the top right corner of the screen. This action will begin uploading your video to YouTube.
Wait for the video upload process to finish. Once your video is live, you can view it on your channel.
Advice
- Avoid expecting to become famous overnight. It takes time for others to discover your creative potential among the millions of channels on YouTube.
- Always think positively about your channel and while filming videos, especially when choosing to stream live, to attract more viewers.
- Do not buy expensive cameras (like a DSLR) unless you know how to use them.
Warning
- Don’t steal others' ideas.
- Like most popular websites with user-generated content, YouTube is also full of bullying, mockery, and people who want to bring you down. If ignoring them isn’t enough, you can turn off the comment section on your video.
