The Four Types Of Video Content

Lesson 1

Key Takeaways

Keep your audience engaged by transitioning between different shots. This can be achieved by transitioning between talking directly to camera and demonstrating a task.
If you prefer not to be on camera, another approach can be to demonstrate a task with the camera directed at the task while providing a narration or voice-over. Simply working through different steps is a form of transition.
Using video footage or images that you do not own can be difficult to find and costly. Many YouTubers who do this rely on Creative Commons licensing and the legal principle of Fair Use.

Understanding Creative Commons Licensing & Fair Use

Where to Find Free Media

Here are some sites I recommend for images, music, sound effects and b-roll footage. Just be aware of the attribution requirements.

Film Music is a website by Kevin Macleod who offers his excellent range of music both at a price and for free, if appropriately attributed.

Free sound effects - freesounds.org

Pexels provides very nice images and video footage or you can try the Freelance Video Collective.

Inspiration

On Camera:

Possibly my favorite YouTube channel of all time is Biographics. Simon Whistler combines his excellent presentation skills with background music, and transitions to images and video footage. One of the reasons I like Simon's videos is that, like me, he uses a teleprompter, which goes to show you can use a teleprompter and still look natural on screen.

I actually followed this YouTuber's advice when decorating my own house. I like this example because the videos are not polished, but notice how he records to camera, then he'll play b-roll of himself working using music to keep it engaging. A great example when just starting out.

Not On Camera:

This is one of my favorite examples of successfully monetizing a YouTube channel where the owner does not put their face on screen. They simply re-use advertising footage of the vendor's products and provide narration. I noted the author addresses fair-use in their video description.

Here is an example of a successful YouTuber who creates documentaries on war history. They simply narrate over images and video footage. I'm not sure where they source their media; however, note the frequency of transitions and movement over images to keep the video engaging.

This is an amazing example of a successful YouTuber who neither speaks nor puts their face on camera. I think these videos would be far more appealing with a voice-over or narration, but it just goes to show you anyone can be successful on YouTube.

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