If you’ve ever thought, “I want to make a video,” welcome to the club. Whether you’re a small business owner, a content creator, or someone just itching to share something with the world, video is the go-to format right now. And for good reason, people watch more than they read. It’s easier to absorb, more emotionally engaging, and let’s face it, it’s more fun.
But making a video? That’s where people get stuck. Between the gear, the editing, the awkwardness of being on camera, it can feel like too much before you’ve even hit record.
Here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need a $3,000 camera or a film degree to create something worth sharing. You just need a bit of guidance, some patience, and a willingness to experiment.
Let’s talk through the real-world process of video making, what works, what to avoid, and how to actually enjoy the process.
Step 1: Know Your Why Want to Make a Video
First things first: why are you making this video?
- Is it to promote a product?
- Teach something?
- Tell a story?
- Make someone laugh?
Understanding your goal will shape everything, from the script to the editing style. If you’re just filming because “everyone says video is important,” pause. The internet doesn’t need more noise. But it does need more clarity, authenticity, and content that respects people’s time.
Knowing your purpose keeps you focused. And it helps your audience connect, because they’ll sense intention behind the visuals.
Step 2: Think Before You Shoot
This doesn’t mean you need a full storyboard with color-coded Post-its. But you do need a plan.
Here’s a simple checklist on want to make a video before you shoot:
- What’s the main message? Sum it up in one sentence. If you can’t, go back and tighten your idea.
- Who’s the audience? A video for dog owners is going to look and sound different than one for software developers.
- Where will it be published? A 15-second Instagram Reel needs different pacing than a 5-minute YouTube tutorial.
- What tone are you going for? Casual and friendly? Polished and professional? Silly? Honest? Tone shapes everything.
Even jotting down a rough outline, beginning, middle, end, can save hours in editing.
Step 3: Equipment Matters… But Not As Much As You Think
This part trips up a lot of people. They’ll spend weeks researching cameras, mics, lights… and never actually make a video.
Here’s the reality: your smartphone is probably good enough for you when you want to make a video.
Modern phone cameras shoot in 4K, have decent stabilization, and can make excellent content when used with care. What actually makes a bigger difference than the gear?
- Lighting. Natural light is your friend. Face a window. Don’t shoot with the light behind you.
- Audio. Clear sound is non-negotiable. If people can’t hear you properly, they won’t stick around even if your video looks amazing. A cheap clip-on mic (like the Rode Lavalier GO or even a basic one from Amazon) can instantly level you up.
- Stability. Shaky footage feels chaotic. Use a tripod, a stack of books, or whatever you can to keep things steady.
Start with what you have. Upgrade when you outgrow it not before.
Step 4: Get Comfortable on Camera (It Takes Time)
Let’s be real: most people feel awkward at first when they want to make a video. Talking to a lens feels unnatural. You second-guess how you look, how you sound, whether you’re blinking too much…
Here’s the secret: no one is a natural. Confidence comes with reps.
Some tips that help:
- Don’t script every word. Instead, know your key points and speak naturally. Reading a script word-for-word often sounds robotic.
- Record test takes. Watch them back. Cringe a little. Then adjust.
- Smile. It helps with tone and makes you appear more approachable.
- Imagine one person. Speak as if you’re talking to a friend. It helps you feel less “broadcasty” and more human.
Eventually, your nervous energy becomes part of your charm when you want to make a video. Audiences don’t want perfect they want real.
Step 5: Shoot Smart, Not Long
Here’s a trap people fall into: recording 30 minutes of footage for a 2-minute video. Then spending five hours editing it down.
Instead, think in clips. Film short, intentional pieces rather than rambling monologues. This gives you more flexibility in editing and makes the process far less overwhelming.
Some practical tips when you want to make a video:
- Use takes. Mess up? Pause, take a breath, and start the line again. You can cut around mistakes.
- Film B-roll. These are the extra visuals hands typing, coffee being poured, city streets, close-ups of products. B-roll breaks up talking head shots and makes your video more engaging.
- Leave room for cuts. Start recording, wait two seconds, then speak. When you finish, hold your position for a beat. This makes editing way easier.
Step 6: Edit With Intention
Editing is where the magic happens or the madness when you want to want to make a video, depending on how much footage you shot.
Here’s what to focus on when you want to make a video:
- Trim the fat. Cut out pauses, “umms,” and off-topic rambles.
- Add rhythm. Use music, visual pacing, and transitions to keep things flowing.
- Use text sparingly. On-screen text is great for emphasizing points, especially for social videos but don’t overdo it.
- Don’t over-polish. Slight imperfections often make content feel more authentic.
A good rule of thumb when you want to make a video: if you start getting bored watching your own video, your audience definitely will.
Step 7: Publish It. Yes, Even If It’s Not “Perfect”
This is the hardest part for many people. You’ve spent hours creating something. You notice every flaw. The lighting could be better. The audio dips at the 1:42 mark. You blink weirdly in one shot.
But here’s the thing about when you want to make a video: no one else notices like you do. And most people are too busy scrolling to care.
Hit publish anyway.
The only way to improve is to create, share, get feedback, and repeat. That “perfect” video you keep tweaking? It might never see the light of day. And that’s a shame, because your content could genuinely help someone even in its imperfect state.
Progress over perfection wins every time when you want to make a video.
A Few Common Video Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Let’s save you some headaches. Here are a few mistakes many beginners make and simple ways around them:
1. Talking Too Much, Too Soon
Don’t start your video with a 60-second intro about who you are. Get to the point quickly, or viewers will bounce. Hook them in the first 5–10 seconds.
2. Ignoring Audio Quality
Bad sound is a deal-breaker. Prioritize it even over video quality.
3. Overusing Transitions
Swipe effects and spinning cubes might feel fun… until they don’t. Stick to clean cuts unless you really need that flare.
4. Forgetting to Add a Call-to-Action (CTA)
Tell people what you want them to do next like, comment, subscribe, check the link, whatever makes sense. Don’t assume they’ll just know.
5. Not Reviewing Before Publishing
Watch your video all the way through before uploading. Sometimes you’ll catch little issues that are easy to fix.
Ideas for Your First (or Next) Video
Not sure where to start? Here are some ideas that work well:
- A how-to video explaining something you know well
- A product demo or unboxing
- A behind-the-scenes look at your process
- A “day in the life” style vlog
- Customer testimonials or user-generated content
- A personal story that relates to your brand or message
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel, just make it yours.
The Truth About “Going Viral”
Here’s a reality check: most videos won’t go viral. That’s not the point.
Virality is lightning in a bottle. Consistency, on the other hand? That’s where growth happens. When you keep showing up with value, people begin to trust you. You learn faster. You build momentum. And eventually, that “overnight success” starts to look a lot like the result of showing up every week for six months.
Why Video Is Worth It
Video making isn’t always easy. It’s time-consuming. It can be frustrating. And yes, you’ll probably hate your first few takes.
But stick with it.
Because video builds connection in a way few other mediums can. It puts a face to your name, a voice to your brand, and a personality to your message. It humanizes you and in a world full of faceless content, that matters more than ever.
So make the video. Start where you are. Improve as you go.
Also Read: Mindfulness Practices: A Guide for Cultivating Inner Peace and Well-Being
Your voice deserves to be heard. And chances are, someone out there is waiting to hear exactly what you have to say.
