Video Content Creator Guide - Tips for UGC Creators

Whether you're an experienced creator or just starting your journey, creating compelling video content has become essential. From understanding the video production process to exploring different types of videos, this guide will help you elevate your video-making skills. We will also share our five essential tips to help you stand out as a video content creator, either as a creator or a brand.

The Basics of Video Production

To create engaging and professional videos, you need to master the three primary stages of video production: pre-production, production, and post-production. Each stage plays a crucial role in shaping the final product.

Pre-Production: Planning and Preparation

Pre-production is where your ideas take form. In this stage, you decide on the video's purpose, target audience, and key message. It involves scripting, storyboarding, and scouting locations. Proper planning ensures a smooth production phase and minimizes unexpected hurdles. For creators of User Generated Content or in other words UGC, this phase often includes brainstorming authentic and relatable concepts that align with your audience’s preferences.

Production: Capturing the Content

Production is where the actual filming happens. This phase requires attention to detail, from lighting to sound and camera angles. The goal is to capture high-quality footage that aligns with your vision. For UGC creators, this might mean using a smartphone or portable camera to shoot on-the-go, emphasizing authenticity.

Post-Production: Editing and Enhancing

Post-production is the final stage where you polish the video. It involves editing, adding music, transitions, and visual effects, and ensuring the video flows seamlessly. Modern tools and AI-driven platforms like Keyla AI can make editing faster and more efficient, especially for creators producing UGC videos under tight deadlines.

Types of Videos: Exploring Your Options

Different types of videos cater to various purposes and audiences. As a video creator, it's crucial to understand which format works best for your goals. Here are a few popular types:

• Explainer Videos: Ideal for educating your audience about a product or service.
• Vlogs: Personal and authentic, vlogs are excellent for building a connection with your audience.
• Tutorials: Step-by-step guides that add value and demonstrate expertise.
• Promotional Videos: Short and engaging, these highlight products or services.
• User-Generated Content (UGC): Raw, authentic videos created by users, which brands often use for marketing.

Each type has its unique appeal, but UGC stands out for its relatability and ability to drive trust in audiences.

5 Essential Tips for Video Creators

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your craft, these tips will help you create videos that resonate with your audience.

1. Invest in High-Quality Equipment

While UGC often thrives on authenticity, having quality equipment like a decent camera, tripod, and microphone can significantly improve your video’s visual and audio quality. For beginners, even a high-end smartphone can suffice. Riverside has a great article on how to choose the right equipment for all - from expensive to cheap.

Pro tip - for lens, you'll probably hear recommendations for 50mm f/1.8 or 35mm f/1.8. One thing to remember is that it does not really matter that much in the beginning. If you can make a great script and do a good job at post-production, you can get away with any lens.

2. Use High-Performance Video Editing Tools

Editing is where your video comes to life. Invest in tools that offer robust features like color correction, transitions, and AI-assisted editing. Learning tools like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro can be a bit daunting, but it's worth it. You can either start with a tutorial or a course, but it is also possible to just start editing once you have the video material. Pick up an example you like and try to replicate it. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Don't forget that it takes hours to learn the basics, but it will pay off in the long run.

Tools like Final Cut Pro also have apps for mobile devices, so you can edit on the go if you film with your phone.

3. Be Comfortable on Camera

Confidence is key when you're in front of the camera. Practice speaking naturally, maintain good posture, and engage with your audience as if you're having a conversation. If you're shy, starting with voiceover videos or behind-the-camera roles can help ease you into it.

4. Prepare a Script with Hooks That Sell

Every successful video begins with a solid script. Start with an attention-grabbing hook to keep viewers engaged, then structure the content with clear, persuasive messaging. For marketing videos, include calls-to-action that guide viewers toward your desired outcome.

5. Make Videos in Scenes for Easy Repurposing

Create your videos in short, distinct scenes rather than long takes. This not only makes editing easier but also allows you to repurpose content for different platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts. Also, before filming, write down the script and follow it.

Conclusion

Becoming a successful video content creator involves mastering the fundamentals of video production, understanding the types of videos that work best for your goals, and implementing strategies to enhance your videos. The tips above are a good start, but the most important thing is to just start creating. The more you do it, the easier it gets.

If you are just starting with UGC videos - start experimenting with different scripts. Focus on the message, highlight what's important for you and your audience, then take the camera and film it. Having multiple videos will help you understand what works and what doesn't.

Remember these key takeaways:

• Start with proper planning and pre-production
• Invest in basic equipment that fits your budget
• Focus on creating quality content consistently
• Learn from your analytics and audience feedback
• Stay updated with current trends and platform requirements
• Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and formats

Video content creation is amazing once you start doing it. You evolve not only as a creator, but also as a person, you become more confident of yourself, your voice, and your storytelling. Start your journey today, and remember that every successful creator started exactly where you are now.