by Elaine Slatter | Featured Contributor

During these crazy times, when face to face connections at events are not possible, have you thought about different ways to create video content?  You don’t need to hire a videographer.  All you need is a cellphone and the right equipment and setup and you can get started. At the beginning you may not be comfortable having to create video content through ‘lives’ whether Facebook live, Instagram or Linkedin live, but let’s explore the different ways to create video content.  Our 5 tips for creating videos when you are starting out will set you on the right path and give you confidence to launch your first video.

1) How to Create Video Content Recordings (not live video)

The advantage of making video content recordings is you can edit out the sections you don’t like, and chop the video up into smaller bite sizes (sound bites, if you like) that you can then re-purpose on different social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and your own blog.  So let’s get started

• Record a video with your cell phone.  All you need to create video content with your cell phone is a tripod with a cell phone mount, a halo light, a remote button and editing software. A setup like the one in the picture can be purchased from Amazon for under $60.00  One free editing app for cell phones is InShOT. There is both a free and paid version of this software, available for both Android and i-phone.   The editing software allows you to trim your video, add text and insert your social media icons.
• Use Zoom to record and create video content. One advantage of Zoom is you can use a virtual background to your video and in the new version you don’t need a green screen to use a virtual background.  All you have to do is upload a photo of your choice to your computer or select from your cell phone if you are using the mobile version of zoom.
• Use your computer camera to record videos and then edit after the recording.  If you don’t want to edit your video yourself, using software such as Camtasia (for MAC and PC), or hop on over to Fiverr, type in “video editor” and you will find lots of video editors.  Look for a level 2 seller with a 5* rating when selecting a video editor in Fiverr.

When you’ve mastered creating video content through recordings you are now ready to do “live’ events

2)  Facebook Live

• Did you know you can go ‘live’ privately?  Yes, you can!   Facebook Live has “Live Rehearsal” or  “Test Broadcast” feature which let’s you practice.  You click ‘live’ under schedule and then click ‘publish as a test broadcast’.  Only the page admins will see your test video.  This is only available on ‘pages’ and not in groups.
• Once you feel brave enough, you can switch to Facebook live videos on your personal page, your business page or in your group.  If you are going live from your business page, here is where you find the ‘live’ button.
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3)  LinkedIn Live

• Since the pandemic has hit, I’ve notice quite a few business people are taking the plunge and streaming live on LinkedIn.  As of mid-2020 there isn’t a button on LinkedIn that you can just press to do a Linkedin Live, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see this added as a feature in the future.  To go live on LinkedIn you need to use a third party streaming platform.  One of the ones that I like is Streamyard . If you don’t mind the watermark and you are not doing lots of ‘ives’, the free version could be just fine for you.
• With software such as Streamyard it asks you what you want to connect ‘live’ to and there is a button for LinkedIn.

4)  Zoom Live

• You can create a live event on Zoom and invite people to the event through Meetup or through your own email marketing.  With the latest Zoom software upgrade you need a password code and there is a “waiting room” so that you only let it people who you know.  This is to prevent Zoom bombing where hackers jumped into zoom rooms and created havoc to an unsuspecting audience.
• To set up your scheduled Zoom Live, go into Zoom and “Schedule a Meeting” for the time and date before you go over to Meetup to set it up or prior to sending out an announcement to your email list.
• Before you go live on zoom, make sure you press the record button to record your live session

5)  Live in Instagram Stories/Posts

• Perfect for shooting with your cellphone.  You can add special effects on to your video and then post to Instagram.  Great for short snippets, ie 15 seconds or less.   Great for product shots, quick personal videos related to your brand.
• If your video is longer, then you can post to IGTV
• Make sure you add those #hashtags to help get exposure to video and gain more following.

How to Share your Videos

You can edit any of your videos to add your branding and to add thumbnails that you design on Canva to show at the beginning or end of your videos.  When you are happy with your videos, then here are the different ways to share them.   Don’t forget to use “tags” to find the searching of your videos easy for those who are looking for your content.

1. On your YouTube Channel
2. On a ‘video’ tab on your website
3. In a blog post on your website
4. In a facebook group or on your business page
5. On your LinkedIn profile or Linkedin business page