7 things every good online video needs

Let’s explore the often-forgotten but essential elements for an online video project. Try these seven things you should know before uploading.

So you have to create a video and try to remember all the details that you need to consider. But something is missing and you can’t say what.

Well let us help you get sorted and get your next video ready. Here are seven things you’ll want to know before you download this final video.

1. Have a screenplay (or, at least, a draft)

Sometimes companies and agencies hire filmmakers and editors before they even know what they’re looking to do. Having a script is like having a plan.

You don’t have to write every line of dialogue on the first pass, but you do need to know the general message and the emotion you are trying to convey.

The script also helps determine the length of your video. So you will know if it is too long or too short for what you need. This brings up our next point.

2. Know your timeline

Is there a final video with a set time limit, or will you need multiple edits?

Advertisements and advertisements, both on television and online, have set deadlines. Do you have five seconds? Thirty seconds? A minute or two? The sooner you understand this, the smoother the process will be.

Time is not the only factor here. You will also need to determine on which platform (s) your video will be shown. More on that later.

3. Call to action

At the end of the day, each video should have some type of call-to-action type for the viewer. Do you want them to visit your website, buy a product, donate to a cause, or support your business? Remember to tell them to do it.

Each video should serve some type of purpose. For example, you can watch one Shutterstock tutorial, then sign up for more tips and tricks.

Every video has a call to override that “like” and press that “notification bell” like all YouTube channels. This way, YouTube will actually show you when new videos are available.

4. Easy-to-read text and titles

Will you have a lot of information written down, or titles moving on screen? If so, be sure to choose a font that’s easy on the eyes. Also, be sure to check if a viewer can read the entire text when it is displayed on the screen.

Try to stick with sans serif fonts. Not only do they tend to be easier to read on the screen, but they are also easily readable when animated.

Here are some great resources and fonts to help you out.

5. Crop and test the title on different formats

Once you have defined how your text and titles will look, be sure to test them out on a variety of formats. For example, how does the text hold up when viewing video in 16: 9, 1: 1, or 9:16 vertical?

Plus, it’s not just the text. If you are posting this video on various social media platforms, make sure your frame is sized correctly. This means checking that your images and visuals are not cropped out of the frame.

6. Good music and good sound design

Music and sound are such powerful components that most people don’t think about it until they’re already going up.

As well as recording quality dialogue from a talent on camera or voiceovers during production, adding additional sound effects, atmospheres and music ties the entire video together.

7. Attractive visuals and graphics

If the video doesn’t look at least as good, you better make sure the content keeps viewers engaged and engaged. This is a broad category because it includes many factors depending on the type of video you are creating.

Is the video live? Or is it an explanatory animation or graphic animation video? Is it a high octane, fast tone or a nice slow burn?

Whatever type of video you make, it needs to look good to grab your viewer’s attention. There are plenty of ways to do it, from quick camera movements, amazing shots, or trendy montages and animations.

A good video will require both skill and a high level of discipline. In addition, small details and important elements will make the work more attractive to viewers.

Cover image via Julia Tim.

Find even more video production secrets and giveaways with these articles: