After pulling out the camera, are you feeling lost on what to do next?
You want your video to look professional, but it can be tough to start.
No worries!
We’ve got simple tips and tools to help you create a professional video that looks polished. You’ll learn about storytelling, camera shots, and editing—everything you need to know to get started.
If you’re typing “how to make professional videos” on the internet, you have reached the perfect page.
Let’s help you out.
Pre-Production: The Planning Phase
The pre-production phase phase is the groundwork for any video project. Doesn’t matter if the project is small or big; lay out the planning fast.
It’s where you come up with an effective strategy for the whole project. Also, you can prepare the things you will need to make the process smooth.
Define Your Goals and Target Audience
- Purpose: What kind of outcome are you trying to achieve through the video? What is it about educating, entertaining, inspiring, or a combination of these? Whatever the reason, there has to be a purpose that will guide you to make creative decisions. That way, you can reflect that in the message to your audience.
- Audience: Who are you creating this video for? Who are the audiences you want them to watch? Those will be the people your target audience. Try knowing their age, interests, demographics, and online behaviors. These insights will help you shape the content to connect better with your audience.
Compelling Script and Storyboard
- Structure: Making a well-structured script or storyboard that sets perfectly with the video is a must. To have the structure on point, you have to hook the viewer in the introduction, tell the story, and end with a CTA for audiences to take action.
- Consciousness: Avoid unnecessary jargon and elements when creating the script and storyboard. Everything in the script or storyboard must relate to the overall message of your video.
- Visuals: Come up with the type of camera angles, movement, and scene transition you want in the video. Visualize the shots to come up with a precise storyboard.
- Dialogue: Write natural, relevant dialogue that aligns with your characters and story. It should be impactful yet easy for viewers to understand.
Budget Planning and Resources Allocation
| Equipment | Talent | Tools | Location |
| DSLR, mirrorless, or dedicated video cameraDifferent focal length lenses for different shotTripodsds for stability and smooth shotsMicrophones for better soundLED panels or softboxes for lighting | Actor for live-action charactersCrew members in different work stagesVoiceover artists for narration or characters’ voices | Editing software like Adobe InShotLicensed music for background music or sound effectStock images for additional visual elements | Rental for studio or lactation spacePermission for filming in certain areasTransportation for crew and equipment |
Equipment Checklist and Sourcing
- Camera: You will need a camera to capture the subject’s true essence and atmosphere. Choose a camera that is both budget-friendly and offers the best resolution.
- Lenses: Pick the lenses with perfect field of view and depth of field for your shots.
- Tripod: For an uninterrupted and balanced shot, buy a tripod with longer focal lengths.
- Microphone: Buy a microphone that can deliver clear and crisp sound. Try Lavalier microphones for on-camera talent and shotgun microphones for directional sound recording.
- Lighting: Decide where the shoot will be. If nature works perfectly, rely on it. But if there is an issue and you want artificial lights, you can use fixtures and diffusers.
Location Scouting and Logistics
- Pick the location that has the perfect atmosphere for your video style
- Ensure your crew members and equipment have full access to the location
- Ask for necessary permits for filming in public or private locations.
- The safety of the production team and equipment should come first.
- Select a visually interesting location that goes perfectly with the video’s storyline.
Production: The Filming Phase
[Source: GIF Tenor]
The production stage is when all the planning from pre-production planning gets executed. This is where you start filming, bringing together all the characters and equipment to make it happen.
Lighting
| Lighting | Advantages | Challenges | Tips |
| Natural | AvailableSoft and tranquilOften flattering | Unpredictable due to weather changeTime of day | Use “golden hour” for warm and soft lightUse reflectors to bounce light into shadows. |
| Artificial | Provides consistentControllable lighting | Higher energy costUnwanted effect | Different light temperatures create specific moods. Use diffusers to soften harsh light. |
Camera Angles and Composition
1. Common Camera Angles:
2. Composition Techniques:
- Rule of the third where you divide the frame into nine equal parts and place major elements along the interesting lines.
- Use leading lines in the scene to guide the viewer’s eye.
- Create symmetric and asymmetric compositions
- Choose backgrounds that complement your subject and story
Audio Quality
- Use a high-quality external microphone
- Choose quiet locations or sound dampeners to minimize background noise
- Monitor audio levels during filming to avoid clipping or distortion
- Record clean audio separately (if possible) for easier editing and mixing
Shooting Tips
- Multiple Takes: Go for several shoots so that you will have many options to choose from
- Experiment with Angles: Try different camera angles and composition to find what works best for the story
- Stay Consistent: Keep the lighting, camera settings, and framing throughout the shoot.
- Communication: Bond well and communicate clearly with the production team to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Post-Production: The Editing Phase
[Source: GIF Tenor]
After all the shooting, now come to the final part, where all of your raw fottages get their last polished. This is the phase for creative storytelling, visual refinement, and technical finesse.
Editing Software Overview
| Professional Grade | Adobe Premiere Pro | Industry-standard, powerful, and feature-rich |
| Final Cut Pro | Intuitive and popular among Mac users | |
| DaVinci Resolve | Known for editing and audio tools | |
| Free and open-source | Blender | Open-source software with video editing capabilities |
| Shortcut | User-friendly and cross-platform open-source editor |
Color Grading and Corrections
- White Balance: Adjust the color temperature to achieve a consistent look.
- Contrast and Brightness: Enhancing the overall visual impact.
- Color Curves: Fine-tuning specific colors for a desired effect.
- Lookup Tables (LUTs): Applying pre-made color filters for quick and consistent looks.
- Color Correction: Fixing color issues like incorrect white balance, uneven exposure, or color casts.
Adding Effects
| Effects | What To Do | Examples |
| Transitions | Smoothly connecting video clips | Cuts, dissolves, wipes |
| Animations | Adding movement to text, graphics, or objects | Titles, lower thirds |
| Overlays | Adding visual elements on top of your video | Graphics, text, images |
| Visual Effects (VFX) | Enhancing your video with special effects | Green screen, slow motion, timelapse |
Finalizing and Exporting
- Converting edited video into a playable format
- Choosing the appropriate format based on the platform
- Select the resolution based on your target audience and platform
- Maintain a consistent frame rate throughout the editing process
- Balancing audio levels, adding background music, and incorporating sound effects
Advanced Tips for Professional Videos
Optimizing Videos for Social Media
| Social Medis | Things To Do |
| YouTube | High-quality 1080p or 4K resolution formatThe balance between engaging content and viewer attention spanLonger content for in-depth topicsShorter videos for quick consumptionAttach like, subscribe, and share call-to-action |
| TikTok | Short and fast-paced videos with catchy musicHop on current trends and challengesBe genuine and relatable |
| Short and attention-grabbing video formatFocus on visually appealingUse eye-catching colors, graphics, and fast cutsUse relevant and trending hashtags |
Engaging Thumbnails and Titles
| Thumbnails | Titles |
| Bright colors, clear images, and text overlaysSpark curiosity within viewers to clickAccurately represents the video content | Include relevant keywordClarity in the video’s topicUse questions, numbers, or promises to entice the audience |
Utilize SEO for Videos
- Relevancy in tags to help viewers find your video
- A mix of board and specific tags
- Research popular ratings used by another creator in your niche
- Include relevant keywords in your title
- Detailed and engaging description
- Add closed caption to improve accessibility
- Visually appealing custom thumbnails
Get to Know the Common Mistakes to Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment do I need for professional video production?
To make a professional video, you should have a camera, tripod, microphone, lighting, and editing software.
How long does it take to produce a professional video?
It depends on the video’s complexity. Some videos can be completed in a few hours, and some can take weeks to finish.
Do I need advanced video editing skills?
You don’t always need advanced skills to make a professional video—basic editing software and online tutorials can help.
What is the best format for uploading videos to social media?
Formats like MP4 or MOV are generally compatible with most platforms. For better quality, try using a high-resolution version.
How can I make my videos look professional with minimal resources?
Focus on good lighting, which can be natural or artificial, stable camera work, clear audio, and concise editing.