What? There is nothing new about video, but in recent years the hosting and viewing of videos online has grown massively. Professional video recording and editing may be for a niche, as it can require vast technical expertise and expensive equipment, but the amateur video market has expanded. This is largely due to the rapid progression of technology combined with the increase of households with computers. With the introduction of broadband and higher connection speeds, the online streaming video has become popular. This has lead to websites like YouTube and more recently to television ‘Catch up Services’ now available for most major channels.

Why? Getting a message across has always taken different forms and video is simply another platform. In a modern age of technology and interactivity, it can be argued that video is one of the most effective forms of communication and holds one of the largest target markets. Online video can reach viewers all over the world, and can host a massive array of content – anything your camera, expertise and imagination can compile.

YouTube is the most popular video hosting website, Wikipedia states: “YouTube is a video sharing website where users can upload, view and share video clips…[the] service uses Adobe Flash technology to display a wide variety of user-generated video content, including movie clips, TV clips and music videos, as well as amateur content such as videoblogging and short original videos”

Using video technologies and influencing this fast moving industry is crucial if you want to make an impact in the 21st Century.

How Do I Do It?

There are two steps to getting a video online, the first is shooting and editing the video and the second is uploading it in the appropriate location. Both are simple and straightforward, however there are techniques to make the process as effective as possible.

Shooting a Video

You can use anything from a mobile phone camera or webcam to a professional video camera to film video. It solely depends on what you wish to make and what tools you have available. A video is simply a collection of images, hence the term ‘Frame Rate’ to describe the rate at which an imaging device produces consecutive images. With this in mind, even a video camera is not necessary to produce a video as separate images can be compiled together.

Assuming that we are shooting video, here are some simple tips to start with:

Don’t:

1) Walk with the camcorder (if possible)

2) Pan too much or too fast.

3) Overuse the zoom.

Do:

1) Use a tripod when shooting (whenever practical).

2) Shoot from different angles.

3) Include lots of wide angle shots.

A simple Google search for ‘video tips’ will reveal many answers to filming a quality and professional video, regardless of your equipment.

Editing your Video

Most modern machines come equipped with software which will allow you to do basic editing of your video. On a Windows machine this would be ‘Windows Movie Maker’. If you want a more advanced solution, there are packages available for purchase at reasonable costs. These programs may also allow you to import your video onto your PC, although video cameras usually come with importing tools.

Windows Movie Maker

Step 1: – Create a Project

This project will give you a workspace which includes a timeline and importing media tools.

Step 2: – Import your media

If you have copied a video onto your PC from a camera, you should now be able to import this using the import tools, or simply drag-and-drop onto the workspace.

Step 3: – Add media to the timeline

The timeline is the most crucial tool in video editing. This is how the video is arranged, and allows you to add media including images, video and audio.

Step 4: – Add transitions, effects and titles

These simple techniques can often enhance your video and provide a buffer between one video and another, a title and a video etc. Beware that these can also be overused, leading to a tacky and unprofessional looking video.

Step 5: – Export the video in a suitable format

The software will give you a number of options for exporting your video, depending on what you wish to use it for. If you want to upload the video to YouTube use a smaller file format and try and keep the length short. YouTube limits you to 2GB video and 10 minutes.

Using YouTube

YouTube is a popular video sharing service so it will be used in this example.

Step 1: – Create an Account

Signing up to YouTube will give you access to the upload and comment features. Click ‘Sign Up’ and register. Alternatively you can use your existing Google account (gmail etc) if you have one.

Step 2: – Upload your Video

Now that you have exported your video from Movie maker, you can upload it using the YouTube upload tool. Go to your profile and select ‘Upload’. There are two steps to this process, the first asks you to title and describe your video, and the second allows you to either upload a video or capture it live. Select ‘Upload’ once the boxes have been filled in.

Step 3: – Save and Customise your Video

You can customise your video to allow ratings, comments responses and more. Once your video has been uploaded there will be a short period before which you will be able to watch and it will go public on YouTube. You’re done!

Commenting and Responding

Videos are just as important to comment on as articles and blogs. YouTube hosts huge debates which can take place via text comment or video response. Always comment when you see fit, and be sure to make your views heard.