5 Ways to Create Video Content (When You Don’t Like Video)

If you don’t know by now that video is the hottest medium for content sharing, you might well be living under a rock. If however, you’re under that rock because video is the hottest content medium, well, then, I get it. It’s probably getting crowded under there.

The fact that by 2019, video will account for 80% of all internet traffic is kind of scary. Particularly if you’re an introvert in the content sharing game. Like me. I’m an old fashioned gal who actually prefers to read online content rather than watch it. I know, cra-zy!

I write blog posts and newsletters. I’m good with that. The idea of creating videos - especially involving me actually speaking in them is not fun. Facebook Live? Webinars? Argh!

But for business owners online, video creation is inevitable. I’m slowly coming round to that. However, before I broadcast my own beaming face to the world, I’m easing myself into the video world.

Here’s how with 5 ways to create video content (when you don’t like video)...

1. Create a video of your blog post or article

This is a great way to market your existing content, while dipping your toes into video.

I’ve used Lumen5, a free online video creation tool that takes an existing blog post, article or text you’ve written and crafts it into a short, 30-second video.

It’s super simple. Just drop in a link or some text and pull out the pertinent phrases. The app creates a series of slides which you can customise with drag and drop images, colours and highlighted text. They’ve got hundreds of high quality free images (via Unsplash) or you can use your own. You can save your own branding colours too.

I wrote a review about Lumen5 on my newsletter’s June Resource Roundup, and I created a simple video on Lumen5 at the same time. Literally, it took me about 10 minutes. Then I downloaded the video and popped it onto my Facebook business page and YouTube account. Here it is for you -

2. Create a walkthrough video with voiceovers

This is another great way to create video content that also provides direct value for your readers. I create these videos on a semi regular basis for all of my new website design clients, they’re my customised website video tutorials.

I use Quicktime, which comes free on Macs or can be downloaded free from the Apple store. I open up a screen recording, click record and start talking while guiding my reader through their website live on my screen.

5 Ways to Create Video Content (when you don’t like video) | Lilani Goonesena https://www.lilanigoonesena.com/blog/5-ways-create-video-content

Quicktime is a really simple and easy to use platform; there aren’t many bells and whistles which is good for beginners. I’ve had loads of great feedback from my clients for my videos.

If you’re talking about a subject you know and are passionate about, you’ll come across as confident, even if you hate the sound of your own voice. I always put together a list of talking points before so I don’t forget anything and won’t say “umm” too many times. And I can also be in my PJs with my hair askew - no one will know!

3. Upload a iPhone video to social media

This is probably one of the simplest forms of video creation, and one of the most powerful. Why? Because it’s real and human and live. Sure, you can put it through some editing apps if you really want to but it's not really necessary.

If you see something interesting that’s funny, surprising or cute, or even aggravating or bizarre, whip out your phone and capture it. Once you get into the habit, you’ll see ideas that can be applied to your niche everywhere you look. Then add a short and relevant caption and post away. I find Instagram and Facebook are the best platforms for video engagement.

Recently, I was at a promotional dinner for a newly opened hotel here in Vientiane, and our table staff began plating our food directly directly onto the glass table in front of us. I took a quick video of it on my (pretty dated) iPhone 5. Then I popped it onto Facebook captioned “Who needs a plate? From table to tummy”. Within a few hours, it had 11 comments and replies and over 600 views.

Tip: Want to cut out the background noise from a crowded restaurant? Download the free Video Mute app and it does it for you in seconds.

4. Create simple gif animations

This is another ridiculously easy way to animate your existing photos. Take one of your photos or videos and add a simple effect to it. It’s not particularly exciting but depending on what result you’re going for, it can be surprisingly effective.

There are loads of apps that can do this for you, both free and paid. I trialled one called Lumyer - it’s free to use with more animations available to in the premium version. I made a very simple animation using a photo of cat and raining confetti down on her.

5. Create an animated promotional video

This is a fun and professional way to convey a single message about your business - a new service, offering, sale, event, etc.

I used the free online video maker Biteable to create mine. It follows the slideshow layout. There are different templates depending on what type of animation you’re creating, from business ad to family video.

Type in the text for each slide, keeping it short and sweet (50 characters recommended). You can customise the colours and audio too. Biteable puts a corner watermark on the finished product and you can’t download it directly to your desktop (paid version only).

I still think it looks pretty great. Check mine out here -

So, there you go! 5 really easy ways to get started on video content creation (when you don't like video). Start serving up a combination of short and long videos, animations and gifs, mixed in with still images and links to your tribe on social media, and see your engagement levels rise!

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