How to Create Great Video Content: Part 1

Video content is one of the most widely used formats for online instruction. The video production process can vary greatly though. Consider your goals, your subject matter, and your audience as you decide what process to follow. We've outlined 3 different techniques to help you get started on creating your video content.
Photo by Movieing Memories / CC BY

The big question: should I be featured on camera?

Maybe, but their are other approaches that do not require your presence in front of the camera. Below we take a look at 3 different techniques, and how the benefits differ for each method.

3 Techniques for Creating Video Content

1. Narrated PowerPoint - a PowerPoint presentation that includes audio narration and is converted into video format

Benefits

• Get started quickly: PowerPoint is a standard program that you may already have access to
• It’s a commonly used medium for instructional presentations so your audience is familiar with it

Requirements

• Microphone
• PowerPoint program

2. Screencast - a digital recording of a computer screen which can also contain audio narration

Benefits

• Procedural style: you can replicate specific operations in a step-by-step manner
• Demonstrate actions in real time in a way that is not possible using the PowerPoint structure

Requirements

• Microphone
• Screencast software, such as CamStudio or Screencast-O-Matic

3. Talking head - video filmed by displaying a person talking into the camera

Benefits

• Personalization: provide a face to your business, and build a relationship with your audience
• Facial expressions and body language can enhance the experience
• Your content can extend beyond actions taken using a computer, unlike screencasting

Requirements

• Microphone
• Camera

One common thread between these techniques? Audio is essential. A good microphone will greatly enhance the production quality.

Microphones we recommend:

1. Clip-on microphone (if you are using a camera):
Audio-Technica ATR-3350 Lavalier Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone (find it here on Amazon.com)

2. USB style (if you are recording through your computer):
Blue Microphones Snowball USB Microphone (find it here on Amazon.com)

More of our How to Create Great Video Content series to come in the following weeks: we’ll dive into how-to for each technique.