Have you ever watched a video online and thought, “I could never create anything like that”? You’re not alone. Videos may seem intimidating if you think they require expensive equipment, studio lights, or editing skills. If you own a smartphone and have a story to tell, then you already have the basics. And believe me, the most compelling videos are from real people who are telling real stories. So if you’ve ever wanted to create videos for your family, your blog, or even your part-time business, this book is for you.
Why Your Story Being Heard in Video Form Matters
Think about the last video you watched that stayed with you. Was it a glossy commercial or a mom uploading her baby’s first steps? Likely the latter. Video connects us in ways that words and pictures cannot. It communicates tone, expression, and that glint of sparkle in someone’s eye that says, “This matters to me.”
For parents, videos record moments that fly by too fast. For bloggers, they offer a new way to engage with readers. The upshot? Video is one of the best ways we’ve got to share what’s significant to us.
Getting Past the Fear of Being on Camera
Let’s be real—a majority of us cringe at the thought of having to hear our own voice on a recording. But like with anything, it gets easier with practice.
Start small. Record a short video for yourself or your family. Talk about your day, something funny your child said, or how you cooked your favorite dish. Play it back—not to criticize but to become accustomed to it. You’ll see the person on camera is just you. And people don’t require perfection; people require real.
A trick that works? Pretend you are FaceTiming a friend. Look into the camera as if you are talking to someone in person. Smile. Talk naturally. The more relaxed you are, the more natural your video will be.
Easy Equipment That Makes a Big Difference
You don’t need to invest hundreds of dollars to make good videos. Here’s all you really need:
Your smartphone: Newer phones have great cameras. Use the back camera for high quality.
Natural light: Position yourself in front of a window during the daytime. Natural light will greatly impact how your video looks.
- A small tripod or stack of books: Keep your phone stable. Shaky video is annoying.
- Basic editing app: Try apps like InShot, CapCut, or iMovie to trim clips and add text or music.
That’s it. You can always upgrade later, but don’t let equipment stop you from getting started.
Content Ideas That Work (Even If You’re Not Sure What to Say)
Sometimes the hardest thing is deciding what to film. Here are some ideas that work well and that people engage with:
- Day-in-the-life: Take people through your typical day. People love peeking behind the curtain.
- How-to or tutorial: Do a simple recipe, craft, or home hack.
- Q&A: Answer frequently asked questions from friends, blog readers, or customers.
- Storytime: Share a personal story that’s funny, poignant, or a little crazy.
- Product or book reviews: Honest and conversational, not sales-y.
When in doubt, ask yourself: “What would I want to watch?” Then film that.
Tips to Make Your Videos Feel More Professional
You don’t need to be a filmmaker to get your videos to shine a little bit. Here are some simple tips:
Keep it short: 1–3 minutes is ideal, especially on social media.
- Good audio matters: Try to film in a quiet place. Speak slowly and close to the phone.
- Use subtitles: Most people watch with the sound off. Apps can automatically generate these.
- Announce what your video is about immediately.
And most importantly, don’t overthink it. Authenticity beats perfection every time.
How Video Helped Me Connect More Deeply
A little story: I did a quick video once on how I make school lunches for my three kids. Nothing professional—my kitchen bench, messy fridge, and my normal commentary. I posted it on my blog’s Facebook page and forgot about it.
It got thousands of views in a day. Other mothers commented, saying, “Thank you for showing the mess!” or “I felt like I was the only one whose kids don’t like sandwiches.”
That one video sparked so many conversations—and even friendships—because it was real. It made me remember that people don’t need Pinterest-perfect. They need to be relatable.
Final Thoughts: Begin Where You Are
If you’re still hesitant, let me tell you this: there is no ideal time to start creating videos. You will never be fully prepared. But if you wait for ideal lighting, ideal words, or a day when your hair isn’t frizzy, you’ll miss out on capturing moments that matter.
Start small. Be yourself. Look messy, authentic, and honest. Whether it’s to share a parenting win, a baking flop, or a DIY project that didn’t quite go as planned, your story needs to be told.
And who knows? The video you recorded today might be the one someone else really needed to see.
So go ahead. Pick up your phone and press record. You’ve got something to say.
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