When consumers want to know how to do something, they often turn to social media to watch a tutorial video. Tutorial or how-to videos are some of the most viewed videos on YouTube. In fact, 83% of people prefer watching videos versus reading an instructional manual.
A tutorial video shows viewers how to do something. Tutorial videos can be basic, showing people how to do something like fix a chair or plant a small garden, or they can include multiple animations, charts and tricks to grab viewers’ attention. No matter how small a task may seem, someone has probably created a video for the 122 million YouTube viewers a day probably searching for that same thing.
Tutorial videos are beneficial for both the viewer and the creator. Depending on what you’re showing someone how to do, the niche videos can be extremely searchable, getting that video plenty of views. For the viewer, finding something quickly on YouTube that shows them exactly how to fix their problem alleviates their stress.
So, how do you make a great video tutorial? Certain key elements are important in a tutorial video and can spruce up how-to instructions to make them more visually appealing.
Clear and concise instructions
While creating your script, make sure you’re including only clear and concise instructions. While adding in your flair is vital to videos, you don’t want your tutorial video to be too long, tedious or not relevant. That’s a surefire way to have viewers leave your video well before it’s over. Keep your instructions to the point, helpful and in layman’s terms to help as many people as possible. Make sure to include relevant examples, either showing them or verbally explaining it.
Visual demonstration
Instead of telling someone within your script what you’re doing, show them a visual demonstration of some parts. You can show yourself doing part of your tutorial, like removing hair with Nair or changing a light switch. These types of tutorials are essential when you’re showing someone how to do something versus telling someone how to do something, like making YouTube your full-time job.
Be sure to also show where in the store to find the product and the packaging if you are doing a shopper marketing campaign.
Text on screen or animations
If being on screen isn’t your thing, use text to display the directions. You can do a full video as an animation or add little pieces of fun to your videos with text, bullet points, visual effects or changing up where you’re filming. There are many ways to spice up a tutorial video to make it more exciting to watch.
Tips for creating a tutorial video
Make an outline
Write up an outline of what you’d like to talk about and review it before starting the video. This way, you can make sure you’re not missing any important pieces of your tutorial. An outline will ensure that your video stays on course and is easy to follow for the viewer – the most important part of a tutorial video.
Write a script
Another piece to outlining would be writing a script. Again, this gives you a way to make sure you’re not missing any important parts of your tutorial. Now, if you prefer to adlib within your video, that’s fine, but make sure your overall message is delivered as concisely as possible. Make sure you’re giving step-by-step guidance, not leaving out anything, even if it seems easy for you. For some tutorial videos, you can also create an engaging voice-over if you’re showing what you’re doing or using an animation.
Include SEO keywords
More people are turning to social media to search for information over search engines. Incorporate keywords and phrases that your ideal viewer would type into the search bar in your video description, title, and on-screen to help with your SEO.
Those are the key elements you don’t want to forget when creating your tutorial video. Decide what your how-to will be about, and get going on making your first tutorial video.
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