Engagement and view time are the two most important factors in determining the success of your YouTube channel. People need to love your work so much that they are willing to comment on your video and share it with others. The only way that they will engage is if you can keep them entertained and have them viewing for longer times. This article will look at unique ways to make your YouTube videos more interesting and creative to increase view time and engagement.
Have a Variety of Camera Movements in Your Videos
Video is meant to include motion, and that includes camera movement. Camera movement can help to capture incredible action shots: the more movement, the better. If you can’t afford a tracking rig such as a dolly or slider that moves on its own, then you can track your subject by handholding the camera. The movement will help to improve your videos and keep viewers’ attention longer.
There are different ways to include camera movement in your video. The easiest is to track your subject by handholding the camera and moving with them. This shot can be achieved by shooting at low, high, or eye level, each shot giving the viewer a different reaction to the shot.
Another thing to try is setting up your camera on a tripod or monopod and turning it to create motion. You can pan the camera to the left or right as the actors move around in front of the camera. This shot is very simple and can be done on a very low budget.
Another way to bring more movement into videos is by having the camera move through the scene on a slider or dolly. Many times they are motorized and can easily be set to the speed of your choice. This is a great way to include the viewer into action compared to shooting static scenes.
Use Tracking Shots for a Unique Perspective
Tracking shots are another great way to keep your shots interesting. These are shot with a tracking device that tracks the subject as it moves through the scene. This can create an amazing effect and will keep viewers engaged longer. Great tracking shots give a dynamic perspective into a location, car chase, or fast-paced racing scene.
There are numerous types of tracking shots, but the most common are dolly shots, crane tracking shots, and drone tracking shots. A dolly shot is when the camera is on a dolly or track and moves along with the subject. The camera is placed on a dolly that is either pushed or pulled by a camera operator. This gives the camera smooth movement and can be used to track the subject in any direction.
A crane tracking shot is done with a crane that holds the camera. In a crane shot, the crane moves along with the subject, giving a sweeping motion to the shot. This type of shot is often used to show large landscapes or cityscapes.
A drone tracking shot is done with a drone that has a camera attached. The drone follows the subject and gives an aerial view of the action. This type of shot is often used in sports or nature videos to give a unique perspective.
Use a Gimbal to Get Smoother Footage
Gimbals are another great tool to give an interesting look. A camera gimbal is a device that holds the camera and helps to keep it stable. This is done by using motors to adjust the position of the camera. This eliminates any shaking or movement from the camera, giving you smooth footage.
There are a few different types of gimbals available on the market. The most popular type is the handheld gimbal. This is a small gimbal that you hold in your hand while shooting. It has two motors that help to keep the camera stable.
The other popular type of gimbal is the body-mounted gimbal. This is a gimbal that mounts to the body and holds the camera steady. This is perfect for shots where the camera is moving with the subject.
The last type of gimbal is the aerial gimbal. This is a gimbal that mounts to the drone and helps to keep the camera stable while flying. This is perfect for shooting aerial footage. By using these different types of camera movements, you can help to improve your video and keep your viewers’ attention longer.
Get Creative with How You Use a Green Screen
Using a green screen as part of your shoot will give you many more options for editing your video. This is a piece of cloth or material that is covered in green paint or dye. The green color is used because it can easily be removed in post-production. This allows you to chroma key out the green and replace it with another image or background.
To use a green screen effectively, there needs to be adequate green screen lighting. Green screens need to be well lit with even lighting on the whole backdrop. To get good green screen lighting, two or three backlights will do the trick. Make sure that your subjects are also lit appropriately with a key light and rim light.
There are many advantages to green screens, but what is best about them is you can create a highly realistic scene that could not be achievable in real life. You could shoot a scene in a backyard or small studio and make it appear that you are on mars. Green screens allow you to take your imagination and video to the next level.
In Conclusion
Tracking shots are a great way to keep your audience engaged. Whether you use a dolly, crane, or drone for the shot, the moving camera will hold their attention longer than static footage. Make sure to use gimbals to give you smooth cinematic footage. If you want to improve your video and make it more interesting without a big budget on set, try using green screens. Together these videography skills should take your video up a notch and keep your fans watching longer.