Simple Vlogging Tips

How To Embed YouTube Video

VloggingQueen — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:54:43 +0000

After you create your video blog and upload it to your YouTube account you still have more to do. You need to market your video. One of the easiest ways to get more views for your video blog is to embed the YouTube video on your website. In this video by Amy Lynn Andrews she shows you how to resize and embed YouTube video into a WordPress blog.

If you are using a platform other than WordPress the basic concept is still the same. You can also use the code in a sidebar widget; you’ll just need to resize the width to however wide your sidebar is. It will be a small, but playable, video in your sidebar.

One more tip for you: If you want to make sure it is centered wherever you embed YouTube video use this

before the embed code and this after the embed code – without the underline of course.

After you embed your YouTube video make sure you add some text to your post to help with SEO and those that read via email or some mobile devices. Then publish your post and send the link through your social networks.

It’s not hard to resize and embed YouTube video and it’s good for your website. You don’t even have to use a video you made. You can embed most YouTube videos, and you are always welcome to share mine. Start today!

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Video Editing Tips From A Web Video Chef

VloggingQueen — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:49:02 +0000

I’m honored to present an interview with Amani Channel from WebVideoChefs.com.

Here’s just a bit of information in Amani’s words from his About page:

My passions are education, video, and technology.
My background is in broadcast news, video production, social media, and PR.
I worked as a broadcast news journalist for about ten years in some the country’s largest media markets.
I’ve produced everything from live Internet broadcasts, to Satellite Media Tours, corporate videos, and Webinars. Basically if it involves video or multimedia, I’ve done it.
My focus now is helping others learn about and leverage video/multimedia production.

You might want to have a way to jot down some notes because he packs in the information in this interview.

Here’s some of the major points Amani mentions in the video:

Shoot with the edit in mind. Don’t overshoot and make more work for yourself. Get enough to tell the story.
Use a tripod!
Shoot wide, medium and tight shots. Long shot is the establishing shot. Medium shot is the more general shot used to shoot your footage. Close-ups for cutaways or a specific thing to show the audience. Mix and match to make your story.
Most edits are 4-6 seconds long so you only need to record 10 seconds on each shot and then you can cut them to
For voiceovers match visuals with narration. “If you can’t see it or show it you can’t say it.” Have visuals of everything you are talking about!
Keep a talking head vlog short and possibly add some still pictures
If you can’t vary your shots try adding some simple text points on the screen or create a simple slide to add to the video. Something to break up the monotony will help keep interest.

Here is the video Amani talks about during the interview of Devin driving his new car. It is a good illustration of using different shots to keep the video interesting.

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I went and signed up to the mailing list on Web Video Chefs. I encourage you to check it out for yourself if you are interested in video editing and making better videos.

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Top 5 Computers for Video Editing

VloggingQueen — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:30:44 +0000

Computers and video editing have gone hand-in-hand since at least the 1980s, when the Video Toaster joined forces with the Amiga to herald a revolution in desktop video. Less than a decade later, digital video began to replace the analog tape standard, and from there it was only a few more years before high-definition video even began to displace film in Hollywood. And through it all, computing power went up and prices went down for everyone, professionals and consumers alike.

No matter what your budget or level of skill may be, there’s a way for you to have serious digital video editing power. You may need:

a web app to trim phone footage into the next viral video,
a dedicated computer to produce a regular series of reports,
or a full-on studio workstation to create your own independent film masterpiece.

1. $0 – $500 Range: Use What You Can Get. Chances are, you have or can acquire a PC or Mac that can handle basic video tasks. If you’re primarily looking to put together short videos for viewing on the web, you can get solid results from a decent notebook PC (and especially from a Macbook), or even from a more humble Netbook or iPad.

PROS: With low (or even no) investment, there are plenty of free or low-cost software options available, including Windows Movie Maker, iMovie, online Web apps such as YouTube’s surprisingly useful Video Editor, and the entry-level versions of pro software from Adobe, Apple, Sony, and Avid. Using available hardware is a great way for beginners to get the basics without being overwhelmed with pro or “prosumer” options and technical requirements. With some skill, creativity, and luck, it’s all you’ll need to create viral videos and even some amateur/independent short features.

CONS: Between ugly compression rates, dropped frames, and infuriating sync issues, you won’t be doing any favors to your content. You’re basically limited to short vids with lowered resolutions and frame rates. If video editing is anything more than a hobby to you, expect to be frustrated quickly with the limitations of budget hardware and software.

2. $500 – $1500: Build or Expand On What You’ve Got. If you’re comfortable with DIY computers, there are plenty of ways to turn a mainstream home PC into something far more suited for video, or to build your own from individual components. The trick is to know what will work best for your chosen software; pro-level tools such as Premiere, Vegas, and Media Composer all have specific requirements. The most important component is obviously one or more PCIe video card with multiple-monitor support.

Although you can get great results with higher-end gaming cards, the ideal card will feature AMD’s FirePro or Nvidia Quadro chipsets. Keep a close eye on the various CPU, chipset, and motherboard strengths and weaknesses. Among other things, onboard video is a no-no (and even onboard audio will not satisfy serious video producers). Other than that, the important factors are memory (at least 12GB DDR3), storage (several Terabytes of 7200 or even 10,000 RPM HDDs using SATA 6.0 Gb/s, ideally in a RAID array), and connectivity (FireWire is less of a must-have than it used to be, but still very important).

PROS: You have the ability to start small with free and/or consumer-level elements, and work your way up to serious pro power as your budget and confidence increases. This is where you can start to get familiar with industry standard software such as Adobe Premiere, Avid Media Composer, Sony Vegas, and others. Knowing how your software and hardware works together will enable you to create the best possible video editing environment for your needs, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. A piece-by-piece DIY approach lets you get the most for your money, too.

CONS: this approach requires you to have up-to-date knowledge of both digital video and PC hardware (i.e., a few days of research probably won’t cut it). It’s very easy to get stuck with components that don’t work well together, causing untold frustration when you spend half of your time troubleshooting dropped frames or waiting through system bottlenecks. And ultimately, it’s probably not much less expensive than having a video system made for you, and you won’t have the same level of support.

3. $1500 – $3000: Video-Ready Computer Systems. If you’re starting from scratch with a bit of cash and no wish to build your own, there are a number of options that will give you powerful video performance right out of the box. An obvious choice would be one of the current generation of Apple iMacs with Core i7 CPUs and the Thunderbolt interface. Simply add Final Cut Pro, Premiere, or Media Composer, and you have a video editing system that (with the right skills) will enable you to produce results comparable with nearly any professional editing studio.

PROS: Apple makes wonderfully integrated systems that are rightly admired for their high quality, user friendly power. Even video pros that use PCs for everything else tend to swear by Apple when it comes to serious video work. I’ll wager that half of the videos you’ll ever watch will have been put together on a system no more powerful than this.

CONS: Nobody has ever accused Apple of being cheap; although you get quality components and support, you’re still paying for the name, and that’s money that could have gone toward more important elements (like a better HD camera, for instance?). Plus, your customization and expansion options may limit you to a single upgrade path (if any).

4. $2000 – $8000: Purpose-Built Video Systems. If you’re ready to play in the big leagues, why not start with a computer designed for video from the ground up? There are plenty of ways to get the knowledge and experience of seasoned video pros and PC builders working for you. For an excellent place to start, take a look at Rain Computers’ [http://raincomputers.com/] breathtaking desktop and mobile systems.

PROS: there’s no substitute for having every part of your computer designed and optimized to do one thing. The know-how of the builders will make sure that there are no sticky technical incompatibilities or speed bumps, and they’ll have tested it thoroughly beforehand and provide you with support for some time to come.

CONS: It’s a big investment for a PC that you won’t be (or shouldn’t be) using for things like email, Facebook, surfing the net, and playing games. Nevertheless, most so-called “video editing computers” are simply made up of readily available (albeit high-end) consumer components anyway. If you really know enough to select the right options, you’ll probably be able to build something comparable or better for much less money. And you should be prepared for at least some of your expensive, cutting-edge system to be obsolete within six months to a year.

5. $8000 – $20K (and up): Professional Video Editing Workstations. The top of the heap for video editing. When you know that you’re serious, there’s no substitute for a fully-integrated network of hardware and software. Despite an increasingly wider range of competition over the last 10-15 years, your top choice is still an Avid system based on either Mac or HP workstations. Go turnkey for convenience, or consult with a pro for a custom workstation build.

PROS: the best there is. You’re working at the same level as major film and television studios, and there’s nothing to prevent you from taking your ideas all the way.

CONS: Serious investment, in both money and the learning curve. At the time of this writing, expect to pay at least $8K – $15K for a pro-level turnkey workstation, and considerably more for a custom installation. Unless you’re independently wealthy, this solution is only truly ideal for people (or businesses) that are prepared to devote themselves to a career in professional video production.

The past few years have provided countless examples of how creative and skilled people can get amazing results out of some very limited tools. The idea, the skill, and the right source material are still far more important than the technology you use to put it all together. But if video editing is something that you’re serious about, you’ll find that better software and hardware will increasingly reward your efforts, and open up new avenues of expression.

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Over at CableTv.com we play around with all kinds of different media options, to include video editing. We have used the $500 dollar option more times than not. It is fun for us to put together something awesome with very little. If you would like to see some of the stuff we have put together message me on Twitter. @TimlCooley

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How To Video Blog Outside

VloggingQueen — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:41:28 +0000

After you know how to video blog inside you might want to try a change of setting and take your camera outside. Or if you don’t have a good spot inside you might start by video blogging outside. Here are some simple vlogging tips to help you make your video look great.

1. Be careful of noisy surroundings. An inexpensive microphone can really improve your audio. If you don’t have a microphone you’ll need to stand pretty close to the camera.

2. Be aware of what is in your background. You don’t want anything that reveals private information [like a license plate], and you don’t want anything that is distracting from the subject of your video.

3. Check your lighting. Make sure your face is not too bright or too shadowed. Hot noonday sun is the worst time to film. If you have to film at that time of day find some shade to stand in while recording your video blog. The best times of day to record are dawn and dusk – the golden hours.

By following these 3 simple tips for video blogging outside you will improve your video blog and – hopefully – get more followers.

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3 Ways To Make Better Video Blogs That Don’t Cost Anything

VloggingQueen — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:34:29 +0000

Having a great video doesn’t mean that you have to buy expensive equipment. Here are 3 ways to make your videos better with the equipment that you already have.

1. Movement – Movement of the things in the camera’s screen as well as camera movement. Just be careful when moving the camera. Shaky footage will drive watchers away. A simple pivot while the camera is on the tripod is a good place to start because you can use the tripod’s handle and rotate the camera.

2. Variety – I’ve heard that it’s good to change up the screen every 7 seconds to keep people’s attention. Don’t panic. That can be as simple as holding up something, adding a still picture, or changing a shot/angle. If someone is only showing a talking head I usually minimize the window and just listen while I’m checking email.

3. Length – If you’ve followed me for any length of time you know I have to add this one: Keep it short! Think of commercials and how much information they share in a short amount of time. Notice how they convey the information without just talking. Commercials need to grab and keep your attention while they get important information across. Video Bloggers can learn a lot from good commercials.

All of those things can be done with any camera you use. It doesn’t matter if it’s an expensive DSLR or a simple pocket camcorder – with some simple planning before you record you can make a better quality video blog.

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Video Blogging In Spanish

VloggingQueen — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:38:39 +0000

Interview with Yoly Mason from Cuponeando

Yoly from Cuponeandolive.com and I have been friends for years and I’m always so glad to see her in real life at a conference. She has learned video blogging and does a great job with videos in Spanish AND English. We were both at the SheStreams Conference as speakers so I grabbed a quick moment at lunchtime to ask her a question on camera. It was totally a coincidence that our clothes matched.

Yoly says that it is an advantage to be able to do videos in Espanol or Ingles. Her videos in Spanish get watched more because they are the ones closely related to her couponing niche and main website. [That ties right in with Dr. Daisy's tip to be consistent.] Her tip for you is to look into the camera, push record, and just go for it! We were all nervous to start and the only way to get over that is to keep vlogging.

My side tip: If you are like me and can’t remember how to find Yoly online because you don’t know how to spell the Spanish word break it up into cup – one – and – olive = Cuponeandolive!

One more thing I have to add: When making a video on a yacht you can’t control the wind, the hair, or the couch cushions.

If you haven’t seen one of Yoly’s Spanish videos here is her recap from the SheStreams conference – in Spanish:

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How To Download YouTube Videos

VloggingQueen — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:06:46 +0000

I love this video from GeekBeatTV about downloading YouTube Videos. They regularly use videos for illustrations in their show, and now you can know how they get those videos from YouTube.

If you have Chrome or Firefox you can search for and download the “Easy Youtube Video Downloader extension/plugin.” It will give you a download button under the YouTube video that you are viewing.

If you use a different browser or computer – or just don’t want to download something else you can go to saveyoutube.com. Copy and paste the specific code at the end of the video’s permalink that you want to download.

For example: If Tonia wanted to download the tip she recorded with me and upload it to her channel she would go to the video’s page:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMFkTUPAISw

The code that she needs to paste on saveyoutube.com is after the = VMFkTUPAISw. Follow the instructions on that page for the download.

Word of Warning About Downloading YouTube Videos

Before you go any farther I want to make sure you are aware of copyright issues listed on the YouTube Terms of Service page:

Content is provided to you AS IS. You may access Content for your information and personal use solely as intended through the provided functionality of the Service and as permitted under these Terms of Service. You shall not download any Content unless you see a “download” or similar link displayed by YouTube on the Service for that Content. You shall not copy, reproduce, distribute, transmit, broadcast, display, sell, license, or otherwise exploit any Content for any other purposes without the prior written consent of YouTube or the respective licensors of the Content. YouTube and its licensors reserve all rights not expressly granted in and to the Service and the Content.

Get permission first!

Why download YouTube videos?

1. It’s an easy way to transfer videos to someone across the country; especially when it’s a huge file. The video can be unlisted and the person receiving the email can still download it.

2. People like to do remixes, collaberations, mash-ups, etc. An example is when I did the Wrap Up Of March Vlogging Madness that is embedded below. I pulled the other ladies videos from YouTube.

Have you ever downloaded a video from YouTube? Leave a comment and let me know where to watch your finished video.

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Video Blogging Tip: Don’t Be Shy

VloggingQueen — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:27:10 +0000

Interview with Tonia from The Chatty Momma

I met Tonia because of the SheStreams Conference – online and in real life. She blogs and vlogs at The Chatty Momma. She happily shares a vlogging tip for you in the following video.

“Treat the camera as a friend” might be something you’ve heard before, but it’s a good reminder. Even though I’ve done about a thousand videos I freeze up occasionally, and thinking of the camera as a specific friend helps me to relax and be more comfortable.

What helps you be more comfortable on camera?

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Video Blogging Consistently

VloggingQueen — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:29:46 +0000

Interview with Dr. Daisy Sutherland aka Dr. Mommy

Dr. Mommy’s presentation at SheStreams was encouraging and enabling to me. Not a lot of new information to me, but good reminders and confirmation of possibilities. She certainly lived up to her site’s tagline: “A place where busy women and mompreneurs unite to serve others.” I’ve watched her online from afar since 2008; I’ve seen her grow her business and use video well. In the following video she shares a tip to remember as you use video in your business.

Daisy Sutherland, aka Dr. Mommy, dispenses advice and encouragment every time she turns around. If you need some of that – and who doesn’t? – go check out Dr Mommy Online.com.

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What Is A YouTube Playlist?

VloggingQueen — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:50:09 +0000

A YouTube playlist is a collection of videos. The videos do not have to be from your channel; they can be anywhere on YouTube and you can add them to your playlist.

This YouTube tip page tells you the very basics of how to start a playlist and how to add to them.

Why do I need a YouTube playlist?

1. To get more views. The playlists will show up faster in search and then auto play through all the videos added to the list.

2. To make categories on your YouTube channel. For example, I have Vlogging Tips and Interviews about Vlogging. On my daily life channel I have playlists for memes like Monday Mingle and VlogMom as well as Reviews and Blogging Conferences.

What do I do with a YouTube playlist?

Share it!

Here’s my SheStreams Playlist. I can share it with a link or use an embed code like I did below.

At the bottom of the video box there is a rectangle with a triangle inside. If you hover your cursor over it the word “Playlist” will pop up. When you click that you can see the thumbnails from each of the videos in the playlist and choose what you want to watch.

You can get to your playlists through the “My Channel” setting or the “Video Manager” setting in the top right drop down.

You can also add your playlist to the Featured Playlists section on your YouTube Channel. Here’s how you do that:
1. Click “My channel” in the drop down on the top right of the screen.
2. Click the Featured Tab.

3. Scroll down and find the Featured Playlists section in your right sidebar.
4. Click on the “Edit” button.

5. Pick which playlists you want to show and delete the ones you don’t want to show.
6. Make sure you click “Apply” and you are finished.

Now whenever you click the “Add to” button and pick which playlist you want the video in, it will show up wherever your playlist is linked or embedded.

A YouTube playlist is another simple way to get more views for your video blogs. Happy Vlogging!

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