Record Your First YouTube Video

Are you giving a demo of a physical product? Showing a technique? Just talking? Decide what the purpose is of your video. Then find something that sets your video apart from the rest. You won't stand out if you do what everyone else has already done. Once you figure out what you want to say, create a script or outline to follow.

Creating a plan will make filming so much faster than trying to figure it out on the fly. Consider where you want to stand, what is in the background, what props (if any) you're going to hold.

Good lighting is key to a good video. No one like to watch a video of someone in the dark. The good news is you don't have to spend a fortune on lighting. (Check out this video from Wistia on how to create and use a DIY lighting kit under $100.)

You can also take advantage of natural lighting and use deflectors to control how the light appears on you, the subject. Lighting - Use the lights you have, position them so they don't create unflattering shadows - Be aware of using lights directly from above that can create odd shadows under your eyes - Don't shoot against a window, if your camera exposes for the window light, you'll be left in the dark - When using sunlight, be aware of shifting light clouds when shooting a longer video - Diffusing your hard light source will produce softer shadows and is more flattering to skin defects.

There are a variety of editing programs available, some free and some pretty pricey. If you're just starting out, iMovie for Mac users and Windows Movie Maker for Windows users are two good options. You can also do some minor editing using your mobile device. If you're using iOS, check out the app iMovie. And if you're using Android, check out Andromedia.

One of the benefits of using YouTube is the analytics. You can learn a lot about your videos by seeing how your viewers interact with them. Focus on audience retention. How long are they watching your videos? At what point do most people stop watching. This is a gold mine of information that can help you the next time you create a video.