How to Make a YouTube Video in 7 Painless Steps [2024 Guide]

Creating a YouTube video might feel like stepping into a haunted house, but the process can be much smoother than expected. With the right tools and strategies—especially when using Gling.ai—you can move through every stage without unnecessary stress. 

From planning your content to filming and post-production, this guide offers a streamlined approach that will have you crafting high-quality videos in no time.

Does it sound too good to be true? Trust us when we say this step-by-step guide will give you more than any other on strategy, planning, filming, and post-production tips to make the entire video-making and editing process more feasible. 

By the time you’re done, your video will look polished, be more engaging, and be ready to wow your audience, and with Gling.ai as your editing assistant, the technical side of video production will feel almost effortless.

How To Make Successful Videos For YouTube

Step 1: Plan Your YouTube Video Like a Pro

Behind every successful YouTube video lies a solid, well-thought-out plan. Planning, also known as the feared “pre-production,” involves making strategic decisions that will guide the filming and editing process. 

A good place to start is by choosing a topic your audience will care about. For reference, use tools like Google Trends, YouTube Analytics, or even the YouTube search bar to find popular search terms that can inspire your content, such as “how to make a YouTube video” or “best video editing tips.” 

Said this, make sure you also know the audience you’ll speak to. If you’ve already started in the YouTube creation world, You can easily access the Audience tab in YouTube Analytics to gain detailed insights into your viewer demographics and behavior.

Once you’ve identified a trending topic, create a layout for your video. A well-structured outline ensures that your video flows naturally, doesn’t digress, and keeps your audience engaged. 

It’s also a good idea to start thinking about your video’s thumbnail early on. Thumbnails can drive a lot of clicks, so visualizing a strong thumbnail ahead of time can inform how you frame your shots during filming. We’ll go back to thumbnails later in the article, so stay tuned. 

Planning Checklist:

• Choose a trending topic
• Perform keyword research
• Create an outline
• Visualize your thumbnail early on

Explore the Gling blog for detailed tips on acing your planning and how to integrate Gling.ai with your existing workflow.

Step 2: Set Up Your Filming Gear (Even On a Budget)

You don’t need an expensive setup to make a great YouTube video. With tech’s evolution, a smartphone with decent video quality and basic accessories can do the job.

Many creators film high-quality content using just a few essential pieces of equipment. Here’s a basic setup that will deliver great results without breaking the piggy bank.

Camera: A smartphone is more than enough to shoot HD footage, even 4K (but set it up before, there’s a trick). If you have access to a DSLR, that’s even better, but it’s not required. 

Microphone: Audio quality is often overlooked, but it’s crucial for viewer retention and repetition, two of the best ways to amplify your message. Use a lapel mic to ensure your voice comes through clearly. If you want to go bulletproof, there are affordable add-ons for smartphones, too. 

Lighting: Even on a budget, lighting makes a huge difference. If you don’t have professional lights, try using natural light sources like windows, use inexpensive ring lights or LED panels.

Stabilization: Use a tripod or gimbal to stabilize your shots and avoid shaky footage unless you’re exploring the Robert Altman side of you. Inexpensive options are also available; even a basic tripod can greatly improve quality.

If you’re interested in more details on how to save a poorly shot raw footage, check How to Clip a YouTube Video: The Ultimate Guide For Perfect Edits

Gear Essentials Shortlist:

• Camera: Smartphone or DSLR
• Microphone: Lapel mic or a smartphone add-on
• Lighting: Natural light or affordable LED panels
• Stabilization: Tripod or gimbal

Step 3: Filming Your YouTube Video with the F-I-L-M Method

When it’s time to roll the camera, the F-I-L-M method is a simple approach that ensures your video will look professional.

Frame your shot: Pay attention to how your shot is composed. Make sure your camera is steady and your subject is well-lit.

Intro matters: The first 5 seconds of your video are crucial. Hook your viewers immediately to keep them watching. This is your chance to make a strong impression and look like a badass creator.

Lighting: Bright, even lighting is the way to go. Use available light sources strategically or invest in affordable lighting solutions. Even lamps can do the trick. Get creative. Have fun. That’s the goal.

Mic check: Clear audio is non-negotiable. Some people even get triggered by faulty sounds. Double-check that your microphone is functioning properly and that you’re recording intelligible sound.

How Gling Comes In

If mistakes happen while filming, don’t stress. Gling.ai automatically detects and removes unnecessary pauses, silences, and filler words, making editing much smoother.

Learn more about optimizing your footage with the F-I-L-M method and other filming techniques in our guide on How to Edit Videos on YouTube: From Raw Footage to Viral Success

Step 4: Let Gling.ai Edit Your Video

The editing process often takes the longest, but it’s also where the magic happens. Gling.ai simplifies the most repetitive and tedious tasks in post-production by using AI-powered tools to streamline your workflow. Whether trimming silences, adding captions, or removing filler words, Gling.ai automates these tasks, freeing you up to focus on the creative aspects.

After Gling processes your footage, you can export the video in various formats to be compatible with advanced editing software like Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro if you need additional tweaks. If you’re a beginner or an experienced editor, this tool can save countless hours of post.

Editing Shortlist:

• Use Gling.ai to remove silences and filler words
• Automatically add captions and timestamps
• Export video in multiple formats for further editing

For a more detailed take, check out How Gling.ai can transform your editing process with its text-based editor.

Step 5: Optimize Your YouTube Video for Maximum Reach

Once your video is edited, the next key step is optimization. Even the best videos can go unnoticed without the right SEO techniques. Start by creating a keyword-rich title that aligns with search intent. For example, a title like “Best YouTube Video Editing Tips for Beginners [2024]” is much more likely to rank than a vague title.

In the description, include your target keyword in the first few lines, and don’t forget to add tags that reflect your content, such as “Gling.ai” or “YouTube video editing.”

 These small steps help increase your video's discoverability and drive more traffic to your channel. Lastly, design a compelling thumbnail that accurately represents your video while enticing users to click.

YouTube Optimization Checklist:

• Use a keyword-rich title
• Add a targeted description with your primary keyword in the first few lines
• Incorporate relevant tags
• Design an eye-catching thumbnail

For more insights on optimizing your video’s metadata or other fascinating topics, check Gling’s Blog.

Step 6: Upload and Promote Your Video

With your video ready to go, head over to YouTube Studio to upload it. But your job doesn’t end here—promotion is essential to growing your viewership. 

You can use YouTube Chapters to segment your video and make it easier for viewers to skip to specific sections. This small addition can improve the user experience and keep people engaged for longer, increasing your watch time. Learn how to create and use YouTube Chapters in our comprehensive guide.

Next, share your video across social media platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok to attract a wider audience. Embedding your video in relevant blog posts or newsletters can also help drive views.

Another pro tip is to engage with your viewers by responding to comments. Interacting with your audience builds a sense of community and encourages more engagement in future videos.

Step 7: Focus on Creativity, Let Gling Handle the Rest

You’ve learned how to plan, film, edit, and promote a YouTube video. Going will do the rest!

You Shoot It, Gling Edits

The technical aspects of video production, from trimming silences to adding captions, can be a pain, but with Gling.ai, those tasks become automated. This allows you to spend more time on creativity and less on repetitive editing.

With these seven steps, you’ll find that making high-quality YouTube videos is well within your reach. Start by planning your video, shooting with confidence, letting Gling.ai edit it, and then sharing it with the whole world. Your audience is waiting; your next viral video could be around the corner!