How to Prepare for and post a video Online

This help page is designed to help walk you through the introductino to the video production process. When you dig into the details, it may be tempting to be discouraged — there’s a lot of information out there! While this information is important and can help you make the best possible videos, the most important thing is to start making videos! You’ll have time to refine your process over time, but you have to get started first.

Don't skip these steps when preparing for your video!

Videos are one of the best ways to share information and connect with your audience. You can share quick video updates with your Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or other social media audience. Or present information with PowerPoint. You can take your camera out in the field and do an demonstration. Or create a how-to video from the office.

The possibilities are endless, and the minimum requirements are a camera (including phone cameras) and a willingness to get started.

Here are some things to do before saying “Action!” 

1. Consider your audience. Write down who you’re trying to reach and BE SPECIFIC. Think about what your audience needs and be sure to address their concerns.
2. Write a script or an outline. Think about what you’re going to say or show on screen. Write out an outline. Remember that we typically write more formally than we actually talk, so make sure your script “sounds” like you. Download our sample script!
3. Practice practice practice. No matter how comfortable you are giving presentations in front of groups, for some reason, talking to a camera is different. There’s no better way to improve the quality of your video than practice. Your audience wants excellent content, and practicing your video is the way to give it to them. 

 

 

Post and Promote Your Video

Setting up a YouTube account?

YouTube account best practices:

• Each county should set up their own account. 
• Try to avoid setting up separate channels per discipline within the county. 
• Keep one channel as a full county. 
• Learn how to set up a YouTube account without a gmail account.
• Be sure to set it up as an education institution, not as an individual. 
• You should use a Division email linked to it so we have the ability to access it in case employees leave the Division.  

Kim Rowe and Nick Kordsmeier presented about how to promote your video on social media during a past Tech Tuesday. View the entire video below, or click on the section you need help with:

 *Watch Social Media Posting and Promoting Your Video – Kim Rowe and Nick Kordsmeier on Tech Tuesday

• 1:10 – What’s first?
• 4:27 – Social Media Platform Overview 
• 7:34 – What do you need to post? 
• 12:33 – YouTube Upload Walkthrough 
• 20:39 – Adding Captions on YouTube 
• 24:38 – Facebook Upload Walkthrough 

How to Caption Your Facebook video (Iowa State Extension help video)

 For more information, check out the following help pages: 

• How to Upload Videos on YouTube 
• How to Upload Videos on Facebook and add captions 
• How to Upload Videos on Twitter 
• How to Upload Videos on Instagram 

 Once your video is online, be sure to share it on all of your social media platforms! Remember, there are no rules against uploading your video on multiple platforms.