Creative tips and tricks

How to Create a DIY Home Video Setup that can be used for Online Instructional Courses

Nov 18, 2022

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Video content is the most sought-after media that consumers would like to watch from brands and online course are no exception. In today's highly competitive market of online education, it can be the key ingredient to take your classes over the top. The process of setting up a studio and recording equipment could be extremely cost-intensive.

In this post, we'll explain how including videos within your course is an excellent idea. In addition, we'll provide five ideas to help get started while staying in budget. Let's dig in!

The Reasons to Include Video Within Your Online Courses

In lieu of just a list of assignments instead, they get the chance to "meet your teacher" as you lead through the classes. Engaging students could boost completion rates and client satisfaction. This could make your students frequent clients.

There's also the perception of worth. The use of video can make your course seem more expensive to buyers. They are more likely to pay more for a product they perceive as premium courses, and online ones do not differ.

How to Create a DIY Home Video Setup to host online courses (5 Key Tips)

It's possible that you (or your teachers) are actually armed with everything needed to make professional videos already lying around in your home. These tips can assist you in making the most of them in creating quality videos for your students.

1. Record with Your Smartphone

Start by recording using your smartphone's camera. Nowadays, most smartphones can capture amazing video, especially iPhones as well as flagship Samsung Galaxy devices such as the Note. Since you probably already have a smartphone and are using it, instead of buying a new camera can help you save money.

If you record with your smartphone ensure that you do it in the landscape (horizontal) orientation. Use the rear camera, not the selfie cam. This does mean you'll need to arrange the shot beforehand, but the quality is substantiallybetter.

The webcam on your laptop can work in a pinch however the quality is likely to be less than that of a phone. However that you can make use of your laptop for recording the audio portion of your recording and later splice audio and video during editing.

This may yield higher-quality audio because you are able to position your microphone more close to the source without worrying about how it will affect the recording.

2. Select the Best Video Editing Software

Speaking of editing, the application you choose for this important assignment is important. But, you don't need to pay a huge amount - there are some excellent as well as affordable applications available out there that will assist you in getting your text just right. Some are even available for free.

If you're on a Mac Apple's iMovie is completely free, simple to useand operates effectively:

The Apple iMovie home page

Our top suggestion for an affordable and effective video editing software is HitFilm Express:

The HitFilm Express home page.

HitFilm Express is available for both PC as well as Mac. It provides full 2D as well as 3D compositing with over 400 effects and the ability unlimited tracks. The company also provides excellent instructional videos that will help you make the most value from this software.

3. Make use of pillows and other soft objects to stop Echoes

However, if that's not an option, put cushions and other furniture in the space to create the exact impact. If you're doing a voiceover and can capture your audio completely separate from your video, placing the floor with a mat or rug can also help.

4. Be Creative with Your Backdrop

Consider the background that'll be visible behind you in your videos. Ideally, you'll need something simple that won't distract from you or your video. Simple sheets or a white wall is a good option here.

If you're looking to spice the atmosphere a bit it's possible to get imaginative by decorating a sheet tarp, or even just an area of the wall in order to add a touch of aesthetic flair. Lights strung across the room or the whiteboard, chalkboard, or a chalkboard with notes or doodles could add interest to the space, without overpowering it.

5. Make use of natural light for the most beautiful look

Artificial lighting, particularly the kind standard household bulbs generate, is not ideal for videography. The light can cause colors to appear "off", cast unnatural shadows, and will probably not be very flattering to the person who is the subject.

To get the best result, place your studio in a room that has plenty of daylight (i.e. windows). You can try filming the samples at different times of the day in various locations in the room to determine what will look the best.

It is important to avoid shooting using a window that is directly in front of your face. This will result in your face becoming backlit, making the video look dark and hard to read.

Don't forget that the camera you're using also impacts the colors you'll be seeing. In particular, Samsung phones tend to make colors pop more, however they can appear less natural.

Where to Invest If You Are Looking to Improve the Videos in Your Course

The above suggestions will help you get the right track with your video making videos, spending a bit of amount of money could have a significant effect on the quality of your video content.

If you decide you want to improve your recording equipment begin by purchasing the best microphone. Blue Yeti is a good choice. Blue Yeti is one of the most popular and reliable on the market which is the model we'd recommend to someone who's new to home recording.

One more thing worth considering is some studio lighting or lightboxes. Although natural light is great however, it can limit when and where you can make recordings. Even a cheap clamp lights can open the door to a myriad of opportunities.

If you truly want to take your videos into the top tier, then a dedicated camera can be an expensive but worthwhile upgrade. Canon has some great options. Be sure to get a tripod, too!

Conclusion

Incorporating video into your classes can help take them to the next step. If you want to leverage this type of content but don't want to spend an arm and a leg to do it, doing it yourself could fit in with your needs.

These 5 tips will aid you to get started on the recording system at home:

  1. Use your smartphone for an affordable recording option.
  2. Choose the right video editing software that will simplify your work.
  3. Utilize soft items such as pillows to reduce the sound of echoes.
  4. Get creative with your backdrop to add a little flair to your video.
  5. Make use of natural light for an amazing look and look while not spending on costly lighting.

Have you got any questions about setting up your recording studio? Let us know by commenting below in the section for comments!