We’ve talked about videos a lot…like, for the past five years, a lot. From video ideas to editing tips, we’ve shared some of our best tips for content planning and creation. But we’ve never talked about what we do. We haven’t sat down and deep-dived into our content strategy and planning.
But after five years, we’re done gate-keeping. Today, we’re finally sharing how the Clapper team plans and creates our content. And all it takes is five easy steps.
Step One: Get Ahead 🗓️
This step isn’t 100% necessary, but it helps us so much! Our team plans videos about two weeks in advance. It keeps our team from feeling like they’re on a time crunch, and gives them time to adjust the schedule.
Let’s take @ClapperAcademy as an example! They create tutorials about two weeks in advance, so they aren’t rushing to finish them on the post date. This also leaves them a little wiggle room to create spur-of-the-moment content that our creators will like.
Speaking of…
Step Two: Think About Your Audience 🧠
All of the Clapper profiles have different audiences and different kinds of content they create. For @ClapperAcademy, they prioritize tutorials and videos that will help creators learn about Clapper and creating content. It’s what their audience is interested in and expects from them, so it’s what they post.
This means that not only are they planning tutorials and videos two weeks in advance, but they keep an eye out for other content their followers might be interested in. If on Monday, several creators leave comments asking about verification, they’ll add a video covering verification to the week’s schedule. Planning ahead gives them time to add one-off videos like this to their roster.
In Practice ✨
For you, this would look like developing content pillars and keeping a running list of video ideas. Think about the content you love to create and the content that performs best; this is what you’ll want to prioritize.
Next, you’ll bust out a calendar. Decide when you want to start posting this content. Ideally, look about two weeks out. Write down which video (or videos) you’ll post that day. They don’t have to be anything special or super attention-grabbing. Just pick the video(s) that jump out at you.
Step Three: Write the Script ✍️
Once you’ve got your videos picked out, it’s time to write a script! The Clapper team doesn’t have any special tips or tricks when it comes to writing a script. They don’t even use ChatGPT.
Writing a script is a lot easier than it sounds. You think about the video you’re making and what viewers need to get from it. Are you teaching them something? Are you just recording a skit? Think about the video you’re making, and literally write down what you would say if you were recording it right then. Once you’ve got it down, go back and edit or refine it.
Literally, that’s it. Check out this script from one of our ClapperAcademy scripts!
In Practice ✨
Think of a video like an essay; you need an introduction, a few main points, and a conclusion. Start off by introducing what your video is about and why your audience will want to stick around and watch it. Then dive into the meat of the video.
We recommend getting the basic points down first before adding in any additional information or jokes. Make sure you can get the main point across, then fluff it up with some additional commentary. Make sure to close your video out with a call to action. Tell the audience to comment, follow for more, or even come back for a part two!
Step Four: Film Your Video 📸
Once you’re happy with your script, it’s time to grab your tripod!
Our team recommends finding a quiet place where you can film undisturbed. For us, that’s little corners of our office or empty conference rooms. This means you can focus on the video, and it will be quiet enough that even your phone’s mic can pick up your voice. You also want to make sure there’s adequate light so you can be clearly seen on the video.
Also, if possible, you want to change up where – and maybe how – you record. New angles and backgrounds will keep your audience interested. Take this @Clapper skit as an example!
Oh, and remember that script we asked you to write? You don’t have to read it word for word. As long as you get close to it and get the main points across.
A Note on Style 🎞️
If you scroll through our official profiles, you’ll see a variety of video styles. Sometimes we’re talking straight to the camera, and other times our team members are doing a little skit. Some videos are simple, and others have effects and overlays to make it more interesting.
There’s no right or wrong style for your videos. It depends on what you have time for and what your audience likes! Our team members say they choose the style depending on what works best for the content. Like this Men’s Mental Health Month video, which jumps right to the point and features calming imagery and music.
In Practice ✨
Like we said, find a quiet place to film. Look for a background that’s either simple or eye-catching without being too distracting. Some creators have to record in their closet, and others have a little set or a dedicated area to record. Play around with the lighting, and maybe invest in a nice light if you can’t find a well-lit spot. You may also need to purchase a mic to ensure your viewers can hear you.
Can’t change up where you record? That’s fine! Just play around with angles, styles, and effects. Keep your videos visually interesting for your audience.
Step Five: Edit for Engagement 🤯
Once you’ve filmed your video, it’s time to edit! Like we said earlier, our team uses effects and sounds to make videos more enticing. You don’t want to overwhelm your audience or make your videos so distracting that they don’t notice what you’re talking about.
Our team uses a variety of editing techniques to ensure our videos are engaging. They add screenshots and overlays to show what they’re doing. Each of our videos has subtitles so viewers can follow along no matter the topic. Each clip is short, making the video seem fast-paced.
Check out this Group chats tip video as an example!
In Practice ✨
Find an audio that matches the vibe of your video; make sure it’s loud enough to be heard, but not so loud that it will drown out your voice. Look for sound effects, either in your video editor or online, that will add to your video. If you write something down, try weaving some scribbling sounds in there. Change the color grading to black and white when a part of a project fails.
When looking at the clips you recorded, try to keep them short. Short clips that easily tie into each other often keep your audience engaged. Fun visuals like emojis, overlays, and even unique captions can capture and hold the viewer’s attention, too. Try adding a new element each time you edit a video. See what you like and what works with your style. It may take a little time to find your perfect mix, so don’t rush the process!
Want more tips from the team? Check out @ClapperAcademy for weekly tutorials on all things Clapper and content creation. If you’re hoping to optimize your content creation even more, check out our articles on how to (properly) use hashtags and our daily checklist for creators.
The Clapper app is a short-form video and Livestream app for creators 17+. Our goal is to give creators a platform to build communities and express themselves freely without judgment and censorship. To learn more, download the app, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.