22 Hacks to Make Content for Short Video Faster

Short video on platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube Shorts has become a powerful way for individuals, businesses, and marketers to reach new audiences. However, creating these videos takes time and energy. These hacks can help you make content for short videos faster and easier.

22 Hacks to Make Content for Short Video Faster

Hubspot predicts that “short form video offers the highest ROI and will see the most growth of any marketing content format in 2024.” The value of short form video continues to rise, and being able to create short form video faster and easier will help you get even more out of it. Let’s take a look at a few hack to make short form video content faster.

1. Storyboarding

Before you hit the record button, take a moment to sketch out your video. A storyboard is like a visual script that helps you plan your scenes, transitions, and overall flow. It’s a roadmap for your content, ensuring a smooth narrative from start to finish. Whether it’s a how-to or a vlog, having a storyboard can be your creative compass.

2. Batch Filming

Instead of shooting one video at a time, consider filming multiple videos in a single session. This is known as batch filming. Group together videos with similar themes or content to make the most of your setup time. By doing this, you not only make content for short video faster, but also build a reserve of content for future uploads.

3. Collaborate Across Teams

Working with all different staff members can help you gather unique types of video and information. By using a web-based video submission system like Boast, you and your employees can submit videos to a set page on your website, so your video or social media team can use them as needed. This way, you can continuously collect video from everyone in your business, without the need for time-consuming meetings.

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4. Prep Your Shooting Environment

The environment in which you film significantly impacts the quality of your video. Set up your shooting space beforehand, making sure it’s well-lit with minimal distractions. Having your props and equipment ready reduces the time spent adjusting during filming, allowing for a smoother recording process.

5. Use Templates

Think of templates as pre-designed frameworks for your videos. Create reusable templates for your video intros, outros, or any recurring elements. This adds consistency to your content and saves you from starting from scratch each time. It’s a handy tool to maintain a cohesive look across your videos.

6. Shortcut Keys

Shortcut keys are especially handy hacks to make content for short video faster. Learn the keyboard shortcuts in your editing software to perform common tasks with a simple keystroke. Whether it’s cutting, pasting, or applying effects, these shortcuts can significantly speed up your editing process.

7. Use In-App Features

Short-form video platforms often come with built-in editing tools. Explore these in-app features, like filters and effects, to enhance your videos without the need for external editing software. It’s a convenient way to add flair to your content directly within the platform.

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8. Voiceover Narration

If nailing perfect audio during filming feels challenging, consider adding voiceover narration during the editing phase. Record your video first, then add your voiceover later. This gives you the flexibility to refine your narrative without worrying about background noise or interruptions during filming.

9. Smartphone Editing Apps

Your smartphone is more than just a camera. There are user-friendly editing apps available that allow you to edit your videos on the go. These apps offer a range of tools to trim, add effects, and enhance your content directly from your mobile device.

10. Explore Automation Tools

Automation tools can handle tasks like generating subtitles or captions for your videos. These tools analyze your audio and automatically create text, saving you the time and effort of manual transcription. It’s a practical solution for improving accessibility in your videos.

11. Reuse and Repurpose Content

Don’t let good footage go to waste. Repurpose existing content by trimming, remixing, or combining it to create new videos. It’s a smart strategy to maximize your content without starting from scratch every time.

12. Speed Up Editing

To condense your video without losing impact, experiment with editing techniques like jump cuts and time-lapse sequences. These methods add a dynamic touch, keeping your audience engaged without compromising the overall message of your video

13. Plan Your Talking Points

Before you start filming, jot down the key points you want to cover. Having a clear outline helps you stay on track and prevents unnecessary rambling. Whether it’s a tutorial or a casual chat, a plan keeps your content focused and easy to follow.

14. User-Generated Content

Users may already be showing exceptional content on social media. User-generated content (UGC) can help you make content for short video easily, and also help you strengthen connections with fans.

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15. Use Natural Lighting

Whenever possible, leverage natural lighting for your videos. Position yourself facing a window or shoot outdoors during the day. Natural light not only enhances the visual quality of your video, but also saves you the trouble of setting up elaborate artificial lighting.

16. Create a Filming Schedule

Establish a consistent filming schedule. Whether it’s a weekly or bi-weekly routine, having set days for filming helps you plan and manage your time effectively. It also ensures a steady flow of content for your audience. Utilizing a calendar can help you organize who is responsible for what when it comes to making and posting short video content.

17. Learn Basic Graphic Design

A basic understanding of graphic design can elevate your video thumbnails and overlays. Platforms like Canva offer user-friendly tools to create eye-catching visuals for your videos. Good graphics can entice viewers and make your content more shareable.

18. Create a Video Intro

Craft a short and engaging intro for your videos. This could be a catchy tagline, a brief animation, or a signature sound. An intro sets the tone for your content and makes your videos instantly recognizable to your audience.

19. Use On-Screen Text

Consider adding on-screen text to highlight key points or provide additional context. This is especially useful for viewers who watch videos without sound or prefer subtitles. Many editing tools make it easy to incorporate text overlays.

20. Experiment with Different Formats

Don’t be afraid to try different video formats. Mix in tutorials, vlogs, and quick tips to keep your content diverse and appealing to a broader audience. Experimentation helps you discover what resonates best with your viewers. This will make it easier to make content for short video, and also create variety that will engage your audience.

21. Streamline Your Tech Stack

If you can collect, store, and edit videos on one platform, you can streamline your tech stack. This not only means spending less on software, but it also means learning fewer programs and spending less time moving between platforms. Boast allows you to not only gather and store your videos, but also edit and post them.

These hacks to make content for short video faster can help you get more value from your short form video content. To start gathering video from everyone on your team, and edit and post them in one place, try Boast free today.