Video content can be a powerful tool to spread awareness about your cause. In fact, in a survey by Hubspot, 92% of markets said video gave them a positive return on investment.
For your nonprofit organization, you can convey a tremendous amount of information in a few short minutes while also evoking emotion in supporters that might prompt them to give. With a relatively small investment, you can create simple, yet powerful video content that will motivate your audience to give.
Although professionally made videos are ideal, small organizations can leverage their own video-making capabilities to connect with their supporters. To help your team get started, here are eight guidelines you can follow to create compelling and effective video content!
1. Learn film basics
Even if you’re not a professional, it’s important to know a few film fundamentals before hitting record. To improve your video’s quality, consider these six basics:- Audio Conditions. Film in a quiet place where you are unlikely to be interrupted. If you have trouble recording audio during filming, you can record it later in a quiet room and add it in during the editing stage.
- Lighting. Avoid lighting that comes only from directly above and bright sunlight as it creates harsh shadows. Instead, film in a brightly lit room, in the shade outdoors, or under cloud cover.
- Camera Orientation. Film with landscape orientation (horizontally) for videos you plan to upload to YouTube or your website. For some social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, film vertically as most supporters will view your content on their phones.
- Composition. Consider whether to film your subject in the center of the frame or use the rule of thirds. Filming close-up and straight-on can create a more serious, intimate feeling, which may be appropriate for emotional interviews and stories. On the other hand, using the rule of thirds can create increased visual interest, making it a useful tool for wide shots.
- Camera Angle. Keep the camera just above your subject’s eye level, slightly angled down, which is flattering for most people.
- Stabilize. Use a tripod or mount the camera to something stationary whenever possible.