YouTube, as a platform, has become very favorable for content like commentary. Since commentary requires videos to be comparatively longer, no other platform can match this video giant.
YouTube is full of commentary videos, right from reactions to reviews. With the growing dominance of the digital medium, people have started looking at online creators and experts as a legitimate source of information as well as entertainment.
You do not need to be a professional with certain qualifications to engage in commentary anymore. If you have some basic knowledge about the topic you have chosen, you are free to give your opinions online.
Since this trend has become rampant, we have compiled a list of things you should do to make sure you edit your commentary videos better and avoid any mistakes.
- Making Crisp Content
Commentary is one of those genres where if one starts speaking, there are chances they might get carried away. Constantly talking about one topic can make for a lot of fluff content and eventually bore the audience if it is stretched out for too long.
Only once you shoot the whole video and edit it do you realize that there is a lot of content that can be removed in order to keep the jokes intact. Make sure you do this editing without disrupting the flow of the video.
Another way of making crisp content is having someone else review it and tell you what parts need to be edited out. This helps you get an objective opinion on the video other than yours.
- Including More Effects
Some people assume that shooting a reaction video with some commentary is all they need, but even these types of videos could use a bit of a touch-up.
A lot of commentary works on what the creator is saying, along with some jokes and snippets from related content, all stuffed in one video. A basic example of this could be how people insert trending memes and incorporate them with their content to make their videos funnier.
Plus, adding other reactions and effects is always better so that your video becomes more entertaining. For instance, you can insert a small section in your videos that shows your responses to the content you’re seeing. All of this can only be done if you edit your videos well.
Now, you might be wondering, ‘is there any video editor without watermark?’ Well, there is! Tools like InVideo come without a watermark and are free and easy to use.
- Helps Filter Out Any Mistakes
It is a known fact that people get carried away whole doing commentary, as discussed in a previous point. Video editing helps you filter out anything that you might have said that might be wrong, offensive or incorrect in general. Even though this is not intentional, it is always better to correct these mistakes beforehand.
Editing might also be needed due to technical reasons too. Your video might have lagged while shooting, or there might be some issues with the sound.
These can be edited out before uploading and help you not miss out on the professional touch your video can have. Once you are used to editing videos for a while, it becomes easier to notice these small mistakes and rectify them.
- Sets You Apart From Other Commentary Channels
Commentary as a genre is very easy for video creators. There’s no shortage of trends and current topics to discuss, be it pop culture, YouTube and Twitter drama, film critiques, or social and political commentary.
With so much competition on YouTube, it’s important to find a way for your content to stand out from the rest. Your editing style can help you in this endeavor.
Many YouTubers employ a distinct editing style that adds value to their content, such as using specific fonts, transitions, or special effects. Creators that have catchphrases or an unconventional manner of communication can use editing techniques to highlight their quirkiness. They may even use a particular type of music that helps their audience identify their work.
This way, editing commentary videos lets you define your brand and makes your work stand out among a sea of other similar content on the platform.
- Helps You Upload Live Streams
Live streams have proven to be a great source of viewership for creators on all platforms like Instagram and Facebook, too, not just YouTube. Creators can interact with viewers in real-time and make longer commentary videos.
Although they are engaging, these videos can be hours long and unsuitable for uploading in their entirety to your channel. Moreover, if you have an international audience, they may not be able to tune in at the exact time that you go live, resulting in missed views.
If you have created a solid viewer base for your live streams, consider uploading a shorter and edited version of the same on your channel so that it always stays on the platform.
- Creates Uniformity
When you edit videos across different genres in a similar way and upload them on your channel, it ensures uniformity. This is possible even if all of your content is spread across various genres.
One great way to ensure uniformity through video editing is by having a good intro and outro. These can be 5-10 second clips that are consistent in your videos. You could also have the same video for your CTA when you ask people to like, share, comment, and subscribe to your channel.
You can make these videos using an intro and outro maker available online.
Conclusion
Commentary as a genre is picking up, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. You need to be witty and quirky while also being able to think on your feet for quick decision-making.
This skill takes time and can be polished as your channel gains momentum. Till then, don’t focus on the numbers a lot and just work towards improving your art. The likes and subscribers will follow.
So, the next time you consider indulging in commentary, keep these points in mind and use them to the best of your capabilities.
