Vlogging is the new blogging.
It may sound like a cliché but it is a fact that video content is overtaking written content on the internet.
To create good video content and attract online viewers, you need a lot more than a good idea and a text editor. You will need a camera, microphone, a well lit corner to record the videos and software to edit the content.
There are a lot of Youtubers who put a lot of money in their equipment but it doesn’t mean you can’t get good results on a small budget. Below we have put together a list of some of the best free tools you will need to create professional looking video content.
Video Editing – HitFilm Express
A video editor is a vlogger’s text editor. I am really into slogans today.
HitFilm Express is the free version of FXhome’s editing software. I personally am a big fan of HitFilm and have been using it for the past few years. The program was not originally developed for the occasional hobbyist who wants to add a few transitions or titles to a vacation video, but more for thriving filmmakers. Therefore the software is rich in features and will need a little learning to get the most out of it.
The interface may seem a little complicated at first but once you get the hang of it, it is quite straightforward. If you can cope with Photoshop then you shouldn’t have any problems working with HitFilm Express. Luckily there are plenty of tutorials online and a great community that can answer you questions or give you support.
Video Download – Bitdownloader
When making video content, it is hard to rely solely on your own content. Most vloggers use video segments from the internet in their clips, be it a scene from a movie trailer or some funny cat videos.
There are loads of free video downloading services on the internet and most of them get the job done somehow, but the user experience can vary between sites..
I did a Google search for “free YouTube video downloader” and checked the ones that showed up on page one.
My favorite on the list was Bitdownloader for a few simple reasons.
- The landing page was easy to understand and not overloaded with
ads and sponsored content.
- No need to download software or to install browser extensions.
- You don’t get a link sent to your email. It is either a direct download or a video that you can save with a right click.
- They have an extra option to download videos without the soundtrack.
Keep in mind, when downloading content from the internet do pay attention to copyright restrictions and what you are allowed to do with the content.
Video Resources – ProductionCrate
When it comes to video content, visual and sound effects are like the icing on the cake. A cake without icing will still be edible but don’t expect people asking for more.
Although HitFilm Express is a powerful tool where you could make a lot of things yourself it does not harm to have a library of effects at your fingertips, and that for free.
ProductionCrate is a goldmine for creatives. There are thousands of objects, graphics and effects you can use to pep up your videos. The site is also recommended by HitFilm developers, so there will be no compatibility issues when using the Hitfilm editor.
Free users are limited in the choice they have but it is still more than enough to get you started. In case you should need more, the Pro access doesn’t really break the bank at $49 a year.
Audio Editing – Audacity
The best made video is not worth much if the sound quality is bad. Anyone who has tried recording videos with audio, or adding soundovers to a video clip, knows what a hassle it can be to get a quality audio track,
Audacity is a powerful, open-source audio editor that works on Windows, Mac and Linux. The software has lots of editing options and is ideal for podcasts, tutorials or anything where there is a focus on dialog. It is good for mixing and editing but not the best option for musicians who are looking for a digital audio workstation.
The software can import and export all commonly used audio files, so no limitations there, just be sure to have backups because Audacity edits the original audio file.
Final Word
Luckily making professional, high quality videos is not as an expensive and time consuming feat as it was just a few years ago. You do not need any high end computer hardware to run any of the programs we mentioned above, a middle range laptop will do. As far as cameras go, I have seen YouTubers make impressive videos using their smartphone cameras.
If you are interested in making video content then at least money is not a reason to delay it.
