Google Creator Playbook Version 4 - Manual (Page 9)

7
Captivate Your Audience
Hook your viewers
Many viewers decide whether they’ll keep watching a
video within the first few seconds. Hook viewers early,
and keep their attention.
• Make the first shot fascinating.
• Address the audience immediately.
• Tell them what they’re watching.
• Spark their curiosity.
• Ask a question.
• Tease the rest of the video.
• Keep branding to less than five seconds, unless
it’s hilarious.
Keep them watching
Follow your video’s catchy opening with
awesomeness. The right length for a video is exactly
as long it keeps people glued to the screen. That said,
basic production techniques help!
• Pay attention to lighting, sound quality, and
shot-framing.
• Make sure the audio is clear and balanced.
• Properly light your video.
• Include only necessary footage in your videos. Cut,
cut, cut! But...
• Avoid sloppy editing. It can be more distracting than
no editing.
• Use varying camera angles, cut-aways and other
visuals to make your videos dynamic. Long, static
shots can make a video drag.
• Add transitions, overlays and graphics to help
convey your story.
Use the YouTubeVideo Editor tool to edit
videos, add effects or enhancements, and correct
minor problems.