Looking at the growth of the digital landscape and the demands of internet users, it is easy to say that creating low-quality content is no longer an option, particularly when it comes to videos. The quality standards for video continue to rise year after year as more and more businesses use video marketing as a part of their digital marketing strategy.

Creating a professional, polished video that catches attention and impresses viewers is easy, though. Giving your videos a professional look is more about your technique than tools, so there is no need to spend on expensive equipment. A simple online video editor can usually do the trick if you have a clear picture in mind.  

Let us look at some simple tips that should help you create professional-looking videos that impress your audience.

1. Use the Right Camera

The quality of your video greatly depends on the camera you are using to film. However, this does not mean you should spend a fortune on a camera to get a professional video. You can get started with your smartphone as most phones today allow capturing high-quality video footage.

Make sure you use the back camera and film in landscape mode for the best results. The market is filled with plenty of options for mirrorless and DSLR cameras, so it should not be difficult to find one that suits your needs and budget.

2. Keep the Background Clean

The use of clean and simple background will instantly make your videos professional. Remove all the unwanted objects to make sure viewers focus on the subject.

An overloaded backdrop looks messy and unprofessional. One easy way is to achieve a solid-colored background with the help of a wall, paper, or bedsheet. Ensure your subject stands away from the backdrop to avoid unnecessary shadows.

3. Have Good Lighting

A big secret to achieving a professional-quality video is to use ample lighting. If you don’t position lights carefully, a video can look unprofessional even when everything else is great about it.

Good lighting is critical for indoor shots, so it is best to invest in some accessories to improve the quality of video images drastically. Natural lighting works best for most outdoor shoots. Try to catch the golden hour to get some dramatic views.

4. Play Around With Angles

Another useful tip to create professional-looking videos is to add visual appeal by cutting from one angle to another.

This technique is particularly effective for product demos, how-to videos, and others that demonstrate doing something rather than just talking. Instead of filming everything from one spot, try experimenting with angles and see what works for you.

5. Avoid Shaky Footage

Shaky hands can give your video a home movie look and instantly turn off the viewer. To ensure your video looks professional, use a tripod or place the camera on a steady surface.

Consider using a stabilizer to film dynamic shots. Instead of moving the camera to change perspective, try cutting from one shot to another.

6. Keep Your Editing Simple

While there is nothing wrong with trying out different effects during your video editing process, a clean and simple style is what makes the best impression. See that you take care of the basic necessities during this stage and avoid going overboard.

Adjust the lighting a bit if needed, use noise cancellation to get rid of background noise, add background music and cut out any unnecessary pauses and silences. When cutting from one scene to another, make the cut during the motion to bring out a smoother flow and a professional look.

As mentioned earlier, sophisticated tools with extensive learning curves are unwarranted. A video editor like InVideo can help you create high-quality, professional-looking footage effortlessly.

7. Remember the Rules of Composition

Lack of appropriate framing and composition can make a video look amateurish even when high-quality equipment is used. Beginners often don’t realize that videography also involves arranging visual elements and camera framing to make the scene aesthetically pleasing.

One of the most important considerations is the Rule of Thirds, where the subject’s head is placed a bit higher and not at the center of the frame, and visual space is given when side facing.

8. Don’t Use the Camera Mic

The quality of the audio is equally important for your professional video content. Most people won’t mind watching a bit grainy video as long as it’s clearly audible. Poor audio is generally a good reason viewers leave within seconds.

The secret to ensuring professional-quality audio is to avoid using the camera’s default microphone. Use an external recorder to capture clear audio and keep the video free of interruptions from other noises. You can use a small, affordable microphone that can be attached to clothing to ensure it picks up the right sounds.

9. Film in Segments

Another useful tactic for a professional video is to break down the clip into smaller segments and reassemble during your post-production phase.

This will not only save you time during editing but also make it easy to add transitions between segments.

Filming your video in short segments also provides you clips you can use in trailers and previews while communicating your message concisely.

10. Plan Your Videos in Advance

It is not only poor technique that makes a video lack professionalism; lack of proper planning can also leave viewers unsatisfied. Take time to plan your video content to make sure the quality of the final video matches the quality of your footage.

Start by defining the purpose – find out what you want to achieve with the video. Next, define your target audience before writing the script.

Create your storyboard and consider revising, rearranging, and deleting sections to make them as good as possible. Keep the video brief and tight to catch attention.

11. Use Effects Wisely

Video effects look great when used properly, but it is easy to overdo it. However, most cameras and phones offer you a few options to add appeal to your creation. Slow-motion, timelapse, and Cinemagraph are some of the most popular effects video creators use, but it is important to use the right effect depending on the scene and situation to achieve a professional look.

12. Promote Your Videos

To present yourself as a professional creator, you must get your videos out to the world. You might not get a lot of views or interaction in the beginning, but your channel should grow as you keep creating and publishing more content.

Having no views for your videos creates an amateurish impression, so promote them with social media, SEO, and other strategies and try to engage your audience by responding to questions and comments.

Final Thoughts

Professional-looking videos capture and retain attention, which ultimately benefits your business.

Though it takes some practice and skills to make professional, eye-catching videos, these tips should help you get started at improving the quality of your video dramatically.

None of these tips require technical abilities; a little practice should get you shooting great videos in no time.