The Visual Lounge

If you're looking to grow your company's YouTube channel, then this video's for you.You know that there are certain strategies to make your videos grow, gain views, subscribers, and get more exposure. But how can it work for your company?In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Kara Swanson talk through our experiences with YouTube content creation and strategy and what we've learned.Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

What’s the best process or framework for creating videos that leave an impact?The truth is that every video creator does things differently. And you’ve got to find whatever works for you. Oz du Soleil is someone who’s found a process that works for him. He’s the host behind Excel on Fire, a YouTube channel that makes Excel tutorials both fun and interesting.As well his YouTube channel, Oz is also a Microsoft Excel MVP, lead author of Guerilla Data Analysis 2nd Ed., and has several courses on LinkedIn Learning.  We sat down with Oz to hear his thoughts on video creation and get a look at his process.He takes us behind the scenes to where it all began, what he’s learned about his own preferences for making videos, and some tips you can use in your own content. Learning points from the episode include: Why you should treat each video as its own entity How to strike the balance between jokes and informative content in videosWhy you should try to create videos that you don’t get elsewhereWhy you need to know when to walk away from a videoImportant links and mentions:Oz’s TechSmith tutorial: How I Edit Video with Oz du SoleilOz du Soleil’s website - https://ozdusoleil.com/Excel on Fire YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZgOVykPoRbSZQfY9YysiRQOz’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ozdata/Oz’s Twitter – https://twitter.com/ozexcelTechSmith’s Camtasia tutorial on Skillshare -  https://skl.sh/2Wtb2EMLearn more about the TechSmith AcademyTo read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/how-i-make-videos

The main reason that people continue to watch a video is that they’re genuinely interested in the topic.What if there were some key questions that every creator could ask that would help them figure out where their viewers are in their progress and who exactly they should be creating content for?In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Kara Swanson discuss the seven questions you need to ask before you start creating videos.Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Want the 7 QUESTIONS so you can follow along?Who are they? What problem are they trying to solve? What goals are they pursuing?Do they have previous experience with the topic? Where and how will they likely find or access the video?What is their skill level?What related topics should they also be learning?

You’re invited to Level Up!On October 5th, 2021, we’re holding a free, four-hour digital event to help you improve your workplace communications.This explosive interactive event will guide you through evolving your video communication skills, no matter your level. Whether you’re an experienced video communicator or starting from zero, we want you there! Hosted by the incredible Dave Patton, TechSmith Partnership Marketing Specialist, Level Up is packed with presentations from brilliant TechSmith experts, including:Effective Communication with a Hybrid Workforce: Lessons Learned from a Year of Remote Work with Wendy Hamilton, TechSmith CEO5 Broken Communications and How to Fix Them with Video and Images with Daniel Foster, Snagit Strategy Manager, and Alison Boatman, Digital Marketer9 Types of Videos You Can Make Today…From Your Desk with Andy Owen, Video Production Specialist, LeadUsing the Right Video or Image for the Right Task with Matt Pierce, Learning and Video AmbassadorJoin the early session at 6:00 a.m. EDT / 10:00 a.m. GMT or the later session at 12:00 a.m EDT / 09:00 a.m PDT live on Tuesday October 5th 2021.Sign up here to get your invite to the live event, access to the recordings, and learn how to level up your video communication skills! https://www.techsmith.com/levelup

What is B-Roll? Why does it matter? And how can you record it properly to enhance your video content?Today we dive into all of these questions.In this episode, Matt Pierce and Andy Owen talk through how to use b-roll effectively, and why it's so important to in any future videos you put out.Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

If anyone can help you gain the confidence to get behind the camera, press record, and create awesome videos, it’s Andrew Kan.Andrew Kan is a leading YouTube video creator who’s worked with TubeBuddy, Salesforce, and other big brands to create videos that audiences find valuable and enjoy. We sat down with Andrew at Video Marketing World to get his thoughts on what first-time video creators should know before they hit record, why video is such a valuable and impactful medium, and how to incorporate storytelling in your content.Andrew’s interview is the perfect example of a video that keeps serving audiences as it was recorded back in 2018 and all his tips, advice, and recommendations are still relevant today!Learning points from the episode include:What to know before you hit recordHow to incorporate storytelling in your videosWhy keeping your audience front of mind is crucialHow to get people to return to your contentHow to overcome on-camera anxietiesImportant links and mentions:TubeBuddy: https://www.tubebuddy.com/Andrew’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGSlY9e6ZpWmaSxPhtd73iAAndrew’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtkan/Learn more about the TechSmith AcademyTo read the blog post on the topic, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/choosing-to-create-video

Tutorial videos are a fantastic way to connect with your audience through teaching and learning. But is there such a thing as a one-size-fits-all tutorial video workflow?Josh Cavalier has over 25 years of experience in learning and development and is a passionate instructional video creator. He joins this episode of The Visual Lounge to share how he adapts his tutorial video workflow to ensure highly effective instructional videos.This episode is packed with actionable advice that will revolutionize how you approach your tutorial video workflow.Learning points from the episode include:How understanding barriers to entry can help you create a more successful videoCrafting video tutorials as part of a 5-step learning journeyHow to spark emotion with your video tutorials How long a video tutorial should beJosh’s top tips for creating a perfect tutorial video workflowImportant links and mentions:Josh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcavalier/Josh’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/joshcavJosh’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshcav/Josh’s website: http://www.joshcavalier.com/Get in touch: [email protected] more about the TechSmith AcademyTo watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/perfecting-tutorial-video-workflow

Research shows that bad audio is the single most important factor in people stopping watching videos.Simply put, bad audio means no viewers. And, of course, as video creators, we want viewers! So how can you improve the quality of your audio recording to get perfect audio for your videos?As a beginner, it can be overwhelming stepping into the world of video. When you add audio into the mix, it becomes even more difficult to know what levers to pull to get the outcome you want.Jake Pechtel is the Product Strategist for Camtasia and Audiate and has over seven years’ experience at TechSmith. In this episode, he shares some high-level tips and more advanced insights about how to achieve that perfect audio for your videos and keep your viewers watching for longer.Learning points from the episode include:The three Cs of good audioWhy beginners should prioritize simple, clean audio recordingsThe audio mistakes to avoidHow to improve your audio recording skillsHow Audiate can help you get perfect audioImportant links and mentions:TechSmith Audiate: https://www.techsmith.com/audiate.html TechSmith High Five: Jewel Tolentino - Essetino Artists on YouTube https://youtu.be/jWGs0RsIj-kReach out to us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TechSmith Tag us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/techsmith-corporation Email us: [email protected]’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/piercemrLearn more about the TechSmith Academy To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/perfect-video-audio

What does it take to make your tutorial videos shine?Jason Valade and Ryan Eash are both Instructional Designers at TechSmith with several years of experience creating high-value instructional videos.Jason is also an ATD Master Trainer and has a background as a classroom teacher. He loves teaching and training people on all things TechSmith-related. Ryan works on the customer education team creating video tutorials and course materials to help customers learn how to utilize TechSmith tools.This world-class Instructional Designer duo has plenty of tips, tactics, and advice to share, so tune in to learn more. Learning points from the episode include:Why you should focus on one thing at a timeHow TechSmith’s tiered video system worksWhy not every video needs to be perfectThe top Camtasia tools to try outHow to ensure your audio is top quality even when recording at homeWhy both short and long videos have their placeLearn more about the TechSmith AcademyTo read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/tips-tools-tutorial-videos

Want some video creation and editing tips?Who better to ask than a teacher? In this episode of The Visual Lounge, we invited Jayne Davids, Camtasia Trainer and Video Editor at her company, Raiveon Video Specialists.Jayne shares thoughts on how you can improve your video creation skills by sharing some insights into her own methods. She takes you through processes, how she manages projects, her tips on creating storyboards and scripts, and much more.Jayne has been involved in learning and development for over 20 years now, designing and delivering training systems. She’s combined her love for teaching with making videos and now helps others do the same.Learning points from the episode include:Why all training videos should get to the point quickly and clearlyHow Jayne manages projectsJayne’s process for creating, planning, and editing videosWhy Jayne likes to record audio separatelyWhat you can do to improve your video creation skillsJayne’s process for storyboarding and scripting her videosThe best Camtasia features Jayne recommendsLearn more about the TechSmith AcademyTo read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

If you’re producing video after video, you need to know how well they’re doing.Are they effective? Is there room for improvement? Do they cover everything they need to?You won’t know unless you measure and analyze your videos! Elizabeth Pierce, Senior Director of Learning Experience and Consulting at TaskUs, joined The Visual Lounge to share her thoughts behind measuring video engagement.Elizabeth has 20 plus years of experience working in the learning and development space as a fantastic leader and advisor. She’s dedicated to driving a progressive learning culture throughout organizations to meet company, customer, and employee goals for strategic growth. She’s worked with big names such as Walmart, Oracle, Uber, Eventbrite, and Glassdoor.Learning points from the episode include:Why the first step in creating video is to get clear on company goalsHow collaboration and communication are keyThe best ways to test engagementWhy video is usually a better option than PowerPoint presentationsWhat to consider before creating a learning management systemThe challenges of training remotelyLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

Creating great instructional videos doesn’t start when you hit record. For the best success during production and beyond, good planning is essential. Planning and following a set process are key to producing consistently high-value tutorial videos. From scripting to research and analysis to drafting, the better foundations you can lay with your work, the easier it is to scale your videos and achieve the desired effect with your audience.Chandra Owen, Instructional Designer at TechSmith, joined this episode of The Visual Lounge to share her processes and insights behind planning to scale your videos.Chandra’s work as an Instructional Designer means she creates content for TechSmith’s customer education team, including video, written tutorials, and webinars. Prior to joining TechSmith, she worked for 13 years in higher education, managing training, and social media. Learning points from the episode include:How to decide between video vs. written instructionsWhy an efficient video schedule needs a solid processHow Chandra’s scripting process worksWhy Chandra’s team uses a tier system for videosChandra’s take on evergreen content vs. updating old contentWhy an asset library can save so much timeThe benefits of creating a scratch audio track before the final versionLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

A good SEO strategy can help make sure your videos get found and watched.But if you’re not an SEO expert it can feel overwhelming.In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon talk through 5 ways you can quickly optimize your videos for search engines. You can easily watch and search past episodes here.You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Instructional videos are a cornerstone of many training programs, onboarding processes, and team communication. But if you have never produced your own videos, it can be a bit of a daunting project. There’s producing, editing, camera equipment, audio equipment, and then distributing the content to think about. In this episode, we’re focusing more on the steps you need to take before you start rolling. How do you plan your content for maximum impact?Lee Rodrigues, Senior Instructional Designer at Sunrun, joined this episode of The Visual Lounge to talk more about this planning stage. As part of our ten-week series on instructional videos, Lee is the latest guest to discuss instructional design and producing the best videos possible. Lee has had 15 years of experience in the technology, training, and multimedia production fields. He uses a number of tools and tactics to develop and evaluate blended learning solutions for measurable and improvable behaviors. Learning points from the episode include:Why all big projects should start with a prototypeHow planning a video is a bit like planning a recipeThe difference between workflow-based instructions vs. knowledge transferThe Five Moments of Need and how to set objectivesHow Lee scripts his videos and uses the zero draft approachHow to read a script on cameraImportant links and mentions:Lee’s portfolio videoLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

Videos are everywhere. But, there are some things that we can do better. One of them is composition. In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon talk about the principles that you can use to get better video composition, from the rule of thirds to headroom, talkspace to foreground/background and more.Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

So, you’ve mastered the basics of producing video training content. What now?The work isn’t over just yet. After creating videos, it’s essential to measure their impact and effectiveness. Only by doing so will your videos improve, become more engaging, and have a great impact on your audience.For tips on how to do this, Cara North, Operations Training Manager at Silfex, joins this episode of The Visual Lounge.Cara shares her best tips for assessing the effectiveness of your videos, measuring KPIs, and why you should always be on the lookout for feedback. She explains her three-step process for improving your videos and boosting engagement. Learning points from the episode include:Why learning and development departments need to always add value with their contentWhy not all training has to be a videoThe value of doing something different and experimentingCara’s three top tips for creating instructional videosWhy content should always fit the mediumCommon mistakes in L&D departmentsImportant links and mentions:Cara North’s websiteLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

Here are our answers to your most frequently asked video production questions. We wanted to compile all of the frequently asked questions into one place and give straight answers about how to make better videos.In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon answer questions that people wrote in with, from YouTube, social media, and everywhere else.Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Do you want to start creating tutorial videos like a pro?If you’re new to the world of video creation, it can feel a bit overwhelming. Where do you even start?The good news is that it doesn’t have to be too complicated. You don’t need a big fancy setup or Hollywood director skills. Often, simpler is better.Ashley Chiasson is the Senior e-Learning Developer at Traliant, a compliance training provider for workplaces. She is also a self-proclaimed Articulate ambassador and is most well-known for her popular screencast tutorials. She joins The Visual Lounge to share how she helps create valuable training content with the power of video.In this video, Ashley explains instructional design and why video is the go-to resource for training content. She shares her workflow and processes, how she creates videos, and some tips and common mistakes to avoid if you’re new to video.Learning points from the episode include:How video ties into instructional designThe best times to use a script in your videoWhy brief videos are often bestWhy you don’t need fancy video setupsThe common audio mistake video creators makeTips for new video creatorsImportant links and mentions:Ashley Chiasson’s websiteSprout LearningAshley’s YouTube channelLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

Many people are intimidated by the thought of having to be in front of a camera.But you don't need to be in front of the camera to create videos and help other people learn.In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon break down seven different types of videos you can make without showing your face.Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

So you want to create instructional videos...but where do you start?Instructional videos come in many different forms, meaning there’s a style that suits almost every creator (and learner!). There’s plenty of opportunities to get an instructional video right – but as there’s such a wide scope for what makes a good instructional video, knowing what to begin with can be a real sticking point.Jonathan Halls is a business author and consultant who helps people develop their training strategies. His 30+ year career spans a spectrum of roles in the training and communications industry. He joins Matt Pierce in this episode to share the best ways to approach creating instructional videos as a beginner and explains the whys, whats, and hows, behind this broad and increasingly vital subject.Learning points from the episode include:The key principles of instructional videoThe 3 questions you need to ask yourself before you plan your videoHow to structure an instructional videoJonathan's top tips for creating a video workflowHow to make an instructional video more effectiveImportant links and mentions:Jonathan's websiteJonathan’s LinkedInJonathan’s 8 Step Checklist for Producing Engaging Instructional VideosLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

Today we're going to cover the format and structure of a good tutorial video by breaking down one of our own.In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon go through the basic elements of a good tutorial video. They break down a tutorial for TechSmith Audiate so you can see exactly how to level up your next tutorial video.Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

The main aim of customer education content is often to help customers overcome the odd hiccup or knowledge gap. But a truly successful customer education strategy does so much more than that.Customer education is also a business strategy focused on keeping customers happy so that they return to your products again and again. Simply put, good customer education can be instrumental to scaling your business.Daniel Quick is a master in customer education with over 20 years of experience designing learning, delivering training, and building customer education programs. His background includes leading customer education at Optimizely, Asana, and now Thought Industries.Daniel joins this episode of The Visual Lounge to share how organizations can create customer education strategies that better serve their users and their business, and how to create customer education content that is effective and efficient.Learning points from the episode include:What makes a good customer educatorHow to demonstrate and find value in customer educationTwo strategies to scale your business with customer educationHow to help customers in their moment of needThe role video plays in customer educationHow repurposing can explode your customer education content opportunitiesThe effect talking head videos can have on your customersHow to use gamification within your customer education strategyImportant links and mentions:Optimizely AcademyThought IndustriesDaniel’s LinkedInCustomer Education Slack channelEmail us: [email protected] more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

We get a lot of questions from folks who are just starting out about how to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to video equipment.It can be very hard to know what to spend money on.In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon go over where they each would invest in gear.Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

When it comes to team communication, sometimes speed is the most important factor. A busy organization can save hours and hours of working time collectively by hosting a simple 30-minute meeting. Email and instant message solutions like Slack are the go-to options for internal communication day-to-day, but even those have their downsides.In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Sherri Powers, VP of Marketing at TechSmith talks about how video communication can save time.Short videos and simple screen recordings can often get the message across faster and more efficiently than email or in-person meetings. Sherri breaks down the math in this episode to show you how much time you could save if you embrace video.Learning points from the episode include:Why you should always try to use data to back up your messageHow email can be overly polished when compared to videoWhy video can convey more personality than written requestsHow much time you can save by opting for video over physical meetingsWhy you should try video if you’re already used to doing in-person presentationsImportant links and mentions:Camtasia SnagitLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

Lighting can make or break a video.It's crucial to get good lighting for videos, especially when it comes to being on camera.In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon talk about the different lighting options we use when we record a video - and walk you through how you can do the same!Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here.You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Have you ever thought about the best ways to communicate with your team?Many businesses put their heart and soul into crafting the best ways to get their message across to customers. But when it comes to internal communications, it’s often overlooked.In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Austin Norton (Project Manager) and David Patton (Partnership Marketing Specialist) from TechSmith join to discuss the importance of great communication in your team. Austin and David talk about using simple screenshots or videos to get messages across much faster and clearer. They take us through their different approaches to creating internal videos and explain how the era of remote work has affected our willingness to be on camera.Learning points from the episode include:Why screenshots are often a faster and easier way to communicateThe importance of “getting into the zone” when creating videoShort videos vs. long polished videos: How the TechSmith team does it differentlyWhy you should lean into your strengths when it comes to visual contentWhy video is flexible and gives us so many communication optionsImportant links and mentions:CamtasiaKnowmiaSnagitLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

Transitions are one the most important effects to know how to use. They let you seamlessly move from one video clip or image to another and bring annotations and other graphics on or off the screen. But when used poorly, they can absolutely destroy your video. In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon go over how to effectively use transitions so help, and don't hurt, your videos.Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Want to learn how to master YouTube?Creating video and pushing it out into the world can be a massive challenge – especially if you’re an educator who needs to create engaging and informative videos.Valerie Pennington of The Penguin Prof YouTube channel joins this episode of The Visual Lounge to share her tips and tricks for mastering YouTube. She explains the lessons she’s learned to overcome common challenges that educators face with video.Besides being a YouTube whizz, Valerie is a Professor of Biology at Southwestern College and a Teaching with Technology Coordinator. She began creating videos for her students to teach them about biology, anatomy, and chemistry. Eventually, she decided to make her videos public, and today her YouTube channel has amassed over 100,000 subscribers!Learning points from the episode include:Why video is often missing humanity and connectionWhat the biggest challenge people face with video is Why it’s essential to practice as much as possibleThe importance of audio and vocal exercisesValerie’s three phases of creating videoThe benefits of scripted vs. non-scripted videosImportant links and mentions:The Penguin Prof ChannelThe Penguin Prof websiteLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

Trying to add music to a video can be more challenging than you think. And while the right music enhances the experience for your viewers, while the wrong music can send the wrong message entirely.In part 2 of a 2-part episode on music, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon talk about how you can effective use music in your videos to make it strength rather than a weakness.Want to learn exactly HOW to add music to your video? Here's a full step-by-step breakdown: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/add-music-video/ Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

The latest Camtasia release is now available, but which of its new features will help you create better videos?In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt Pierce guides you through his favorite new features from Camtasia 2021. He guides you through how to use them and gives his expert advice on how to add that extra spice to your videos.Matt is also joined by TechSmith Trainer, Jason Valade, who shares his top Camtasia tips and more about putting the new features into practice.Learning points from the episode include:What proxy video is and why it’s perfect for big video filesHow to make the most out of the extensive transitions libraryWhy audio emphasize is the revolutionary new way to add music to your videosHow to use media mats for more engaging videosHow to color your video like a proImportant links and mentions:Tutorials and trainingTechSmith webinarsCamtasiaAudiateLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.If you have questions or feedback about anything in this episode, let us know! Email them to us at: [email protected]

Background music can add more interest to your videos, and make them even more engaging and entertaining.But where can you find music? And how do you pick the right music for your video?In part 1 of a 2-part episode on music, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon go over the best ways to find and choose music for your videos.Want to learn exactly HOW to add music to your video? Here's a full step-by-step breakdown: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/add-music-video/ Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Are you ready to harness the power of video for your business? Video content can be a huge driver of revenue, but many people don’t know where to start. Or they start and get stuck on how to make their videos more impactful and valuable. Owen "Video," YouTube Channel Producer of Owen Video, joins this episode of The Visual Lounge to share his tips on creating video content to boost your business revenue. Owen shares insights from his popular YouTube channel and training program, The Video Marketing School. He teaches business owners and entrepreneurs the secrets to starting a YouTube channel and growing it into your biggest source of revenue.Learning points from the episode include:How to follow the four-step Video Pro System to create video contentHow to structure your content with the G.R.E.A.T formulaWhy you should split your content into silosWhat you can learn from competition on YouTubeThe real way YouTubers make their moneyImportant links and mentions:The Video Marketing SchoolOwen VideoThe Business of Video PodcastThe Make YouTube Easy ProgramLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

There's just so much video content on the internet, how do you find the unique ones? How do you find something that no one else is doing?In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon break down the top ways to find great video ideas.Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

You may not be creating videos for the same reasons as the top YouTube creators, but they know what makes a good video.Many of the same principles that make their content so successful apply to your videos too – no matter whether you’re creating training, customer education, instructional design, or any other type of video.If you want to get more comfortable on camera, streamline your video creation process, or generally improve the look and feel of your videos, look no further than this episode of The Visual Lounge.Tune in to hear host Matt Pierce share the video lessons you need to know from YouTube creators, including Sean Cannell, Nick Nimmin, Amy Landino, Tim Schmoyer, Owen Hemsath, and Andrew Kan.Learning points from the episode include:How to "punch perfectionism in the face"Why a streamlined video creation process is keyHow to create videos more consistentlyWhy it's important to understand your audience's expectationsHow to overcome on-camera anxietyImportant links and mentions:Full YouTube creator interviewsThe Visual Lounge with Tim Schmoyer: Why You Need to Humanize Your VideosQuestions or feedback: [email protected] Learn more about the TechSmith Academy.If you want to see the slides and video clips of each interview, watch this episode of The Visual Lounge (or read the blog post) here.

Ever wonder why Hollywood movies are so successful? Or why a commercial can go viral?The answer is story.In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon talk through how to tell stories that capture attention -- including some ideas they use every single day.Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Are you educating your customers effectively?Video tutorials, blogs, and technical documentation are just some of the different ways you can provide users of your product with the help they need to be successful. But truly empowering your customers goes beyond the material you provide.Joining Matt Pierce in this episode of The Visual Lounge is TechSmith’s Customer Education Manager, Doug Brunner. Listen in as Doug shares his thoughts on creating customer education content that powerfully impacts your customers – and, therefore, your business.Learning points from the episode include:The purpose of customer education contentHow TechSmith designs educational user experiencesWhy it’s vital to understand your customers’ learning behaviorsDoug’s thoughts on gated vs. ungated customer education contentThe 3 ways TechSmith measures retention trendsWhy tutorial videos are beneficial to businessesHow to make your tutorial videos more accessible onlineImportant links and mentions:TechSmith tutorials and trainingHow to Measure Video Engagement (+ Get Actionable Data)[email protected] more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

We’re diving into the basics of video editing and breaking down the differences between cuts, splits, and more. In this episode, Andy Owen walks Matt Pierce and Justin Simon through some basic video editing techniques to level up your content. Here are the links to the J&L Cuts blog and 7 Common Video Editing Mistakes blog. And if you want stock footage like Andy was using, you can check that out over at the TechSmith Assets online library.Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

If you’re spending a lot of time getting caught up in video SEO practices and it’s not working for you, stop and ask yourself: who’s really watching your videos?While getting your videos found is important, making a human connection so that viewers come back time and time again is a much better long-term approach.Video Strategist and Founder of VideoCreators.com, Tim Schmoyer, joins this episode of The Visual Lounge to share why you need to optimize your videos for people, not robots. He also gives his top tips for creating thumbnails, adding storytelling elements to your videos, and shares the lessons he’s learned from over 15 years in the video strategy industry.Learning points from the episode include:The best way to optimize your video titles and thumbnailsWhat “humanizing your videos” really meansThe recommended resolution for YouTube thumbnailsWhen to update your old videosWhy storytelling is your superpowerThe current challenge for YouTube video creators7 questions to help you build storytelling into your videosWhy you should incorporate storytelling into all of your online contentImportant links and mentions:Video Creators YouTube channelVideo Creators Website Tim’s InstagramLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

Sometimes you just don't don't feel like making a video. Whether you're bored or uninspired, it's not always easy to hop in and get creative. In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon talk through different tips and strategies you can use to create videos even when you're not feeling it. During their conversation Andy recommends this video where Ira Glass reflects on Creativity.Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Is there a silver bullet for making engaging video?Think about a video that’s really captivated you before. What was it about the video that made you not want to look away? Did it use compelling visuals or a storyline that sucked you in? Or perhaps it left you with some food for thought.There are many techniques video creators use to make their videos engaging. Unfortunately, there’s no “silver bullet” but there are many tips and tricks you can learn to help draw people in and keep them watching your videos.TechSmith’s Learning and Video Ambassador, Matt Pierce, shares his lessons learned for making engaging video from his years of experience in the video industry. He reveals the difference between passive and active engagement strategies and explains how to create truly captivating videos. Learning points from the episode include:Why it’s important to make your videos engagingWhy your video needs to be relevant and/or interestingThe difference between passive and active engagement strategies10 strategies for making more engaging videos4 ways to get your audience involved with your videoImportant links and mentions:[email protected] Duarte, Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform AudiencesLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here. 

There are plenty of good tips and techniques that you can use to dramatically improve your videos.But how do we know what elements are most valuable for engagement and for keeping viewers’ attention?In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon talk through our Video Viewer Research, and analyze the common elements we found in great instructional and informational videos.Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here.You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

If your videos aren’t meeting your expectations or you’re struggling with the video production process, you may be making one (or more) of these common video mistakes.There are seven common mistakes or traps that video creators often fall into. However, once you know what they are, they’re easy to avoid! Matt Pierce, TechSmith’s Learning and Video Ambassador, reveals the 7 deadly sins of video creation and advises how to avoid them so that you can make better videos.Learning points from the episode include:How to prevent issues and mistakes when shooting videosWhy “fixing in post” is a mythWhat the rule of thirds is and how you can use itHow you can use lighting to communicate meaningWhy you need to pay attention to audioThe benefits of B-rollHow to stay focused on your end goalImportant links and mentions:Video process checklistLighting your videoFramingVideo Workflow seriesWriting a scriptAssets for CamtasiaLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here. 

Does every video need a beginning, middle, and end?Maybe. But maybe not! In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon go over the different sections within a video and how you can utilize them to keep viewers engaged and watching. Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Social media is a great place to connect with your customers. But when your users have a question or problem, it’s often better to show, rather than tell.Videos and images win on social media channels. They generate engagement, provide value, and increase brand trust. They’re also a brilliant tool for communication, so how can you use visuals can level-up your social media game?Sharing her thoughts in this episode of The Visual Lounge is TechSmith’s Social Media Coordinator, Jessie O’Donnell. Jessie has over 10 years’ experience working in social media for TechSmith.Jessie explains how to use videos and images on social media channels to better communicate, troubleshoot problems, and answer your customers’ questions. She also shares her top tips for creating and sharing social media content.Learning points from the episode include:Why social media is powerful for businessesHow to provide better customer service with images and videosHow social media listening can help build better productsWhat and when to post on social mediaWhy repurposing your content gives extra value to your social media audienceWhy your organization’s goals should shape your social media strategyJessie’s advice for keeping up with changing social media channelsHow to build customer relationships onlineConnect with us on:FacebookLinkedInTwitterInstagramLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/videos-images-rule

We get the question all the time: “What’s the perfect length for a video?”It makes sense. Grabbing and keeping a viewer’s attention is challenging, and you want to be sure they aren’t making videos that are too long (or short).In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon talk through the myths and and misinformation around video length and what you can do to make sure your video is just right. Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

What’s the secret to creating great customer education content, fast? If you create content, you might get swept up striving for perfection. But when it comes to customer education content, this should be one of the last things on your mind.Dave Derington, Senior Manager of Outreach’s customer education program, believes that customer education doesn’t have to be perfect – it just has to be helpful. He joins Matt Pierce in this episode of The Visual Lounge to share a faster way to create fun and relatable customer education content and explains why you should leave the idea of perfection behind.Learning points from the episode include:Dave's definition of customer educationWhy creating customer education content quickly is criticalHow to get comfortable with imperfectionHow to give customers the education content they needHow to create content fast Important links and mentions:CELab: https://customer.educationOutreach University: https://university.outreach.ioOutreach: https://outreach.ioLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/successful-customer-education

Are you making common mistakes when you record your screen? Probably.The good news is a lot of mistakes can be corrected with a few simple tweaks.In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon go over the top mistakes they've made that you can avoid when screen recording.Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

How do you incorporate accessibility into your content creation process?Is it something you think about when you’re planning your content…or is it an afterthought?Digital content accessibility hasn’t always been at the forefront of the content discussion, but the tide is shifting. Now, many new technologies make accessibility features easy to include, but how can you ensure that your content is adequately accessible?Ryan Knott, TechSmith’s Marketing Content Specialist, joins Matt Pierce in this episode of The Visual Lounge to share his tips for removing barriers to your digital content, including the best ways to make videos and images more accessible. He also explains how prioritizing accessibility creates better, more valuable content for all users.Learning points from the episode include:What is accessibility?Why accessibility should be part of the content creation processWhy accessible content is better contentThe importance of video captionsHow to write alt text for imagesHow to start creating accessible contentImportant links and mentions:Web accessibility resource: https://www.w3.org/How to teach accessibility: https://teachaccess.org/ TechSmith Audiate: https://www.techsmith.com/audiate.htmlLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

Writing the script for your videos can be confusing and boring.But you don’t have to waste tons of time or energy to finish your script.In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon talk through different templates and examples of scripts that will help you create high-quality videos.Templates:Justin's Script TemplateAndy's Script TemplateMatt's Script TemplateDo you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcast or Spotify.

How can video templates speed up your video creation process?Templates are a powerful way to structure your videos. They help you avoid repeating the same edits over and over again and can streamline video creation between teams.If you’ve never considered using a video template before, this episode of The Visual Lounge shows you what you could be missing. Listen to hear host of The Visual Lounge and TechSmith’s Learning and Video Ambassador, Matt Pierce, explain how to use Camtasia to build templates that optimize your video editing process and share more about the benefits of using templates within your organization. This episode uses lots of visual examples, so to see Matt in action, watch the video version of this episode on the TechSmith YouTube channel.Learning points from the episode include:Why video templates are so powerfulHow to use video templates within a teamHow to build video templates in CamtasiaHow to structure a video template using placeholdersHow to resize videos within templatesMatt’s top tips for building templatesImportant links and mentions:CamtasiaCamtasia video templatesLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.