Tips You Need to Make Great-looking YouTube or Instagram Videos

Tips to make successful YouTube videos

If you’ve been wanting to start a YouTube video channel to show off your amazing makeup skills, display your ukulele talents, or show off any other creative ideas you’ve got, we have some advice to make you (or your cat) look great on video, without spending a fortune.

Set a goal

What do you want to achieve with your YouTube videos? Teach a skill? Make people laugh? Engage more followers? Once you figure out what your goal is, that will set the tone for the videos and determine what kind of equipment and planning you’ll need. If you’re shooting fun, short videos, avoid making things look over-produced. If you’re going for a more serious tone with a focus on people talking or teaching, you’ll need a bit more polish and planning.

Write a script

Wait! Don’t run for the hills yet. You don’t need to write pages of dialogue if you’re just shooting a fun clip for your work’s Instagram feed. By ‘write a script’, we just mean write down the things that you need to accomplish your goal. For that goofy video, your script could look something like this:

  • Start on Karen from Finance riding her bike down the hallway
  • She rolls toward camera and goes past, singing show tunes at top volume the whole time
  • Cut to company logo

From that, you’ll know you need: to check the lighting in the hallway; to tell everyone to stay out of the hallway between 3:30-4:00 pm; to get a bike and a helmet; to tell Karen to practise her favourite show tune; and to have a digital file of the company logo. You’ll be ready and confident, and the whole thing will take a lot less time than if you were scrambling to throw things together on the spot.

If your YouTube video is going to be longer or more serious, we recommend some additional preparation. Write yourself a script (or at least some talking points) and practise it in the mirror a few times before you start rolling.

Get the gear

For the fun and quick clip category, the best investment you can make is an up-to-date smartphone with high-quality video. According to tech experts, the Samsung Galaxy S9+, Apple iPhone X, and the Google Pixel 2 XL are among the best phones currently on the market for shooting video.

If being a YouTube video guru is your calling and you’re ready to invest in a camera, whether it’s DSLR or mirorrless, start with a visit to a London Drugs camera specialist. They love talking tech, and they can show you the best deals in-store. Some of the cameras you’ll want to consider include the Canon EOS M50 15-45 Kit, and the Canon EOS 80D 18-135 IS USM.

Light it up

We have three words for you when it comes to lighting your videos: windows, windows, and windows. That’s right – all you really need to make a nice-looking video is lots of natural light. Set up your subject facing a big window and go to town! It looks great, it’s free, and natural light will give an easy-going, casual feel to your videos.

The downside to using natural lighting is that you’re at the mercy of mother nature. Sunlight is inconsistent, and what if daylight doesn’t fit into your shooting schedule? You’ll need some artificial lighting help, and a London Drugs camera specialist can help you set up the best video lighting kit that suits your needs and budget (consider the Manfrotto Lumie Art 6 LED for a nice mid-range video lighting kit).

When setting up your lighting, stick to the three-point method for a professional look:

  1. Key Light – This is the light shining directly on the subject. Experiment with colour, intensity, and position in the room, depending on the mood of your video.
  2. Fill Light – Lower-intensity light that’s also shining on the subject, but at more of a side angle to fill in the shadows cast by the key. A reflector can also be used for the fill, especially in natural light.
  3. Back Light – Shines on the shoulders, back, and top of the subject’s head. This step is not always necessary, but it gives dimension to the shot and separates the subject from the background.

Understanding lighting is key to good YouTube videos

Can you hear me now?

One big difference between good and not-so-good video content is sound quality. Yes, all smartphones and cameras now have built-in mics, but they’re not enough if you’re shooting from further away than a metre or two. Don’t worry – sound gear doesn’t have to be complicated! All you need is something to record a secondary audio track. Most phones come with a voice recorder app, so the easiest option is to borrow a second phone, place it close to your subject, and hit record, then lay that audio track on top of the video during editing.

If you want to take your sound quality up one more notch, an external microphone will do wonders. London Drugs has a great selection of recording gear, so pay a visit to your local LD electronics specialist for help choosing the audio setup that’s right for you. Some mics to consider include the RODE Video Mic Go, RODE VideoMic Pro, Blue Microphone Snowball iCE, and the Blue Yeti USB Mic.

But wait, does your video sound like it’s coming from an empty cave? You’ll need soundproofing to eliminate that bounce. Make sure there are rugs or carpet on the floor, and hang thick blankets on the walls around where you’re shooting (in a place that doesn’t mess up the look of your shot, of course).

Ready, set, shoot!

For shooting on the go, give your arms a break and get a selfie stick. Go for a versatile model like the S-Line Selfie Stick that has an expandable handle, an adjustable clamp that fits all smartphones, and a removable head that can be attached to a tripod. Or, if you want to add add intelligent functions like cinematic zoom control and built-in sensors for stability, try the DJI Osmo Mobile 2 .

Speaking of tripods, you’ll need one if you’re going to be shooting video of people or things that are sitting in one place. If you’re using a smartphone or small camera, a mini tripod works just fine on a table or stack of books, and it is versatile for different settings. For shooting with a larger camera, a full-sized tripod works best. Some tripods to consider include the Joby GorillaPod 3K Kit and the Joby GorillaPod 5K Kit. The Joby GorillaPod Rig Upgrade Kit works with both the 3K and 5K kits and enables you to add additional devices as needed. Looking for a solid carry bag for all your new gear? Check out the Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 or the Manfrotto Windsor Reporter Messenger Bag.

Fix it in Post

Now that you have all of this beautiful footage, what do you do with it? Edit it, of course! This can be the most time-consuming step in making good videos, but it can also be the most fun. There are many affordable and free video editing apps out there: iMovie, Videoshop, Splice, FilmoraGo, and Adobe Premiere Clip are all perfect for quick and fun edits. If you’re interested in longer-form YouTube-style videos, all the pros swear by Adobe Premiere, Corel VideoStudio or Final Cut Pro, but these are more expensive and require some learning time.

Want to add music? Before you hit up Spotify, remember that it’s illegal to use copyrighted music without written permission from the artist. (You probably already know this from your cat video with the Rihanna soundtrack that was rudely muted on Instagram.) There are a few ways to get music into your videos legally: ask a musical friend for one of their original tracks, use the music provided by your editing software, or search for a royalty-free song from a music service (there are loads to choose from).

We hope this video content starter kit will be helpful on your road to internet stardom. Want to show off your best video? Post a link in the comments!

4 Tips for Beautifully Organized Drawers

It’s easy to let your drawers fall into chaos. They’re only open for a few seconds at a time, and they’re easy to hide. But you know they’re there–whispering behind your back, just waiting to explode. We’re here to help you wrangle the clutter with these easy and satisfying tips for beautifully organized drawers.

1. Tidy Your T-Shirts the KonMari Way

If you have a big collection of t-shirts, you know how quickly your drawer can turn into a mess. To save time in the morning, and prevent wrinkles, stack your t-shirts upright in the drawer instead of flat. Your drawer will hold more, you’ll be able to see them all at once for easy choosing, and they’ll stay neatly folded.

Folding skills a little lacking? Check out this step-by-step guide on using the KonMari method to fold like a pro:

2. Use Smart Compartments For Odds and Ends 

Your silverware drawer is pretty organized, right? Knives, spoons, and forks are all in their right places. That’s because of the organizer in there! You probably already have one in the kitchen, so why not get one for your other drawers that need some TLC? Cutlery trays and small bins are inexpensive, and great for keeping cosmetics, junk drawers, craft drawers and other small odds and ends tidy.

3. Contain Those Pesky Kitchen Containers

It’s your kitchen’s dirty little secret. It’s your… FOOD CONTAINER DRAWER! Don’t worry—you’re definitely not alone. Everyone’s is a mess. But it doesn’t have to be! Despite food storage containers being bulky, awkward, and mismatched, your drawer can actually be a soothing place of zen organization.

Recycle any tubs or lids that don’t have a mate. Ahhhh. Feels good, doesn’t it? Next add a drawer divider or two and separate items into size/shape categories. Start with the largest items in the corner and add smaller ones around. Lastly, stack your lids horizontally so you can ‘file’ them instead of digging through the pile every time.

Pro tip: Nest plastic containers together, and turn them on their sides if the stack is too tall for the drawer. Don’t nest glass containers together, as they could get stuck together and break. And store plastic containers and lids separately, since a seal can trap moisture and create a stale smell.

See more tips, tricks, and photos from Better Homes & Gardens

4. Upcycle Using What You Already Have

We love a good upcycling tip! Keeping a messy drawer organized can be as easy as re-using old stuff from around your house. Have you got things collecting dust around your house like old gift boxes, egg cartons, muffin tins, or food containers without their lids? (Really, who doesn’t?) Well then, you have an organized junk drawer!

There, another spring cleaning item checked off your list! Share your best drawer organization tips in the comments below and find everything you need for storage and organization online at London Drugs.

How to Take Your Laundry to the Next Level

Doing laundry is necessary, of course, but it takes time and energy—and we know there are ways to save a little of both.

You probably already know to wash your clothes in cold water to save energy and hang your clothes to dry. Now try these next-level tips to truly up your laundry game.

Next Level Laundry Tips with London Drugs

Vinegar Magic

Vinegar is a magical cleaning tool. You probably already use it to clean your microwave or other kitchen appliances, but it’s amazing in the laundry room too.

If your sweaty workout gear is a little too fragrant, pre-soak it in a vinegar solution. The technical, sweat-wicking fabrics that work so well during exercise are actually harder to clean; the vinegar helps cut through your body’s oils to eliminate that smelly bacteria.

And vinegar doesn’t just clean, it also softens fabrics! Add ¼ to 1 cup of white vinegar to your washer during the final rinse cycle instead of a traditional fabric softener. (You’ve already got the vinegar in your pantry—you might as well use it, right?)

Don’t forget, too, that washing machines also need to be cleaned regularly, along with your clothes. You can use vinegar to clean your washing machine itself, too–it’s easy and cost-effective!

Delicates

Hand washing is best for delicates, but when you need to throw them in the washer make sure you use a mesh laundry bag. It keeps them protected from rubbing against other fabrics that may lead to pilling while the mesh still lets in water and detergent to get them clean. There are even specially designed laundry bags for bras, with padded mesh to protect the cup shape. It’s still advisable to use the delicate mode on your washer, but the mesh laundry bags will protect your delicates even more.

When you do hand wash, there’s no handy spin cycle to remove that excess water. You can mimic your washer’s spin cycle using a salad spinner (make sure you only use this salad spinner for laundry!), or you can lay your garment flat on a clean dry towel and roll it all up. Some more gentle pressing helps the towel soak up that water gently. It’s much safer than wringing the water out.

Laundry Basket - Next Level Laundry with London Drugs

Easy breezy

There are lots of little things you can do that will make your laundry life so much easier. Post a note by your washer to remind yourself about any items that need particular care: those that need to be washed separately, can’t go in the dryer, etc. This is especially important if you share laundry duties with a family member! You can use a dry erase board to easily update your laundry notes.

You might also try dryer balls instead of dryer sheets. They do the same thing—soften fabrics, speed up drying time–plus they’re reusable.

And those mesh laundry bags you use for your delicates? Keep your socks in there to ensure they all come out of the dryer! In fact, you can give one mesh bag to each family member to make it even easier to sort socks later. Never lose a sock again.

What are some of your favourite #laundrytips? Let us know on Twitter!

Running Guide: 6 Must-Have Accessories for Your Long Run

Training for a big race like the SeaWheeze Half Marathon, the Edmonton Marathon, the Calgary Harvest Half Marathon, or any number of other upcoming runs in your area? Training for a race is all about preparation and planning, and while gear isn’t everything, the right accessories can go a long way toward helping you push through as your legs begin to tire and you’re dreaming of your couch. This Running Guide has a few things that should make those long KMs a little easier. Go get that PB!

Running Guide London Drugs

1. Hydration Beverages

One of the best ways to make yourself feel better during and after a long run is to manage your hydration. Drinking a hydration beverage before you go out is a great start. These dissolvable tablets from Nuun are a convenient solution, and they taste pretty good too. The Strawberry Lemonade flavour is a particular favourite. Have another glass when you come in from your run to help avoid that dreaded dehydration headache.

2. Fuel

If your run is in the 2+ hour range, you’ll want to bring some fuel along with you. Energy bars, gels, and chews are all good options for this. Depending on your preferences, you can also try salty pretzels, gummy candy, or nuts. Whatever you choose, be sure to test it out during your training so that on race day you aren’t surprised by how your system handles something new.

3. Running Hat

Keeping the sun off your face can go a long way towards boosting your energy levels (and preventing sun damage to your skin). A hat is a simple way to get this done. A regular baseball hat works just fine, or you can upgrade to a specialized running hat that allows for more airflow and has sweat-wicking technology.

Running Guide: Marathon Race

4. Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses while running comes down to personal preference. If you like to have the extra shade for your eyes, go for a pair that are lightweight and a fun colour. A heavier frame may not seem like a big deal in-store, but at kilometre 18 you’ll be grateful you went for a lighter pair. The fun colour is so that you look great (obviously).

5. Phone Protection

If you are running for any long distance, bringing your phone along with you is a good idea. Your maps app can come to the rescue if you take a wrong turn and get lost, or if you should get injured far away from home, you can use it to call a friend or a cab. It’s also a good idea to protect your phone from the elements (and/or your sweaty self) with an inexpensive and reusable plastic baggie (pro tip: the snack size bags fit many phones easily).

6. Headphones

Music, audiobooks, and podcasts all make great companions on long runs. We recommend trying earbud-style headphones (and only running with one earbud in so that you can stay aware of traffic and other dangers). You can even go wireless with bluetooth-enabled headphones.

Bonus! Reward Time!

When you get back from your race, it’s time to celebrate. After you’ve downed your hydration beverage, grab something to indulge on. Whether it’s a really big chocolate bar, your favourite chips, or any other great snack, enjoy! You’ve totally earned this!

Chroming Tutorial: The Hot New Highlighting Trend for Summer

If you try one new beauty trend this summer, this is the one to try! Our Beauty Advisor Samantha shows us how to rock the monochromatic highlighting trend coined as “chroming”. It’ll give your eyes, cheeks and lips a luminous glow, all using Youngblood’s gorgeous Luminous Crème Blush in Champagne Life!

Products Featured:

 

Subscribe to London Drugs on YouTube and stay tuned for more beauty videos!

Easy Back to School Makeup Tutorial

If you’re heading back to school this fall, our Beauty Advisor Chelsey has an easy, natural-looking beauty routine for you! From a light coverage BB cream to all-in-one brow kit, Chelsey’s look is perfect for busy mornings. Plus, she shares her back to school skincare regime, so you can wake up and start off your day with clean, healthy skin: the ideal canvas for makeup application!

Products Featured:

 

Subscribe to London Drugs on YouTube and stay tuned for more beauty videos!

Easy Bronzed, Luminous Makeup Tutorial

Look like a bronzed goddess this summer with Beauty YouTuber Allana’s easy makeup tutorial! In 5 simple steps, she shows you how to get her gorgeous sun-kissed, luminous glow with affordable products from London Drugs.

Products featured:

 

Subscribe to London Drugs and Allana on YouTube, and stay tuned for more beauty videos!

 

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