You've probably watched a lot of YouTube videos over the years. You've seen commercials, unboxings, makeup tutorials, music videos, and reaction videos. There are so many different types of videos.
But what if you want to move from just watching videos to creating videos on YouTube ? If you want to start your YouTube channel today, these are the most popular types of videos you can make.
10 Most Popular Types of Videos on YouTube
Getting started on YouTube is easy; finding success is much harder. While the majority of YouTube's most viewed videos are music-related, there are many other types of videos to choose from. Let's take a look at each of these options!
1. Unboxing video
Considered one of the most unique types of YouTube videos, unboxing videos are videos where you open a box and describe the contents inside. Surprisingly, these videos are extremely popular and quite easy to make. All you need is a tech product/cosmetic/toy, etc. in its original packaging and a steady camera to record the whole process.
As long as you keep talking while the unboxing is happening, you should be able to create a video that people will find interesting and want to engage with. Note that some unboxing videos have background music, instead of commentary from the creator, but these tend to be very brief.
2. Timelapse video
Timelapse is a technique that combines photography and video to create fast-forward clips.
The easiest way to create a video like this is to use a timelapse app on your smartphone. However, editing existing videos to look like timelapses is also popular.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll get amazing results, which is why timelapse videos are so popular right now. However, many other creators are also sharing their timelapse videos, so choosing your subject matter carefully is extremely important.
Timelapse videos can be anything from building Legos to building a real building (like the new World Trade Center) and even creating art.
3. Video tutorial on how to play the game
Do you like to play games? With the help of a screen capture device (or video camera), you can share your expertise on a particular game (or level) and entertain many people at the same time. Viewing video gaming as a spectator sport is a relatively new phenomenon, but it is extremely popular. Just look at Twitch , where millions of gamers gather every month. Some gamers have even become celebrities because of it.
YouTube has its own version, YouTube Gaming, where gamers can stream or upload their own gaming activity. Unlike Twitch, these videos will remain on the site long-term.
If you have an Android device , Google Play Games can help you record and upload your videos. If you have a game console , you can record gameplay using built-in software. (Older consoles will need third-party hardware.)
4. Video tutorial
YouTube is a popular destination for anyone looking for a way to do something. It could be technical help to troubleshoot issues with upgrading to Windows 10 or something less computer-related, like learning the basics of carpentry.
Do you have a special skill, ability, or technique you want to share with others? Creating a how-to video is the best way to share that skill with the world.
You can do a simple screencast (essentially recording your computer screen) or take the direct approach of sitting in front of the camera. The latter option will likely involve a lot of filming and post-production editing, but as long as you have the editing tools and skills, the results will be worth the effort.
5. Product review video
Like unboxing videos, product review videos are easy to produce. However, if you want to make your videos engaging, you should make notes of what you want to say in advance. After all, you don’t want to end up with nothing to say in your video, right?
While the initial impression of a review video is quite similar to an unboxing video, product review videos will have to go into more detail. For example, a review video will include reflections on your experience with the product, whether it’s a new pan, a bike, a pencil collection, or anything else. The topic of the video is up to you!
The coolest thing is that you can shoot a product review with a single camera. Then you can add some photos and captions to the video to make your product more appealing.
6. Fan videos, reviews and comments
Another popular option is fan videos. These can be speculation (or reviews) about your favorite TV show, movie, or book series, or even a critique.
Popular brands discussed in such videos include Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and Doctor Who. There’s no reason to limit yourself, of course, but it’s worth taking a few minutes to research existing videos. It’s good to know what kind of videos people enjoy.
Luckily, making this type of video is pretty simple. All you need is a webcam or digital video camera, plus the ability to talk about your favorite show or movie.
7. Video reaction
A reaction video is a video that responds to a product, work, phenomenon or service.
Like unboxing videos, reaction videos are a popular option and are very simple to produce. However, they are also the slowest type of video to produce, depending on your setup, the tools you use, and what you're reacting to.
Creating reaction videos can be done with anything from a computer webcam to a smartphone app.
As long as you can somehow combine what you're seeing with your reaction, the results will be great.
8. Videos of cute animals
You must have seen all the videos of cats, dogs, birds or even pigs etc…, animals that can do cute things that you can't imagine.
Surprisingly, these types of videos are often very popular. Generally, everyone loves the cuteness of animals like dogs or cats, and wants to share adorable moments of them.
So if you have a pet that can do a little “acting,” take the time to film it. Schedule regular filming sessions to capture its cute moments, as close as possible, like when you feed it.
9. Videos about celebrity gossip
Everyone loves to gossip about other people, especially when they are famous (perhaps because there are so many rich and interesting topics related to them).
That's why celebrity videos are so popular on YouTube. After all, some people just want to know what Ed Sheeran ate for lunch, how George Clooney works out, and why Lady Gaga is planning to wear a hat made of Play-Doh.
Celebrity gossip videos can use a basic approach like getting on camera, vlogging, or maybe using clips of the celebrities mentioned. You can then add a voiceover of what they're saying, why you think it's important, and what it means for their career.
10. Vlog
Have something to say? Vlogging, or video blogging, is a great way to find like-minded people. Vlogging has been incredibly popular for decades, so if you think you have good speaking skills, this is an option worth considering.
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t talk about politics in your videos. Just like a blog, a vlog can be about anything. For example, Maddie Moate talked about the origins of rubber. Her massive collection of videos like this helped her become a successful YouTuber. As a result, Maddie launched three series of a children’s reality show called “Do You Know?”
Be aware, however, that competition for vlogging is fierce. Anyone with a smartphone, tablet, or laptop can create a vlog. So be truthful and accurate, choose topics that people care about, but also offer unique perspectives. Don’t try to get views. Instead, provide opinions and reasoned arguments that get people to engage.
You may have seen other types of videos, such as prank videos, karaoke videos, or mixing videos. It's good to know all of these types of videos, but it doesn't necessarily mean you should start making them right away.
Once you have started to gain an audience, build your own brand. One way to do this is to create an introduction video on YouTube, which can be done using free tools.
Good luck!
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