How to Make a Reaction Video for YouTube in 5 Steps

We’ve all been there; deep into the excitement of a reaction video. There’s surely something captivating about watching someone else experiencing a piece of media for the first time; whether it’s surprise or laughter. You might be wondering how to make a reaction video on your own, from choosing the right content to editing for maximum impact.

Let’s get started.

What is a reaction video?

A reaction video is a type of online content where an individual or group shares live responses to media like music videos, movie trailers, and more. The primary purpose of these videos is to capture authentic reactions, which are often entertaining and relatable for viewers, creating a sense of shared experience.

Reaction videos typically use a Picture-in-Picture (PIP) or a split-screen format, displaying both the original content and the reactor’s live commentary or expressions. However, sometimes cutaways or overlay commentary are used to focus attention on either the content or the reactor, depending on the context.

Why are reaction videos so popular?

The appeal of reaction videos lies in their ability to showcase genuine emotions, making viewers feel part of the moment. This relatability fosters a sense of connection and builds communities around shared interests.

Content creators also benefit from the simplicity of the format, which allows them to participate in viral trends. In short, knowing how to make a reaction video can turn this type of content into a powerful tool for growing and sustaining an audience.

10 Types of Reaction Videos

Before we delve into the step-by-step process of how to make a reaction video, let’s first examine the variety of reaction content that viewers love to watch and share.

Viral video reactions: Reacting to trending viral clips, challenges, or memes that are circulating on social media.

Music video reactions: Reacting to new or popular music videos, with an emphasis on the visuals, lyrics, and overall vibe.

Movie/tv series reactions: Reacting to movie trailers or episodes of TV shows, with thoughts on plot twists, character development, or showing excitement for upcoming content.

Gameplay reactions: Reacting to video game playthroughs, often highlighting surprising moments or epic failures.

Reaction to food/drink tastings: Reacting to others trying unique and unusual food and drinks, providing thoughts and commentary along the way.

Reaction to sports highlights: Reacting to exciting or unexpected moments in sports, offering analysis and enthusiasm based on key plays and performances.

Reaction to pet videos: Reacting to adorable or funny pet videos, expressing joy, surprise, or laughter at the animals' behavior.

Reaction to DIY or life hack videos: Reacting to creative or practical DIY projects and life hacks, offering insights or critiques about their effectiveness.

Reaction to beauty/makeup tutorials: Reacting to makeup transformations or beauty tips, commenting on techniques, product choices, and overall results.

Reaction to unboxing videos: Reacting to the unboxing of new products, often with excitement or curiosity.

How to Make a Reaction Video for YouTube

In this section, we’ll focus on how to make a reaction video on YouTube, as the platform is ideal for sharing this type of content with a wide audience. (YouTube’s algorithm favors content that sparks emotional responses, which is perfect for reaction videos.)

First, let’s start with the equipment you’ll need during this process. Here is your essential checklist for creating YouTube reaction videos:

Webcam for recording your face with clear, high-quality video while reacting to the original content.

Microphone for capturing crisp, clear audio of your commentary.

Screen recording software for capturing online content, such as videos or gameplay, that you’re reacting to. (Popular options include OBS Studio , Camtasia, and QuickTime.)

Video editing software for trimming, syncing, and polishing your footage. (Popular options include DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, and Adobe Premiere Pro.)

Lighting equipment (optional) for ensuring your face is well-lit and clearly visible on camera.

Headphones (optional) for monitoring the audio during recording or editing.

Now, let’s move on to the steps on how to make a reaction video:

1. Choose the Content You’ll React to

The key to a great reaction video is to choose content that resonates with both you and your audience, making sure it’s something that sparks genuine reactions and interest.

Tips:

Avoid reacting to content you feel indifferent about; it won’t give you the energy you need.

Look for videos that have emotional appeal or high-energy moments for a more dynamic reaction.

React to content that’s timely, like current events or trending news, to stay relevant.

2. Set Up Your Recording Space

A well-organized background, good lighting, and the correct positioning of equipment are crucial for a successful reaction video.

Tips:

Consider adding a pop of color or personal touch to your background to make it more visually engaging.

Use a comfortable chair or seating arrangement to maintain a natural posture throughout your reaction.

Position your setup away from direct sunlight or harsh light to prevent glare or overexposure.

3. Record Your Reaction

This is the core step where you’ll engage with the video and share your genuine emotions and thoughts.

Tips:

First, open your screen recording software to capture the content you’re reacting to, such as gameplay or a viral video.

Then, open your webcam and check if it’s positioned properly so it captures your face while you react.

Choose the area or window you’d like to capture with the screen recorder (e.g., the video or gameplay window).

Start both your screen recording and webcam recording at the same time. (If you’re using OBS Studio or Camtasia, you can combine both the screen and webcam feeds into one frame in a Picture-in-Picture style, allowing you to see both simultaneously.)

Provide your real-time reactions and commentary as you watch the video content.

Once you’ve finished reacting to the video, stop both the screen recording and webcam recording. Make sure you’ve captured everything you need.

4. Edit Your Video

In this phase, you’ll refine your footage to ensure your viewers get the best possible reaction experience.

Tips:

Import both your screen recording and webcam footage into your video editor.

Cut out unnecessary parts of the video, such as moments of silence or technical issues.

Add text overlays to highlight key reactions or provide additional commentary.

Enhance the audio quality if necessary by adjusting the volume levels or removing background noise.

Zoom in on your face during particularly intense or emotional reactions to emphasize your expressions.

5. Export and Upload Your Video

Once your reaction video is edited and polished, it’s time to share it with the world.

Tips:

Export your video in the correct format (usually MP4) and resolution (1080p is a standard).

Write a catchy, keyword-rich title and description when uploading to platforms like YouTube, and don't forget to add a striking thumbnail that grabs attention.

Once your video is live, engage with your viewers through comments, as it’s crucial for building a community.

7 Best Practices for Creating Reaction Videos

Understanding how to make a reaction video is just the start; implementing these best practices will help you refine your approach. Apply them to set your YouTube channel apart with high-quality and relatable reaction videos.

Be mindful of copyright infringement. YouTube has strict guidelines regarding the use of copyrighted content, and using someone else’s material without permission can lead to your video being removed or even result in a channel strike. To avoid this, always check the fair use policies or seek permission when necessary.

Stay authentic. Faking excitement or pretending to be surprised can feel forced and damage your credibility. Let your true thoughts and feelings come through, but always remain respectful of the content you’re reacting to.

Choose user-friendly tools. This will especially be helpful if you’re just starting. Whether selecting a screen recorder, video editor, or subtitle generator, make sure they offer essential features you need without overwhelming complexity.

Keep it concise. Even if the original content is long, keep your reaction video focused by highlighting only the most interesting or impactful parts. Edit out moments of dead air or technical glitches.

Add an intro and outro. Start with an energetic intro that grabs the viewer's attention, perhaps with a hook related to the original content, or a brief teaser of your reaction. At the end, wrap up with a call to action, like encouraging viewers to like, comment, and subscribe.

Utilize sound effects to enhance impact. Subtle sound cues can emphasize moments of surprise, excitement, or suspense. However, do not overuse sound effects, as too many can distract viewers from your genuine commentary.

Experiment with different formats. There are so many reaction video ideas out there, from reacting to music videos to reviewing trending challenges. Try and analyze which format resonates most with your audience based on their engagement levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make music reaction videos on YouTube without copyright?

Knowing how to make a reaction video on YouTube without copyright involves using brief music clips, lowering the volume, and adding transformative commentary. The last step is crucial, as it ensures your content qualifies underfair use by adding value and originality. Additionally, always credit your sources, and if your content adheres to fair use, dispute claims through YouTube’s system.(Remember that fair use is a complex legal concept, and the specific circumstances of each video can vary.)

Who is the biggest reaction channel?

This can be subjective and depends on factors like the number of subscribers of overall impact. Some popular YouTube reaction channels include No Life Shaq ,JonTronShow , andBlind Wave . Platforms like Ranker offerdetailed lists for a more comprehensive ranking, where people vote for their favorite reaction channels.

How to make a reaction video with phone?

To make a reaction video on your phone, start by recording your reaction with your front camera. Next, use a mobile video maker and editor such as InShot or iMovie to place the video you’re reacting to in a Picture-in-Picture format. Once done, you can add finishing touches like text or transitions, and export your video.

Does TikTok allow reaction videos?

Sure! In fact, reaction videos are a major part of TikTok, where creators can Duet or Stitch with other videos. These features enable creators to respond to or comment to existing videos in a creative way.

Can I use CapCut for reaction videos?

Yes, you can definitely use CapCut for reaction videos. To learn how to make a reaction video on CapCut, you can import your reaction and then add an overlay (Picture-in-Picture) of the clip you’re reacting to. Feel free to utilize CapCut’s various editing tools, including text, transitions, and effects, for a more engaging final product.

Summary

This blog provided step-by-step instructions on how to make a reaction video on YouTube, including both technical and creative aspects. It also shared 10 most popular types of reaction videos, highlighting the reasons why this content format is adored by millions.

Now that you know how to make a reaction video, it’s time to confidently showcase your personality and creativity.