In the world of digital media, video essays are a canvas where creativity
meets critical thinking. From pre-production planning to post-production
editing, these videos require a careful balance of visual elements, narrative
structure, and technical skills to effectively communicate your ideas.
In this blog, we will:
Explore different types of video essays
Guide you on how to make a video essaystep-by-step
List 10 best practices for creating compelling video essays
Share 5 great video essay examples for further inspiration
Let’s get started.
What is a video essay?
A video essay is essentially a written essay brought to life through the
use of video footage, narration, music, and other multimedia elements.
As a form of creative nonfiction, it blends the depth of written essays
with the power of visual storytelling.
Best video essays are:
Personal and reflective; often explore the author’s personal
experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
Multifaceted and creative; combine various forms of media
to keep viewers engaged.
Argumentative or analytical; present a thesis and support
it with evidence, or break down and analyze a particular subject.
Thought-provoking; aim to stimulate viewers’ critical
thinking and intellectual curiosity.
Before we delve into the steps on how to make a video essay, let’s take
a look at its different types:
Type of Video
Description
Use Cases
Example
Personal
Creator shares personal experiences, thoughts, or feelings, and often
blends them with broader themes
Personal storytelling, self-expression, memoir-style pieces
“How Traveling Has Changed My Perspective on Life”
Argumentative
Presents a clear argument on a particular issue and uses multimedia to
support the position
Persuasive content, social commentary, debates
“The Role of Corporate Responsibility in Climate Change”
Analysis
Provides a detailed analysis of a subject such as a book, film, or historical
event
Literary analysis, film criticism, deep dives into topics
“The Evolution of Heroism in Marvel Cinematic Universe”
Experimental
Focuses on abstract ideas or visual storytelling through unconventional
techniques like non-linear editing
Art projects, avantgarde presentations
“Soundscapes of a Sleepless City: An Auditory Experiment”
Hybrid
Combines elements of multiple essay types to create a dynamic piece
“My Journey to Veganism: A Personal and Argumentative Essay”
How to Make a Video Essay Step-by-Step
Whether you’re exploring a personal story or making a strong argument
about a current issue, video essays offer a powerful format for self-expression
and analysis. Here is how to make a video essay in 3 stages:
Pre-production
Choose your topic and define your thesis statement. Select
a topic that interests you and that you understand well. Then develop a
clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the main argument or claim
of your essay. For example, if you’re creating a personal college application video, your thesis might focus on how a specific experience shaped your worldview or contributed to your personal growth.
Gather research materials. Conduct thorough research
to gather information that supports your thesis. Make sure to organize
your sources so you can reference them accurately during the production
and editing phases.
Develop an outline and craft a script. Break down your
outline into introduction, body, and conclusion. List the main points you
will cover in each section. This will ensure that your essay flows logically
and smoothly. Then write a script that expands on your outline.
Create a storyboard. You don’t have to be a professional
artist; just sketch out a basic visual plan of how your video will unfold.
Map out the key scenes, shots, and visual elements that correspond to your
outline. Include captions and notes to describe each shot.
Prepare your equipment and software. Gather the video
equipment for your video production, such as camera, microphone, tripod,
and lighting. If you’re going to use AI tools, familiarize yourself with
the software and test it with sample footage to ensure it works as expected.
Production
Set up your equipment. Position your camera, lighting,
and microphone according to your script. Make sure that the camera is stable,
the microphone is properly set up for clear audio, and the lighting is
adjusted to enhance visibility and create the desired mood.
Record or generate your video. Follow your script and
storyboard to shoot the necessary footage. Pay specific attention to framing,
focus, and audio quality during recording.
If you’re using an AI video generator, provide the tool with your script, and select the desired style or aesthetic for your video. The AI will then process your input and generate the video essay. You may need to provide additional details or make adjustments during the generation process.
Edit your footage. Import it into your chosen video editing
software. (Popular options include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve.) Arrange
clips according to your script and storyboard, trim unnecessary parts,
and correct any visual or audio errors for a polished final look. In case
of AI video generators, review the generated content carefully and utilize
the tool’s editing features as you need.
Incorporate music, sound effects, and text overlays. Make
sure that auditory elements complement the mood and do not overshadow narration.
Integrate text overlays to introduce sections, highlight key points, or
provide additional context. All these elements must be seamlessly integrated
and add value to your video essay.
Add subtitles and a transcript. Subtitles
will make your video essay accessible to a broader audience and facilitate
comprehension for those who prefer or require visual text. Always check
if captions are synchronized with the audio and accurately represent the
spoken content. Meanwhile, generate a transcript of the video to provide
a textual version of the content, which can also aid in SEO and accessibility.
Do a final review and make necessary adjustments. Watch
your video essay in its entirety to ensure that all elements are cohesive
and effective. Consider seeking feedback from others to confirm that your
video conveys your message clearly.
Export and upload your video essay. Choose the appropriate
format and resolution for your intended platform. When uploading your video,
write a compelling title and add an eye-catching thumbnail to attract viewers.
Include relevant keywords and tags to increase discoverability.
10 Best Practices for Making Video Essays
In addition to the instructions mentioned above, these 10 best practices
on how to make a video essay can make your content even more impactful:
Rehearse your script. Practice makes perfect, so rehearse
your timing, intonation, and pacing to reduce the likelihood of errors
and improve overall presentation.
Have a strong opening and closing. Start the video essay
with an intriguing introduction to grab your audience’s attention, and
end with a strong conclusion to reinforce your main points and leave a
lasting impression.
Avoid rambling or going off on targets. Stay focused
on your main points and do not include unnecessary elaboration or unrelated
anecdotes, as every segment must contribute to your thesis.
Incorporate data or statistics. Present them in a clear
and understandable way, utilizing visuals like charts or graphs to make
it more relatable for viewers.
Use B-roll footage, graphics, and animations to enrich your main content. These
elements can help you illustrate complex ideas, reinforce your arguments,
and make your video essay more memorable.
Provide high-quality audio. Minimize background noise
during recording, and adjust audio levels and eliminate any distracting
sounds during post-production.
Prioritize accessibility. Include subtitles and closed
captions to aid deaf and hard of hearing viewers while maintaining high
contrast between text and background for better readability.
Encourage audience interaction. Add calls-to-action (CTAs)
for viewers to comment, like, share, or subscribe, and ask them to share
their opinions and experiences related to the topic.
Track and optimize. Regularly check view counts, watch
times, and engagement rates to understand how well your content is performing
and analyze the data to refine your approach.
Experiment and have fun. Try different approaches, such
as using various editing styles or narrative techniques, and stay open-minded
along your creative journey.
Add AI Subtitles to Your Video Essay
This will not only improve the accessibility of your video essay but also boost its SEO performance and multiply your viewership.
Featuring an example from each category, these 5 videos can inspire you
with various approaches on how to make a video essay.
Personal Video Essay
This college application video is
a great example of a personal video essay. With a clear structure, it demonstrates
why the person is a good candidate and utilizes editing features smoothly.
The effective use of graphics, background music, subtitles, and transitions
all contribute to the success of the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASRB1MjcDvA
Argumentative Video Essay
This argumentative video essay named “How Discounts Keep You Poor” shows the importance of
well-done research for this kind of content. The main argument is supported
by solid reasons and examples, which are highlighted with eye-catching
text overlays. The call to action at the end of the video invites viewers
to share their own thoughts on the subject and subscribe to the channel.
Titled “Why Do Movies Feel So Different Now?”,
this analysis video essay focuses on how movies have evolved since modernism.
Based on movements like postmodernism and metamodernism, the content is
organized into chapters to create a logical flow. A professional voiceover
accompanies high-quality footage from movies, all creating a final harmonious
piece.
Going beyond traditional video game reviews, this experimental video essay
explores gaming as a perfectionist.
It adopts unique audiovisual techniques to blend in-depth analysis with
unconventional storytelling. The clever use of humor and game footage also
adds an experimental flair to the typical video essay format.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyI5ASTUAAg
Hybrid Video Essay
This hybrid video essay titled “drowning in entertainment: the age of distraction” combines
personal, argumentative, analysis, and even experimental formats to delve
deep into how we interact with information today. It uses attention-grabbing
B-roll footage, still images, and text overlays to enhance the narrative.
The talking head sections
further personalize the content, allowing the creator to build a direct
and engaging connection with the audience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJZ5YNrXMpE
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a video essay?
This can vary depending on the complexity of the topic, the target audience,
and the platform on which the video essay is shared. Typically, video essays
last from a few minutes to over an hour. It’s important to keep the length
aligned with the content’s depth and engage the viewers without overwhelming
them.
How do you get ideas for a video essay?
For personal video essays, consider experiences that have shaped your
perspective or lifestyle. For argumentative and analytical video essays,
pressing social issues or cultural trends are excellent sources of inspiration.
Meanwhile, hypothetical scenarios (e.g., future possibilities) or artistic
interpretations can fuel ideas for hybrid and experimental video essays.
What to wear for a video essay?
Students shooting an application video essay can opt for business casual
attire. YouTubers and content creators might choose outfits that align
with their personal brand and content style. Business professionals can
wear a collared shirt or blouse to convey a polished and professional look.
Each outfit choice should reflect the context of the video and enhance
the overall presentation.
How to make a video essay for YouTube?
You can follow the steps above to make a video essay for YouTube. For
this specific platform, it is especially important to use relevant keywords
and design an eye-catching thumbnail to draw viewers in. Take advantage
of YouTube’s end screens or cards to promote related video essays.
How to make a video essay for class?
When making a video essay for your class, make sure you understand the
topic, length, and any other guidelines correctly. Organize your thoughts
in a logical sequence, plan the footage you’ll use to support your points,
and rehearse your script beforehand. Ensure audio and visual quality while
recording and editing the video, and don’t forget to have fun!
Summary
Featuring actionable tips, this blog covered the steps on how to make
a video essay and listed 10 best practices for making this kind of content
even more polished and memorable. It also shared 5 inspiring video essay
examples in different types.
Here are our 3 golden rules for creating an impactful video essay:
Define and stick to your thesis statement. This will be the core of your video essay and help you stay focused during the production phase.
Have a strong beginning and end. Both should be carefully crafted to hook your audience from the start and provide a satisfying conclusion that ties everything together.
Utilize various multimedia elements. Incorporate video footage,
images, text overlays, and music to express complex ideas and maintain
viewer interest.
Follow the tips in this blog to refine your video essay creation process,
and feel free to experiment with different formats along the way.
