08 Jul Exactly How To Make Your First Video
This is a comprehensive, no-nonsense guide for beginners to start creating short-form video content with minimal equipment and maximum efficiency. Using just an iPhone, basic lighting, and free editing software (CapCut), the guide walks through finding newsworthy concepts in your industry, crafting a simple script structure (hook, explanation, personal take, wrap-up), recording in manageable chunks, and editing with basic captions and titles. The approach emphasizes consistency over perfection, encouraging creators to post daily for 120 days using this streamlined workflow that takes the intimidation out of video creation and focuses on getting started with what you already have.
Gear
- iPhone 13 or newer
- Newerr Clip on Selfie Light
- Apple Earbuds
- Rode VideoMic
Find a concept
The lowest hanging fruit for a beginner is covering headlines and news in your industry. Pick a headline you’re excited about (the energy will come through) and write a script:
The Script
- Hook – What is this video and who tf cares? You have 3-5s
- What happened – Say it and make it quick
- Your take – 3 key points, a hot take, why you like it, or combo thereof
- Wrap it up – find a concise finish
Equipment
- iPhone
- Good natural light in front of you
- Wired earbuds or similar
- That’s it
Recording
- Download CapCut
- Open CapCut Camera
- Go to the 3min option, front camera
- Hold the button to record a sentence or line at a time
- If it was a bad take delete and try again
Editing
- Finish recording and all your winning takes will drop into a timeline
- Click each clip and trim all the dead space before and after you talk
- Split the clip at any pauses and trim dead space
Captions and Title
- CapCut > Auto captions
- Basic styling no crazy templates
- Put it in the middle of the screen
- Edit captions to have only 2-4 words per line
- Add text at beginning of video for a title
- Big simple style, probably background color
- 2-4 words that clearly state topic for first 3-5s of hook
Publish
- Export
- Upload to platforms with a description that’s a sentence or two with relevant keywords
- Add 3-5 relevant hashtags too
- Post in the morning
That’s it. Then do it again tomorrow and repeat for 120 days. Best decision you’ve ever made.