Do you also get overwhelmed after scrolling on short-form video platforms? After seeing so many videos on various topics on platforms like Tiktok or Instagram, I have started appreciating long-form content on YouTube.
Yes, it is nice to be able to turn your brain off and scroll mindlessly sometimes. However, when I am encountering so many interesting topics, I like to stop and think about them. This is when a video essay really satisfies my curiosity.
Video essays can be about anything and made by anyone. However, what makes them really enjoyable is when they feel and sound professional and factual. There are a few aspects that make video essays appear more factual and reliable:
One of these aspects is the sound quality. The higher the quality, the more enjoyable the video is to listen to. When the quality of the sound is low, the viewer might get distracted faster and not listen to the content anymore. A high quality audio also gives the idea that the person has invested in this video by buying equipment and therefore is somewhat a trustworthy source (although this is often not true).
The next aspect is the pace of speaking of the presenter. In this day and age a lot of people on social media have a very low attention span. Therefore, it is very important for the presenter to have a good pace when speaking. This preferred pace can differ per viewer, but pausing too much between words is generally frowned upon. Something that makes the video essay sound factual is when the presenter speaks with confidence and like they know what they are talking about.
Third on my list is the visuals. The video essays I watch always show some type of case study, whether that is an incident in the news or an episode of a new series. Other visuals are often stock images or clips that support the argument and reactions of other people on the internet about the topic. To appear more professional and factual in a video essay, engaging visuals are important. After all, it would be quite boring to just watch somebody just talk to a camera. Then, you might as well listen to a podcast.
Lastly, the layout of the video is also important in making an enjoyable and professional looking video essay. The introduction should be attention-grabbing and also make clear what the topic of the video is. The video should include moments of just talking to the camera and interesting visuals. Getting outside opinions can also make the video more complete. This can be done by reacting to content on the internet or having a guest speaker.
The message of a video essay is shaped by audio quality, speaking pace, visuals and layout (and much more). The reception of the message can change if these aspects are neglected or focussed on. The medium can also sway the opinion of the viewer if the aspects are used in a certain way. Therefore, it is important to listen not only with your ears, but also with your brain.
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