5.1 YOUTUBE EDIT Use a cold open when necessary Longer series often start with an introduction, or “cold open.” This is a short intro that runs before your main title comes up. It’s a quick way to setup your episode and draw people into your channel. Many successful YouTube series are not narrative, but rather just skit based or even a weird mixture of sketch comedy and vlog.

Screenjunkies

On Youtube and other social media channels, a filmmaker has less than 3 seconds to capture an audience’s attention. Therefore, it’s important to start with a strong open that will pull in the audience.

5.2 YOUTUBE EDIT Simple title card, traditional credits For a YouTube series, the opening title is just that. Get to the content quickly, and don’t worry about the traditional advanced credits. Most YouTube web series opt for a simple text over video format. If you’re a strong designer, or have one on your team, you may be able to create a graphic for your main title. Typically, the title is on screen for 5-10 seconds accompanied by a musical cue. Youtube web series generally end with a credit roll over music. Most NLEs will allow you to create these pretty easily. Check out our post on The Ultimate Guide to Film Credits Order Hierarchy (with Free Film Credits Template) so that you can accurately create credits. Don’t forget to add music overyour credits, or else your audience will not stay to see the names of your cast and crew. Don’t forget to add music overyour credits, or else your audience will not stay to see the names of your cast and crew.

5.3 YOUTUBE EDIT Take risks with your edit As with any series, there is an art to editing. If you’re a total beginner, check out this shameless attempt at self-promotion. (A basic filmmaking guide book like the one I wrote is a great place to start.) Remember how we said earlier that there are very few rules? That’s true for your YouTube web series edit as well. Popular series often use experimental and unconventional techniques to spice things up. Anytime you see something unconventional that worked well in a film or show, use it in your video as soon as possible. Some of the best series on YouTube are based on found footage, like “The West Records,” or an animated series, like “Petscop.”

Petscop

These series are created mostly in post-production and you’ll need title cards and voice-over to help tell your story. And remember, many of the best tips and tricks on how to make a web series for Youtube can be taken from traditional media. Sound design on a YouTube series is generally minimal. You should focus on keeping the dialogue clear. But, if needed, add some basic sound effects (cars going by, doors shutting, etc). Typically, music is only used over the main title and at the end.

5.4 YOUTUBE EDIT Export for online streaming Finally, almost there, you need to output your final cut. For YouTube, P4 and H.264 are the best formats for exporting web videos. They result in smaller files but are still of decent quality and match YouTube video specs, which is important for more than just resolution. The most optimized size is standard HD (1920 x 1080). This will ensure that your video is large enough to play full-screen on any device. If you’re curious about Aspect Ratios, check out our video that breaks down the different dimensions for modern and traditional video.

Aspect Ratios - StudioBinder