Introduction
You’ve spent hours crafting the perfect video content, but when it’s finally time to export, the quality doesn’t match what you see in your editing software. Frustration sets in because nothing kills a brand deal faster than a pixelated video. Brands expect top-notch content, especially if they're paying $200 to $500 for a video. Ensuring your videos look as good in a brand manager’s inbox as they do on your screen is crucial for maintaining those lucrative partnerships.
Exporting videos for the best quality isn't just about hitting the 'export' button and hoping for the best. It involves understanding the right settings to use, from format selection to bitrate adjustments. When you nail these settings, you ensure your content retains its intended impact, whether it's viewed on a smartphone or a desktop. Let's dive into the specifics.
Choose the Right Format
Choosing the right format is the first step to ensuring your video retains high quality. For most platforms, MP4 is the go-to format due to its balance between quality and file size. MP4 is almost universally accepted, from Instagram to YouTube, and it’s an industry standard for video content.
Imagine you’re a beauty creator working with a skincare brand, and you’ve been asked to submit video content for their Instagram page. They’re expecting the video to be crisp and clear. Exporting in MP4 ensures the video is compatible and looks great on mobile devices, where about 85% of Instagram users engage with content.
If your project is more cinematic, say a short film for a film festival, consider MOV, which offers higher quality but results in larger files. Knowing your end platform helps decide the format.
Optimize Resolution and Frame Rate
Resolution and frame rate significantly impact video quality. The standard resolution for most UGC is 1080p, offering a good balance between quality and file size. However, if you’re creating content for a brand that demands top-tier visuals, consider exporting in 4K. It provides four times the resolution of 1080p, making your video future-proof and more appealing on larger screens.
The frame rate is equally crucial. A 24fps frame rate works well for a cinematic look, while 30fps is standard for most online content. If you’re shooting fast-paced content, like an outdoor sports shoot for a fitness brand, a 60fps export ensures smooth motion, which is what the brand expects when they’re paying you $350 per video.
Adjust Bitrate for Quality
Bitrate determines the amount of data encoded per second of video, directly affecting quality. A higher bitrate means better quality but larger file sizes. For most social media platforms, a bitrate of 8-12 Mbps for 1080p video is common, while 4K video might need 35-45 Mbps.
Let’s say you’re a travel creator working on a video for a luxury hotel chain. They desire pristine visuals to showcase their property. Setting your bitrate towards the higher end ensures the intricate details of their interiors are captured without compression artifacts, justifying their $500 payout for each video.
Codec Selection for Best Results
The codec you choose plays a pivotal role in the final video quality. H.264 is the industry standard for most online content due to its efficient compression and high quality. It works well for most UGC applications, from social media posts to brand pitches.
If you’re editing more complex visuals, say a high-end fashion shoot for a global brand, H.265 (also known as HEVC) might be worth considering. It offers better compression than H.264, maintaining quality while reducing file size by approximately 50%. This is particularly useful if you’re uploading to platforms that support 4K HDR content.
Common Mistakes
- Ignoring Platform Requirements: Creators often overlook platform-specific guidelines, leading to poor performance. Always check the latest specs for each platform before exporting.
- Incorrect Aspect Ratios: Exporting in the wrong aspect ratio can distort your video. Ensure your edit matches the platform's requirements, like 9:16 for Instagram Stories.
- Overcompressing Videos: To save space, some creators lower the bitrate too much, sacrificing quality. Stick to recommended bitrates to retain visual fidelity.
- Using Outdated Codecs: Some use older codecs that don't efficiently compress files, leading to larger uploads and slower processing times.
- Not Testing Exports: Failing to test how your export looks on different devices can lead to unexpected glitches. Always preview on a few devices before finalizing.
- Neglecting Audio Quality: Video isn’t just visual. Ensure your audio bitrate is set correctly (e.g., 320 kbps) to maintain clarity.
- Rushing the Export Process: Exporting can take time. Rushing can result in errors. Allocate sufficient time for the process.
Next Steps
First, ensure your next video export matches the quality expectations of your target platform. Dive into your editing software and adjust the settings as discussed. Once you've nailed your video quality, it's time to focus back on your outreach strategy. Use UGCRoster to streamline your brand pitches and automate the follow-up process with verified contacts, increasing your chances of landing paid deals. Finally, constantly refine your strategy by reviewing which formats and resolutions work best for different types of content and brands. This way, you keep your portfolio polished and appealing to potential collaborators.
FAQ
Should I write the script or should the brand provide it?
You should clarify this with the brand upfront. Some brands prefer to provide a script to ensure specific messaging, while others might expect you to create it based on a brief. For example, if you're working with a tech brand paying $400 per video, they might provide a script to ensure you highlight key features. Always ask during initial discussions to set expectations and avoid misunderstandings.
How much should I charge for script writing?
Charge based on the complexity and time required, typically ranging from $50 to $150 per script. If a beauty brand needs a detailed 60-second script highlighting multiple products, you might lean towards the higher end. Clearly communicate your rates upfront, and consider bundling script writing with video production for a package deal.
What's the structure of a good UGC script?
A good UGC script follows a clear structure: hook, problem, solution, and call-to-action. Let's say you're creating content for a fitness app; start with a hook that highlights a common fitness challenge, present the app as the solution, and end with a CTA like 'Download now to start your journey.' This structure keeps viewers engaged and drives action.
How do I write a hook that grabs attention?
Start with a relatable question or surprising fact. For example, 'Did you know 70% of people quit their diet within two weeks?' If you're working on a food delivery app video, this hook can immediately resonate with viewers struggling with meal planning, making them more likely to watch the rest of your content.
What's the ideal hook length (2-3 seconds)?
Aim for a concise, impactful hook of 2-3 seconds. If you're doing a skincare routine video, you could start with, 'Want glowing skin overnight?' This quick and direct approach grabs viewers' attention immediately, increasing the likelihood they’ll continue watching to learn more.
How do I identify the problem in my script?
Identify a common pain point your audience faces. If you're producing content for a productivity app, the problem might be, 'Struggling to focus with constant distractions?' This problem statement should resonate with your target audience, showing you understand their challenges and setting up your solution effectively.
How do I present the solution?
Clearly explain how the product or service solves the problem. For instance, if you're creating a video for a meditation app, you could say, 'Our app offers guided sessions that help you focus and reduce stress in just 10 minutes a day.' This straightforward presentation makes it easy for viewers to see the value.
Should I use a direct response formula?
Yes, using a direct response formula like AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) can be effective. If you're promoting a new workout gear, start with a bold statement to grab attention, build interest with features, create desire by highlighting benefits, and prompt action with a clear CTA like 'Shop now for 30% off.'
What's the AIDA formula and how do I use it?
AIDA stands for Attention, Interest, Desire, Action. Capture attention with a strong hook, build interest with compelling facts or features, create desire by showcasing benefits, and end with a CTA. For a travel brand video, start with stunning visuals, share enticing destinations, evoke desire with exclusive offers, and close with 'Book your adventure today.'
How do I write a call-to-action?
Use a clear, direct statement that tells the viewer what to do next. In a video for a new online course, your CTA could be, 'Enroll now to unlock your potential.' Keep it simple and action-oriented, ensuring viewers know exactly what step to take after watching your video.