Content Planning Checklist: 7 Steps Before You Hit Record

Want to make better videos without wasting time? Planning is the key. Before you hit record, follow these 7 steps to ensure your content hits the mark:

1. Define Your Goal and Message: What’s the purpose of your video? Focus on one clear objective and craft a concise, memorable message.
2. Research Your Topic: Validate your idea by checking trends, analyzing competitors, and gathering audience feedback.
3. Understand Your Audience: Know who you’re speaking to. Create detailed viewer profiles and tailor your tone, format, and content to their needs.
4. Outline and Script Your Video: Organize your ideas into a structured flow. Write a conversational script and plan strong openings and closings.
5. Optimize Title and Metadata: Use keywords, timestamps, and engaging titles to improve visibility and click-through rates.
6. Prepare Visuals and Equipment: Create a shot list, test your gear, and organize your filming space to avoid last-minute issues.
7. Plan Publishing and Promotion: Schedule your upload for peak engagement times, design an eye-catching thumbnail, and promote your video effectively.

Pro Tip: The first 24–48 hours after publishing are critical for engagement. Use this time to maximize your video’s reach.

These steps save time, reduce errors, and help your videos connect with the right audience. Let’s dive into the details!

The Ultimate 12-Step YouTube Video Checklist

Step 1: Set Your Video's Goal and Main Message

Every video needs a purpose. A clear goal acts as your compass, guiding your words, visuals, and overall direction. It ensures your content stays focused and avoids veering into unrelated territory. A well-defined goal shapes every creative decision you make.

Start by identifying what you want your video to achieve. Is your aim to educate, solve a problem, or entertain? Each objective requires a different approach, and knowing your purpose helps you make smarter, more targeted choices.

Interestingly, 36% of marketers cite brand awareness as their primary goal for video marketing. But that's just one option. Your goal could also be generating leads, driving sales, building trust, or promoting a product. The key is to pick one main objective and let it steer your planning. Once you’ve nailed down your purpose, translate it into actionable, measurable targets.

Define Measurable Goals

Vague goals like "get more views" won’t cut it. You need clear, concrete metrics to track your success. Measurable goals still give you something tangible to evaluate and help you refine your approach.

Start by brainstorming all the potential outcomes you’d like from your video. Then narrow the list to one or two specific, actionable goals. This is where the SMART method comes in handy: make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of aiming to "gain more views", set a target like "reach 10,000 views within two weeks." Or, instead of "grow my audience", aim for "gain 500 new subscribers by the end of the month."

Your metrics should align with your main objective. If your focus is brand awareness, success might mean high view counts, shares, likes, or comments. For lead generation, you might aim for a specific conversion rate - like 20% of viewers clicking through to your landing page. Other measurable outcomes include increasing sales, boosting watch time, improving click-through rates, or driving specific actions like email sign-ups.

Once your video is live, analytics will be your best friend. Track engagement metrics to see how your audience responds. Are they watching all the way through? Clicking your calls-to-action? Dropping off at certain points? These insights will highlight what’s working and what needs tweaking for your next video.

Write a Clear Main Message

Your main message is the single most important idea you want viewers to take away. It’s the core of your video, boiled down into one clear statement. If viewers remember only one thing, this should be it.

Crafting this message forces you to focus. It prevents you from overloading your video with too many ideas, which can confuse your audience and dilute your impact. Keep it short and direct - ideally one or two sentences that capture the heart of what you’re communicating.

Think about how you’d explain your video in 10 seconds. That’s your main message. It should align with your channel’s strategy and tie back to the goal you set earlier. For instance, if your goal is to teach video editing techniques, your message might be: "Master three simple transitions to instantly elevate your videos." If you’re promoting a product, it could be: "This tool cuts your editing time in half without compromising quality."

Write your main message at the top of your script outline and refer to it throughout the process. Every part of your video should support this central idea. If something doesn’t reinforce your message, ask yourself if it really belongs in the video.

This clarity will make production smoother and help your audience stay engaged. They’ll find it easier to follow along and remember what you’ve shared. Plus, when it’s time to write your video title and description, your main message gives you a solid foundation to build on.

Step 2: Research and Confirm Your Topic

Now that you’ve defined your goal and message, it’s time to make sure your video idea has real audience demand. Validating your topic is the difference between a video that gains traction and one that falls flat. Before diving into scripting and production, you need solid proof that your idea will resonate.

Research helps you gauge demand. It allows you to spot trends, uncover gaps, and find a unique angle that can boost views and engagement.

Use Trend Analysis Tools

Timing is everything. Trend analysis tools can help you identify topics that are gaining momentum.

Start with YouTube's Trending page to see what’s catching attention in your niche. Filter by category to focus on content that aligns with your channel. Look for patterns - are certain formats, topics, or angles popping up repeatedly? These are trends worth noting.

Google Trends is another powerful tool. It can show if interest in your topic is rising, stable, or declining, and even reveal related searches. For example, if you’re planning a tutorial on smartphone photography, you might discover that "iPhone night mode tips" is on the rise while general photography searches are flat.

Don’t forget about seasonal trends. Tax prep videos peak in March and April, fitness content explodes in January, and holiday gift guides dominate in November and December. Planning your production to align with these cycles can help you maximize views.

Lastly, dig into your channel’s analytics. Look at your best-performing videos and identify common themes. Your audience has already told you what they care about - use this data to guide your next topic choice.

Study Competitor Videos

Your competitors can be a goldmine of information. Analyzing their successful videos helps you understand what works and where there’s room for something new.

Pick three to five similar channels and review their top-performing videos from the past 90 days. Take note of the topics, titles, thumbnails, and lengths that seem to drive engagement.

Watch these videos closely to figure out why they worked. Was it the opening hook? The production style? A fresh perspective? Check the comments section too - what did viewers love, and what questions remain unanswered? These gaps are your opportunities.

Look for topics or angles that aren’t being addressed. For instance, maybe everyone’s covering beginner tips, but no one’s diving into advanced techniques. Or perhaps existing videos are too long, and viewers are asking for shorter summaries. These gaps are chances for you to stand out.

Also, pay attention to how quickly a video gains views. A video that hits 50,000 views in three days shows stronger demand than one that takes six months to reach the same number. This can help you identify topics with immediate appeal versus those that build momentum more slowly.

Gather Audience Feedback

Your audience is a direct source of inspiration for what to create next.

Start by reviewing your own comment sections. What questions keep popping up? Are viewers asking you to cover specific topics? If the same requests appear repeatedly, it’s a clear sign that the topic deserves attention.

Engagement metrics are another clue. High watch times and completion rates indicate content that held attention, while lots of shares suggest viewers found it valuable enough to recommend. On the flip side, low engagement can signal topics to avoid or rework.

Community posts and polls are great for gathering input before you start creating. Ask your audience to vote on potential topics, or simply post, “What do you want to see next?” The responses can provide dozens of ideas and remove the guesswork from your decision-making.

You can also explore online communities, forums, and social media groups where your target audience spends time. Platforms like Reddit, Facebook groups, and niche forums are full of conversations about challenges and frustrations your content could address.

If you have an email subscriber list, consider sending out a short survey with three to five questions about their content preferences and what they want to learn. Offering a small incentive, like early access to your next video, can encourage more responses.

Spending just 30 minutes on research can save you hours of wasted effort. With a validated topic, you can move forward with confidence, knowing your content will meet a real demand. From here, you can focus on tailoring your video to your target audience.

Step 3: Know Your Target Audience

Understanding your target audience is the backbone of effective content creation. Once you've nailed down your topic, it's time to ensure your message speaks directly to the people who will watch your video. Without a clear picture of your audience, you're essentially creating content in the dark, relying on guesswork.

When you know your viewers, every aspect of your video - tone, examples, pacing, and even topic selection - becomes more focused. This connection is what separates a video that merely racks up views from one that builds a loyal audience. Generic content often falls flat, but targeted content addresses specific needs, interests, and challenges, encouraging viewers to engage and keep coming back. This insight allows you to align your content with what your audience truly values.

Create Viewer Profiles

A detailed viewer profile acts as your guide for every content decision. Start with basic demographics like age, gender, location, and occupation. These factors influence how your audience consumes content and what topics resonate with them.

For instance, if you're creating financial advice videos, your approach would differ based on your target audience. College students navigating their first credit card might prefer short, mobile-friendly videos with simple budgeting tips. On the other hand, professionals in their 40s planning for retirement might appreciate longer, in-depth analyses of investment strategies.

But demographics only tell part of the story. Dive deeper into psychographics - interests, values, and the challenges your audience faces. What are their goals? What frustrates them about existing solutions? This deeper understanding helps you create content that connects on a personal level.

Your niche can also provide clues about your audience's priorities. For example, if your focus is on sustainable living, your viewers likely care about reducing their carbon footprint, ethical consumption, and practical ways to make eco-friendly choices. Use this knowledge as a foundation for your viewer profile.

Document these insights in a simple profile. Include sections for demographics, interests, challenges, preferred content formats, and engagement habits. Keep it updated as you gather new data through analytics and feedback.

Pay attention to when your audience is most active. Platforms like YouTube offer analytics that can reveal peak viewing times, helping you optimize your publishing schedule. For example, if your audience is most active in the early evening, releasing videos in the late afternoon could boost engagement.

Finally, think about the impact you want your video to have. Do you want to educate, entertain, or inspire action? Align your content with your audience's expectations and adjust factors like video length, format, and tone to suit their habits. For example, a tech channel targeting experienced developers might use industry jargon, while a beginner-focused channel should simplify concepts and avoid acronyms.

Match Content to Audience Needs

Once you've outlined your viewer profiles, focus on addressing their specific challenges. Start by identifying three to five key problems your audience faces within your niche. For example, a cooking channel aimed at busy parents might tackle issues like limited time for meal prep, picky eaters, or staying within a grocery budget. Each challenge can inspire a video topic.

Use tools like Google Trends to research what your audience is searching for. If you notice a rise in searches for "meal prep for toddlers" and it aligns with your audience, that's a clear signal for a timely, relevant topic.

Consider the depth your audience expects. Some viewers may want quick, bite-sized overviews, while others might prefer detailed, in-depth content. Tailor the length and detail of your videos to match their preferences.

Think about the emotional tone that will resonate most. Whether it's supportive and encouraging or bold and motivational, consistency in your tone strengthens the connection with your audience.

When you clearly define your audience, every other decision - choosing topics, writing scripts, designing thumbnails - becomes more intentional and easier to execute. A solid understanding of your viewers ensures your content resonates, engages, and keeps them coming back for more.

Step 4: Build Your Video Structure and Script

Now that you’ve nailed down your goal and understand your audience, it’s time to shape your video’s structure and script. This step ensures your content flows logically and stays aligned with your overall strategy.

A well-thought-out plan for your video’s flow can save you from unnecessary hiccups. With a clear script, you’ll stay focused, feel more confident, and spend less time on editing.

Create a Content Outline

Start by creating a simple outline for your video. Break your topic into logical sections that naturally build on each other. If it helps, add rough time estimates for each part. For instance, if you’re making a video about starting a side hustle, your outline could include sections like identifying your skills, evaluating market demand, and mapping out the first steps.

Think about where you might need visual aids, graphics, or diagrams to explain tricky concepts. Planning these elements early on ensures you won’t miss opportunities to make your message clearer or more engaging.

Write Your Script

Turn your outline into a conversational script that flows naturally. Keep it concise and focus on covering the essential points while maintaining a smooth transition between sections. Adding specific examples or data can make your content more relatable and trustworthy. And don’t forget to wrap things up with a clear call-to-action.

Pay extra attention to crafting a strong opening and closing. These moments are key to grabbing attention and leaving a lasting impression.

Plan Your Opening and Closing

Your opening should immediately grab your audience’s attention by highlighting the value of your video. Why should they stick around? Make it clear from the start. For the closing, tie everything together by summarizing the key points and delivering a specific call-to-action that encourages viewers to take the next step.

sbb-itb-08cadfc

Step 5: Plan Your Title and Metadata

Now that your script is ready, it’s time to make your video stand out by crafting a title and metadata that grab attention. Think of these elements as your video’s storefront - they’re what potential viewers see first and often determine whether they click. Done right, they can significantly boost both visibility and click-through rates.

Write a Click-Worthy Title

Your title has to do two things: spark curiosity and include relevant keywords that help people find your video. Ideally, keep it under 60 characters so it doesn’t get cut off in search results or on mobile screens.

Start by identifying the main keyword or phrase your audience is likely searching for. For instance, if your video is about meal prep, phrases like "meal prep for beginners" or "easy meal prep ideas" are good starting points. Then, take it a step further by adding a hook that piques curiosity or promises a clear benefit. Instead of a generic title like "Meal Prep Tips", try something more engaging, like "5 Meal Prep Tricks That Save 10 Hours a Week."

Numbers work well because they set clear expectations for viewers. Titles like "7 Ways to..." or "3 Mistakes to Avoid..." tell people exactly what they’ll get. Using power words like "easy", "proven", "ultimate", or "secret" can also make your title more enticing - just be sure to use them authentically.

Before settling on a title, ask yourself, “Would I click this?” Does it clearly explain what the video is about? Is it specific enough to stand out? Avoid using clickbait that overpromises, as it can hurt viewer trust and retention.

Once you’ve nailed the title, it’s time to focus on the rest of your metadata.

Prepare SEO Metadata

Your metadata - description, tags, and keywords - helps search engines understand your video and match it with relevant searches.

Start with your description. The first two or three lines are crucial because they appear before the "show more" button. Include your primary keyword naturally in the opening sentence, then briefly explain what viewers will gain from watching. Aim for around 200 words, weaving in related keywords naturally without overloading it.

If your video covers multiple topics or sections, add timestamps to your description. This not only improves the viewing experience but also gives search engines more context. For example, in a tutorial video, you might include timestamps like "0:45 - Gather your materials" or "3:20 - Step 2: Mix ingredients."

When it comes to tags, focus on a mix of broad and specific terms. Include your primary topic, variations, and niche-specific keywords your audience might search for. For example, if your video is about YouTube content planning, tags could include "content planning", "YouTube strategy", "video planning", and "creator tips." Stick to 5-10 highly relevant tags instead of overwhelming the algorithm with dozens of loosely related ones.

Keep an eye on search trends when selecting keywords. Look at what’s trending in your niche and consider seasonal shifts. For instance, a video about tax preparation will likely perform better in January than in July. Timing your keywords to match search behavior can give your content an extra boost.

Finally, balance your metadata for both algorithms and viewers. Your description should feel natural and genuinely helpful, not just stuffed with keywords. When done well, this approach improves your search rankings and keeps your audience engaged.

Step 6: Prepare Visual Elements and Production Needs

Now that your title and metadata are finalized, it's time to focus on the visual and technical aspects of your production. This is where preparation meets execution - getting your shots, equipment, and location ready ensures a smooth filming process without any last-minute scrambles. Proper planning at this stage saves time and keeps your shoot on track.

Create a Shot List

Think of your shot list as your production blueprint. It outlines every scene, angle, and piece of footage you need to capture, ensuring nothing gets overlooked once the cameras start rolling.

Start by reviewing your script and identifying the visuals needed to support each part. For example, if you're explaining a process, plan for close-up shots of each step. If you're reviewing a product, include multiple angles - overhead, side views, and detailed close-ups of specific features. For talking-head segments, decide if you want a static setup or dynamic movements like slow zooms or pans.

Don't forget B-roll footage. These supplemental shots enhance your narration and smooth transitions. Examples include hands typing on a keyboard, coffee being poured, or scenic shots to set the mood. B-roll not only keeps viewers engaged but also provides flexibility during editing. If you need to cut or adjust something, B-roll can seamlessly fill those gaps.

Be specific when planning B-roll. Instead of vague notes like "office shots", detail exactly what you need: "wide shot of desk setup", "close-up of notebook and pen", or "over-the-shoulder typing." A detailed shot list helps you move through filming more efficiently.

Incorporate a mix of wide, medium, and close-up shots to maintain visual variety. For tutorials, alternate between showing your face and demonstrating the steps. For vlog-style videos, mix in shots from different locations or angles throughout the day. If your video involves a demonstration, map out every step visually. For example, a recipe video might include shots like "ingredients laid out on the counter", "pouring flour into a bowl", "whisking mixture", and "final plated dish." Each shot adds to the story and helps viewers follow along.

Group similar shots together to save time. If you need multiple shots at your desk, complete them all before moving to another location. This minimizes setup changes like adjusting lighting, repositioning cameras, or changing outfits.

A well-organized shot list ensures your production aligns with your script and stays cohesive from start to finish.

Check Production Requirements

Before filming, double-check that you have all the necessary equipment and that everything is in working order. This step prevents last-minute surprises that could derail your shoot.

Start with an equipment checklist. Confirm that your camera or smartphone, microphone, tripod, lighting, extra batteries, memory cards, and any props or products are ready to go. Test your microphone's audio levels to avoid sound issues later. If you're using external lighting, set it up in advance to see how it looks on camera, and make adjustments as needed.

Next, optimize your filming environment. Check the lighting conditions at your planned shoot time. If you're using natural light, see how it interacts with your setup. For artificial lighting, ensure it's evenly distributed to avoid harsh shadows. A clean, intentional background adds professionalism, so inspect your filming area through the camera lens. Remove distractions like clutter or busy patterns that could pull focus away from your subject.

Sound quality matters just as much as visuals. Listen for ambient noise like air conditioning, traffic, or echoes, and take steps to minimize them. Close windows, silence notifications, and, if possible, film in a quieter space. Adding rugs, curtains, or foam panels can help reduce unwanted noise.

Gather all props, products, or materials in advance and organize them near your filming location. For product reviews, make sure packaging is intact and items are presentable. For tutorials, have everything prepped and ready - like pre-measured ingredients or neatly arranged supplies.

Consider your budget and timeline. If your shoot involves extra expenses, such as renting equipment or hiring help, outline these costs and stick to your budget. Estimate how long filming will take. For instance, a 10-minute video might require 2–3 hours of filming, factoring in setup, multiple takes, and adjustments. Allocate enough time to avoid rushing, which can lead to mistakes or missed shots.

If you're working with co-hosts, interviewees, or assistants, communicate your plan clearly. Share your shot list and schedule so everyone knows what to expect. Confirm their availability well in advance and have a backup plan in case of last-minute changes.

Finally, conduct a test run before the actual shoot. Set up your camera, frame your first shot, and record a few seconds. Play it back to check focus, exposure, framing, and audio. This quick test helps identify any technical issues early, so you can make adjustments before filming begins.

Step 7: Plan Your Publishing and Promotion

Your video is ready to go - filmed, edited, and polished. But here’s where many creators miss a golden opportunity: planning the release and promotion. Without a solid strategy, even the most well-produced video might struggle to find its audience. The way you time, present, and promote your content can make all the difference between a video that soars and one that gets lost in the shuffle.

What you do after hitting upload is just as important as everything leading up to that moment. Timing matters. Thumbnails and end screens matter. And how you promote your video in those first crucial hours? That matters a lot, too. This step ties everything together, ensuring your hard work reaches the audience it deserves.

Schedule Your Video Release

When you publish your video can have a huge impact on its initial performance. Platforms tend to reward early engagement, so the first few hours after uploading are critical.

Start by analyzing your audience's habits using your channel analytics. For many U.S.-based viewers, weekday evenings (6:00 PM–9:00 PM in their time zone) are prime browsing hours as people unwind from work. Weekend mornings, especially Saturdays between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, also tend to perform well since people have more free time.

Of course, your audience might be different. For example:

• A channel targeting college students might see better results late at night.
• Content aimed at parents may perform better early in the morning or after 8:00 PM when kids are asleep.
• Business or productivity videos often do well on weekday mornings as professionals start their workday.

The type of content you create also plays a role. Tutorials often thrive on weekdays when people are actively searching for solutions, while entertainment videos might see higher engagement over the weekend. If you're covering breaking news or trending topics, timing is even more critical - publish as soon as possible to catch the wave of interest.

For channels focused on U.S. audiences across time zones, consider uploading around 3:00 PM Pacific Time (6:00 PM Eastern) to capture viewers coast-to-coast during active hours.

Consistency is key. If your audience knows to expect new videos every Tuesday at 10:00 AM, they'll start looking for them, creating a routine that boosts engagement. Many platforms also allow you to schedule uploads ahead of time. This gives you a chance to double-check metadata, add end screens, and ensure everything looks perfect before the video goes live. Plus, it allows the platform to process your video fully, ensuring the highest quality is available from the start.

Design Thumbnail and End Screen

Your thumbnail is the first thing viewers see, and it can make or break their decision to click. A well-designed thumbnail can significantly boost your video’s click-through rate.

To stand out in a crowded feed:

• Use bold colors and high contrast to grab attention.
• Include faces with clear, expressive emotions - humans are naturally drawn to connection.
• If you’re in the thumbnail, make direct eye contact with the camera and match your expression to the tone of the video.
• Keep text minimal - just a few bold words that are easy to read, even on small screens.
• Avoid clutter. A clean, simple design with some negative space helps key elements pop.

Consistency across your thumbnails - using similar fonts, colors, or layouts - also builds recognition. When viewers recognize your style, they’re more likely to click if they’ve enjoyed your past videos. Before finalizing, test your thumbnail at smaller sizes to ensure it’s legible on mobile devices.

End screens, which appear in the last 5–20 seconds of your video, are another critical tool. They guide viewers to their next action, whether it’s watching another video, subscribing, or exploring a playlist.

Here’s how to make your end screen effective:

• If your video is part of a series, link to the next episode.
• For standalone content, suggest related videos or popular uploads to keep viewers on your channel.
• Include a clear subscribe button and pair it with a verbal call-to-action, like “Don’t forget to subscribe for more content like this!”
• Design your video’s ending with the end screen in mind, leaving space for elements so they don’t block important visuals or dialogue.

Timing matters here, too. As your end screen elements appear, consider saying something like, “Check out this video next!” while gesturing to the relevant area of the screen. Coordinating audio and visuals can make a big difference in click-through rates.

Plan Your Promotion Approach

Once your video is uploaded and polished, it’s time to focus on promotion. The first 24–48 hours are critical for driving engagement and influencing long-term performance.

Here’s how to promote effectively:

• Social Media: Share your video on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Use engaging captions, relevant hashtags, and direct links. Instead of a generic post like “New video is live!”, give viewers a reason to click by teasing what they’ll learn or enjoy.
• Email List: If you have one, email your subscribers. These are often your most loyal fans, so send a personalized message with a clear call-to-action and an easy-to-access link.
• Online Communities: Share your video in relevant spaces like Reddit threads, Facebook groups, or Slack channels. But be thoughtful - engage with the community rather than just dropping a link, which can come across as spammy.
• Collaborators and Guests: If your video features other creators or collaborators, encourage them to share it with their audiences. This can introduce your content to new viewers who already trust the person recommending it.

Track your promotion efforts to see what works best. Pay attention to which platforms drive the most traffic and which messages resonate. For instance, if Instagram consistently brings in more views than Twitter, you might focus more energy there in the future.

Promotion doesn’t stop after the first couple of days. Keep sharing your video over the following weeks. You can resurface it during relevant conversations, include it in roundup posts, or reference it in future content. With the right strategy, your video can continue gaining views long after its initial release.

Conclusion

Creating engaging video content doesn’t begin the moment you hit record - it starts well before that. The seven steps in this checklist lay the groundwork for videos that resonate with your audience, perform effectively, and make the best use of your time and energy.

By setting clear goals, thoroughly researching your topic, understanding your audience, structuring your content, optimizing metadata, preparing visuals, and planning your promotion strategy, you establish a roadmap that guides every decision from concept to publication. This level of preparation minimizes mistakes, reduces stress during production, and ensures your final video achieves its purpose.

Planning ahead also saves time. A well-thought-out script cuts down on retakes, organized visuals eliminate last-minute chaos, and a solid promotion strategy ensures your video gains traction right away.

Think of this checklist as your pre-flight routine. Even seasoned pilots rely on pre-flight checks because consistency helps avoid problems. The same goes for video creation - whether it’s your first or hundredth video, following these steps ensures nothing gets overlooked.

Start applying these steps to your process today. Focus on the areas where you see room for improvement, and as these practices become second nature, expand them further. Building these habits into your workflow will elevate the quality of every video you produce.

FAQs

What are the best ways to measure the success of my video content beyond just views?

To truly gauge how well your video content is performing, you need to look beyond just the number of views. Engagement metrics - like likes, comments, shares, and click-through rates - offer a clearer picture of how your audience is connecting with your content.

Another key factor to monitor is watch time and audience retention. These metrics show how much of your video people are actually sticking around to watch, giving you a sense of how engaging your content really is. Don’t forget to track how many new subscribers your video brings in. By analyzing these details, you can pinpoint what’s hitting the mark and fine-tune your approach for future videos.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when creating a video script and structure?

When putting together a video script, keep the language simple and easy to understand. Avoid using jargon that might leave your audience scratching their heads. Instead, focus on addressing their specific challenges or needs. And don’t forget to include a clear call to action - this helps guide viewers on what steps to take next.

There are a few common mistakes to steer clear of. For instance, skipping a strong opening hook can cost you your audience’s attention right from the start. Scripts that are overly long or repetitive can also lose viewers, so aim for concise and engaging content. Make sure your ideas flow logically and are easy to follow. Lastly, visuals matter - use engaging visuals to complement your message, and keep the tone conversational to hold their interest throughout.

What’s the best time to publish my video to get the most engagement?

Choosing the best time to publish your video can make a big difference in how much engagement it gets. Start by thinking about when your audience is most likely online. For instance, if your viewers are mainly based in the U.S., evenings (6–9 PM local time) or weekends are often ideal since people tend to browse content during their downtime.

Take advantage of your platform's analytics to spot trends or peak activity periods specific to your audience. Try posting at different times, monitor the results, and adjust your approach based on what works best. Posting consistently at similar times can also help set expectations and keep your audience coming back for more.