How to Create YouTube Videos When You're Short on Time

Creating videos for your YouTube channel on a consistent basis is essential for growth, but what do you do when life gets busy and you’re short on time? Don’t worry – I’ve got some tips to help you plan, shoot and edit your videos efficiently so you can still get quality content out to your audience each week!

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Planning Your Video Topic

When time is limited, the key is choosing a video topic that is relevant to your audience but relatively quick and easy to produce. Here are some suggestions:

Keep a running list of “easy” video ideas that you can pull from when needed. These should be topics you can talk about without a ton of planning or research.
Ask yourself: What simple, helpful video could I create for my audience right now that doesn’t require a lot of editing? A talking head video sharing tips or advice often works well.
Consider making an audio-only podcast episode and posting it to YouTube. This lets you share valuable content without any B-roll or visual elements.
Use a mind mapping tool to quickly brainstorm and organize your video outline. This helps you see the full picture and ensures you cover the key points.

Recording Your Video Efficiently

Once you’ve got your topic and outline, try these techniques to speed up the recording process:

Build a library of re-usable B-roll footage. Record extra clips of your products, software, or materials that you can easily drop into future videos.
Take screenshots or screen recordings while planning your video so you have them ready to go.
Set up your recording so you can capture your face and screen at the same time. This saves you from having to edit them together later.
The more prepared you are before hitting record, the faster your shoot will go. Do a practice run first if needed.
Record your video content in sequential chunks. This makes it easier to edit in small time blocks later vs. trying to piece together jumbled clips.

Streamlining the Editing Process

Editing is often the most time-consuming part of making videos, but it doesn’t have to be! Here’s how to make post-production more efficient:

Use a tool like Ecamm Live to live edit as you record. Switch between different shot setups with a single click.
If you need to edit on the go, consider using a mobile device or tablet. It may not be ideal, but it gets the job done!
Break your editing into small chunks and tackle a little bit each day leading up to your deadline. Waiting to do it all at once takes longer.
Keep your editing simple. Avoid flashy animations or complex elements that take extra time. Your audience is there for your helpful content, not fancy effects.

You’ve Got This!

Remember, consistently showing up for your audience is what matters most, not creating a flawless masterpiece every time. By having a roster of simple video ideas, preparing thoroughly, capturing footage efficiently, and streamlining your editing process, you can keep putting out valuable content each week – even when you’re short on time.

For more tips on looking and sounding your best on camera, check out my Crush it on Camera series for beginners. You’ve got this!