With it estimated that there is more than 360 hours worth of content being uploaded to YouTube per minute, videos need to have a professional look about them. If they do not, there is a high chance that they will not be watched because there will be alternatives that are available. Viewers will know that there will be options that look professional, therefore they won’t have to settle for anything less.
For uploaders, they must ensure they capture attention and keep viewers immersed for as long as possible if they want them to keep watching. Depending on the type of content that has been uploaded, it could be the difference between being able to monetize it, converting them into a customer for their brand, or missing out to a competitor.
The best way to capture attention immediately is to create professional YouTube intros. These can help to pique the user’s interest, and keep them watching when the first few seconds are when they make a decision on whether or not to continue. If a brand can capture their attention at this point, there is a greater chance that the remainder of the video will be watched.
How can a professional YouTube intro be created?
Several industry best practices and recommendations have been made available by experts and those who have found winning formulas. We’ve outlined the main ones below that brands, entrepreneurs, and content creators should look to follow when creating new content and uploading to YouTube.
1. Conducting Research and Planning
It is essential to conduct research and brainstorm ideas before creating a video introduction, as this aspect of the content can significantly impact its success. While there is no guarantee that something will work even if it has for others, research can increase the chances.
Creators should examine what other successful channels and videos in the same niche have chosen to do. They should also examine what hasn’t worked, to provide them with a range of ideas and identify potential areas to avoid. During the planning phase, it’s important to consider the tone and the message of the intro. Remember, this is the very first thing people will see once the video loads, so it must be impactful and set the right tone immediately.
2. Brand your Introduction
A professional-looking YouTube introduction should showcase your brand to viewers. This can be achieved by using a logo, slogans, or images that can be associated with the channel. Specific colors can also be used in the introduction if the channel or brand has an affiliation with one (Coca-Cola and red, for instance).
For creators who want to design a high-quality AI logo quickly, there are intuitive online tools that allow you to generate professional, customizable branding elements without advanced design skills.
However, it is important not to overdo it in the introduction. You don’t want to bombard users with your branding, as this can be frustrating for viewers. They can become overwhelmed, which may lead them to leaving the video and find an alternative.
You should aim to use a small amount of personal branding and keep the introduction as short as possible. It is recommended to keep intros brief, with a time of between five and ten seconds more than enough. Viewers want to get into the topic of the video immediately and don’t want to waste time by being advertised to.
3. Use Animations, Motion Graphics, and Audio
Having a YouTube introduction can be the perfect opportunity to bring some further personality to the video, while keeping the content as professional as possible. This may include the use of motion graphics, animations, and/or audio. Using moving visuals and sounds can immediately capture the viewer’s attention, keeping their eyes and ears on the screen. Still imagery and quietness can hurt attention, as people can quickly lose interest if there is nothing to focus on.
Once these aspects have been added to an introduction, it will be much easier to hook the viewer and keep them interested. It is possible to add a further hook within an intro, such as asking a question or offering a preview. However, creators must maintain a professional tone, as these features may actually reduce the video’s quality rather than improve it when used, especially if they aren’t of a professional-grade quality.
4. Edit & Polish the Introduction Before Testing It
Once a YouTube introduction has been created, it must be edited. Many different software programs can be used to make alterations quickly and with ease, with some offering guidance and providing tailored suggestions using technologies like artificial intelligence.
Once it has been edited and customized to fit the channel’s themes and integrate successfully with the main video content, it is time to test how the intro works before uploading to YouTube. It should be tested on various devices to gauge its reception, while feedback can always be beneficial.
YouTube Intros can Convert When Professional-Looking
The importance of having professional-looking intros for your YouTube videos cannot be overstated. They can be the difference between keeping a viewer engaged and having them watch or click away in an instant. Those who stay beyond the intro are more likely to continue watching, which could result in subscribing or making a conversion as a customer.
Once a professional intro has been designed and created, it’s possible to reuse it for all subsequent YouTube uploads. This is a positive in itself, as it will help create brand familiarity, which in turn fosters a professional reputation.
