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The quickest way to find a Video Guide for your Product Watch Explainer Video

How to make an instructional Video

WIN PRIZES! MAKE MONEY!
This world needs more heroes! Maybe not the kind who wears a cape or leaps over tall buildings in a single bound, but the kind who might simply help a little old lady cross the road....or better still... show her how to use her DVD player for the twentieth time!

Why Make A Video?

(...or how to save people's sanity)

What if you could help a large number of people by doing something fun, something you knew quite well...like showing them how to use that unused slurpie maker sitting idle above the cupboard? What if you could save people’s sanity by making their day a little easier & less stressful by demonstrating how to use the “Smart” TV that makes them feel stupid. Show a stranger how to take their first photo with the camera they got for Christmas. Maybe even show someone’s dad how to use that fancy mobile phone that frustrates the hell out of him.

The Idea Behind WhizBang:

Technology should be making life easier, but most people find it frustrating, challenging and far from easy. How many times have you bought a new product only to get it home and be faced with the task of learning how to use it? You’ve got better things to do and besides, do you really enjoy reading instruction manuals?
Have you returned a product simply because you didn’t find it easy enough to use or maybe you thought it was broken?

Hero dog helps people

Win Prizes! Make Money!

...and here’s a few more good incentives to get out your camera and start shooting a demonstration video. WhizBang will be awarding prizes for the best videos. You could win money, vouchers and a heap of other exciting awards (not to mention the recognition). We will also be introducing a tipping system so that your audience can show you just how much they appreciate your help. This is just the beginning, so be one of the first to get on board.

makeavideo



HOW TO MAKE A VIDEO?

Generally, instructional videos are a lot easier to watch than to make, so we thought we’d give you a few pointers to get you off on the right track (so take our advice and learn the easy way!)


TIPS AND TRICKS

1. Keep the camera still!

We can’t stress this enough. Don’t try to emulate the camera shake of the Hunger Games as it certainly won’t work for instructional videos. If possible, use a tripod and restrict movement as much as possible. read more...

2. Know the product well before shooting.

Sounds logical, but you may be tempted to just “wing it” and dive in. It will end up taking longer this way and you’ll probably miss important key points. read more...
Practice everything you want to demonstrate beforehand. Your editor (possibly you) will be most grateful that you did, when they don’t have to sift through a huge number of mistakes.
Make sure you have everything that you need such as props, equipment and tools. It is a good practice to make a checklist beforehand.
Go over the instructions a few times, make a quick step by step running sheet and practice the demonstration a few times. Ensure that your instructions are accurate and avoid suggesting any procedures that may be dangerous or cause damage to the product (stick to the instructions). If you are working from a script, it’s a good idea to practice it out loud rather than just reading it so as to ensure the pronunciation is correct. Speech is often quite different from written text so it pays to read it aloud to ensure it sounds natural when spoken. A really great tip is to show someone who has never used the product before, that way you’ll test if your instructions are really precise enough.


3. Keep it short and sweet.

people these days have a short concentration span and do not view more than 2 minutes of a standard online video at one time. However, instructional videos do often need to be a little longer (even up to 4 minutes). Try to keep it quick and to the point. Definitely don’t ramble, but try to be concise and to the point. If it becomes too long, break the video down into shorter parts. E.g. Instead of showing how to set up a cordless phone and make a call, break it down into 2 videos - (1) setup and (2) make a call. keep the pace relatively quick and avoid talking too slowly (but ensure you speak clearly).


4. Introduce what you are going to show them at the very start.

Make it clear what you are going to show them. If appropriate (and possible) show them quickly the end result at the beginning so they know what it is you are going to achieve. This also helps the audience get things into context and decide if it’s something they want to watch.

5. Audio is an important as the visual.

If possible, use an external microphone plugged into your camera audio input, even if it’s just a cheap desktop Mic. If there is too much echo in the room hang some blankets or curtains around to reduce the reverberation.

6. Give helpful tips

People love tips, so don’t be afraid to add your own advice or suggestions you’ve acquired through experience.

7. Keep the background simple.

In most cases you’ll be demonstrating something on a table or bench. Make sure the background is not too busy or distracting. You can keep things simple by hanging a fabric behind you or just shoot in front of a blank wall.

8. Learn by watching other videos.

The best way to learn what works and what doesn’t work is to watch other people’s videos. Take the time to browse other videos (both amateur and professional) before attempting to make your own. It will be well worth the time.

 

The WHIZBANG PRESENTER Challenge

Can Anyone Really make a Video?

We sent our two presenters on a mission! To create a WhizBang video all by themselves with only the tools and equipment they have at home. Now these guys may know what they are doing in front of the camera, however they have had no academic training when it comes to the technical side of video production (although Keeley does have a video blog on YouTube).

The Process
Making a Whizbang video
Here's what they they managed to produce and we think it's pretty good. If you can do something as polished as this then your video will definitely make the grade!...And here's the result of our presenter's video making endeavors! They dare you to do better!
The End Result
Paul & Keeley's Whizbang demo

What can I make a video about?

Any recent product you have purchased (in the past 12 months) which requires some degree of instruction to get it set up or functioning.
Some examples may be: read more...
Electronics - DVD players, media players, smart TVs (even standard), remotes, phones (mobile & cordless), amplifiers, faxes, printers, GPS, wireless hands free devices, tablets...
Kitchen appliances: microwaves, dishwashers, washing machines, ovens, juicers, cookers, rotisseries etc Power Tools - garden tools such as trimmers or chainsaws. Other - bicycle, outdoor equipment or exercise equipment assembly, DIY furniture...

We encourage you to make videos that assist users in setting up their new products for the first time, however, we also welcome any videos that provide guidance in maintaining a product, other tasks that may be difficult in operating the product or even reviews and unboxings.

If you are a retailer, manufacturer or service provider.


You are also welcome to post videos on our site as long as they provide product support & assistance. Feel free to promote your business or service by putting a link to your own site.
Contact us if you are interested in advertising on WhizBang or becoming a product page sponsor. Rates are extremely affordable.

How do I upload my video?

Uploading a video
You will need to be a member of WhizBang by signing up (See the “Register” button on the top right hand corner of the Home Page) Once you are a member, you simply go to the member dropdown menu, click on the “Upload Video” tab, fill out the details and then select the video file from your hard drive. Click “Upload”. This will take a little while depending on your connection speed. It will take a few days for your video to be reviewed as we manually review every video before publishing them. You will be sent an email as soon as your video is available for public viewing.

How to upload a video

 

ONLINE RESOURCES

Here are some great links we recommend you check out.

How to Make A YouTube Video -Video by Steve Harris
How to Make A YouTube Video -Video by Kirsten Sarah

How to Create Training Videos (and Instructional Videos)" For the more ambitious producer (video).

How to create and distribute an instructional screencast video for free
A good article if you will be making a screen capture demonstration. 6 Steps to creating Instructional and How-to Videos. -article How to Videos - 10 Tips to making a more effective training videos -article
you know of any good resources, please let us know!


Uploading to YouTube

You can upload your video to YouTube and then link it to the WhizBang site.
You will need to have an account with YouTube first – it’s free and easy to do, but you’ll also need to have a gmail account before you can register.
Once you have an account you simply log into YouTube, and click “Upload” at the top right corner.
You will need to provide YouTube with the information it requires after which you press “Upload a Video...” at the bottom of the page. Navigate to your video in the explorer window that appears, and click “Upload.”. Alternatively you can just drag and drop your video file onto the upload page.

upload page

It will take some time to upload the video, depending on your internet speed so it's a good time to have a cup of coffee.
Once your video is uploaded you can post the video on WhizBang by clicking the “Share” tab, located a few lines of space below the video on the right side. Youtube upload page

If you have used a smartphone to make your video and you don’t need to edit anything, you may be able to upload directly to YouTube(depends on your phone).

What if my video is rejected?


Unfortunately, not every video will be accepted for a range of different reasons. We do our utmost to give you some explanation. It may be because of the following: read more...
1. poor picture or audio quality
2. lack of information or incorrect information provided
3. speech is too difficult to understand (maybe a strong accent or mumbling)
4. video is too short or long in duration (between 1 & 4 mins per file)
5. images are too small or blurry to see
6. inappropriate content e.g. bad language, any sexually explicit content etc
7. defamation of a brand, company, persons or product - this is at our discretion
8. you’ve infringed copyright by using unauthorized music, images or footage etc - You are responsible for what you post so please be extremely cautious about what you use.


Conditions

Please ensure you are aware of our conditions and rules

dog with clapper

Product support just got a whole lot easier