There is no doubt about it: your video intro is key to making a great first impression. It’s what viewers see first and sets the tone for the rest of the video. If your intro is boring or unprofessional, viewers will likely lose interest and stop watching. However, with a well-crafted intro, you can entice people to keep watching until the end. You can capture your audience’s attention and leave them wanting more. We’ll discuss how to create a video intro that makes a lasting first impression, so keep reading!
Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash
1. Brainstorm ideas and sketch out a storyboard
The first step in creating a great intro is brainstorming ideas. What type of video are you making? What mood do you want to set? What kind of message do you intend to send? It will be much easier to start putting it together once you have an idea of what you want your intro to be.
Come up with a few concepts that you want to use, and figure out how they will flow together. Plan them in your storyboard beforehand to know what shots you need and how they should be edited together.
It’s also convenient to create a mood board for your intro. It will give you an idea of the overall look and feel you’re going for. You may want to consider using colors, fonts, music, or graphics that reflect your brand identity or theme.
2. Start with a strong headline or statement
Your intro should start with a bang! Capture your audience’s attention right away with a strong headline or statement. It is your chance to make an impact and persuade people to keep watching.
Establish a headline that is relevant to the video. You can introduce yourself or your company and give a brief overview of what the video is about. If you’re using text in your intro, use an easy-to-read font that will grab people’s attention. And don’t forget to use proper grammar and spelling
3. Use graphics or animation to engage the viewer
Graphics and animation can attract viewers and set the tone for your video. If you’re inexperienced with graphics or animation, consider hiring a professional designer. These professionals can create an intro that is both engaging and on-brand.
Alternatively, create them yourself if you’re someone who knows your way with graphics and animation. You can establish a look that got your personality throughout your intro. Make it simple and easy to understand, and be consistent with your overall branding.
4. Keep it brief – no more than 60 seconds long
Your intro should be no more than 60 seconds long or about the length of one “chunk” in your video. That way you won’t lose any momentum from beginning to end. Remember: if viewers are bored within 30 seconds, they’re probably going to stop watching. Keep them engaged by keeping your intro short and sweet. The best intro is one that leaves people wanting more – not less.
5. Make sure the tone of voice matches the tone of your video
The tone of voice you use in your intro should match the tone of your video. If the video is serious then your intro should be serious as well. If the video is funny, then make your intro funny too! The result is a consistent overall feel for your video. It’s also important to be aware of the audience you’re targeting and adjust the tone accordingly.
6. Find the right music to set the mood
Music encourages engagement with your audience and sets the tone for your video. You may use upbeat music if you’re creating an intro that’s fun or exciting, or calming music if you want it to be more laid back and relaxing.
If you’re uncertain what type of music would work best with your video, try searching online for royalty-free tracks in any genre. There are plenty of websites that offer free downloads. All you have to do is find one that matches what sort of feel you’re looking for and download it onto your computer before editing begins. Just avoid using copyrighted music in your intro, as this can lead to legal trouble.
7. Finish with a call to action, urging viewers to watch the rest of the video
The intro of your video is the first thing viewers see when they play it. So, it’s crucial to include a compelling call to action at the end of your intro. It will let them know what else is available for them if they continue watching the main content.
8. Video quality matters more than you think
Video intros provide an opportunity for viewers to get a feel for who you are and what kind of content they can expect from you. So make your video content high quality with good lighting and clear sound before uploading any videos on social media sites like YouTube or Vimeo (or even just posting them online).
Final thoughts:
Overall, it’s important to make a good first impression with your intro. You want to urge people to watch the rest of your video and come back for more content from you. When it comes to video intro creation, there are no set rules. You can experiment and find what works best for you and your brand. But these simple steps will help get people hooked from the moment they click play on your video. Thanks for reading!