Lights, camera, action! Cue old Hollywood glamour with its massive sound stages, thousand-watt klieg lights, and harried production assistants scurrying about. We've come a long way from the golden age of Tinseltown to influencer culture, where everyone can be a writer, star, director, editor, and producer — all-in-one.
As today's digital landscape rewards video over all other types of media, many businesses are finding a happy medium between Hollywood-level production and wanna be influencer in parents' basement. With the right mix of equipment, baseline knowledge, and practice, these businesses are taking their video game to never-before-seen levels, putting out high quality, inexpensive videos on the reg.
Let's explore the core types of videos that can be created efficiently, without sucking up your valuable time and resources.
Get what you need faster:
Tools, equipment, and resources
- Gimbals
- Ring lights
- Ring light/tripod combo
- Soft boxes and light boxes
- Microphone systems
- Audio
- Voice over
- Stock video
1. Kinetic typography: Words in motion
What it is
Kinetic typography brings words to life through movement and animation. These videos combine static images with animated text and simple motion effects to create visually engaging content.
Think of it as text that moves with purpose - appearing, disappearing, and flowing across the screen in a way that enhances your message while remaining professional and polished.
When to use it
Kinetic typography shines when you're explaining something complex that could use visual reinforcement. Got a process that sounds complicated in words alone? Let typography break it down visually. These videos are particularly killer for social media, especially in vertical formats where users are scrolling fast and need something to catch their eye.
Another bonus? They're perfect for repurposing your written content into video format without filming a single frame of footage. That blog post that took you hours to write? Give it new life as a kinetic type video.
Pro tips
- The golden rule: Keep text concise. Nobody wants to read a novel flying across their screen. Stick to 3-10 words on screen at once.
- Create a storyboard before you start animating. Nothing's worse than getting halfway through and realizing your text timing is off.
- Font choice matters – a lot. Select sans-serif fonts for readability and clean lines. Avoid decorative or script fonts except for brief accents.
- Don't go wild with animation styles. Pick 2-3 animation types and stick with them throughout your video for a cohesive feel.
- Add subtle background music that matches the energy of your text movements. The audio-visual combo is what takes these videos from good to great.
2. Talking head: The direct approach
What it is
The talking head format is exactly what it sounds like — a single presenter speaking directly to the camera, making that coveted eye contact that builds instant connection. It's the digital equivalent of a face-to-face conversation, just you and your viewer having a chat.
What makes this format so powerful is its authenticity. In a world of over-produced, glossy content, there's something refreshingly real about someone looking into the lens and sharing their expertise.
When to use it
Pull out the talking head format when you're establishing thought leadership or building personal brand. It's your go-to when sharing expertise, opinions, or insights that benefit from the human touch.
This format absolutely kills it on social platforms where audiences like to see real people. Got complex information that needs a trustworthy face attached to it? Talking head videos create instant credibility.
Pro Tips
- Natural light is your best friend. Position yourself facing a window for that perfect, flattering glow. No natural light available? Invest in a ring light or use soft, diffused box lights to eliminate harsh shadows on your face (we’ll provide some recommendations later).
- Your background matters — keep it clean and on-brand, but not so interesting that it steals focus.
- Sound quality can make or break you. Invest in a decent lapel mic that captures clear audio without picking up every breath.
- Write like you talk, not like you write. Your script should feel conversational, not like you're reading an essay.
- Batch production is the secret sauce. Set up once, shoot multiple videos. Your future self will thank you.
- Bring 10% more energy than you think you need. What feels slightly over-the-top to you comes across as perfectly engaged on camera.
3. Talking head + b-roll: The dynamic duo
What it is
Take everything great about the talking head format, then supercharge it with supplementary footage that illustrates your points. That's the talking head + b-roll combo — the perfect marriage of personal persence and visual evidence.
While your face builds trust, the b-roll footage does the heavy lifting of showing rather than telling. It's like saying "Don't just take my word for it — look at this!"
When to use it
This format is your best bet when demonstrating processes or showing products in action. Explaining how to use your app? Show screen recordings while you talk. Launching, say, a new coffee product? Cut to footage of brewing methods and people enjoying their morning cup.
It's also perfect for storytelling that benefits from visual proof or when you need to maintain attention spans for longer videos.
Pro tips
- Plan your b-roll shots meticulously before filming. Create a shot list that matches your script.
- Maintain visual consistency between your talking head segments and b-roll (lighting, color grading, etc.).
- The golden ratio: Aim for roughly 30% talking head, 70% b-roll for the most engaging content.
- Always film more b-roll than you think you'll need. You'll thank yourself in the editing room.
- Use natural transition points in your script to switch to b-roll: "As you can see here..." is the perfect cue.
- B-roll is also your secret weapon for hiding talking head edit points — use it to mask any cuts for a smoother flow.
4. Motion graphics: Visual storytelling on steroids
What it is
Motion graphics take visual communication to the next level. These videos combine clean, bold visual elements with purposeful animation and precise timing, using vibrant color schemes and synchronized design to tell your story.
Unlike kinetic typography, motion graphics aren't centered around text — they use a full arsenal of visual elements to communicate concepts in ways words alone simply can't.
When to use it
Motion graphics shine when simplifying technical or abstract concepts. Need to explain how your SaaS platform works without boring viewers to tears? Motion graphics can transform complex workflows into engaging visual stories.
They're also perfect for product demonstrations when physical filming isn't possible, establishing brand differentiation, or when you need consistent visuals across multiple videos.
Pro tips
- Start with a clear storyboard that maps out each scene and transition.
- Keep a consistent style guide for colors, shapes, and movement patterns throughout.
- Remember the principle of progressive disclosure — reveal information gradually rather than all at once.
- Time your animations thoughtfully based on complexity: use 0.3-0.8 seconds for simple transitions, 1-2 seconds for basic elements, and 3-7 seconds for important information.
- Use sound effects strategically to emphasize key movements and transitions.
- Give viewers enough time to read text — generally 1.5-2x longer than you'd need to read it yourself.
- Limit the number of elements moving simultaneously to avoid visual overload.
5. Live video (stock): Professional polish without the crew
What it is
Don't have the budget or logistics to shoot original footage? Enter stock video — the secret weapon of savvy video marketers. This format combines professional narration with carefully selected pre-purchased video clips to create a seamless visual narrative.
The art lies in selecting footage that feels cohesive and genuine, then editing it together with your narration to create something that feels custom-made.
When to use it
Stock footage videos are perfect for brand identity pieces and anthemic content where you need a polished, professional look without the budget for custom filming.
They also excel when creating aspirational content that would be difficult or expensive to film yourself — think global locations, high-end scenarios, or specialized environments.
Pro tips
- Write your script first, then hunt for footage that matches your narrative.
- Choose clips with similar lighting, color grading, and filming style for a cohesive look.
- Apply consistent color correction across all footage to create visual unity.
- Avoid overused, cliché stock footage that viewers might recognize from other brands.
- Keep individual clips short (2-4 seconds) to maintain visual interest and energy.
- License music that matches the emotional tone of your narration and visuals.
- Mix wide establishing shots with medium and close-up footage for visual variety.
- Consider professional voice talent for narration — it elevates the entire production.
Getting started with the essentials
Every video creator needs the right tools in their arsenal. You don't need to break the bank to produce professional-quality videos—starting with these fundamentals will set you up for success. Here's what to prioritize when building your video production toolkit, from hardware essentials to software solutions.
Gimbals
Gimbals are stabilization devices that help eliminate camera shake, giving your footage a smooth, professional look whether you're walking, running, or simply panning across a scene.
A lightweight, foldable 3-axis smartphone gimbal with magnetic quick-release and intuitive controls, the Osmo Mobile SE stands out for its portability, ease of use, and consistently strong reviews among budget-conscious creators.
This portable, foldable smartphone gimbal offers robust stabilization and a user-friendly setup, making it a great value for those wanting smooth footage without a steep learning curve or high cost.
Fisherfans Selfie Stick Gimbal Stabilizer
An ultra-affordable 1-axis gimbal that doubles as a selfie stick and tripod, it’s ideal for beginners or mobile vloggers looking for basic stabilization and versatility in a compact form.
Ring lights
Ring lights provide even, flattering illumination that minimizes shadows on faces, creating that professional, well-lit look essential for talking head videos and close-up shots.
This compact and portable 8-inch LED ring light offers multiple brightness settings and color variations, making it ideal for quick setups and desktop filming at a very accessible price point.
GVM Bi-Color LED Ring Light 14"
With adjustable color temperature and a larger 14-inch diameter, this light provides soft, flattering illumination and comes with a smartphone holder and Bluetooth remote, offering professional features for budget-conscious creators.
SmallRig Vibe P30 67mm LED Bi-Color Video Ring Light
This ultra-portable, bi-color ring light can attach directly to a phone or camera lens, features adjustable brightness and color temperature, and is perfect for on-the-go creators needing flexibility and accurate color rendering.
Ring light/tripod combos
Ring light/tripod combos merge lighting and camera support into one convenient package, saving space and setup time while ensuring your camera stays steady and your face remains properly illuminated.
Alsy Contemporary 3CCT Integrated LED Selfie Ring Light Tripod
Combining a 10-inch ring light with an adjustable-height tripod and three color modes, this set is suited for creators who need both versatility in lighting and the ability to shoot at different heights and angles.
Bower 12 Inch Foldable Ring Light with Adjustable Stand and Remote Control
This 12-inch foldable ring light is designed for easy storage and portability, with both in-line and wireless remote controls for convenient operation, making it a smart choice for those who film in various locations.
14 in. Selfie Ring Light and 62 in. Tripod Stand
Featuring a larger 14-inch ring light with five color modes and ten brightness levels, plus a sturdy 62-inch tripod, this set offers professional-quality, customizable lighting ideal for creators needing versatile, stable setups.
Softboxes and light boxes
Softboxes and light boxesSoftboxes diffuse light to create soft, natural-looking illumination without harsh shadows, while light boxes provide controlled environments for product shots and detailed close-ups with even lighting from all angles.
A highly affordable kit that provides consistent, soft lighting with adjustable stands, making it a favorite for beginners and small studios seeking professional results on a tight budget.
This kit offers a large 20'' x 28'' softbox and energy-saving LED bulbs, delivering even, natural-looking light ideal for video shoots and product photography at an accessible price.
Neewer Tabletop Photo Studio Light Box Kit
Perfect for tabletop video or product shots, this compact light box offers even, glare-free illumination and multiple shooting angles, making it a versatile, budget-friendly option for creators with limited space.
Microphone systems
High-quality audio is crucial for professional videos, and wireless microphone systems allow for clear sound capture while giving presenters freedom of movement without being tethered to the camera.
Comica Vimo Q 4 Channel Wireless Lavalier Microphone System
The Comica Vimo Q offers true four-channel wireless audio with individual track output, strong noise cancellation, and a 656ft range—making it ideal for multi-person interviews, live streaming, and 360° video, all in a compact kit with an intuitive charging case and broad device compatibility.
7RYMS iRay DW40 Wireless Microphone
This set features four transmitters and a 200-meter range, supporting simultaneous multi-person recording with AI denoise and a convenient charging case, providing a strong alternative for creators needing flexibility and long battery life.
Synco WAir-G2-A2 Wireless Lavalier Microphone System
The Synco WAir-G2-A2 is a budget-friendly, dual-channel system with DSP noise reduction, long battery life, and versatile mounting options, making it a great choice for two-person shoots and portable video production.
Audio
Royalty-free audio adds emotional depth and professional polish to your videos without copyright concerns, helping to set the tone and enhance viewer engagement throughout your content.
Suno.com
Offers AI-generated music with a free plan allowing up to 50 daily credits for non-commercial use and affordable Pro plans starting at $10/month for commercial licenses, making it a versatile option for generating custom songs with lyrics and various styles.
Pond5
Known for a vast, high-quality collection of stock music and sound effects, Pond5 provides flexible membership plans and pay-per-track options suitable for diverse video projects.
Mixkit
A free curated collection of stock music with a license covering podcasts, social media, and online ads, making it a popular choice for user-generated content.
Voice over talent and software
Professional-sounding narration elevates your video content by providing clear explanations, building credibility, and guiding viewers through your message with the perfect tone and delivery.
Fish Audio
Provides ultra-realistic AI text-to-speech and voice cloning with a generous free plan (1 hour/month), rapid voice generation, and affordable commercial licensing, making it ideal for professional video voiceovers and content creation.
Voices.com
A leading marketplace connecting you with professional human voice actors for custom voiceover recordings across all project types, ensuring high-quality, authentic narration.
Offers lifelike AI voiceovers in 80+ languages and 1300+ voices, with a free tier for short projects and advanced features for paid users, suitable for creating engaging video and audio content quickly.
Stock video
Stock video provides professionally shot footage for your projects without the expense of custom filming, allowing you to enhance your videos with high-quality visuals that match your narrative and brand aesthetic.
OpusClip AI Stock Video Generator
Creates custom AI-generated stock footage and B-roll tailored to your video’s narrative, allowing for seamless integration and easy editing, with the option to toggle between AI and real stock footage.
Videvo
Offers a mix of free and premium stock video clips and motion graphics, with a broad variety of categories and licensing options.
Provides extensive royalty-free video clips in Essentials and Signature collections, covering a wide range of topics and styles, with flexible credit or subscription pricing and broad commercial usage rights.
Finding your video sweet spot
The most successful video content matches format to message. Sometimes a simple talking head provides the authenticity your audience craves. Other times, motion graphics better explain your complex solution. Often, a strategic mix of formats keeps your content fresh and engaging.
The beauty of these five formats is their scalability — start simple with the equipment and skills you have, then level up as you go. What matters most isn't Hollywood-level production values but consistent, strategic content that connects with your audience and drives results.
Ready to elevate your video marketing but not sure where to start? Reach out for a custom video strategy that fits your vision and resources - no cookie-cutter solutions here.