5 Tips for Making Videos Without Being on Camera

We can know something is vital for our well-being and success, but still not do it. 

For example, you may know that tidying up your studio before leaving will help you get a fresh start the next morning, but you still rush out of your messy studio at the end of the day anyway.

This same concept also applies to essential tasks you do, like marketing and promotion, for your business.

And of all the promotional tasks, video seems to be the scariest because you’re putting yourself, face included, out there for the world to see. However, video is also one of the most important ways you can promote your business nowadays.

In fact, according to Wyzowl, 84% of people reported they’d been persuaded to purchase a product or service by checking out a brand’s video.  

Even knowing that, people still hesitate to create videos often because they just don’t like being on camera.

Well, the good news is you can create amazing videos that promote you and your craft… without you having to be on camera.

Don’t Let Your Inner Critic Keep You From Making Videos

First off, let’s acknowledge that making videos can be terrifying and vulnerable. Our inner critics thrive on those fears, which I’ve written about in my posts on the unhelpful reasons that stop us from making videos.

But don’t let those beliefs stop you! 

If you don’t want to be in front of the camera, you can still make outstanding, clever videos for your viewers. 

5 Tips For Making Videos Without Being On Camera

Tip #1: Use Your Footage + Text

A lot of people watch videos without the sound on, so using only your footage or graphics plus text is a great way to get your message across. 

Make sure the text explains what’s going on in the video, and include a call to action where viewers can find more information. 

Tip #2: Use Your Footage + Voice

Another option is using your voice to tell your story. Recording a voice over, which is an audio recording of you talking, allows you to share your information in a more personal way. 

You can pair your audio with stock or b-roll footage, which is footage that helps to set the scene and can be close-up views of people, places, or things. 

Stock footage can be found on a variety of paid, third-party sites, such as Adobe. Alternatively, you shoot b-roll footage with your own camera or phone. 

Ideas for how this can be used effectively for craft businesses: 

• Walk through a creative process
• Show off a product from all angles while in use
• Demonstrate what is included in a purchase (e.g. kits or subscription boxes)
• Answer FAQs
• Create motivational videos 
• Do a studio walkthrough

Tip #4: Record Others

Just because you don’t love to be in front of the camera doesn’t mean that others feel the same!

You might already know people who are comfortable in front of the camera and would love to help you. Let them!

Happy Customers

Happy customers can provide video testimonials or other user-generated videos. 

People who’ve purchased your product or service lend credibility to your business because prospective customers get to hear from real, satisfied customers.

You can either ask your current customers for testimonials or see if they’ve already posted videos on social media that can be reused with their permission. You also may need to ask them for the original video file if you’re using the content in another video. 

Pets Galore!

Another style of video that doesn’t use your face but still has faces in it is…videos of furry friends! 

While filming a beloved pet can be easier said than done, who doesn’t love seeing a fur baby sleeping under a handmade sweater? 

The potential for cuteness is fur-nominal!

Cats are always a purr-tastic way to grab viewer attention

Tip #5: Easy & Fun Ways to “Kind Of” Be On Camera

At first, you might not be able to imagine recording yourself. But then you try out some of these ideas and you realize videos aren’t so bad.

Before you know it, you’ll be ready to put your neck out there (literally) and record in front of the camera. 

Here are some ideas so you avoid a ten-minute talking head video, which is not very interesting:

1. Record a short introduction, then slip in some b-roll with a voice over, and end with a wrap-up and call to action.
2. Film overhead shots of your hands making something instead of using stock footage. 
3. Try a timelapse or sped-up video. 
4. Have a friend interview you, which will take some of the focus off of you and may feel more natural. 

There are lots of ways to mix and match the footage you create to fit your video’s purposes.

A video can also be a satisfying audio experience for viewers

That’s A Wrap!

While exploring videos, you’ll find your sweet spot of how you like to show up in videos and roll with that. Remember to be gracious and understanding to yourself throughout the process.

Videos require courage and a willingness to explore and learn from your mistakes. If you decide to go down this road, you might find making videos unveils a special kind of joy.