For discoverability and affordability, businesses often start with public platforms like YouTube and TikTok, which are ideal for maximizing reach and building brand awareness. But many businesses need private video features that public platforms do not provide. 

The real question isn’t, “Should I use private video hosting or YouTube?” Rather, when does each belong in a business workflow?

We asked industry experts why their businesses use private video hosting, and why they stopped treating private and public video hosting as the same thing. Their answers reveal seven reasons private hosting belongs in every business video workflow.

What Is a Private Video Hosting Platform?

Private video hosting provides businesses with an online platform for uploading, managing, protecting, and sharing videos, with precise controls over who can access them. Unlike public platforms, private video hosting services offer advanced security features that prevent unauthorized access and distribution. These features include password protection, login credentials, and dynamic watermarks. Additionally, branding customization options provide a seamless video experience, while advanced analytics give businesses tools to track viewer engagement and audience behavior.

Public video hosting platforms serve a different purpose. Built for broad discoverability and social sharing, they excel at reach and brand awareness but offer limited privacy options, minimal access control, and no protection from video piracy.

For corporate communications, gated content, and any video where restricting access or distribution is a priority, public platforms don’t provide sufficient content protection. 

When Public Video Platforms Aren’t Enough

As video takes on more critical roles in a company’s operations, certain limitations become hard to ignore. Situations where businesses consistently outgrow what public platforms provide include:

• Access Control and Content Protection: If your video is intended for a specific audience — paying members, internal employees, clients — you need access controls that public platforms simply don’t offer at the business level.
• Viewer Retention and Traffic: When someone watches an embedded YouTube video on your website, the platform suggests another video that’s often unrelated to your brand. Private hosting keeps viewers focused on your content.
• Ad-Free Viewing Experience: Public platforms are ad-supported by design. That means your product demo, your client presentation, or your onboarding video may be interrupted by advertising you have no control over.
• Actionable Viewer Analytics: Public platform analytics are built for content creators, not businesses. Knowing your total view count tells you very little about how your audience is engaging with your content.
• Compliance and Confidentiality: Businesses sharing proprietary processes, unreleased products, or confidential client work, and those operating in regulated industries with compliance requirements, cannot rely on public platforms.
• Brand Consistency and Professionalism: Embedding third-party branding (YouTube, Vimeo) hands your brand identity to someone else. Private video hosting lets you present video as part of your brand experience.

7 Reasons Businesses Use Private Video Hosting

We spoke to industry experts to learn why their businesses use private video hosting. Our panel features professionals in marketing and advertising, web and digital services, and small business ownership. Together, they share their seven reasons private hosting belongs in every business video workflow. 

1. Ad-Free User Experience

A potential customer visits your website. Interested in your offerings, they play your homepage video. They’re served an ad immediately, get distracted, and keep scrolling. The moment for engagement passes and they don’t see your product or service in action, much less make a purchase. 

This scenario illustrates how an interrupted viewing experience isn’t just an annoyance for viewers, it’s a conversion problem for businesses.

“With YouTube, viewers get distracted by unrelated ads or suggested videos that take them off track. But with private video hosting, we keep their attention on what matters, showing them exactly what we do and how we can help. It helps us convert interest into actual client connections, which makes a real impact on the business.”

— Daniel Vasilevski, Director & Owner of Bright Force Electrical

2. Video CTAs to Direct Viewer Behavior

Viewers who engage for most of a video, and especially those who make it to the end, have the potential to become high-intent buyers. Their engagement signals readiness for the next step. Private video hosting lets you capitalize on those moments with in-player calls to action and post-play screens that guide viewers to where you want them to go next.  

“We needed to ensure viewers stayed on our client’s website after watching a product demo without being lured away by suggested videos. With SproutVideo, we embed the video directly on the website, keeping users on the page and guiding them to a call-to-action right after the video, reducing bounce rates and increasing conversions.”

— Shane McEvoy, Digital Marketing Strategist with Flycast Media

3. Authorized Access Controls & Privacy Tools

Whether it’s a product launch for a select group of stakeholders, training content for internal teams, or sensitive communications in a regulated industry, some business videos are meant to reach a specific audience and no one else.

Public platforms offer three privacy settings — public, unlisted, and private — and anyone with access can use other methods to copy, download, and share the content.

For businesses, unauthorized access carries real consequences, whether reputational, legal, or monetary. A secure video-sharing workflow reduces risk and exposure.

“We supported a client in a highly regulated industry where data security is paramount. Using a private host ensured their proprietary content was shared only within their designated audience, enhancing trust and compliance.

“This focus on security and targeted delivery boosted their confidence in their product unveiling and connected them directly to their key stakeholders without any leakage or distractions.”

— Dylan Cleppe, Co-Founder & CEO of OneStop Northwest LLC

Read More: Best Practices to Securely Share Video

4. Customizable Player & Playback Behavior

A customizable video player makes content feel like a natural extension of your website or portal, rather than an embedded third-party tool. That brand consistency elevates the visitor experience and keeps viewers focused on your offerings.

Beyond how video looks, private video hosting also gives businesses granular control over how content behaves: 

• Prevent viewers from skipping ahead or watching at double speed.
• Add lead capture forms at precisely timed moments to convert engaged viewers. 
• Control autoplay and looping behavior to shape the landing page experience. 

These tools transform video from a passive content-delivery mechanism to an active part of your business workflow.

“We have control over every aspect of the video player itself, from color and buttons to layout and playback parameters. This level of customization allows us to create a custom-made video that looks natural and is embedded within our co-branded landing pages rather than a stand-alone, stock video. Each video feels more like a continuation of the page than a third-party video, which is important when you want to hold people’s attention.”

— Anders Bill, Cofounder/CPO of Superfiliate

5. Video Management and Ownership

Building a content library on public platforms carries inherent risks: policy changes, account issues, and suspension for violations often arrive with no clear explanation or reliable appeal process.

Private video hosting gives you infrastructure you control, along with organizational tools built for managing video content at scale. Folder structures, custom metadata, searchable libraries, and user permissions mean your video library is as manageable as any other business asset.

No matter where you distribute video, private hosting protects your assets. Even if your social videos are taken down, your content lives in a private account, enabling immediate recovery. For businesses that depend on video for sales, training, client communications, or internal operations, that continuity isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s what keeps the business running.

6. Detailed Analytics with Engagement Insights

Public platform analytics focus on reach and retention. They’re ideal for evaluating how well content performed on a specific platform. But they don’t tell you squat about how, or whether, it directly impacts your business. 

Private video hosting provides granular insights you can use to understand exactly how your audience engages with your content:

• Who is watching: Identify specific viewers by name or login email rather than relying on anonymous view counts.
• Where they’re watching from: Track viewer locations by country and IP address to understand geographic reach and flag unexpected access.
• What device they’re using: Know whether viewers are on desktop, tablet, or mobile to optimize video formatting and length.
• How they engage: See what percentage of the video the viewer watched, where they dropped off, and what sections they replayed with heatmaps for every viewing session.

In-depth engagement metrics like these make it easier for professionals to connect video engagement to sales conversions. And for sensitive content, that same data allows businesses to spot suspicious access patterns before a breach becomes public.

“Private hosting improves our analytical capabilities. When planning a digital strategy for a client aiming for market expansion, the detailed viewer analytics available through private video hosting platforms helped identify the precise content that resonated most with their audience, enabling a fine-tuned approach to future marketing campaigns that led to more effective customer engagement and higher conversion rates.”

— Cleppe, Co-Founder & CEO of OneStop Northwest LLC

7. Increased Sales Funnel Conversions

Videos distributed on social platforms are valuable top-of-funnel content. Public video platforms offer reach that’s hard to replicate across most other marketing mediums. It’s an ideal way to expand your reach, so your core audience can find you and build trust in your brand. 

But once you’ve won traffic to your website or landing page, make sure you keep those leads and potential customers focused on taking the next step with your business. 

With benefits ranging from branded player controls to engagement analytics, private video hosting gives you the tools to strategically move leads through your sales funnel. Once you have a direct connection with your audience, maintain it with private video hosting at every stage of the conversion and retention process.

“The clincher came when we analyzed our viewer behavior patterns. With private hosting, our completion rates skyrocketed from 23% to 71%. Why? No distracting “recommended” videos hijacking attention, and we could embed calls-to-action at precisely timed psychological triggers within each video.

“Our most profitable revelation is the advanced analytics, which revealed that viewers who paused at specific technical segments were our hottest leads. We now trigger automated email sequences based on these behavioral cues.”

— John Beaver, Founder of Desky

Private vs. Public Video Hosting: Key Differences 

The differences between private and public video hosting (YouTube, TikTok, etc.) go beyond features and cost. They reflect two video purposes within a business: broadcasting to the largest possible audience or delivering a controlled, measurable experience to a specific one. 

The table below breaks down how the differences translate into outcomes and when it makes business sense to choose one type of platform over the other. 

When to Use Public vs. Private Video Hosting

Whether you’re a B2B company using video to move prospects through a sales funnel, an online course creator protecting premium content, a marketing agency managing client video, or a business with internal training and compliance requirements, the decision between public and private video hosting comes down to what you need video to do.

Use public video hosting when:

• You want to maximize reach and discoverability
• You’re publishing top-of-funnel content for broad audiences
• You want to build brand awareness through social sharing
• You’re leveraging search and algorithm-driven distribution
• Budget is a primary constraint

Use private video hosting when:

• You need to control who can access your content
• Video is part of your sales funnel or conversion strategy
• Your content is sensitive, proprietary, or compliance-regulated
• You need individual viewer data, not aggregate metrics
• Brand consistency and a distraction-free experience matter
• Video is a revenue-generating or business-critical asset

For most businesses, the answer is both: public video platforms for reach and discovery and private video hosting for securing and managing business assets.

FAQ: Public vs Private Video Hosting Platforms

How is private video hosting different from using YouTube, TikTok, and other public platforms? 

Public video hosting platforms differ from public platforms because they are built for discoverability: distributing content to the largest possible audience through algorithm-driven social media. They’re powerful tools for reach, but offer limited control over who watches, how the experience looks, and what happens after playback ends.

Private video hosting is built for control. It gives businesses the security, branding, analytics, and marketing tools to manage video as a business asset rather than just a piece of content. Where public platforms optimize for views, private hosting optimizes for outcomes.

Is private video hosting worth it for small businesses? 

Private video hosting is worth it for small businesses when videos live on websites, landing pages, or client portals. When someone is exploring your brand, you don’t want to remind them of YouTube, or worse, send them down a rabbit hole of content unrelated to your brand. 

Private video hosting is not only worth it but essential for SMBs that share product demos, client onboarding, gated content, sales enablement, and corporate communications. 

If your primary goal is brand awareness and reach, public platforms are free and effective. However, for most small businesses, the video analytics, branding, and access controls are tools that often pay for themselves. Furthermore, most platforms offer tiered pricing that scales well for small businesses before they reach the enterprise level.

Can I use private video hosting alongside YouTube? 

Yes, you can use private video hosting alongside YouTube — and most businesses should. Public and private video hosting serve different purposes, and the strongest video strategies intentionally use both.

Think of public platforms as where new audiences find you. While private hosting is the infrastructure that allows you to convert prospects, protect sensitive material, and deliver a controlled brand experience once they do.

What should I look for in a private video hosting platform? 

Look for a private video hosting platform that offers everything your business needs to manage video content online. Here are common private video hosting features businesses look for:

• Security and access controls: Look for password protection, login controls, domain restrictions, and geographic or IP address restrictions. For sensitive content, dynamic watermarks, signed embeds, and viewer access logs are essential.
• Player customization: Your video player should match your brand, not the hosting platform. custom colors, autoplay, looping playback, and controls visibility.
• Marketing tools: In-player CTAs, post-play screens, lead capture forms, and email marketing integrations make video an active part of your conversion workflow.
• Analytics: Individual viewer tracking, engagement heatmaps, and session-level data give you insight that aggregate metrics can’t match.
• Integrations: Check for compatibility with your existing marketing stack: CRM, email platforms, and LMS tools, if video is part of your learning infrastructure.
• Support: For business-critical video, look for platforms that offer responsive human support and onboarding assistance, rather than relying solely on documentation.

Do private video hosting platforms support embedding on my website? 

Yes, private video hosting platforms support embedding videos on websites. Indeed, it’s the best way to protect videos on your website, even when publicly available. Most platforms generate an embed code you can drop into any website, CMS, or landing page.

The difference between a public platform embed and a private one is significant. A private video embed keeps viewers on your page and gives you full control over the viewing experience: no third-party logos, no recommended videos, no ads. 

The embed player also prevents unauthorized downloads, so your content can’t be pulled directly from the page. And with signed embed codes or domain restrictions, your video only plays where you’ve authorized it. Anywhere else, it simply won’t load.

How do I know when I’ve outgrown public video hosting?

You’ve outgrown public video hosting when the platform starts working against you. A few signs it’s time to consider private hosting:

• You need to know who’s watching. Whether to improve engagement or hold viewers accountable, private video hosting shows you who watched, when, and where. 
• You’re concerned about piracy or leaks. When video is a business asset, such as membership-only content or sensitive communications, public hosting becomes a risk.
• You need control after sharing content. Control content access with duration limits, the ability to revoke access, and the option to update videos without breaking playback. 
• Your videos are sales conversion tools. Third-party branding, ads, and recommended videos dilute your message and distract leads from taking action with your business. 
• You’re managing a growing video library. When video is part of your regular business workflow, you need a platform built for it, with folders, tagging, and user permissions.

If any of these sound familiar, private video hosting is not an upgrade. It is a missing piece of your business infrastructure. Get started free for 30 days.

The post Public vs Private Video Hosting: How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Business appeared first on SproutVideo.

These outcomes are routine for Ethan Anderson, Director of Product Management for NOLA Education’s Star Academy. In this short interview, he explains how Star Academy leverages research, video, and multimodal learning to increase engagement and drive academic and social success. 

His insights are invaluable for developing video-based learning, professional training videos, and thought leadership content. By watching this interview, you’ll learn how to: 

• Use AI for creating training videos 
• Optimize video length for retention
• Incorporate video into multimodal learning
• Leverage research to achieve a 95% video success rate
• Save hours by using video for rapid prototyping & feedback 

How Star Academy Leverages Video-Based Learning For Student Success

Star Academy’s top priority is engaging at-risk students. Anderson’s role is to design solutions that drive real academic gains. Star Academy’s winning formula rests on research‑backed, highly engaging videos that help learners advance quickly and confidently.

What Makes The Star Academy Education Program Unique?

Star Academy students participate in a project-based curriculum supported by dedicated lab space for collaborative projects. In practice, classes are delivered in multiple formats, combining instructor-led sessions, desk-based applied experiments, and blended learning videos that connect screen-based interaction with real-world applications. 

At their desks, students engage with STEM toys, tools, and experiments—like rocket ships and volcanoes—while high-quality, cinematic videos enhance the digital learning experience. This structured alternation between screen time and kinesthetic activity deepens engagement and comprehension.

“Our program transforms learning from a passive, screen-only experience into a hands-on, immersive one. This powerful combo boosts engagement so much that students are excited to return to school.” 

Ethan Anderson, Star Academy

Six Principles for Engaging Video-Based Learning

Know Your Learner First 

Gaining market insights doesn’t need to be complicated, says Anderson. He encourages video creators and product managers to observe how end users interact with the product. 

“Go out and talk to the users and observe their how they use your product. You’d be surprised at how many people do not do that. If a 1,000-user research session brings you to 100%, you can get to 70% by talking to just five people.” 

Ethan Anderson, Star Academy

In the interview, Anderson shares examples of questions to ask and what to observe when learning how an audience engages with your video or product. For example, here are some prompts: 

Ask: 

• What type of videos do you generally watch? 
• What did you think of this video or product? 
• What did you like about the video or product? 
• What did you not like?

Observe: 

• Who are they? 
• How long do they watch the videos? 
• What do they do when not watching the video or using this product?
• What do they generally expect to see from similar videos or products? 
• What patterns are they comfortable with on the screen (e.g., colors, contrast, speed, and edit cadence)?  

This type of qualitative market research looks through the lens of the person who will watch that video.

We’ve seen this push for customer understanding from our interview with Autumn Manning at Faana. She stressed the importance of knowing customers—their needs, challenges, desires, and what it means to succeed. Without that knowledge, she argues, a go-to-market initiative will fail. See her video here.

“Before you start producing videos that somebody will consume, you must understand your user.” 

Ethan Anderson, Star Academy

Leverage Story & Motion

Good storytelling leads to more engaging learning experiences—it’s also a key element in Anderson’s four-part formula for creating great training videos:

• Ensure every frame of the video is intentional. 
• Open with a clear hook, using scenarios or characters to illustrate concepts. 
• Follow a miniature narrative arc (e.g., problem → exploration → solution) and wrap up before engagement wanes. 
• Embed quizzes, polls, and other interactive elements to further engage learners and check understanding.

“When you pair video engagement data with real learner outcomes—like quizzes, performance, and follow-ups—you don’t just guess what works. You know what drives lasting impact.” 

Ethan Anderson, Star Academy

Other important considerations for highly engaging video content include establishing a clear visual hierarchy and clarity with high contrast, clear on-screen titles, and consistent branding. Moreover, the editing cadence must provide balance without too many rapid cuts or long static shots.

Keep Videos Short, Cinematic, & Consistent

Research suggests excessive social media use is associated with shorter attention spans, which helps explain why learners often struggle to maintain focus when engaging with instructional content.

Moreover, in Anderson’s experience, many of today’s students aren’t interested in traditional 10-minute or even 3-minute “micro-learning” videos. They respond best to ultra-short content, about 15-30 seconds long. 

“Aligning educational video with student needs has evolved due to how people consume media today. While ten‑minute micro‑lessons once felt revolutionary, today’s learners—especially the TikTok generation—respond best to concise “knowledge snacks.” 

Ethan Anderson, Star Academy

Use Video Analytics for Better Engagement & Learning Outcomes

Quantitative video analytics cannot fully uncover how viewers engage with training videos. Anderson shares helpful tips for evaluating engagement with multiple types of data. He also discusses leading and lagging signals in content design and the difference between quantitative and qualitative data in measuring effectiveness. 

“You may not know what resonates with those watchers. The default place to look is my [analytics] dashboard. We make many potentially impactful decisions about our business based on that dashboard. But you can also do qualitative independent research after it’s been published, like follow-up surveys. If we properly structure our user testing, I can almost guarantee a successful product with 95% certainty.” 

Ethan Anderson, Star Academy

When combined with thoughtful user testing and qualitative follow-up, video analytics become a powerful tool—not just for tracking engagement, but for predicting the success of your content.

Think Like a Product Manager

Anderson’s experience in software development, multimedia production, user experience, and product management gives him a unique perspective on gaining stakeholder buy-in.

He treats video as a rapid prototyping tool. For example, before spending hours creating training videos, he builds low-fidelity “animatics” (i.e., stick figures with voice-over) to validate a storyline or video flow. He does the same to gain support for new educational applications using tools like After Effects and Figma, allowing him to create a clickable demonstration in hours, not months. 

This lean, feedback-driven approach accelerates alignment and saves time. 

“I like to view video development and performance like a product manager—using early prototype feedback to shape content before launch, and analytics and conversations to refine it after.” 

Ethan Anderson, Star Academy

Thoughtful Use of AI for Boosting Video Engagement

AI isn’t a magic wand. Instead, Anderson views AI as a thought partner, rather than an automated content creator. 

He suggests that AI’s real power lies in two areas:

Creative Collaboration (Beginning Phase) 

Use AI to help shape your ideas. Let it:

• Evaluate whether your story is worth telling.
• Help structure your story using proven frameworks like the hero’s journey.
• Offer feedback on character development and emotional impact.
• Serve as a second set of eyes to improve clarity and engagement.

Automation of Repetitive Tasks (End Phase)

Once your creative vision is clear, AI can massively increase efficiency by:

• Automating repetitive tasks like formatting, tagging, or captioning.
• Scaling production tasks that would otherwise take hours.

Anderson’s key takeaway: Use AI as a brainstorming partner up front and an automation engine at the end—this strategy can tenfold your workflow.

The Real Impact of Video-Based Learning

The transformative power of video is clear in Star Academy student outcomes. Anderson shares compelling stories of increased attendance and students making remarkable gains—some advancing from remedial classes to college acceptance.  

While it may sound ambitious, providing students with engaging video content opens doors to growth, critical thinking, social connection, and lasting success. 

Boost Video-Based Learning Outcomes

Watch the full interview to discover more concrete strategies that boost video-based learning outcomes, cut production time in half, and generate positive outcomes for learners. Don’t miss it—watch now.

The post Video-Based Learning Solutions: A Playbook for Student Success appeared first on SproutVideo.

In our recent video interview with Autumn Manning, we explore how a founder-led go-to-market (GTM) strategy, powered by authenticity and video, gives startups a competitive edge and drives sustainable growth.

After all, bringing a product to market is more than just a launch—it’s about building meaningful customer connections from day one. Everything starts and ends with customer engagement, says Faana founder Autumn Manning: 

“It’s hard to build something meaningfully different. Most early and growth-stage companies struggle to scale outside of the founder’s hands.” 

Autumn Manning, Founder & CEO of Faana

Manning, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, co-founded and scaled YouEarnedIt through Series B funding to a successful exit. She’s helped grow and advise many other startups, worked as a venture capitalist, and is launching a new company, Faana. 

Drawing from her extensive experience, Manning breaks down the most common mistakes founders make when introducing new products. Watch the short interview to gain actionable tips as Manning shares her infectious passion and firsthand insights for a winning go-to-market strategy.  

Go-To-Market Strategy Mistakes: What Founders Get Wrong and How to Fix Them

If you don’t know your ideal customer profile (ICP), you’ll take a generic approach to marketing—checking the boxes, doing blasts, and wasting a lot of money.

Instead, Manning encourages founders to start small with a hyperfocus on the needs of a small group of customers. Then, scale from there, get more creative with video, and test new channels.  

The bottom line: many founders often develop a product before validating whether it solves pressing customer problems. 

Common GTM Pitfalls:

• Failing to understand the ideal customer and their pain points.
• Scaling too early before establishing strong customer engagement.
• Lacking clarity in the marketing and sales funnels, which becomes evident to investors.

“Just because I feel a feature is going to work doesn’t mean the rest of the world feels it. That’s a dangerous thing for founders. You have to go through the process—not to prove yourself right, but to find where you might be wrong.” 

Autumn Manning, Founder & CEO of Faana

The Key to Product Success: Deep Customer Engagement

Successful founders embed themselves in the customer experience. This closeness helps them pinpoint how to get their product into paying customers’ hands. The better they understand their customers, the stronger their foundation to scale.

This deep understanding isn’t just valuable for founders seeking funding; it’s essential. Investors quickly recognize when a startup lacks accurate customer insights. Before scaling, founders must understand how customers discover, adopt, and use their products.

“As a founder, constant customer interaction is key—not just for retention, but for truly understanding their needs and improving your product. Watching how a customer reacts to your offer—whether they lean in or pull back—tells you everything about whether you’ve nailed the messaging and product fit.” 

Autumn Manning, Founder & CEO of Faana

How Video Strengthens Your Go-To-Market Strategy & Drives Engagement

Manning highlights the power of video in engaging customers, refining messaging, and generating early momentum. Beyond leveraging traditional go-to-market launch channels—such as blogs, email, social media, and landing pages—she also shares additional key video strategies, including:

• Capture User Interviews: Help product and design teams empathize with end users’ experiences, preferences, and challenges.
• Send Personal 1:1 Video Messages: Build trust and credibility with early adopters.
• Leverage Behind-the-scenes Footage: Humanize the brand and strengthen connections.
• Share A Short Thank You: Show genuine excitement during the late-stage sales cycle. 
• Distribute Video with Precision: Reach your most relevant buyers across channels.

“Video is a powerful way to express genuine excitement about working with brands. Whenever the sales team had deals in the pipeline, I would record myself sharing how excited I was about the opportunity. We did this for nearly every late-stage deal.” 

Autumn Manning, Founder & CEO of Faana

Why Founder-Led Go-To-Market Strategies Outperform Traditional Marketing

A successful go-to-market strategy requires founders to engage directly with customers—ensuring the product remains aligned with real-world needs. Seasoned founders personally participate in early sales, using direct outreach to validate demand, refine their pitch, and align with user needs before scaling. As companies scale, founders should remain close to sales and customer conversations to refine messaging and detect shifting needs. 

As Manning emphasizes, “If you know your customers intimately, it’s easier to share an authentic expression of a conversation wherever they engage.”

“The best product launches I’ve seen are founder-led. Customers want to connect with the person behind the vision. This is so much more effective than a generic approach to marketing.” 

Autumn Manning, Founder & CEO of Faana

Founder-led GTM strategies work because they ensure ongoing, real-time customer connection. Manning’s approach reflects this, emphasizing several ways to stay deeply connected with customers and the team throughout the journey using the framework below.

The Founders’ Go-To-Market Framework

• Always Stay Connected with Customers: Dedicate a portion of your week to direct outreach, sending personalized video messages, or regularly checking in with key clients to gather feedback.
• Stay a Step Ahead of Your Team: Use real-time customer insights to anticipate market shifts and proactively guide team updates to your product and GTM strategy.
• Stay Immersed in the Business and Team: Ensure the product’s heart and soul align with how you communicate its message.
• Constantly Evolve Your ICP: “It’s not a one-and-done thing.”—Hold monthly team sessions to revisit and update customer personas. Then, adjust product messaging and features accordingly.
• Continuously Refine Customer Research: Monitor your customers’ “watering holes” to identify where they spend time online. These insights help prioritize marketing distribution channels.
• Be Authentic: Leverage your customer knowledge and behind-the-scenes storytelling to strengthen your product positioning.

Ultimately, a founder’s direct involvement in the go-to-market strategy ensures that customer insights shape every aspect of the product, making the strategy more authentic and likely to succeed.

The Startup Veterans Approach To GTM

As we’ve learned from start-up veteran Autumn Manning, founder-led GTM strategies—particularly when combined with personalized video content—foster genuine customer relationships. Businesses can use these connections to add authenticity to their products, making the strategy more likely to succeed.

Long story short? Product launches are more effective and sustainable with a deep customer understanding, founder-led approach, and strategic video use. Watch the full interview to learn how. Or continue learning with our related resources:

• Video Marketing for Real Estate: Ideas from a 30-Year Industry Veteran
• Video Schema 101: How to Increase Visibility with Structured Data
• 10 High-Impact Ways to Repurpose Video Content

The post Go-To-Market Strategy: How Founders Convert Customers with Video appeared first on SproutVideo.

Prospective home buyers most often see a home online first. Their initial touchpoint is usually a video, either of the homes they’re interested in or an agent they might want to work with. For this reason, video marketing is essential for real estate agents and brokers. 

We had the privilege of chatting with Joe Siciliano, a managing broker with Compass’ real estate brokerage in Chicago. Siciliano has 30+ years of experience in real estate, and Compass is the largest residential real estate brokerage in the United States by sales volume.

In this short interview with Joe Siciliano, we uncover dozens of practical tips for incorporating video to build stronger business relationships, gain new listings, and sell more homes. Learn how to leverage videos that drive action as a real estate agent.

Video Marketing for Real Estate: A Guide To Building Connections

Use Video To Build Your Authentic Brand

“Be authentic and build genuine connections with clients. Taking action now is more important than waiting for it to be perfect a month later. You’ll figure it out as you go.” 

Joe Siciliano, Compass

Siciliano’s primary message on video marketing for real estate agents is to be authentic and build your brand. He reiterates that authenticity is more important than perfection, and video is an easy way to showcase your expertise and personality. 

Reach Out to Five People Daily

“Video, over the last 10-15 years, has become an integral part of our business in many ways. It goes back to making truly authentic connections with people.”

Joe Siciliano, Compass

Siciliano recommends reaching out to five people in your sphere of influence daily. For example, if a past client recently visited Hawaii, reach out to inquire about their favorite part of the trip. 

Share five personal messages in short, two-minute videos across your network daily. This regular action will multiply your impact over time. Production level isn’t important here; it’s all about connecting with folks through authentic exchanges. 

Share Your Expertise on Social Media

“You want to be a go-to resource for clients. For example, a video on the ‘Top 10 Things to Consider When Buying Lakefront Property’ provides insights that build credibility and trust.”  

Joe Siciliano, Compass

Create niche-focused videos that highlight your specialization. For example, an agent specializing in lakefront homes can use video to demonstrate expertise and provide unique value. In this way, you leverage video to solve problems and answer client questions.

Create A Video Website (or Vlog)

“You’re never going to compete with Realtor.com from a sheer number of views—but don’t try to be all things to all people. Agents use their website to showcase their team, philosophy, video testimonials, and thought leadership.”

Joe Siciliano, Compass

A 2024 NAR survey, Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, showcases opportunities for agents to stand out. The study uncovered that sellers expect agents to list homes on their websites in addition to the MLS. 

Yet, only 46% of agents market homes for sale on their website, leaving an opening for many agents to up their game. The survey revealed that home shoppers value websites visually representing the property with detailed property information and floor plans. 

Learn More: How to Make Your Video Website MLS Compliant

Consistency Is Key

“Consistency is key. Commit to your schedule—whether it’s one video a week or a month—and stick to it. Over time, your audience will value your insights and remember you when they’re ready to buy or sell.”

Joe Siciliano, Compass

While patience is essential, agents who embrace video as a consistent practice gain the most success. Siciliano suggests creating a realistic posting plan, given agents’ hectic schedules.

Invest In Production

“When showcasing homes, video quality is super important. The seller expects it to be a beautiful production with great lighting—everything has to be right. If I’m professional, my video needs to look professional.”

Joe Siciliano, Compass

When creating content to showcase your expertise and the homes you’re selling, Siciliano strongly recommends hiring a professional videographer and editor to ensure clients recognize your professionalism immediately. Ultimately, it’s worth investing the money into producing professional-level videos as a real estate agent.

More Actionable Insights for Marketing With Video

“This business is developing relationships and nurturing those relationships for a long time.” 

Joe Siciliano, Compass

Ready to level up your video marketing? Watch the interview for more actionable tips and video content ideas from real estate veteran Joe Siciliano. You’ll gain at least one new idea to add to your video marketing playbook—whether you’re a real estate agent or not.

Or check out our other resources on video for business:

• Create A Professional Video Website in Minutes
• Maximize Video Marketing Distribution ROI
• Why Businesses Choose Private Video Hosting

The post Video Marketing for Real Estate: Ideas from a 30-Year Industry Veteran appeared first on SproutVideo.

Whether recording at home or in an office, you don’t need a large budget or significant experience to create professional voiceovers.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to record voiceovers that sound professional, from delivering an engaging performance to setting up a voiceover studio. 

Whether you want to launch a podcast, make viral TikTok videos, or convert viewers into customers, here’s how to record voiceovers from the comfort of your home. Let’s get started! 

TL;DR: How to Do Voiceovers from Home

• Create a DIY Voiceover Studio. Build a blanket fort, or use your closet. Record professional voiceovers for cheap by using low-cost materials to prevent sound from bouncing around the room.
• Choose a Software. Acquire audio or video editing software. Try out free trials of paid software before investing in a professional product. 
• Practice, Practice, Practice. Read the script internally and out loud. Internalize its message and find a natural pacing. Record once you feel ready to perform.
• Upgrade Your Sound Equipment. It doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg to improve your voiceover quality with an audio interface and XLR microphone.
• Pay Attention to the Details of Your Setup. Invest in high-quality over-ear headphones, pick up a pop filter, and stay close to the microphone when recording.
• Get Multiple Takes and Edit the Audio. When it comes time to record, get multiple takes. Review each one with headphones. Don’t be afraid to splice parts of the best takes together or re-record over small mistakes in the editing process. 

What Is a Voiceover?

A voiceover recording refers to voice narration that does not feature the narrator’s image. 

Voiceovers are common in entertainment, such as audiobooks, video games, and animated television. But they are also ideal for businesses, whether you’re creating educational content, professional screencasts, or corporate commercials. 

In marketing videos, it is common for B-roll footage to play while an off-screen voice tells the brand story, describes the benefits of a product or service, and encourages the customer to take action. 

For businesses and creators, voiceovers offer the versatility to provide additional context and create an emotional connection. They are often used to narrate animated promotions, knowledge-based content, marketing videos, and social media shorts. 

How to Record Voiceovers in 7 Steps

We’ve broken down how to create a professional voiceover into three parts: pre-production, recording, and post-production. This guide will help you level up your voiceover’s quality.

Pre-Production

1. Create a DIY Voiceover Studio

Not all voiceovers need to be of professional quality. There are millions of examples of off-the-cuff voiceovers on social media that simply use a standard earbud’s microphone. For those videos, a quiet place free from interruptions is sufficient.

But if you’re buying a microphone for quality voiceovers, it’s time to upgrade your setup. 

A wide open room is full of dense, hard surfaces for your voice to bounce off; this creates “reflections,” which negatively affects the recorded audio quality. Luckily, you can create a cheap voiceover studio.

To develop good audio, consider how to prevent sound from bouncing around the room. Here are two common, incredibly low-cost options:

• Turn a closet into a makeshift sound booth. Line the walls with thick blankets, pillows, or foam boards to create surfaces that will absorb sound. 
• Create a blanket “fort.” A thick blanket over your head works surprisingly well; however, creating a blanket “tent” is even better to avoid picking up any movements. 

Of course, you can implement far more impressive setups. If you plan to record multiple voiceovers, consider creating an at-home studio. Buy (or make) sound-absorbing foam panels for your walls, or procure a portable booth with panels and a roof. The options are endless; choose the one that matches your needs and budget. 

2. Select the Microphone & Audio Software

At a minimum, you will need an external microphone and audio or video editing software. You can purchase a USB microphone that plugs directly into your computer for under $100. 

However, upgrade to an audio interface with an XLR microphone to create professional voiceovers. An audio interface will improve sound quality and latency. You can purchase a decent audio interface for under $250 and an XLR microphone for under $150. 

Also, consider getting a pop filter to avoid picking up “pfft” sounds in your recordings.

What Is the Best Software for Recording Voiceovers? 

Voiceovers can be recorded with the audio or video editing software of your choice; although, you can also use your computer’s built-in tools, like QuickTime to record audio. 

Most video editing software provides sufficient tools for cleaning up audio, allowing creators to avoid the process of importing and exporting audio across software. Popular video editing options include Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve. 

Consider using audio editing software if you need advanced audio editing or aren’t creating a video. The most popular options include Audacity and Adobe Audition.

3. Write the Script

A script illustrates your vision. It includes visual and spoken elements of the video.

Determine whether the visuals (such as a scene with a mix of dialogue and narration) or the voiceover (like a promotional product video) will set the video’s pacing. This decision will help you adequately convey the message in voiceover.

It can be tempting to skip the process of writing a script. But refining what you’re going to say and practicing your performance will go a long way in helping you craft a professional voiceover. When you’re ready to brainstorm, grab our free scriptwriting template as a jumping-off point. 

Voiceover Recording

4. Conduct a Test Recording

Everything has to work together in sync to capture a high-quality recording. Therefore, you should conduct a test each time you begin a new recording session. Skipping this step is the quickest way to get frustrated with the recording process. 

1. Set up your recording equipment and prepare the software. 
2. Press record and voice the first minute or so of the script.
3. Listen for errors in the recording with headphones. Check the audio levels. Alter your setup or audio settings as needed. Then, conduct another test. 
4. Repeat this process until you are satisfied with the initial audio quality.   

Audio Levels for Recording Voiceover

Avoid vocal distortion by watching your recording levels. An ideal recording level will average somewhere between -18dB and -10dB. The peak meter should never peak over -6dB while recording. Furthermore, a final mastered recording should never go above 0dB. 

Microphone Distance for Voiceovers

Make a fist and point your thumb and pinky in opposite directions, creating a Shaka sign. With your thumb to your mouth, your pinky should touch the pop filter of your microphone. 

You should be about 6 to 12 inches away from the microphone when recording a voiceover. This closeness helps the microphone pick up your voice instead of various noises in the room. 

The optimal distance will vary depending on the type of microphone you use and the level of sound treatment in your recording space, so determine the best-sounding distance with tests. 

5. Record Your Audio

It’s time to record! You’ve done all the necessary preparatory work. Now, it’s time to perform. Here are some tips to make recording easier and more enjoyable:

• Get in the Zone First. Find a way to loosen up. Watch a funny video, do yoga stretches, or dance to your favorite song. A great performance comes from a relaxed and centered place. Take a few minutes to get yourself in the right state of mind. 
• Don’t Stop for Mistakes. It’s good practice to complete each recording, even if you notice mistakes in your performance. You can fix some errors in editing; other errors will provide priceless feedback for future takes. 
• Record Five Takes or Less. If you need more than five takes, practice more before recording. Performing takes a lot of energy as well. If you didn’t get an acceptable take in five attempts, take a break and allow your energy to replenish. 

An effective voiceover makes it easy for the audience to absorb a video’s message. Keep the listener or viewer’s experience at the forefront of your mind when evaluating a recording. 

Post-Production

6. Edit Voiceover Audio

Before beginning the editing process, listen to your recordings with headphones.

In an ideal situation, your voiceover requires minimal editing. Using the editing software of your choice, you might rerecord a section, remove breaths and mistakes, or delete long pauses. 

Stop here if you will hand the recording off to an audio engineer; audio processing alters the recording in ways that limit the audio engineer’s ability to produce a high-quality mix. 

If you are creating the final mix, there are a couple of basic considerations that will improve the sound of your voiceover audio: equalization and compression.

This is called mastering a mix. Mastering is its own specialization and career path. So don’t fret if you feel overwhelmed during this learning process. The ultimate goal is to create a quality listening experience by making the audio as clear, crisp, and easy to hear as possible. 

Equalization

Different sounds fall into different frequencies. Equalization allows you to adjust the volume of certain frequencies without affecting others, making removing or boosting certain parts of a mix possible. Equalization removes background noise, word pops, and more. 

It’s better to capture audio with fewer background noises and high-frequency sounds. It’s generally preferred to need as little equalization as possible. For those who aren’t familiar with manually adjusting equalization, it’s common to use plug-ins and software presets.

Compression

Compression reduces the dynamic range of audio, which allows you to create a consistent volume. It prevents the highest highs from being too loud and the lowest lows from being too quiet. Compression also prevents distortion while allowing you to increase volume. 

7. Sync Audio & Complete Video 

Congratulations! You’re ready to sync your audio with the visual story of your video. 

Audio and video are recorded separately in traditional filmmaking. At the beginning of each take, the actor claps. This produces a spike that makes syncing audio and film easy.

Voiceover includes different challenges. Instead of syncing an on-screen actor’s lips with the spoken audio, you need to sync the voiceover pacing with the pacing of visual content. 

For this reason, you may decide to record voiceover first. This allows you to edit the video to match the voiceover, rather than trying to get one that matches an edited video. 

Either way, you now have all the tools to record a voiceover for your video! 

Why Are Good Voiceovers Important? 

Consumers want videos from brands. However, holding viewer engagement, even with short videos, can be challenging. After all, 20% of viewers click away in the first 10 seconds. Yet a website visitor who watches a product video is 64% more likely to make a purchase.  

It is paramount to grab and hold attention. Don’t give viewers an easy reason to click or scroll away by underestimating the importance of good sound quality and an engaging performance. 

Key Aspects of a Good Voiceover

Audio quality and vocal performance are two central aspects of a professional voiceover. As such, each has important attributes that result in a good voiceover. 

Audio Quality

Generally speaking, voice recordings should sound realistic. The goal is not to create a new sound but to fully capture the vocal performance. 

Therefore, recording hardware must be able to capture sound with a wide range of audible frequencies, the full dynamic range (the quietest and loudest sounds), and little-to-no distortion.

Errors can happen at any stage of the recording process. In a soundproof setting, use your equipment to create a test recording. Listen closely and alter your setup if you hear any of the following:

• Extraneous noises (hiss, hum, etc.)
• Background sounds
• Echos
• Vocal pops
• Audio processing errors
• Microphone bumps 

Don’t fret if this process requires trial and error. Multiple factors of your voiceover studio contribute to the sound quality, including the microphone distance, equipment, room treatment, location (city versus country), and more. 

Performance 

There are several elements to a good voiceover performance. Even if your audio quality is pristine, a monotone script recitation quickly puts viewers to sleep. To improve how your voice sounds when recorded, consider pacing, diction, tone or inflection, and emotive performance. 

Pacing and Volume

Pacing is the rate at which you recite the script. Aim for a natural, conversational pacing. Practice the script to internalize its messaging and make the words sound like your own (whether you wrote them or not). 

Diction

A voiceover must be understood. Therefore, the first task of a good performance is to say the words correctly at an audible level. 

Speak clearly and enunciate each word without letting it drop off. For example, “The boys walk down to the river and fetch a pail of water.” It would be easy for this sentence to sound like a garbled mess, “The boy wall dow to the rivah and fesh a pail of wafer.” 

Pay particular attention to words with “s,” “er,” “ch,” and “t” sounds. It will be easier to focus on delivery the more you can recite the words without needing to recall or read them. 

Tone and Inflection

Your tone is the pitch of your voice plus its resonating quality. You might speak in a higher pitch with a calming tone or have a deeper voice that naturally booms like an announcer. 

Inflection is the way you alter your tone to express the script. Your cadence (the modulation or inflection of your voice when reading) will convey context, underlying information, and emotions. 

Emotive Performance

The emotion and energy you bring to the performance will ultimately sell it and keep people engaged. The technical aspects of audio quality and performance ensure mistakes don’t cause people to tune out. But your emotive performance keeps people tuned in. 

How Do I Improve the Sound of My Voice? 

A common hurdle when you begin recording voiceovers is accepting the sound of your voice. It’s normal to feel shy or unsure about how your voice sounds. It may take some time to get used to it yourself, but you will focus on it far more than anyone else. 

Another approach is to learn from professional voice actors. Voice actors can adjust tone, inflection, and pacing to create an immersive recording with their unique voices. Consider working with a vocal coach to improve your technique and gain new skills.

Voiceover sets the mood and tone of your video. With some planning and the right equipment, it can take your video to a new level.

But bad audio can ruin good content. After spending hours or days on a video, the last thing you want to do is ruin it with an amateurish voiceover. 

Capturing professional recordings includes a learning curve, but producing an engaging, professional-quality voiceover is well worth the time and effort.

The post How to Record Voiceovers with Tips from Professional Voice Actors appeared first on SproutVideo.

These days, customers commonly seek out information to solve their issues, only contacting the company if those answers cannot be found. 

This has prompted businesses to create knowledge centers that support customers’ needs, and video is the ideal medium.

In fact, video can be used for support and retention throughout the customer’s journey. 93% of consumers appreciate it when companies include post-purchase video instructions.

In this article, we will discuss the many use cases of video for customer support and retention, and how to generate customer loyalty with high-quality video support. 

What is Video Customer Support?

Video customer support is when a business uses video to convey helpful or instructional information at any stage of the customer’s journey.

Video might replace or supplement text to create an engaging experience. It can expedite response times and increase communication clarity between the customer and support staff. 

Why You Should Use Video for Customer Support 

Customer service isn’t just about ensuring a smooth sale. Its goal is also to create a frustration-free experience at every point of interaction with your company. The following are five reasons why video is the optimal medium for customer service.

• Streamline Video Support: Video can provide your support team with the ability to quickly receive and share video demonstrations to easily solve customer issues. 
• Create Quality Control: Video can be used to teach new support hires how your company approaches support and what to do in difficult situations.
• Provide Immediate Answers: Customers can become overwhelmed by large text-based knowledge articles. Make it easy to absorb the information with video.
• Reduce Support Tickets: You can continuously improve the knowledge offered at each stage when video customer support is woven into the customer’s journey. In turn, you create a seamless customer experience, reducing the need for people to reach out. 
• Reward Customers: Reward buyers with in-depth and exclusive content. These bonus offerings encourage a community to form around your product or service.

7 Ways to Use Video for Customer Support & Retention

Video Knowledge Base

When using instructional materials, 83% of people prefer watching videos over reading text. Therefore, adding videos to your knowledge base can make it more effective as a whole.

Start by determining what questions your support team answers again and again. Then, create instructional videos that demonstrate how to complete the task or solve the issue. 

Finally, utilize video SEO to make it easy for users to find the answers they need. This will also boost your organic reach. Those searching for specific answers may stumble upon your company and decide to test your products or services against the competition.

This way, your video knowledge base can serve customers at the bottom of your marketing funnel and build awareness for those near the top. 

How to Use Video

• Boost Organic Reach: Improve SEO with a library of direct and helpful how-tos.
• Automate Support: Allow users to immediately find solutions to their problems. 
• Make FAQs Shareable: Create and easily send videos that answer common questions.

Customer Service Training Videos

Video is a highly effective medium for training. When attempting to create a consistently high-quality customer service experience, video training can be used to prepare new hires, infuse their job with purpose, and encourage them to share their insights and ideas. 

In our examples of customer service videos below, former CEO Vineet Nayar outlines his case for putting employees first. He discusses his strategy as a leader and argues that exceptional employee service starts with the company’s actions. This highlights the importance of customer service training materials that reflect modern working culture. 

How to Use Video

• Train New Hires: Create consistently high-quality service with your support model. 
• Lead with Purpose: Inspire employees with the purposeful mission of your business. 
• Create Dialogue: Encourage new hires to share their ideas for how to improve their job. 

Welcome & Onboarding

What does a customer need after making a purchase? Providing set-up instructions, sharing content for deeper learning, and building a community all contribute to your customer service experience. 

How a customer feels post-purchase will determine their likelihood of becoming a repeat buyer or long-term subscriber. Therefore, consider the ways you can continue to create a frustration-free experience as your customers begin to use your products or services. 

A video is an effective tool for onboarding customers because you can directly show them how to use your product or navigate your service. In under a minute, they can jump right in and go. 

How to Use Video

• Guide through Setup: Walk users through the initial steps of using your product.
• Provide Knowledge: Produce how-to videos to help users excel with your product.
• Create Community: Build brand loyalty by fostering community around your products.

Thank You Videos

A business doesn’t function without its customers. Thank you videos take time to acknowledge the community of people who drive the company’s mission forward. Thank you videos can also be used to showcase customer achievements or congratulate someone. 

Sincerity is key. Saying “thank you” conveys a sense of awareness and appreciation that goes beyond the company’s accomplishments. An especially fantastic “thank you,” like the Charity: Water video in our examples below, will go the extra mile.

How to Use Video

• Celebrate Achievements: Send personalized videos to celebrate customer milestones.
• Highlight Contributions: Thank customers for making charitable donations possible. 
• Show Appreciation: Create a general “thank you” for customers and the community.

Exclusive Video Library

Consumers love valuable (and free) bonus content. Have you ever seen someone post on social because a company sent them stickers, a handwritten note, candy, or some other small extra items? That’s all it took for the customer to feel special when the package arrived. 

An exclusive video library with valuable or entertaining content for your audience can create the same sense of excitement and loyalty.

In one example, fans of Warhammer miniatures can pay a minimal membership fee to receive exclusive miniatures, animations, and shows through their app. This is one digital example of giving special access to customers and building a community with video content. 

How to Use Video

• Offer Bonus Content: Offer customers video content that provides useful information.
• Secure How-to Content: Securely share in-depth knowledge of your product with users.
• Share Practical Uses: Teach the various functional applications of the product you sell.

Support Demonstration 

When it comes to the daily exchanges of information between customers and support staff, nothing is more frustrating for both parties than illustrating the issue and how to solve it. 

With video, support staff can quickly create a video demonstrating the solution. If the question comes up again, they will already have a video to share. This also makes it easier for customers, who can easily review the steps they need to take. 

Video for customer support is a more cost- and time-effective alternative to offering live video support. Instead, reserve live video support as an offering for high-tier customers. 

How to Use Video

• Review the Problem: Ask customers to include a video screen share of their problem.
• Use Video Demonstration: Quickly make and send password-protected how-to videos.
• Create Support Tiers: Offer live video support or expedited service with the time saved.

Optimize Support with Analytics

An added benefit of using video for customer support is the ability to evaluate the success of that support with data. Video analytics allow you to measure engagement and review the most popular or skipped-over sections of the video.

You can also compare the analytics of support staff videos. If you find that one agent is producing videos that significantly reduce support time while effectively solving problems, they can train other support staff on how to make demonstration videos. 

Additionally, analytics makes it easy to know what videos are continuously being played from your knowledge base. This is a good sign that users want more content about this subject.

Plus with SproutVideo’s individual tracking, you can ensure new hires have fully completed video training.   

How to Use Video

• Optimize with Heat-Mapping: Review what parts of videos are skipped or re-watched.
• Track Engagement: Ensure new hires have completed customer service training. 
• Improve Consistently: Make sure all videos are helping customers as intended. 

Examples of Customer Service Videos in Business

Education & Onboarding

Headspace

Headspace is a mediation app. This calming how-to video helps new users quickly get started. It covers the main offerings and how to navigate within the app.

Canva

Canva creates a lot of short, screen-share-style videos that quickly show users how to complete various tasks within the application. 

Moz

Moz’s Whiteboard Fridays skilfully tackle useful knowledge for people who use SEO tools in around ten minutes. The series is still going with over 400 videos for potential and existing customers. 

Retention & Thank You

John Hopkins University

Based in Baltimore, John Hopkins University shared this “Thank You” video that features members of the community who help make it strong. 

Mailchimp

Mailchimp shares in-depth tutorials to set users up for success and provide an understanding of the many available tools that can be used in business. The information is educational, but customer retention is the result of having a library of useful content.

Charity: Water

When Charity: Water turned five years old, it wanted supporters to feel appreciated. Not only did the staff write letters, send emails, and make calls thanking people — they made hundreds of personalized videos. 

Training & Inspiration

Ross Shafer

Ross Shafer is a TV host, comedian, and motivational speaker. He shares how he was affected by a moment of above-and-beyond customer service at a Marriott hotel. 

Zendesk

Zendesk is in the business of customer service. This video got the attention of customer service workers across industries who dubbed it, “highly relatable.” It’s a great ice-breaker for new support employees who will experience these types of scenarios daily. 

Bob Farrell

Bob Farrell trains people in customer service. But he began as a restaurant owner. In this video, he shares the experience with a customer that led to his motto, “Give ‘em the pickle.”

Vineet Nayar

“Millions of employees walk through our organizations every day not just to get paid but to be inspired by the vision we have for them,” Vineet Nayar is a bestselling author and former CEO of HCL Technologies who shares his “employees first, customers second,” philosophy. 

The ability to put a face to a company cannot be understated. This is perhaps the most underrated benefit of video for customer support and retention: customers get the chance to feel connected to the people within your organization. When these relationships are fostered through support, the natural result is satisfied and returning customers. 

Ready for more? Check out how to structure instructional videos for great pre-production advice. Learn the easy way to write a video script, or review the six components of a successful testimonial video. 

The post 7 Ways to Use Video for Customer Support & Retention appeared first on SproutVideo.

There are so many options for cameras on the market. Choosing the right one to purchase, or just to use for a video project, can be challenging. In fact, there really isn’t a single right answer to the question, “Which camera should I use?”

Instead, we’d like to defer to the experts on this topic. We surveyed four professional videographers to learn what they consider to be their go-to camera – the one they reach for time and again. Keep reading for amazing insights into which camera systems the pros use, and why.

Meet the Experts

At SproutVideo, we’re lucky to be connected to a network of professional videographers by our mutual passion for all things video. Here are four of our friends who were kind enough to share their expert opinions on this all-important choice for anyone producing video.

Scott Jansson

Scott has more than a decade of experience filming documentaries, food videos, corporate videos, and broadcast news. You may even recognize him because he collaborated with SproutVideo on our horror video lighting tutorial. He splits his time primarily between New York City and the Boston area, though he frequently works internationally too. Scott typically works with a crew size of one to six people on his shoots.

Edu Rabin

Edu lives in Porto Allegre, Brazil, and has a decade of experience filming commercials, TV dramas, and feature films. His clients are typically regional networks or companies, and he mainly films on location. On an average production, Edu typically loops in a gaffer, grip, camera assistants, and loggers, as well as up to four additional assistants.

Stephan Alessi

Stephan’s fashion, athletic wear, and beauty shoots have taken him all over the world, though he often works in New York City where he’s based. Although he’s been filming for around seven years, he only started focusing on videography three years ago. When shooting stills, it’s often just Stephan and one other person, but on larger shoots, a crew of eight to ten is more typical.

Ben McIntre

Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Ben primarily works on documentary films, with nearly four underway at the time of writing. He also produces shorts and commercial work, and counts NGOs, networks, distributors, and digital publications like Vice. His projects take him primarily into Africa and Asia, though he also films in Europe and the US.

As is typical for documentary filming, the crew size is often quite small. Ben usually works with a director, a producer or two, sound, and an AC. Occasionally he’ll add a gaffer and second camera operator depending on the job.

Now that we’ve met the experts, let’s see what our panel has to say about their go-to cameras!

What is Your Go-To Camera?

The most popular makes of camera amongst our experts are Sony and RED. Here are the details on their responses:

Scott Jansson

I use a Sony FS7 very frequently because I own one, but I’m not exactly tied to it. I tend to vary my camera choice according to the needs of the project.

Sony FS7 Photo Credit: B&H Photo

Edu Rabin

My camera choice is driven by budget. When possible, I’ll use a RED Epic Dragon and Alexa Mini. Otherwise, the Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro 4.6 K and Sony A7SII with Atomos Inferno are a great choice for low budget productions. I’m also very fond of the Zeiss 1.3 High Speed. I like the way they “destroy” the digital sharpness with all the flares and the “milky” feeling the image gets when framed and lit in a certain way.

Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro Photo Credit: B&H Photo

Stephan Alessi

I use the RED Epic Weapon for most of my motion shoots. If I’m shooting stills, I rely on the Canon 5D MK IV.

Ben McIntre

I use a lot of different camera systems, and just try to get the best thing for the job, regardless of what I own. In general I use a lot of Sony FS7, Canon C300 Mark II and Arri Amira. I also shoot with Alexa Mini or RED cameras on occasion. While I’ve owned a Sony FS7 for years, I just bought a RED Gemini that will be my new in-house camera for a wide variety of jobs I do.

RED Gemini Photo Credit: B&H Photo

Why Is It Your Go-To?

Our experts mainly cited versatility and reliability in their reasoning behind why a particular camera was their go-to. For video, versatility means a camera can perform in a wide range of circumstances, and can deliver results for a variety of projects. For instance, our experts described the Sony FS7 as a workhorse that can deliver results for different types of shoots.

Stephan also added that he prefers the RED Epic Weapon because of the balance it offers between image quality and file size. Since his clients often need to edit the footage into various formats for online distribution and social media, he finds they have more options when using this particular camera.

Since Ben just switched from a Sony FS7, we wanted to get his thoughts on what drove the decision. He said:

I didn’t find the FS7 performed adequately in lowlight. There was too much image noise, and one of my long term projects involves a lot of dim settings, so it really showed…The RED Gemini is something I can use with a shoulder mount, or shoot handheld like the Canon C300 Mark II. I can dial in a data rate the production can handle. It’s just an easy camera to assign to anything.

What Would You Improve About Your Camera System?

Proving that no camera is perfect, all of our experts had a few criticisms of their preferred camera system, and identified missing features they’d like to see.

Scott Jansson

I have a few input-related improvements I’d like to see. I would love to be able to assign a button to switch between 4K and 1080. And, I could really use a start/stop button below the lens mount.

As for the rest of my wish list, I’d feel much better if the cable to the viewfinder was detachable. It would also be nice if the record symbol (Red/Green) on the viewfinder would stay on even if all the info in the display is off. An additional tally light visible to the camera operator could also solve that problem.

Also, I’d like the ability to simultaneously shoot a proxy while shooting 4k in camera. I’d like the other internal record options to be available without the extension unit. Finally, I’d like to see the extension unit be powered by Sony BP bricks rather than v-mounts.

Edu Rabin

Well, I would love to see more diversity in terms of equipment and lenses coming down to Porto Alegre and Brazil in general. Rentals are very expensive because of the high importation taxes we have to pay. I would love to have more lenses, anamorphic lenses for example, in my palette.

Stephan Alessi

One word: PRICES!

Ben McIntre

For my new camera, the RED Gemini, I’ve found the fan system can be a little loud when in hot weather. I have to bring more batteries with me now and change them more often, when compared to the Canon C300 Mark II or FS7. But I wouldn’t expect that to be a big problem. It just works great though. Very little to complain about so far.

Which Camera System Would Be Best for a Small One- or Two-Person Shoot in an Office or Home Setting, and Why?

Scott Jansson

For me it’s not really about the number of people involved in a home or office setting that will determine which camera system I use. It’s based entirely on budget, and project or client needs.

Camera functionality is fairly similar across all systems in terms of the ability to record an image, and the amount of time and work it takes to get up and running. That being said, I may limit the number of accessories involved if it causes camera build-time to be excessive without adequate support personnel, but again, it’s all dependent upon the project.

In a general use situation, the decision really comes down to personal taste, creative scope, level of technical aptitude, and what you’re willing to spend.

Stephan Alessi

The one you have easiest access to. Usually the camera you already have is the best choice.

Ben McIntre

I’d use an Alexa Mini or RED. The smaller the crew, the less you can do with light.

I really try to push for the best camera I can in those scenarios, even if it means less lighting gear and cheaper lenses to fit the budget. Some people go the other way with it, but I’ve always been drawn to a more naturalistic lighting style anyway, so for me that approach makes sense.

So, Which Camera Should You Get?

It’s the $100,000 question (yes, some camera systems cost that much, and more). As you can see, rather than there being one single answer, it comes down to several factors, including budget, your project-specific needs, and level of technical ability.

Expensive cameras are generally more complex to operate, but will perform well in a wider range of circumstances. Here, we’ve provided some general guidelines by budget because it’s an approximation for the level of technical aptitude required, and how versatile the camera is likely to be.

Budget

The camera systems our experts rely on cost $10,000 and up. But you definitely don’t need to spend that much to get a serviceable camera.

$1,000 and Under

Consider using the camera built into your phone. Modern iPhones and Androids perform very well for basic video needs, and can shoot 4K video. With the right accessories, you can create remarkably beautiful video with your phone. Even better? You’ll always have it on you.

Of course, you can always rent more upscale cameras while sticking to a lower budget so long as you are filming infrequently. This is also a great way to test out different camera models before committing to any particular option.

GoPro and other action cameras are another solid choice at this price point depending on what you’re filming.

$1,000 – $5,000

DSLR cameras with video capabilities are likely your best bet at this price point. Look for full frame sensors, and be sure to build lenses into your budget – you’ll need them!

If you prefer a video camera over a DSLR, many camera brands produce prosumer ranges at this price point. They’re often similar to professional cameras, but with more streamlined menus, fewer inputs, and smaller sensors. Not all models offer interchangeable lenses, which can be a plus or a minus depending on your needs.

$5,000 – $10,000

If you’re investing in a camera system to use on a regular basis, the Sony FS7 was a standout choice according to our experts for a variety of reasons. It’s at the high end of this range, but it’s a powerful and capable camera. A more budget-friendly option from Sony is the FS5, which is essentially a camcorder version of the FS7.

Another solid option at this price point is the Canon C200 EF, which our experts also mentioned as comparable to the FS7. It’s known for its particularly lifelike color tones. Canon also has an excellent reputation for reliability.

$10,000 and Up

If you’re one of the lucky ones for whom budget is less of a concern, the RED line of cameras is hard to beat. There were a couple different RED cameras that were mentioned in this post, including the RED Epic Weapon or Dragon, and RED Gemini. All are pricey to be sure, but also very solid, high-performing cameras.

Subscribe to our email list to get the next episodes in our How To Video series in your inbox. The next few episodes focus on cameras, and we’ve already covered audio and lighting. By following along, you’ll become an expert in all things video.

Got a question about cameras? Please share it in the comments below for expert advice!

The post Expert Advice: What’s Your Go-To Camera? appeared first on SproutVideo.

The set appears chaotic, with cast, crew, and equipment in a near constant state of motion. To the untrained eye, it can be hard to see how anything ever gets done. As Jendra explains, it’s really organized chaos. In this post, she walks us through the magic of making movies in prep, with tips for every step of the way.

Setting Up For Success

In this video, Jendra walks us through her philosophy for properly preparing for shoots. When it comes to prep, she believes more is truly more.

Who

A Director of Photography’s role is pivotal on set. They are responsible all things camera and lighting. They hire the camera assistants, digital and lighting technicians, choose the equipment, and manage the workflow of the team on that entire side of the film set.

Jendra’s fascination with video started early in life. In high school, she created her own “independent study” video program and was accepted “early-decision” at NYU. Over the next several years, she mastered the technical fundamentals of shooting (not to mention the dynamics of working on a film crew) by working as an electrician and gaffer and going through what she refers to as her “camera geek” phase on various film sets throughout NYC including Sex & the City, Law & Order, The Sopranos, Vanilla Sky, and Analyze That. She’s since traveled to over 25 countries for work and play including Papua New Guinea, Tanzania, Egypt, China, Cambodia, Thailand, Haiti, New Zealand, Turkey, UAE, South Africa, and Peru.

Most recently, she was chosen by Canon to shoot and direct the debut demo film for the 5D Mark iv Camera, that was shown at the Whitney Museum. For this piece, called Live Your Light, she was chosen for SHOOT Magazine’s New Director’s Showcase at the DGA theater, and the film won best experimental film at the Coney Island and Culver City Film Festivals, and the Audience Award for Experimental for the Brooklyn Film Festival.

Speaking of light, Jendra’s experience shines through. She has the kind of calm presence you really want on your team for any major undertaking. You immediately get the impression she doesn’t easily lose her cool. She’s worked on projects ranging from music videos to full length feature films. Whether she’s part of a small crew or a huge team, the core of her job is to make sure they get the shots they need.

Where

We caught up with Jendra during principal photography on location for an upcoming independent film. We arrived at the location – a downtown-Manhattan bar/restaurant– to find the street lined with production trucks for food and equipment. Staff were scrambling up and down the block speaking into radios and, as we made our way inside, Jendra was in the middle of the chaos, giving orders to crew who were snaking their way through the tangle of actors and extras.

It didn’t take long to realize what looked like chaos, was all orchestrated synchronicity.

How

“I’m a firm believer that movies are made in prep.” For a seemingly simple statement, there is a lot to unpack there.

It’s true that some videos don’t require much preparation. Sometimes a spontaneous, unscripted approach is warranted. However, we’re willing to bet that nine times out of ten, you’re more likely to wish you’d done more prep rather than the other way around.

Drawing on her wealth of experience, Jendra takes us through the different stages of prepping for a video shoot.

Start with the Script

Although we are big fans of properly scripting nearly any project, it’s true that’s not always necessary. Scripts can take a variety of forms, from detailed literary works of art, to simple descriptions of the action unfolding on the scene. The right script for your project depends entirely on what you are looking to achieve, and the nature of the video at hand.

Having some sort of script enables you to pull your team together, and get everyone on the same page. At a minimum, it should be clear what is happening, and when. That will enable you and your team to plan out the more elaborate parts of the shoot.

Director Scout

After reviewing the script in detail, Jendra explains the importance of the scouting the location with the director. This step in the process is a walk-through to assess the space available, and discuss the scenes that will be unfolding.

Shot Listing

The shot list is built based on the discussion with the director. It encapsulates all key scenes of your video, and often includes visual aids to help bring the vision to life.

By building a detailed shot list, you’ll enable your team to adequately prepare your equipment and setup on the day of the shoot. It’s key to include important information like the camera angle or movement, lighting required, and audio that needs to be captured.

It also might be worth starring the shots you absolutely can’t do without. After all, not every single shot will make it into the final. By ensuring you have a short list of the make-or-break shots, you’ll be guaranteed to get what you need at the end of the day.

Tech Scout

Once you have clarified the director’s vision and assembled your shot list, you’ll do another walk-through of the space. This time, you’ll likely be joined by more members of the team, such as the Assistant Director, Location Manager, Key Grip, Gaffer, Set Dressers, and Prop Team. It’s also entirely possible you’re working with a team of far fewer people, but the goal of this walk-through remains the same.

The idea is to communicate the director’s vision, and to work through the shot list so other members of your team can help make it a reality. After all, each has an important role to play in bringing the shoot to life.

Equipment

Every film shoot requires some equipment. At a minimum, you’ll need a way of recording audio, lighting the set, and recording the video.

Based on your walk-throughs with the director and the rest of the team, you should have a good idea of what’s needed for the shoot. Depending on your role, you’ll have to either rent, purchase, or source the equipment.

One simple step to take to ensure your equipment is handled correctly is to make an inventory. Make a list of all items that have to go back to each rental company, or back to your office, or returned to your friends. Bring stickers to label items if needed.

At the end of the day, you’ll be glad you have a checklist to work through to make sure it all goes back to the right place.

Schedule

Start with things you have no control over. When can you access the space for the shoot? Do the elevators only run during certain hours? When does the sun set?

Then, work through the stages of the day. You’ll have gear to unload, set up, break down, and pack up. In between, you’ll be working through your shot list, and possibly breaking down and setting up gear multiple times.

As Jendra reminds us, you have to factor in human elements as well. When does the crew need breaks? Can you order lunch in to save some time?

Once you have the schedule set, it’s key to meet with the entire crew to go over it in detail. Make sure everyone is on the same page before the big day arrives.

A Premium on Prep

The reality is, you’re constantly fighting the clock once your shoot starts. With so many moving parts, things are bound to go wrong on set, eating up those precious minutes throughout the day.

Jendra is spot on when she explains that the difference between a professional and amateur result is the amount of prep that goes into it. When properly prepared, you can better cope with the inevitable mistakes or delays.

Hopefully, her guide will help ensure you’re getting the results you want on set.

Questions about the prep process? Got your own tips for ensuring a professional result? Please share in the comments below.

The post Pro Perspectives: “Movies are Made in Prep” with Jendra Jarnagin appeared first on SproutVideo.

In the first episode of our Pro Perspectives series, we catch up with Clark Vandergrift, an independent photographer and videographer. He shares some amazing tips on how embracing personal work as a laboratory for learning new things can lead to commercial success with video.

Here’s how he does it.

Clark’s Professional Perspective

Where

It’s a cold and gray day when we arrive on set to see Clark in his element. A man in a Santa costume is dangling halfway through a roof while Clark is checking the settings on his RED Scarlet camera.

Unlike his big advertising shoots with full crews and a lot of client pressure, today he’s trying out some new ideas and getting his hands dirty on all facets of the shoot. One moment he’s ordering assistants toward a new task, and the next he’s searching for a new place to plug in the HMI key light before assembling the boom pole.

“Who wants this?” he asks the small crew after the audio kit is ready. “Okay Peter, it’s yours. You’re audio today,” Clark says as he slings the mixer over his assistant’s head. Peter shrugs and smiles; just another day on set in Clark’s cinema laboratory.

Who

Clark got his start in video as many do, by making the shift from shooting photography alone. After falling in love with the creative freedom afforded by video, Clark has slowly and incrementally made it a substantial part of his business.

It’s been eight years since he pressed record on his Canon 5D, and now Clark owns an entire production studio worth of equipment and a large tandem trailer to pull it. And the visuals he creates are on par with much larger production companies.

How

When talking to Clark, it’s clear he’s truly found his passion in life in working with video. His natural enthusiasm bubbles over countless times as we talk through different things that worked, or didn’t, over the years.

If he could give you one main piece of advice, it would be to dive in, and figure things out for yourself. You might not start as an expert, but learning by doing is one of the best ways to master all aspects of filmmaking.

So, how exactly can you do that?

Use What You’ve Got

Don’t let your lack of gear or paid actors hold you back! Grab whatever camera you’ve got, and start making video.

Get friends and family involved, and make it fun for them, too. This way you not only hone your technical skills, but managerial skills as well.

Oftentimes, video is more of a group effort than a lot of other creative endeavors. It’s good to feel comfortable managing crew and talent before doing it for a client.

Act With Intention

Shooting random video will not necessarily put you on the path to success. Identify the specific skills you need to hone in order to succeed in your craft.

Although it might feel overly formal when working on a pet project, being buttoned up about your work, no matter who the intended audience might be, will pay dividends when working with clients.

For each production, practice:

• Scriptwriting
• Storyboarding
• Scheduling
• Hair and makeup
• Set design

For each video shoot, try new methods for:

• Lighting
• Camera angles
• Special effects
• Framing shots
• Audio
• B-roll footage

When editing, test:

• Different pacing of the edits
• Motion graphics
• Vary the transitions
• Musical scores
• Voiceovers

By devising every shoot with the intention of building up your skill set, you’ll wind up with the experience and know-how clients are looking for when it comes time to book some business.

What are your tricks for honing your skills, or making sure you’re client-ready? Share in the comments below.

The post Pro Perspectives: Learning On the Go with Clark Vandergrift appeared first on SproutVideo.