Collab videos are one of the classic ways creators grow their channels and connect with new audiences. These videos are also a great way to make more friends in the YouTube community. However, collaborating with other vloggers can be nerve-wracking, especially if it’s your first time meeting the other creator.
Here are six helpful tips for making a successful collab video.
1. Try to get to know your collab partner at least a little bit before filming.
For all you know, your next collab partner could become your best friend, your future spouse, or your sworn enemy. While any of those dynamics may make for an interesting video, it’s much more likely that you’ll both have to warm up to each other before anything entertaining happens at all.
So, before your film with another vlogger, try to get to know them a little bit. If you don’t have time to meet up before filming, plan your video over FaceTime or Skype. Talking face-to-face will help you both become more comfortable around each other before turning on a camera.
2. Come equipped with a planned activity for your video.
When you’re collabing with someone, a Q-and-A or a storytime may seem like a fun, easy idea. However, if you don’t know them well, a conversation-focused video could quickly turn awkward or stale. To play it safe, plan an activity for your video.
Rhett and Link host a lot of guests on Good Mythical Morning. Even though GMM is a talk show, they never interview their guests. Instead, they play games with them.
3. Ask the other person lots of questions.
When you’re filming a collab, be careful not to dominate the conversation. Even if the video is for your channel, your viewers and your collab partner may become frustrated if you do all the talking. To keep the conversation flowing, ask the other person lots of questions.
Anthony Padilla has an interview-based collab series in which he features guests from underrepresented communities. He comes prepared with questions, but he also lets his guests help steer the conversation.
4. Let your collab partner approve the lighting and framing of the video.
In order for your collab to go well, your collab partner needs to feel comfortable. For many vloggers, liking how they look on camera is an important part of feeling comfortable enough to film. Therefore, you should allow your collab partner to approve the lighting and framing of the video before you press record.
Flip your camera’s viewfinder around so your collab partner can see themselves, too. If your camera doesn’t have a viewfinder, consider putting a mirror behind your camera so you can both watch yourselves if need be.
5. Play off your differences.
When you collaborate with someone, it’s easy to start by finding how you relate to each other. Maybe you both make slime videos or have terrible ex-boyfriends. However, your video will be much more interesting for your viewers if you find a way to incorporate and celebrate your differences.
For example, American vlogger Evan Edinger collabs with a lot of British creators because he lives in London. One of his most popular series is “British VS American,” in which he and his friends discuss the differences between their countries.
6. Make a plan for promoting your video together.
Your collab doesn’t end when you finish filming. Though your collab partner may not be involved with the editing process, they’ll play a key part in promoting the video. Before you upload your collab video, make a plan for how you’re going to promote it together.
Shane Dawson and Jeffree Star are currently working together to promote their long-awaited second collaboration series. To put more focus on Shane’s videos, Jeffree announced a short break from uploading his own content.
Working on a few huge new videos right now for my channel… 😇 I wanted to take an upload break and let everyone enjoy my new series w Shane and focus on that but I’ll be back VERY soon with a couple new videos next week 🔥
— Jeffree Star (@JeffreeStar) October 16, 2019
Collab videos are fun to watch and fun to make. Follow these tips to film a successful collab with just about anyone.
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Kristen Harris enjoys listening to a wide range of music, from Taylor Swift to, on occasion, Celtic instrumental. She also spends her time writing, reading, and baking.
