Intro” comes from the English “introduction” and means the introduction to the video. It can look different: as a simple greeting phrase at the beginning or a full-fledged movie screensaver. It all depends on the format of the video.
You have probably seen the intros of most popular bloggers. It is the opening screensaver that increases the visibility of the channel and prepares the viewer for what will be in the video. In the article we will tell you how to make an intro for a YouTube channel and what you need to consider in the process.
What is important to consider when creating an intro?
The intro is an important part of the video, so you need to make it interesting and memorable. It is important to consider the following:
- Use your style. If you have a corporate style for the channel, design an intro in it. If not, make sure that the intro matches the theme of the videos and emphasizes your brand. Do not copy elements of other people’s intros so that you are not accused of plagiarism.
- Determine what will be in the video. Add elements to your video intro that reflect its content. This will help tune in to the right wave even those viewers who first came to the channel. You should not make high-tech intros for culinary videos, and strict and serious intros for passing fun games.
- Choose catchy music. You can use a cheerful melody, insert a funny sound or add a voice recording – it all depends on your imagination and the length of the intro. It is important that the sound is memorable, then it will pop up in the minds of the viewers and remind them of the channel.
- Don’t over tighten. The intro should be short and concise. Viewers are unlikely to want to watch a two-minute intro in a fifteen-minute video. At best, it will be squandered, at worst, the video will be turned off altogether. The optimal length of the intro is from 2 to 7 seconds, you should not do it longer.
Another rule no longer concerns the creation, but the use of intros – constancy . If you constantly repeat the intro, it will soon begin to be associated with you by the audience. And this is the main task of the screensaver.
Programs for creating intros
The best option on how to make an intro for a video with your own hands is computer video editors. They give more freedom of action compared to online services and do not limit the size and duration of the video. Consider three popular options.
Video MONTAGE
A simple program suitable for beginner bloggers. There are dozens of intro templates available that will help you quickly create an intro for any video. Also in the program, you can record video from a webcam, replace the background in the frame and overlay voice acting from a microphone, or add music from the built-in library, which features 200+ tracks.
As an example, we will show how to make an intro for YouTube in Video MONTAGE:
- Download the video editor and create a new project. To create an intro separately, select “Project from scratch”.
- Go to the “Text” tab and view the options in the entire frame.
- Select a template that matches your style and drag it to the pasteboard. The program will immediately offer to change the text in it to yours. Do it now or in the next step.
- To edit the splash screen, double-click on it in the workspace. The menu will open:
- In the “Background” tab, you can change the picture or make the background plain.
- In the “Text” section, you can add, edit and delete labels. If you want to add caption animation, do it through “Text Settings”.
- Using the Picture menu, you can add your logo to the intro and customize the animation for it.
- In “Effects” you will find filters to style the intro.
When you’re done setting, click Apply.
- To change the duration of the splash screen, right-click on it and select Edit. In the “Duration” field, enter the desired value in seconds.
- Finally, add music or sound. Go to the “Files” tab and select “Add Audio Files”, “Music Collection” or “Record Audio from Microphone” as appropriate.
- Export the result to your computer by clicking Save Video. If you want to change parts of the intro later on, choose File→Save Project. Then you can edit text or pictures at any time.
The screensaver is ready. You can add it at the beginning of each video, changing titles or other elements if necessary.
Adobe Premiere Pro
This program is designed for more experienced users. It contains advanced features: professional color correction, complex special effects, image stabilization. The licensed version of the editor is expensive – from 1200 rubles per month. This price includes ready-made Adobe Stock materials that can be used in intros and videos: music tracks, animated templates, video content and others.
However, there is a caveat: now even the free version of Adobe Premiere Pro is not available in Russia. A subscription with a trial period can only be issued from foreign cards.
VEGAS
A program for professionals with a complex interface. In it, you can mount not only an intro, but also a full-fledged film at the level of Hollywood blockbusters. Unique features will help with this: tracking the movement of objects, a particle generator, the ability to edit an unlimited number of audio and video tracks, and others.
VEGASo video editor has a 30-day free trial, which is just enough time to learn all the features. The licensed version, as in the case of Premiere Pro, cannot be bought in Russia now.
Online Services
If you need to create an intro for a YouTube channel as quickly as possible, online services will help. They have noticeably less personalization options, since most of the work is done with templates and presets, but this is enough to prepare a simple splash screen.
The services may limit the quality and duration of the videos created, as well as the number of projects, so it is important to read the terms of use of each platform beforehand.
Renderforest
The Renderforest online editor has many design tools, including a built-in intro maker. To create a screensaver, just choose one of hundreds of templates, upload your logo, add text and music. This is a good way to make a simple intro for a YouTube video.
The free version of the builder includes 500MB of online storage, the ability to create 360p videos, and a small selection of stock images and videos. To export the result in 720 or 1080p, you will have to pay 1600 rubles per video or from 999 rubles per month.
Fast reel
Another online video maker. It has fewer customization settings, it’s not possible to add your logos or pictures everywhere, but you can create longer and more interesting intros. Intro templates and videos themselves are divided by topic: business, education, family, cooking and others.
The constructor does not have the Russian language, and the free version has a watermark. To remove it, you need to subscribe for 590 rubles per month or buy a separate video for 300 rubles.
Summarize
Now you know how to create a good YouTube intro. You need to use your corporate identity, talk about the content of the video, choose catchy music and make the intro short and bright.
To quickly make a simple intro, online services are enough. However, computer programs have more personalization options. So, the VideoMONTAZH editor allows you to choose a background, insert animated text and pictures, add music or voice acting in just a few minutes. With it, you will prepare an intro that will make your channel recognizable and attract new viewers.
