An introduction video is an easy way to provide potential students with a preview of your teaching style and unique personality. It’s an opportunity to stand out, highlight your skills and showcase what it would be like to work with you. A successful video doesn’t have to be long; we recommend under two minutes.
How to create a quality introduction video
1. Prepare a script to say hello!
- Who are you and what do you teach?
- Tell students about your expertise. What are your career highlights?
- What is your teaching style? Do you use any particular techniques or methods?
- Wrap up. What can students expect from working with you?
2. Get Your Camera Ready
- We recommend recording with a digital video camera, smartphone or webcam.
- Recording in 4K, 1080P or High-Def will result in the best quality video.
3. Set The Scene
- Prepare a simple, clean space, or use a plain wall as your “backdrop.”
- Reduce outside noise.
- Record in a well-lit room or utilize soft, direct lights.
- Set the camera on a stand or sturdy surface and frame the shot.
4. Record and Review
- Your script is prepared and your space is set. Hit record and review the take!
- Can you hear your voice?
- Did you speak clearly?
- Can you see your face clearly?
5. Upload to YouTube
- Go to www.YouTube.com. Sign into your account or create one.
- Click upload at the top of the page.
- Select the video that you’d like to upload from your computer.
- Title your video: “Introduction”.
- Click publish when the video has finished uploading.
- Copy the link of your introduction video.
6. Link to your TakeLessons profile
- Log in to your TakeLessons account.
- Open your Profile tab.
- Scroll down to Photos & Videos. Click Add.
- Click on the Video option.
- Paste your YouTube URL into the link textbox.
- Write a caption that summarizes your introduction.
- Confirm the video follows our terms, check the terms box, and click Save.
Need inspiration? Here are examples from TakeLessons instructors:
Rosita R. (music and language instructor)
Philip F. (music instructor)
Need help uploading videos?
Here's a tutorial on uploading videos to YouTube or your TakeLessons account.
See Do's and Dont's of Intro Videos...
DO: prepare your remarks, use good lighting and sound control.
DON’T: ramble on without a script.
DON’T: use poor lighting.
DON’T: mumble, or record background noise.
DON’T: Speak at a low volume.