How to Film YouTube Videos (STOP performing and Be YOURSELF)

In this video, I’ll share essential filming tips for YouTubers on how to speak comfortably on camera with confidence. Learn authentic video creation methods that promote natural on-camera delivery and avoid stumbling while filming. Discover content creation tips for using simple filming equipment to reduce filming anxiety and create authentic YouTube videos. From managing filming energy to setting up an easy filming setup, I’ll show you how to edit out stumbles and embrace natural speaking tips to be yourself on camera without performing.

♡ WATCH THE FULL YOUTUBE SERIES HERE (FREE COURSE):

♡ What's in this video:

00:00 Preview :)
00:14 The 7 Factors
00:26 1. INTENTION
01:12 How to vs. How I
02:15 Rick Rubin Interview
03:07 External Pressure vs. Internal Motivation
04:32 2. SCRIPT
05:14 Bullet Point vs. Full Script
06:16 Filming in Sections
07:38 3. EDITING
09:27 What to Do If You Forgot Something
10:41 4. PROXIMITY
11:06 Filming Set Up #1
12:48 Filming Set Up #2
14:08 5. EQUIPMENT
14:55 Camera #1
16:18 Camera #2
16:28 Lenses
18:02 Settings and Microphone
18:48 iPhone
19:14 Lighting
19:47 #6. COMFORT
19:58 Posture
21:12 Clothing
21:58 Test Clips
22:47 #7. ENERGY
23:00 Cycle Syncing
24:18 Filming Strain and Recovery
25:29 Bad Filming Days
26:57 FREE YouTube Course

♡ My 2024 YouTube Equipment:

♡ TRY WHOOP:

Here’s what I did to help my business work FOR me, not AGAINST me as a woman:

1. Got my physical period back (ditched the hormonal IUD)
2. Used tools such as @ouraring or @whoop to help with tracking my cycle (you can also track it for free using Apple Health app or other period tracking apps like @stardust )
3. Learned more about what each phase meant so I can manage my energy 👇🏼

MENSTRUAL CYCLE 🫱🏻🫲🏼 BUSINESS STUFF:🩸MENSTRUATION (3-8 days):

More intuitive, a little tired, sensitive.

I take it easy during the time - I might not even work at all during this week.

This is a good time to journal, read, reflect, learn (or watch your fav show on Netflix lmao)

🔥 FOLLICULAR (14 days): THE BEST PHASE

You have lots of energy, you’re more upbeat, creative, clear headed.

This is a great time to BATCH film videos or BATCH write.

Basically do work that requires more physical or mental energy, like strategy or creative work!

🫂 OVULATION (7 days):You probably have a higher sex drive, feel more happy, social, and attractive :)

Good time to network, connect with others, do interviews, have meetings, go to events, and brainstorm ideas with other people!

😣 LUTEAL (14 days): THE WORST PHASE

Anxious, hangry, depressed, moody. @leonlarano knows to make me fruit platters, buy me snacks, and treat me like even more like a QUEEN during this time. 😁❤️

Focus on admin work, organizing, scheduling stuff, editing, repurposing content, etc. Repetitive, non-demanding type of work.

Also avoid saying yes to new projects during this time and take more breaks if you need! I am EXTRA forgiving of myself during this time 🥰

Hope this helps ladies!! ❤️✨ Being a woman is AMAZING. This is just a GUIDE for you to be more in tune with the natural cycles of your body.

I don’t always follow this to a T, but when I feel a burst or depletion of energy, I use this as a guide to figure out what to work on.

♡ Products:

♡ YouTube Optimization Tools I Use:

Use “vanessasbuddy” to get 20% off all licenses

♡ Stay Connected:

[GlacialCollectibles]

This quote really hit me: "As an artist, if you like it that's ALL of the value." Do what you love!

[victorialim]

Vanessa, have been a silent follower ever since you first started your channel and it’s been inspiring to see you grow. Thought you always had great tips but I find you so much more personable, relatable and authentic than ever before. You seem so much happier too!! ☺️Whenever I watch your vids now and behold your transformation, I think of a comment someone left on one of my videos the other day: “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” (Carl Jung). Keep doing you, girl!!

[JulianaAshrifeh]

i appreciate that you added the clips of you stumbing, cause I always stubble in my videos when recording and in my head i'm like "how do people know what to say without needing a script or stumbling" or I have another thought "it should not take me an hour to record a 15 minute video I need to get better at not stumbling."

[tylerjkeenan]

Your recent content is having such positive impact on how I’m approaching my YouTube journey. Thanks for the insights and authenticity. ♥️

[ikonora]

I’ve known you since you were a Sunny Lenarduzzi’s success case. It’s been a while, once in a while I stumble upon your videos and I love seeing how far you’ve come. ❤

[katghazarian]

Vanessa, you are onto something huge, girl. I’ve been following you for a few years and I’d get burned out just WATCHING your videos. You are leading a massive movement now with this new chapter on detaching from outcomes and results, and putting art out there just because. I’m so enjoying your videos now!

[FoodBodyPeace]

I’m a newbie YouTuber only 3 videos in, and just started thinking that I want to be less performative and more authentic! This video couldn’t be more perfect timing. Thank you, Vanessa! You’re such an embodiment of your work and it’s a gift to get to witness how you’re growing and evolving into the TRUE you! ❤

[normanlumhee]

Thanks for this Vanessa… this behind the scenes authenticity was liberating to watch 🙏🏼

[thekingdomsisterhood]

Thank you for helping me realize it’s okay to give myself permission to postpone a video when I’m having an off day. I once spent 6 hours filming a video, and the final result still didn’t feel right. Sometimes, we just need a reminder to honor our own rhythm and extend grace to ourselves so we can create content that truly feels authentic. You’re incredibly inspiring, and I absolutely love watching your videos!

[MujerVirtuosa]

I’m not sure if she will ever read this, but I think you are perfect just as you are! Your videos have helped me so much. I support people who put in the effort with my subscription and likes. I’m just starting out, and I consider you such an inspiration because the things you say are incredibly insightful and directly address my concerns and doubts as a creator myself.

[jdmann]

Oh man, it’s such a relief watching a big creator do the same thing when trying to record something. Having to start the same sentence over like ten times just to get the right inflection or just trying to remember your script. It’s awkward as all hell, especially if someone else is in the room with you 😅 cheers Vanessa!

[melanin_certified]

Wow Vanessa…I remember following you years ago and I loved your content then but felt you weren’t authentic or transparent. I stopped following because of those 2 reasons. But OMG to see how you have blossomed and become your own person! Then you were very robotic, scripted and synthetic. You popped up on my feed as a recommended video and I am so glad I clicked on the video. Wow…a 360! I am so proud of you. I am happy to follow you again! Keep pushing forward and tearing down barriers. I must say I did tear up because I see such authenticity in you now. You look so happy now. You’re not so “scripted” or robotic now. You’re calm and don’t seem so hyped up on caffeine as before lol. Welcome back pretty lady❤

[briank]

I have to say... I really admire how authentic you are, letting your personality and vibe shine through in your videos. And to see that you're almost at 1 million and still editing your own videos. Wow, much respect!

[missbrimichelle]

My favorite thing about your videos is that you are always so detailed! I mean you will cover things that I didn't even think about! I've been a subscriber for a few years now and I'm so happy to see you back in action on Youtube. Maybe 2025 is finally going to be the year that I get on/get consistent on Youtube if you keep pumping out this super valuable information. Thank you Vanessa!

[BlackBeltBarrister]

This is crazy! I do literally everything you're doing here with some changes - I edit the script by watching back rather than reading, I repeat the same phrases to get it right / get what I want. I also edit bits in later, and - wait for it - I even have the same comfort pose with the SAME leg underneath me 😂
❤

[HeartandHomeofJess]

Thank you so much for being honest about having a bad filming day and having to put it down and try again another day. Coming from an experienced and highly successful YouTuber such as yourself, this is so important and so validating! I’ve been feeling so down about starting my channel feeling like this doesn’t come naturally to me so maybe I just am not meant for this. Yet, I feel myself bursting at the seams with ideas and stories and messages I want to tell. Thank you for reminding me to give myself grace as I attempt to do something that isn’t natural, that does take a lot of energy, and can be quite difficult to do, especially as I am also a newer mama 😅 i appreciate you and this video, thank you 🙏🏽

[CheniseSinclaire]

Vanessa, I usually don’t take the time to ever comment on videos on YouTube but I absolutely HAD to tonight. Your authenticity & vulnerability since your come back has been phenomenal to witness & also very inspiring.

Thank you ❤

[DraVoz]

You have no idea how you are influencing my channel. I am enjoying my process so much now. Always thank you ❤

[AzeemDesigners]

I hope whoever reading this becomes a successful Youtuber.

[shonlyn]

I'm absolutely loving being able to see the more authentic Vanessa! I watched some of your older content a couple years ago and honestly felt intimidated. I wanted to start, but it never seemed perfect enough. I finally uploaded my first video on Sunday! It's not perfect, but I am so happy that I've finally started after talking about it for years. I'm going to be striving to improve and be more comfortable and build connections. That's why we're all here afterall.