CHAPTER
13

Content Creation 101

In This Chapter

  • Making your first ASMR video
  • Developing yourself as an ASMRtist
  • The equipment you need
  • Deciding whether to be on or off camera
  • Easy videos to start with

Once you have found your triggers and become enamored with the ASMR community online, don’t be surprised if you suddenly have a burning desire to join their ranks. Nearly every ASMRtist says they got their start the same way: giving back to the community that helped them feel less lonely, got them through the tough times in their life, or just helped them get some rest.

It doesn’t take a lot of technical equipment to get started making ASMR videos, and soon enough, you can begin uploading your very own ASMR content on YouTube and generating a fan base of your own.

In this chapter, we explore basic ASMR content creation, with insights from leading ASMRtists on the secrets of their success and guidance through that all-important ASMR milestone: your first video.

Getting Started

Are you planning to film your first ASMR video? Congratulations, and welcome! You are joining the ranks of countless content creators who have brushed, tapped, whispered, and role-played into YouTube immortality. Are you feeling a little nervous? Well, don’t, because there is nothing to be nervous about. The ASMR community is a very warm and welcoming group of men and women who will be thrilled to have you on board, and it won’t be long before you are connecting with many of your favorites who will suddenly feel like old friends.

Don’t Quit Your Day Job

In order to get started in ASMR content creation, you need to ask yourself why you want to do this. If you have seen links to Patreon pages and PayPal accounts and have convinced yourself that this is a great way to earn some extra cash, stop right now. ASMRtists do not come to content creation hoping to make a fortune, and the idea shouldn’t be foremost in your mind.

KEEP IN MIND

The income most ASMRtists receive through viewer donations is not usually enough for them to quit their day job, so money should not be your motivating factor for becoming an ASMRtist.

The ASMR community was born out of the idea of helping people and, for the most part, is a free service. Yes, some ASMRtists offer and charge for private Skype sessions, but the focus has always been and should always be on helping others relax. Typically, ASMRtists are compelled to make a video in thanksgiving to the content creators who have helped them get to sleep at night. And once they hit Record, they can’t help wanting to make more.

What Kind of ASMRtist Will You Be?

Are you still interested in making ASMR videos? If so, the next thing you need to consider is what kind of ASMRtist you want to be. It is important to take a little time to stop and develop yourself as an artist so you know what kind of video you are best suited to film.

Although a lot of ASMRtists film a wide variety of segments based on current YouTube trends, fan requests, and personal triggers, most will say they have their preferences. While some current content creators like the sound videos that came from the first wave of content creators, others enjoy the vlog-style show-and-tells as well as the elaborate role-plays (see Chapter 14 for more about writing role-plays). There are pros and cons to each type of video, but ultimately it is a question about what skills you have to bring to the table and how your personal ASMR talents can be best showcased.

DEFINITION

A vlog is a video diary similar to its online written counterpart: the blog.

For example, if you have a shy personality and do not like a lot of conversation, role-plays and lots of whispering will probably not be any fun for you. However, if you are the kind of person who loves being onstage, dressing up, and pretending to be something you’re not, feel free to open your own intergalactic travel agency, ambiguous medical practice, or virtual hair care center. Whatever the case, you’ll get no judgment from us. This is your world and you can do whatever you want. As Bob Ross says, in your world, there are “no mistakes, only happy accidents.”

Once you decide what type of content you’re suited for, you should start simply. Although elaborate role-plays with all of the bells and whistles can be exciting and a lot of fun, current ASMRtists suggest that new content creators start small and become familiar with the process.

ASMRtist Robert “JustAWhisperingGuy” says when in doubt, new content creators should look around them and start with what they know and what they do. “My first role-play was a mixed martial arts hand wrapping role-play because I know how to do that from training,” he said in his ASMR Day instructional video. “I do a lot of videos that have to do with things that I already know and for me, I think that goes a long way in seeming authentic and kind of flowing much better than if I were to try and research something and figure it out for myself.”

As you can see from Robert’s story, it’s key to keep your early content simple and, above all, authentic. Do you have an interesting collection, a fun hobby, or a passion to share? Perhaps you work at a job that has interesting equipment you can show off. Plan your first video with this in mind; you’ll grow into bigger productions in your chosen content as you become comfortable in front of (and behind) the camera.

Finding Your Voice

If you are planning to speak at all in the videos you make, you also want to consider the kind of voice you will use in the segments. While some ASMRtists still whisper, many of today’s videos have segued to soft speech, which is a variation on the regular speaking voice.

TINGLE TIP

The worst thing to happen in an ASMR video is for the ASMRtist to speak in a voice filled with tension and anxiety. It is imperative that you are nice and relaxed so you will be able to speak slowly and with intention in order to get your point across.

As you know, the purpose of an ASMR video is to create a deep feeling of relaxation for the viewer, so when playing with your vocal range, choose something that is light and pleasant and that you can maintain without any sign of facial tension. Some ASMRtists say a good place to start is to test out the voice you would use to soothe a baby and go from there. You also want to make a point of practicing this way of speaking so it sounds as natural as possible.

Checking Your Surroundings

If you are thinking about filming your first ASMR video, chances are you do not have access to a fully equipped studio, scenery, or props department. It’s okay. ASMRtists work from home all the time; however, they do have to consider the space where they plan to record and what kind of environmental sounds will end up on the final take.

The number-one complaint that content creators tend to receive about their work is the amount of background noise that appears in the finished product. While you do not have to stress too much about this or strive to create an environment of total silence, it is important to take the time to consider the space you are in and note any potential liabilities.

For example, if you live in a metropolitan area, you may have more difficulty with noise than if you live in the countryside. You also may have an easier time creating a quiet environment if you live alone than if you live with other people. Pets can also be a problem, as well as nearby neighbors whose kids may come out to play the minute you hit the Record button.

TINGLE TIP

According to Hailey “WhisperingRose,” who published her first ASMR video on January 26, 2013, new ASMRtists just starting out should not spend too much time trying to create an atmosphere of pin-drop-like silence. “Sometimes that isn’t necessary and sometimes people enjoy a little bit of hiss or background noise,” she said in her ASMR instructional video from June 23, 2014.

None of this is insurmountable, of course, but it is one reason why you hear of so many ASMRtists filming their content in the middle of the night and in a closet so they can create as perfect a recording environment as possible on a limited budget.

In the end, some noises will be simply unavoidable. A sudden clap of thunder, a barking dog, a doorbell chime, or a phone ring—they happen! Every ASMRtist has had the same problem, so don’t let it get you down or ruin your whole video. You can work around any noise.

Gathering and Becoming Familiar with Your Gear

Although ASMRtists often tout the various specialized microphones, cameras, and fancy editing software they use in the descriptions of their videos, you do not have to spend a fortune to start creating content. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that most ASMRtists got their start using equipment you most likely have right at your fingertips and reached tens of thousands of subscribers before making an upgrade (see Chapter 15 for more on equipment beyond the basics)!

In order to film a basic ASMR video, you simply need a camera (whether it’s your phone or a video camera) and a way to steady your camera during filming. The best (and inexpensive) way to steady your camera is to purchase a tripod. These camera stabilizers with telescopic legs are incredibly easy to come by at yard sales and are not too expensive if you purchase them in a store or online. In fact, you can usually find them for around $5.

DID YOU KNOW?

On top of your tripod, you will see the camera mount—a small attachment that connects the camera to the tripod itself. While traditional cameras typically have a corresponding connection built in to the bottom of its casing, camera phones do not, which means you have to purchase an adapter for your model. These vary in price but are typically not very expensive and will enable you to stabilize your camera for the duration of your shooting session.

Once you have everything you need, you’ll want to become familiar with your camera and its role in creating the experience. The first thing you will want to understand is where your microphone is located and what kind of sound it provides in order to create the best audio effects on your segment. Most camera phones do have a compressor on them and do a pretty good job of capturing sound, but some are better than others. Also, most external mics do not have a compressor, which means you have to be careful about how close you get to it in order to avoid the dreaded sound “pops” (such as the overpronounced “p” sound).

You will also want to understand how everything looks from your viewer’s perspective and what you will need to do in order to offer them the best visual experience. Remember that what is shown onscreen represents what the viewers can see with their eyes; so if, for example, you offer them something to smell, you would not hold it up to the camera lens. That’s not where the viewer’s nose is located.

All of this takes a little bit of practice, and there is nothing wrong with preparing, rehearsing, and conducting a few test recordings to get the hang of it. You can then make notes based on problems you have incurred so that when it is time to film your first broadcast segment, you will have a solid plan in place to help everything run smoothly.

Preparing Yourself

While some ASMRtists do not adhere to any particular preparation ritual prior to filming, others find that it helps to try and relax their own minds before making ASMR content for others. There are endless ways this can be done, and of course every ASMRtist must find the system that is right for them. However, here are a few tips and tricks to help set the mood for your shoot, adapted from those used by ASMRtist Hailey “WhisperingRose”:

  • Put on soft, relaxing music to calm your mind.
  • Turn off all electronics and portable devices unless you are using them for the shoot.
  • If certain devices must be on, block all notifications for the time being so you are not interrupted.
  • Take the time to get ready; select an outfit and put on makeup, if applicable, for the shoot. Your appearance really can add to your confidence level.
  • Make sure the space you are shooting in is clear of any visual or auditory distractions. In other words, clean up any space that may show up on camera.
  • Go over any notes you have made and mentally build a script for your video. (Some ASMRTists actually use a written script, which we talk about more in Chapter 14.)
  • Test your audio and do a short test recording to make sure your equipment is working properly.

KEEP IN MIND

Whatever ritual you engage in, be sure it is something that puts you in the right frame of mind for ASMR. The audience will be able to tell if you are not relaxed.

Ways to Film Your Video

Although there are several categories of ASMR videos and limitless props, story ideas, and sounds to help them come to life, there are only two ways to film them: in front of or behind the camera.

There are pros and cons to each option, and most ASMRtists do a little bit of both. But before you get started, you may want to consider how you feel about going public with your work and how anonymous you want to be. There are tingle heads everywhere, and it is not uncommon for content creators to be recognized in the oddest of circumstances, so it is important to think about how comfortable you are with being seen. The following sections take you through each type, as well as a way to do both.

Behind-the-Scenes Videos

Preferring to be behind the scenes doesn’t mean you have to give up your ASMR career before it gets off the ground! If you are a content creator who prefers to remain anonymous, you can concentrate your efforts on off-screen whispers, nonvocal sounds, hands-only show-and-tell presentations, and even role-plays if you are particularly skilled at “talking” with your hands.

For your first video, we recommend starting out small, with something like a 15-minute, behind-the-camera, sounds-only segment, which is often the quickest and easiest type to make. All you have to do is to set up your tripod on a table, position yourself behind the camera (in order to see what you are filming), and go to work creating the sounds that will help your video come to life.

In case you didn’t know, a sounds-only segment does not have to be silent, even though it is typically thought of as a nonspoken option. On the contrary, you can still include vocalizations in your video whether you choose to make noises with your mouth, perform an audible/inaudible whisper, or pretend to blow in your viewer’s ear, among other things, while also tapping, scratching, scrunching, typing, or manipulating objects in order to produce sound.

Although you can choose as many sounds as you like for your first video, we do suggest that you begin with five sounds and spend approximately three minutes on each (you can check out asmrbebexo’s sound assortment video at youtube.com/watch?v=_zf9jYJuq70 for an example of this type). In order for your viewer to have the best chance of experiencing the ASMR sensation, you will want to spend a thoughtful amount of time with each sound, but not so much time that it will become ineffective. You will also want to build pauses into the video in order to procure anticipatory tingles. When working with items, you will also want to take the time to show the object from all angles before using it to produce sound.

KEEP IN MIND

An ASMR video should be a multisensory experience. Therefore, even if you are creating a sounds-only segment, you can engage the visual and tactile senses with how you show and handle objects as you tease the auditory nerve.

If you’d like to get a better idea of how to do a behind-the-scenes video, some of our favorite videos in which the ASMRtist does not appear or speak include the following:

Face-to-Face Videos

Appearing on camera in a face-to-face video is a great way for you to connect with your audience in a deep and meaningful way. Viewers have the opportunity to read your body language, learn your mannerisms, and develop a quasi-relationship with you as the person who’s helping them.

There is something very psychological about this idea and a reason that some face-to-face ASMR videos, such as doctors’ visits and salon/spa services, are such popular segments with the viewing audience. Hairdressers, massage therapists, and physicians attest that there are few people in one’s life that are invited to touch them or to care for them outside of family and close friends. When you re-create one of these events and assure viewers they are in good hands, it enables them to open up to the experience and relax without fear that you will take too much off the top, hit a nerve during a deep tissue massage, or diagnose them with cancer inside their faux medical practice.

TINGLE TIP

The key to creating a great ASMR speaking video is to keep everything you do natural and real. The audience can spot insincerity and will know if you are faking the experience.

As an ASMRtist, you need to be aware that this connection is being formed and it is not something that can be taken lightly. Viewers come to the ASMR community for a variety of reasons and whatever reason that might be, you are the content creator they are counting on, so it’s up to you to give them your best. If you don’t, they simply won’t watch your video. Be empathetic, be supportive, and above all, be purposeful in whatever you do.

If you are planning a whisper video, it is important that you have an idea of what you are going to say to fill up the allotted time. Make sure that whatever you choose to talk about is something that will encourage a deep feeling of relaxation in your listener. For example, a guided visualization or meditation can be a wonderful way to introduce your talents to the YouTube audience (a sample guided visualization can be found in Chapter 4).

If you’d like some good examples of face-to-face videos to model, some of our favorite ASMRtist-featured videos include the following:

Hybrid Videos

There is one kind of ASMR video shoot you can do that is kind of a hybrid shot of the other two. It is a video in which you may appear onscreen, but your presence isn’t central to the segment. Think of a cooking demonstration you may have seen on the Food Network: The camera is angled in such a way that you can see the individual preparing the dish; however, the focus is on what he is doing, not him.

As with any other kind of ASMR video, you can choose to speak or can remain silent for the duration of the film, but it is a different video from a close-up show-and-tell in which your hands may appear or a face-to-face vlog video in which your facial expressions and words are critical to the performance.

This kind of ASMR video is perfect for those people who are triggered by more visual stimuli rather than sound. It also enables you as the ASMRtist to use your hands in different ways, such as to make the slow, gentle, sweeping movements as you play with someone’s hair, carefully and deliberately fold towels, make the bed, and so on. These kinds of shoots can be very effective and enable the audience to enjoy a different perspective.

If you’re interested in trying to make a hybrid video, some of our favorite videos that demonstrate this technique include the following:

KEEP IN MIND

Always know when to end your video shoot, and do not get upset if it is not as long as you planned. Sometimes ASMRtists grow bored making sounds with the same items for several minutes. It’s okay; it happens. Be mindful of your own attention span and stop when you become bored with the sound. Trust us, if you have grown tired of it, chances are the audience has as well.

Editing and Uploading Your Video to YouTube

Once you have finished shooting your video, it is time to watch it, edit it, and upload it to YouTube.

We’ll talk more about formal editing processes, equipment upgrades, and other filming tips and tricks from the pros in Chapter 15, but for purposes of a first video, we want to help you keep it simple.

To begin, chances are you do not have a lot of fancy editing equipment to work with, and that’s okay. There are still a few things you can do to improve the quality of your completed product. You can easily use your phone’s camera application to trim your video and take out the footage of you hitting the Record button or running around the camera to get into position for the shoot. (You can do the same to the end as well.) If you have filmed in parts and now need to put the pieces together, you can easily use simple computer software, such as iMovie or Movie Maker to create your collage.

There are a number of tutorials to help you walk through the process of making and editing a video using a variety of applications and software. Some that will help you perform a few basics include the following:

Once you’ve edited your video, it’s time to upload it. The actual upload process is fairly simple. We’ll assume you currently don’t have a YouTube account. In order to upload a video to YouTube, follow these steps:

  1. Visit YouTube.com and click on the large blue “Sign In” button on the right of the page.
  2. Fill out the form with all of your necessary information. (Use your Gmail account in order to save some time later.)
  3. Choose the username that you want to be public, making sure it is one that reflects the ASMR image you want to present to the world.
  4. Click on the acceptance of terms button.
  5. If you used a Gmail account, you will be asked to link it and YouTube together; if you didn’t, at this point you will be asked to create a Gmail account.
  6. Once your account has been established and you are logged in, you will find the upload link next to your username. Click on it.
  7. You will be presented with two options: to upload an existing video or to record a video. Choose the former.
  8. A new window will appear in which you can select your video from your hard drive. Once you have decided which video to load, click “Choose.”
  9. As the video uploads, you will be kept abreast of its progress. While it is uploading, you can fill out the rest of the relevant information (title, description, and so on).
  10. Do not leave that page until the video has finished uploading.
  11. Once the video has finished uploading, it will take some time to process before it can be viewed online—typically anywhere from a half hour to an hour.

KEEP IN MIND

If you choose to upload your video from your mobile device, you may need to use the YouTube Capture application, which is a free application that can be found through your app store.

That’s all there is to it! Once your video is ready for viewing, you will be able to watch it and share the link with your friends on social media.

Although the upload process is pretty easy, if you need further help in learning how to upload a video to YouTube, Derral Eves is a YouTube expert with numerous tutorials to get you started, including the following:

The Least You Need to Know

  • When deciding what kind of video your talents are best suited for, remember to start with what you know.
  • You can make videos where you’re in front of camera, behind the camera, or a mix of both.
  • Keep your first video to around 15 minutes long. Once you get more used to the process, you can make your videos longer and more involved.
  • Uploading to YouTube is a user-friendly process.
..................Content has been hidden....................

You can't read the all page of ebook, please click here login for view all page.
Reset
3.145.93.210