“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”
And this statement is true about the world of videos as well. Think about your favorite YouTuber or TikToker. Do you believe you loved them only because of their charisma, personality, or content alone?
No doubt these factors are also important for video success and building a fanbase, but chances are that the visual presentation, including the background, contributed to your love as well, as it is actually one of the first things most viewers tend to notice when they start watching a video.
Why is it so? Most people are highly visual creatures, and our brains process images far faster than text or spoken words. Before we start listening to a presenter, we subconsciously start taking in the visual cues around them. This can shape our perception before a single word is spoken.
Here is an example for you: say you are looking for a beauty tutorial on YouTube. In one video, you see a cluttered, disorganized room and poor lighting in the background.
It seems far from saying, “Hey, you can trust me! I’m an expert!” Instead, you may lack confidence in the person’s expertise, getting constantly distracted by the chaos behind them and finding it hard to focus on what they say.
And now, picture a different scenario. Imagine the same video, but this time the background is filled with aesthetic decor and quality lighting, ideally matching the content of the tutorial.
It feels more professional and credible, right? The reason behind this shift is that human brains are wired to seek something aesthetically pleasing and consistent. So, when a background fits the content, it doesn’t simply make the video look better but also makes the person in it more trustworthy.
So, before you decide to record a video with a background, let’s explore what benefits it offers and discover some tips to follow.
Establishing Your Identity for Your Video Success
Your background is like your visual signature, which can tell your viewers a lot about you. Just think about it: almost every major brand you know has a consistent, unique look and feel.
This applies to video content as well. Whether it’s a specific color scheme, a set design, or even virtual backgrounds with AR technology, these elements help viewers instantly recognize and remember the brand.
Take a moment to recall some popular streamers. They often have unique backgrounds that are instantly recognizable. It could be a particular type of lighting, a branded logo subtly placed behind them, or a consistent theme that matches their overall content and vibe.
This consistency helps in building a strong identity. When viewers see these elements repeatedly, they start associating them with your brand, making it more memorable.
Being Authentic vs. Being Aesthetic
There is this common debate in the world of content creation: authenticity versus aesthetics. Some people believe that to make a video authentic, the background should reflect real life without any filters.
Take, for example, those stories on Instagram where influencers shoot videos with a messy room in the background. And there is no doubt that it looks and feels real!
But here is the catch: authenticity doesn’t have to equal negligence. It is about being true to yourself and your brand, not about neglecting basic production values or creating a visual distraction for your viewers.
The good news is that it’s possible to create a background that’s both appealing and suitable for your brand, one that reflects your real life while still aligning with your identity. Say you’re a fitness coach.
Wouldn’t a neat and tidy home gym look as authentic and aesthetic as your background? It will show that you do live the lifestyle you promote. So, ideally, your background should feel both genuine and eye-pleasing.
Telling Stories and Establishing Emotional Connection
Source: Canva Pro
Great backgrounds do more than just look nice—they help tell stories. They set the scene, provide context, and evoke emotions. So, stop viewing your background as a simple static setting.
Start seeing it as an active part of your storytelling! Ask yourself, “What can I add to my background to make my story more interesting and engaging? ”
For example, a travel vlogger can take some elements related to their trips and incorporate them directly into the background. It may be some postcards pinned on the wall, souvenirs placed on shelves, framed photos of tourist attractions, and beyond.
All this is not just about filling space; this way, viewers start feeling more connected to the journey, getting a visual taste of it and having a video success.
Similarly, a tech reviewer can have some techy background, with cool devices and neon lights, to create a truly immersive atmosphere and high-tech vibes. It’s like saying, “Welcome to my world of technology—this is where the future happens.”
Leveraging Virtual Backgrounds and AR
Here is good news for you: with advancements in augmented reality (AR) and virtual backgrounds, you no longer need a pro-level studio or expensive set designs to create fitting backgrounds.
Technology has come a long way, and now, you can transport yourself to any location or create any environment you can imagine with just a few clicks.
This technology is a game-changer, especially for those who might not have the resources for elaborate sets or the budget to invest in a professional studio setup.
Virtual backgrounds can be fully customized to fit your brand perfectly, and AR elements can add an interactive layer to your videos.
Imagine hosting a live Q&A with real-time graphics and information popping up in the background as you speak—it’s like giving your audience a front-row seat to a dynamic, engaging experience.
How to Create Truly Effective Backgrounds
Source: Canva Pro
Alright, let’s wrap up and get practical. Here are some tips to help you create backgrounds that will boost your views and keep your audience engaged:
1. Show Your Identity in a Consistent Way
Be consistent in everything you do, from colors to the general style. If you’re playful and fun, incorporate bright colors and quirky items. For a more professional vibe, stick to muted tones and sleek decor for video success.
Whatever you choose, make sure it matches your brand’s overall vibe across all your videos to create a cohesive experience for viewers.
2. Keep it Relevant
Your background should align with your message. In an ideal world, tech experts should place tech-related things in the background, while lifestyle bloggers should do their best to make their background space as cozy and inviting as possible. This contributes to your video success.
Relevance helps viewers connect with the content and keeps the focus on the subject matter.
3. Avoid Clutter
Who would like to view a messy background? It looks unpleasant, distracts attention, and makes the presenter seem less professional. So, even if you’re giving your all to being authentic, try to make your background look polished, at least a bit for your video success.
4. Use Lighting to Your Advantage
Good lighting can either make or break your background. Natural light is great for your video success, but softbox lights or ring lights can also do wonders in making your setup look professional.
5. Experiment Again and Again
Be open to all kinds of experiments! Test different backgrounds to see the reaction of your audience. At times, background change can breathe new life into your content.
Plus, don’t underestimate AR elements and virtual backgrounds, as they can add a futuristic touch to your videos. Just make sure they don’t overshadow your main content.
