If you’re just starting out your YouTube channel, you might be noticing that one major difference between your videos and your favorite YouTuber’s videos is that they have intros and outros and you don’t. They look super complicated to make, though, so do you really need one?
A content creator doesn’t need an intro or outro for their YouTube video, but adding one will boost content to the next level. Intros and outros are a great way to make content look more professional, familiar, and consistent; using them will ultimately build brand recognition for a YouTube channel.
In this article, we’ll share some easy tips to create and use your own intros and outros in your YouTube videos.
Why Make an Intro and Outro for YouTube Videos?
Most people feel like intros and outros in a video are useless. They waste valuable time for viewers that are just trying to figure out how to fix their sink or edit their photography. So, why do so many YouTubers use them? And more importantly, why do you need them?
One important distinction is that you don’t really need one, but having an intro and/or outro will help you in so many ways. First, having an intro for your YouTube video will make you look more professional to other viewers out there. Don’t you remember how impressed you were when you saw your favorite YouTuber’s intro for the first time? You can make that same impression on other people.
Second, using an intro in your videos can help build consistency and familiarity for your viewers. You may use a certain song that your viewers will start associating with your channel. Seeing that intro in your videos may help your viewers to associate it with getting helpful information from your content.
Lastly, having an intro and/or outro in your YouTube videos will help build brand recognition. Intros and outros, when used correctly, showcase your brand’s logo, website, and more. When paired with catchy music and cool graphics, your brand will look like the next big thing. Imagine if someone who had never seen your videos learned about your brand because your intro introduced them to it. Having an intro is such a great way to grow your brand, and it doesn’t have to take long to create one. (Source)
Best Programs to Use to Make an Intro or Outro
There are tons of programs out there that give you the ability to make great YouTube intros and outros, but some are better—and easier to use—than others. Some of the most recommended programs include the following:
- VideoHive
- Placeit
- Canva
- Fiverr
VideoHive is one of the biggest and best programs out there, offering a lot of different templates, many customization options, and even the opportunity to build an intro from scratch. The only problem with this one is that it’s kind of expensive, and it’s pretty tricky to use if graphic design is not your forte. VideoHive’s customizations and building tools require plenty of knowledge about Adobe After Effects, which is fine, but if you don’t know anything about that tool, this one is too advanced for you. Using this tool isn’t worth the hours and hours you’d be spending on your computer to make a 5-10 second intro. (Source)
Placeit is very similar to VideoHive, but it is, gratefully, much easier to use and is cheaper. You don’t need to be a graphic design major to be able to use Placeit. In Placeit, you can either subscribe and pay a monthly or yearly fee, or you can purchase templates individually. You can even use and download templates without paying, but the Placeit watermark will remain in the corner of your intro. Depending on what your plan for intros and outros is, you can decide which option is better for you. (Source)
Canva is another popular intro design tool. Really, Canva is just a design tool in general, so many people have experience using it for other reasons. But yes, it can make animated YouTube intros. Just log into your account and select the YouTube thumbnail option. Then, you’ll be brought to a blank page where you can go crazy! The trick to creating an intro in Canva is to use multiple pages in the creation process. (Source)
Fiverr is a great tool as well. Now, you don’t create intros on Fiverr. You hire someone else, like a freelance graphic designer, to make one for you. If you want to save time, this is the way to do it and still get a quality intro.
Tips and Tricks to Make Video Intros for YouTube
When making a YouTube video intro, there are lots of ways to go about it. So, we’ve gathered a list of intro components and tips to implement that will help you create the best possible intro.
For your B-roll footage, you want to make sure to capture photos and video footage of who you are and what your brand is all about. Slow-motion shots are a great way to do this. Also, make sure to get a mix of close, wide, and medium shots, mixing them up in your intro to give your viewers variety.
Text and sound effects, along with music, are a great way to add interest for your viewers. But remember, simple is best! You don’t want to overwhelm anyone. Make sure that everything you do has a purpose. (Source)
Where Should The Intro and Outro Be Placed in My Video?
Speaking of purpose, the placement of your intro and outro are essential. The very beginning of your video is not the best place to put your intro. The best place for your intro is actually a couple of seconds into your video, after giving a quick statement about what the video is about. The outro, though, can be right at the end.
Viewers want to be assured that they’re not going to be wasting their time. Doing this will help you to not only catch viewers’ attention but also keep it. (Source)
