Our Grading Criteria
clipflip Check
Will the video outperform others on YouTube?
Explanation
Is your explanation clear and easy to understand?
Camera Stability
Does the picture remain stable throughout the video?
Lightning & Framing
Is the overall lighting good, and is your subject in the center?
Production Design
Does the set you’re using suit the topic, and is it clean?
Audio Quality
Can your voice be heard clearly, and is there any background noise?
Hi,
I’m Rob from the clipflip’s expert team. I appreciate that you want to learn more about what it takes to make a good video. As a first step on the road of becoming a video professional I’d like to show you what is a quality video to us.
After I’ve received your video I rate it by our grading criteria in which we made quality measurable. So let’s take a look at the six points.
clipflip Check
As we have already mentioned in the basic clipflip check, go on YouTube and type in your topic. If you think you can manage to outrank the top three videos, you should surely shoot the video. If not, try to alter your topic so it gets interesting or choose another one.
Production design
You have a stunning topic? Great! Now start building your own set. In general, make sure that everything is clean and tidy. Furthermore you can build your own little stage. Take a white or grey cardboard or choose a white wall. As you get better at shooting videos, you can alter your stage. For example try coloured cardboards. Of course, you can also take your smartphone outside. But make sure your background is neither too colourful nor too grey.
Explanation
Have a topic that really drives you? We will be able to recognize from your explanation. It should express all your passion. But does your audience understand you? Therefore you should note down a little concept before you start shooting. Just write down some bullet points on what you want to say. Start with a little introduction then go on to your actual explanation.
Audio quality
If you explain something, make sure to speak slowly and clearly. Take a breath in between your explanations and arrange your ideas. If you have troubles in talking more than 15 seconds, rather try to do more scenes. It looks more professional anyway. However if you shoot more than one scene, be aware that the tone of your voice can change on tape. So the best thing is to stay at the same place.
Another thing you should always avoid is background noise or echoes. Wind or humming fridges can destroy your whole video. So make sure you checked that before you start shooting. Basements, garages and other places predestined for echoes should be avoided in the first place.
Lighting and framing
Lighting is all about contrast. The best way to find out if your lighting is okay is to simply try it on your Smartphone. Go to camera mode and have a look at the light through the camera. You will be surprised what a big difference it can make to have the light coming from your back, or if you have full backlight.
By framing we mean the place where your subject is positioned in the picture. For a start it is a good idea to put your subject in the center, but as you get better, you can start experimenting with the golden ratio and other creative framing ideas.
Camera stability
Stability should be the first lesson to learn and you already know it from the clipflip check. For a start build your own little tripod. However the better you get the more you could move over to smooth camera movement. Practice it a bit before you shoot your video. In addition it might be a good idea to have a friend film for you if you need your hands for the explanation.
Note: Filming a screen looks unprofessional as the clipflip app is not yet made for it. Right now we are developing an option for capturing screens professionally. If you are of the opinion that what happens on your screen is so important that we must not miss it, be sure to hold your camera stable.
After I’ve checked all the criteria, I create an offer. If it’s not your first video and I can see that you improved the video quality, I have the possibility to pay you even more. 
I look forward to receiving your fabulous videos!