Acting for YouTube and Instagram
Reels and YouTube also run on acting; the camera is just a phone, and the viewer has a scroll button. Learn these to stay on screen.
The phone camera is very close
Most phone shots are close-ups, so even small expressions look big. Keep your face relaxed, speak with your eyes and avoid needless hand movement.
The first three seconds
Viewers decide in the first three seconds whether to stay. Open with a question, a conflict or a funny moment, not an introduction.
A recognisable character
Channels that work often have a recognisable character, like Gapistaan's "Chacha". Choose your character, fix their way of speaking, habits and outlook, and play them in every video.
Comic timing
In comedy the pause is the punch. Hold for half a beat after a line and give your partner's reaction its time. Practise improvisation so a scene works even without a script.
Simple light, clear sound
You don't need an expensive camera. Window light on your face, a quiet spot and an inexpensive lapel mic make a video look professional.
Consistency
One viral video doesn't build a channel. Publish on fixed days, check where viewers drop off, and fix that in the next video.
All of this in the course
All three Indian Films Academy courses include "your own channel" training: acting for YouTube and Instagram, phone shooting, hooks, titles and thumbnails, and regular publishing, done on your own channel.