In the digital era, video is no longer an option but a necessity. Whether you’re a startup, a personal brand or a big corporation, the need for great video content has grown exponentially. But there’s a downside: you can pay a lot to get high-quality videos made. Hardware, studios, software, even hiring personnel can rip your wallet short. So, how do you create engaging and polished videos without breaking the bank?
There is nothing better than having wondered why the eponymous brands such as Paper Boat or TATA Tea create such compelling videos on such an absurdly low budget.
The good news? You don’t need an army of producers or state-of-the-art equipment to make great videos. Anyone can produce quality videos with limited resources by using the right methods and creativity.
Just imagine spending less than this, yet still creating videos that grab attention, communicate your message, and generate conversions. Sounds like a win-win, right?
In this article, we will learn the steps to create a budget video production with real-world examples of some of the brands that have succeeded in creating budget videos.
Why Video Content Matters—However, Even on a Shoestring Budget?
Video is one of the most watched media content these days. A Wyzowl study finds that 86 percent of businesses use video for marketing, and 93 percent of marketers feel video has increased brand awareness. Without incorporating video, you are just wasting money.
And video is not just a thing, it’s just the right kind of video. The simplest, low-budget video will almost always perform better than the highest-budget, highest-resolution video if it resonates with your audience.
Real-World Implementation – Paper Boat’s Retro Reminiscence Campaign
This is exemplified by Paper Boat, an Indian bevvy brand. They did not use expensive cameras or elaborate sets for their wildly successful “Drinks and Memories” campaign. Rather, they were storytellers – nostalgic, human tales that moved readers’ hearts. Their animated simplicity coupled with real-world storytelling made the campaign an overwhelmingly successful campaign without breaking the budget.
The Fundamentals – What You Really Need to Get Started
However, before we delve into the nitty-gritty of savings methods, it is important to be clear about what is required for video production. Here’s a rundown of everything you absolutely need to produce great videos:
1. A Good Story
Your narrative is your best product. Even when you have limited funds, a great story can save the day. Try to tell a narrative that your readers would be engaged with. Whether it’s an explainer, testimonial, or brand narrative, it’s all about the message.
2. Basic Equipment
Don’t be fooled into thinking that you need expensive cameras or lighting to make good videos. Most Indian Youtubers and start-ups started from a smartphone. Here’s what you can use:
Camera: Sometimes you can use the camera on your phone. Cameras such as the iPhone 13 or OnePlus 9 Pro support 4K video. Stack this with a stabilizer or tripod for manual shots.
Lighting: Natural light is free! Shooting by a window or in the shade can give you professional lighting at no cost. If you want to use artificial light, go for low-cost alternatives such as ring lights or LED panels available on the web.
Audio: Good audio is non-negotiable. Buy a cheap lapel mic or a USB microphone for better sound. Poor audio ruins even the most beautiful videos.
3. Editing Software
Editing will make your video from amateur to professional. Fortunately, there are plenty of free or low-cost editing apps to choose from:
Free Tools: iMovie (Mac) or DaVinci Resolve (Mac and Windows) are excellent free editing tools.
Pay-as-You-Go: Adobe Premiere Rush, Filmora, Kinemaster, and other premium video editors all cost as much as $5 a pop.
How to Create Value with What You Have In Store For You?
1. Prepare With a Script and Storyboard Get Ready!
Gambling your way through a shoot is the best way to waste time and money. A good script and storyboard can let you visualize the video in advance so that you’re not wasting money on throwaway takes or scenes.
2. Use Your Surroundings
Instead of renting a studio, bring your stuff. Indian brands have often used offices, homes or places within their area to shoot videos. For Chumbak, a quirky lifestyle brand, they frequently film at their vibrant stores or around the corner to reduce costs and showcase their colorful branding.
3. Leverage User-Generated Content (UGC)
Social media posts are an unstoppable source of income when you’re low on cash. Ask your followers to upload videos of yourself using your product or service. This not only reduces production expenses but also helps build engagement and trust. In the early days, companies such as ZO Rooms (which would eventually become OYO) leveraged UGC by getting people to submit travel accounts that could be used as free marketing materials.
4. DIY with Low-Cost Tools
You can make your own video using a vast amount of low-cost equipment. You can, for example, create animations, text overlays, or even videos from your smartphone with tools such as Canva or InShot. These apps are affordable and accessible even for beginners.
5. Collaboration Over Commissioning
You can work with independent videographers or students building their portfolios instead of an entire production crew. On a platform such as Upwork or Internshala, you can find great creatives who are willing to work cheaply.
Post-Production Advice – Boost Your Editing Budget
Most video magic occurs in post-production. You can also cut corners here without losing out on quality.
1. Free Music and Sound Effects
Avoid buying music licenses, buy royalty-free music on sites such as YouTube Audio Library, Bensound or Epidemic Sound. This lets you bring professional music into the mix without breaking the bank.
2. Reuse and Repurpose Content
Take as much footage as possible and then reuse it on multiple channels. A 10-minute video, for instance, can be cut into Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube Shorts. By repackaging your material, you return as much capital to production as possible.
Example in Practice: TATA Tea’s “Jaago Re” Campaign.
TATA Tea’s “Jaago Re” campaign is a great example of low-budget video creation. Instead of investing in opulent production details, they leaned on an effective social message and simple form. They were able to tell their story with just a few visuals and relatable scenes, showing that good messaging could sometimes surpass costly production costs.
Conclusion – You Don’t Need to Spend Big to Make an Impact
You don’t have to spend a fortune to produce powerful videos. With strategic planning, imagination, and storytelling, even the smallest budget can yield big outcomes. It’s about applying the existing tools you already have, taking advantage of the free tools and being specific to the message that your audience will hear.
If you aren’t sure where to begin, video creation is a learning process. Start small, develop expertise and scale your brand as it expands.
We at Reset Media are trying to ensure brands like yours produce powerful videos without blowing the cash. If you want DIY production advice or affordable video marketing services, we’re here for you. Are you ready to push your videos to the next level? Contact us now and let’s make your vision happen — without breaking the bank.