Everyone agrees that authenticity is key to healthy communication. The same applies to video: if you want impact, viewers must feel your content is genuine. But how do you actually achieve authenticity? There’s no filter for that.
Authentic video content starts long before the camera rolls:
1.) DECIDE ON AUTHENTICITY FROM THE START
While planning your series, consciously choose to convey authenticity. This decision guides every subsequent step. Ask yourself:
- “Do we want to portray genuine pride in our community?”
“Yes.”
Then highlight real moments of involvement and spontaneous reactions.
- “Do we want viewers to see that leaders have considered all angles?”
“Yes.”
Then let leaders speak openly, sharing unpolished insights.
- “Do we want viewers to trust our direction?”
“Yes.”
Then show real progress, setbacks, and decision-making, not just polished promises.
Authenticity is an approach, not a destination. Set the tone early and stay consistent.
2.) EXPLORE THE TRUTH
Do your research. Explore multiple perspectives, including skeptics’. Understand their concerns and why they feel that way. What do they question? How can you acknowledge their feelings honestly?
This broadens your view and creates content that feels genuine, fostering trust.
3.) BE OPEN ABOUT DECISION-MAKING
Transparency in how decisions are made builds credibility. Share your process—challenges, uncertainties, and all.
It shows honesty and confidence that you’re doing your best, with nothing to hide.
4.) BE MINDFUL OF THE PRODUCTION MACHINE
Lights, schedules, and pressure can threaten authenticity. But with aligned purpose and a team experienced in authentic storytelling, these challenges can be managed.
Prioritize genuine storytelling over perfection; seasoned crews can help you do just that.
5.) SHOW, DON’T TELL
Use real stories, genuine interactions, and unscripted moments to convey your message. Over-polished visuals or canned speeches can seem fake. Genuine reactions resonate because they reflect real human experiences, which are all-the-more important in today’s culture.
Though capturing authenticity takes effort and experience, it pays off in the impact of your videos.
6.) HAVE SOME FUN IN THE PROCESS
While the message might be serious, don’t forget to have fun during filming. Genuine humor and spontaneous moments humanize your content and boost engagement.
Life isn’t all black and white—showing personality helps viewers connect with you on a human level.
7.) EDIT WITH FLEXIBILITY
Stay open-minded during editing. Don’t fixate on a single moment. Be willing to shape and adapt your footage to tell an authentic, natural story. Keep your main message in focus, but allow the story to flow organically.
Most good stories have a bit of a moving target, so it takes some dancing to hit the bullseye.
BOTTOM LINE:
If you want your video content to be authentic, BE AUTHENTIC in your approach to video. Take the risk of being real. Invite criticism, welcome other points of view, then maintain a relaxed, open approach to the whole production process.
Authenticity isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up honestly and letting your story unfold.