# YouTube Video Production Checklist

A smooth, professional video comes from careful planning, organized production, and thorough post‑production. Use this checklist to keep every step on track—from concept to publishing—so you never miss a detail and can consistently deliver high‑quality content to your audience.

---

## 1️⃣ Pre‑Production (Planning & Preparation)

- [ ] Define the video’s goal (e.g., educate, entertain, convert) and key performance metric.  
- [ ] Research target audience pain points and keywords using YouTube Search, Google Trends, and Ahrefs.  
- [ ] Write a concise video brief that includes title, hook, main points, and CTA.  
- [ ] Draft a detailed script or bullet‑point outline, highlighting timestamps for each segment.  
- [ ] Create a storyboard or visual shot list (incl. B‑roll, graphics, on‑screen text).  
- [ ] Scout locations and secure any necessary permits or permissions.  
- [ ] Prepare a shot schedule with estimated start/end times for each scene.  
- [ ] Assemble equipment checklist (camera, lenses, mic, lights, batteries, memory cards).  
- [ ] Test all gear: check battery life, firmware updates, and audio levels.  
- [ ] Set up a shared folder (Google Drive, Dropbox) for scripts, assets, and backups.  
- [ ] Confirm talent availability and send them the script/brief at least 48 hours prior.  
- [ ] > 💡 **Tip:** Write the video title and thumbnail concept during this phase—YouTube’s algorithm favors strong metadata from day one.

---

## 2️⃣ Production (Filming)

- [ ] Set up lighting: 3‑point lighting for indoor shots, natural light diffusers for outdoor.  
- [ ] Position microphone (lav mic, shotgun, or lapel) and do a quick sound check.  
- [ ] Frame the shot using the rule of thirds; verify focus and exposure with a histogram.  
- [ ] Record a 2‑second “clapper” slate for easier syncing in post.  
- [ ] Capture primary footage according to the shot list, following the script’s flow.  
- [ ] Record extra B‑roll (cutaways, establishing shots, reaction shots) for flexibility in editing.  
- [ ] Take multiple takes of key lines; label each take in the camera’s memory card.  
- [ ] Monitor audio levels continuously; adjust gain to avoid clipping.  
- [ ] Keep a log of timestamps for each take and any on‑set notes (e.g., “need more light”).  
- [ ] Backup footage to two separate drives on set before packing up.  
- [ ] > 💡 **Tip:** Use a portable monitor or smartphone app to review footage in real time and catch issues early.

---

## 3️⃣ Post‑Production (Editing)

- [ ] Import all media into a dedicated project folder; rename files with a consistent convention (e.g., `YYMMDD_Project_Scene_Take`).  
- [ ] Sync audio and video using the clapper slate or timecode.  
- [ ] Assemble a rough cut following the script’s structure; lock the timeline before adding effects.  
- [ ] Trim pauses, filler words, and mistakes; keep pacing tight (ideal average sentence length: 5‑7 seconds).  
- [ ] Insert B‑roll, graphics, lower thirds, and on‑screen text where needed.  
- [ ] Add background music (royalty‑free or licensed) and balance levels (dialogue ~ -6 dB, music ~ -18 dB).  
- [ ] Apply color correction and grading for a consistent look; use LUTs if applicable.  
- [ ] Include a branded intro/outro and a CTA overlay (subscribe, link, playlist).  
- [ ] Export a high‑resolution master (1080p @ 30 fps or 4K @ 60 fps) and a YouTube‑optimized version (1080p @ 60 fps, H.264, 8 Mbps).  
- [ ] Create a thumbnail (1280 × 720 px) with bold text and a clear focal image.  
- [ ] > 💡 **Tip:** Use YouTube’s “Chapter” timestamps in the description to improve viewer navigation and SEO.

---

## 4️⃣ Upload & Optimization

- [ ] Upload the video file to YouTube; set it to “Unlisted” while you finish metadata.  
- [ ] Write a compelling title (≤ 60 characters) with primary keyword at the beginning.  
- [ ] Craft a detailed description (first 2 lines visible in search) with keywords, timestamps, and links.  
- [ ] Add relevant tags (mix of broad and long‑tail) and select an appropriate category.  
- [ ] Upload the custom thumbnail; ensure it meets YouTube’s guidelines (under 2 MB, JPG/PNG).  
- [ ] Set video language, subtitles/CC, and enable “Allow embedding”.  
- [ ] Choose a publishing schedule (optimal day/time for your audience).  
- [ ] Add video to relevant playlists for better channel organization.  
- [ ] Enable “End screen” and “Cards” to promote other videos or external links.  
- [ ] Turn on “Monetization” and select ad formats if applicable.  
- [ ] > 💡 **Tip:** Pin a comment with a CTA and a link to a related video or lead magnet.

---

## 5️⃣ Post‑Publish Promotion & Analysis

- [ ] Share the video on all brand social channels with platform‑specific captions.  
- [ ] Send an email newsletter to your subscriber list with a teaser and link.  
- [ ] Engage with the first 30 minutes of comments; like and reply to boost early interaction.  
- [ ] Monitor YouTube Analytics: watch time, audience retention, click‑through rate (CTR), and traffic sources.  
- [ ] Adjust the thumbnail or title within 48 hours if CTR is below 2 %.  
- [ ] Record key metrics in a spreadsheet for monthly performance tracking.  
- [ ] Identify top‑performing segments and plan future content around them.  
- [ ] > 💡 **Tip:** Create a short “highlight” clip for TikTok/Reels to drive traffic back to the full video.

---

## How to use this checklist

1. **Print or duplicate** the list in your project management tool (Notion, Trello, Asana).  
2. **Check off each item** as you complete it; the visual progress keeps you accountable.  
3. **Customize** any section to fit your workflow (e.g., add a “Legal Review” step for brand‑sponsored content).  
4. **Review the completed checklist** after each video to spot patterns or recurring bottlenecks.  
5. **Iterate**—update the checklist annually based on new YouTube features, algorithm changes, or team feedback.  

Consistently following this checklist will streamline your production pipeline, improve video quality, and help your channel grow faster. Happy filming!