You’d think the most important thing to focus on when making a video is the video itself: the topic, the lighting, where to place the camera, the script, etc. And while these things are certainly important, even the most perfectly scripted and filmed video can easily flop when the viewers struggle to hear what you’re saying. To make sure that doesn’t happen, we’ve put together 5 tips to improve audio quality in YouTube videos. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Yes, YouTube algorithms indeed prioritize high-quality content, and the sound is one of the most important criteria. For a creator, this means selecting the microphone that works best for your content, fixing mistakes post-production, mastering certain vocal techniques, and much more. There’s much to learn.
But we are here to guide you through each point, step by step.
1. Choosing The Best Microphone for YouTube
How do you actually choose the best microphone? There are so many choices! What if we tell you that the best microphone entirely depends on the type of content you are making? Yup, you heard us, the kind of videos you make dictates the type of mic you need.
USB Condenser Mic’s
So, condenser mics (aka your Blue Yetis and Rode NT-USBs) can be a perfect fit for creators who don’t exactly want to mess with a complicated audio interface. The secret of condenser microphones is that they need phantom power, and they are highly sensitive to vibrations, which provides a really beautiful sound.
So, creators who prefer making the ‘talking head’ content can look up some options like these. A good one would cost you around a $50-80.
XLR Dynamic Mics
Now these are your Shure SM7Bs and Rode PodMics. They are a little more advanced. XLR dynamic mics can provide richer sound and better background noise suppression. However, it does need an audio interface.
Another great pick for talking head commentary or content. On average, these go for around $60-$150+.
Lavalier Mics
Now this is one of the best choices for vlogs and outdoor content. These are your Rode Wireless GO IIs, DJI Mics, etc. Perfect for mobility! You clip it to your clothes, and you can record perfect sound. There are wireless options that allow even more freedom of movement. Vlog-favorite, right there. Also, insanely popular among TikTokers.
You can get a good one for around $30.
Shotgun Mics
Think Rode VideoMic NTG, or Deity V-Mic D3 Pro. These are definitely more complicated machines that mainly capture whatever’s in front of them. It’s a type of directional microphone, and it’s great for travel or docu-style content. These go for $200+.
Talking about the direction of recorded sound, three types of mics come into play:
- Directional mics that are more sensitive to sound coming from one side.
- Bidirectional mics have the same sensitivity to sounds from the front and back.
- Omnidirectional mics are sensitive to sounds all around.
The easiest and cheapest option is to use a lavalier microphone. Even the ones that cost $10 can still capture better sound than your average built-in computer mics.
2. Reducing Background Noise
Reducing background noise is a constant that needs to be taken into consideration during filming and in post-production.
During Filming
Always remember to watch out for tongue clicks and background noises during the recording itself because these sounds disrupt the crispiness of the audio you’re aiming for. Refrain from touching the recording device, especially if you’re using a condenser mic, because these are highly sensitive to vibrations and noises, which is why they typically come with a shock mount.
When you’re setting up your mic, aim to have it about a hand’s length away from your mouth for the clearest sound. Lip smacking, breathing directly into the mic (you need to figure out the perfect position so it doesn’t happen), and overall sound bouncing off the walls, creating echo (if your room is big and empty enough).
Make sure you don’t place mics directly on tabletops, especially without any cushioning whatsoever. If you have an echoey room, consider dampening the sound using soft furnishings like carpets, curtains, or even specialized foam panels.
Source: n8wealth
Post Production
Even if you’re diligent in avoiding noise while recording, it’s always wise to consider post-production noise reduction. Before diving into further enhancement, remember to use noise reduction tools. A technique many YouTubers (and professional filmmakers) often use is to edit the sound before editing the visuals. It’s called Radio Edit. It helps to reduce the time you spend on editing altogether.
Source: Gaku Lange
If you don’t know how to use them or the technique just doesn’t suit your style, don’t worry. There are plenty of methods of optimizing the sound by using AI. There’s Adobe Audio Enhancer, which is the most popular tool to use.
There’s Auphonic, Neutral.Love, Descript, and this isn’t even the full list.
Source: Consumer Desire
3. Mastering Speaking
For people to understand what you’re saying, you need to learn how to speak clearly. That doesn’t sound so hard, right? Well, it might be just a tad trickier than you might think. It doesn’t matter which type of mic you’re using; you need to speak clearly and at a steady pace so your audio is as crisp and clear as possible.
Speaking too fast can muddle your words, while speaking too slowly can bore your listeners. Find a tempo that’s perfect for you.
Now, let’s talk about the volume. Because many make the mistake of speaking at the same volume they’re speaking at in real life. And while some mics can allow you to do that, most mics require you to master vocal projection. Several tricks can help you do just that:
- Breathing Techniques: Deep, diaphragmatic breathing allows for a steadier and more powerful voice.
- Posture Matters: Stand or sit up straight when recording. Good posture opens up your diaphragm, allowing for a clearer voice.
- Vocal Warm-Ups: Much as athletes prep before a game, your vocal cords need a quick warm-up. Humming, lip trills, or scales can do the trick.
Source: Vinh Giang
4. Silencing Your Computer for Clean Recording
When recording, turn off gadgets and mute PC alerts, because you don’t want a random beep to ruin your entire take. Of course, you could edit it out during post-production, but why bother with that when you can avoid it altogether?
Recording early in the morning or late evening might also be your best bet because that way, you’ll have fewer sounds from the outside. Remember to close doors and windows. The quieter your space, the better your recording will turn out to be.
5. Editing for YouTube: Use Compression, EQ, and De-Essing
After the background noise is gone, there's still room for improvement through final edits. Let's explore some steps to enhance your sound:
- Use a compressor to edit your recorded sound, making your videos more appealing to your audience.
- Boost the high-mid frequencies with equalization to make the voice clearer.
- De-Ess that 'ts' sounds in voice recordings to ensure they aren’t overpowering in the final mix.
Always listen to your edited audio on different devices: headphones, speakers, and even your phone. This will give you an idea of how your audience might hear it, ensuring consistency across devices.
Improving Sound Quality on Video: It's Important
One final tip for today: once a video is up and it has poor sound quality, trying to enhance it rarely works out. If the recorded sound doesn’t turn out well, the best option is to record the video all over again.
Using these tips can really boost the audio quality of your YouTube videos. Think of it this way: your voice is your direct line to your viewers. Crisp sound isn’t just about algorithms; it's about creating a clear dialogue with your audience.
