How I Plan and Create a Month's Worth of Tech and UX Videos Using Notion

Yassir Hanzife

October 15, 2024

As a content creator who focuses on tech, UX design tips, and lifestyle, one of the biggest challenges I face is staying organized and consistent with my video uploads. Whether I'm creating content for Instagram Reels, TikTok, or YouTube, it takes planning to keep up with the pace while maintaining quality. To do this, I rely on Notion to organize everything, from ideation to publishing.

In this post, I'll walk you through the process I follow to produce a month's worth of videos and how I manage this workflow using Notion.

1. Research and Ideation

Every great video starts with solid research and brainstorming. Since my content focuses on tech trends, UX design principles, and lifestyle tips, I spend a good amount of time reading up on trusted resources and experts online. Depending on the video theme, I might draw from my own experience or dive into research on emerging tools or design techniques.

  • Tools I use for research:
    I rely on sources like blogs from established designers, UX case studies, tech forums, and podcasts from industry leaders. I also save links and snippets into Notion as references for future videos.
  • Generating ideas:
    I brainstorm video concepts based on trending topics or recurring questions I notice from my followers or peers in the tech/UX community. For instance, if a new design tool or trend is gaining attention, I make sure to research it thoroughly and plan a video around it.

2. Filming

Once the research is done and I have a clear idea of what I want to communicate, it's time to start filming.

  • Camera & Setup:
    I use my Sony A7III for high-quality video, paired with good lighting and my podcast microphone for crisp audio. Depending on the content, I might record myself speaking directly to the camera or do a screen recording to walk through a UX design tool or software demo.
  • Capturing B-roll:
    For lifestyle or tech-related videos, I often film some B-roll—shots of me working at my desk, using a tech gadget, or the process of wireframing a design. B-roll adds depth and engagement to the video, making it more visually appealing.

3. Editing the Video

After filming, it's time to edit.

  • Editing software:
    I use CapCut for video editing. It’s simple yet powerful enough for the type of content I create. I edit down the clips, refine the transitions, and sync the audio to ensure that my videos are snappy and engaging, especially for platforms with shorter formats like Instagram and TikTok.
  • Graphics and Aesthetics:
    I often create or source graphics to enhance my videos. Whether it's a simple title card or a UX wireframe animation, I make sure these visuals match my brand aesthetic. If necessary, I design these assets myself or pull from trusted resources online.
  • Optimizing for Different Platforms:
    Each platform has its own best practices for video formats and lengths. For example, YouTube allows for longer, more detailed videos, while Instagram Reels and TikToks require snappier, visually engaging cuts. I always tweak my content accordingly during the editing phase.

4. Organizing Content in Notion

Once I have a month's worth of video content edited, I shift focus to planning and scheduling the posts.

  • Creating a content calendar:
    I use a dedicated content calendar template in Notion to plan out my videos. This includes listing each video idea, the platform it will be posted on, and its scheduled publish date. I also make sure to factor in important events or trends that might affect my upload schedule.
  • Tracking the status:
    I categorize each video by its current status:
    • Scripting not ready
    • Ready
    • Published online
  • This helps me stay on top of deadlines and ensures I don't miss any key uploads.

5. Caption and Hashtag Preparation

Each platform requires its own style of captioning. Once the video is ready, I prepare the caption for each one based on the platform’s tone and audience.

  • Instagram & TikTok:
    I tend to keep captions shorter but impactful, adding hashtags to reach a broader audience. I also add a call-to-action to encourage engagement (e.g., "What UX tool do you prefer? Comment below!").
  • YouTube:
    I create more detailed descriptions with timestamps and relevant links to additional resources or my socials.

6. Scheduling and Publishing

After everything is in place, I use the scheduling tools within the respective platforms to publish each video at optimal times for audience engagement. For Instagram Reels and TikToks, I aim to post daily or at least consistently within a specific time window to keep my content fresh and timely.

7. Updating the Status on Notion

Once a video is published, I return to Notion and update its status from "Ready" to "Published Online." This gives me a clear view of my progress throughout the month and ensures I stay on track.

Conclusion:

Planning and creating content can be a complex process, especially when balancing multiple platforms and formats. By organizing everything in Notion and staying consistent with my workflow, I’m able to produce a steady stream of high-quality tech, UX, and lifestyle videos. It keeps me accountable and ensures that I’m delivering value to my audience while managing my time efficiently.

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