How Long it takes to create a YouTube Video?

• Do you ever think about How Long it takes to create a YouTube Video?
• How long does it take to choose an idea?
• How long does it take to write the script?
• How long does it take to prepare for shooting?
• How long does it take to shoot the A-roll?
• How long does it take to edit the A-roll?
• How long does it take to shoot the B-roll?
• How long does it take to edit the B-Roll?
• How long does it take to create the thumbnail and the title?
• Let’s do the math and find out how Long it takes to create a YouTube Video
• FAQ

Do you ever think about How Long it takes to create a YouTube Video?

At the beginning, I always had this question about other creators. 

I know how long it takes for me, but I was curious about my favorite creators. 

Because this question often pops up in my videos’ comments, I will share with you how long it takes me to create a video from start to finish. 

How long does it take to choose an idea?

This step can be problematic or super easy. 

As I showed in one of my videos on the channel, I always keep a notebook with me or write in my Google Docs ideas.

Every day, when something interesting happens about my niche, Talking Head Videos, I write down ideas. 

I don’t search for ideas when I need them! I always have a list with at least 20 ideas written on the Go. 

When I need one, I pick what I consider the best for the moment, and it takes no more than 15 minutes. 

I can do it this fast because I constantly write ideas and have a list of at least 20 of them.

How long does it take to write the script?

This step can vary according to the complexity of the video, but I will tell you the average time. 

I like to use the Free Writing method to create my scripts. 

What is this method?

Start and write about the chosen topic freely, without any rules, any corrections, grammar checking, or any other kind of refinements. 

I just write what is buried in my mind about the topic. 

After that, I read the script and I start refining the text. But it’s important first to write everything that comes to my mind. 

Because I have developed a personal style and I know my writing rules well, I can write freely while still following a specific structure based on my rules. 

The entire writing process takes between one and two hours. 

But that’s not the end of it!

I like to write the script freely, make the refinements in these two hours, and let it rest overnight. 

The next day, I like to read it again and make the final adjustments. 

On this step, I spend about 30 minutes. 

In total, I spend about two and a half hours on the script. 

Some creators think it’s too much, and others tell me that I am super fast. In the end, it’s important to reach the result you want, even if you need to spend 30 minutes or 10 hours. 

Don’t worry, we will take the final result soon on how Long it takes to create a YouTube Video.

How long does it take to prepare for shooting?

I am not going to lie! For me, this step is fast because I have a dedicated room to shoot my videos. 

I optimize the setup all the time to be as easy as possible to use. 

My camera is always in its place, the lights are always attached to the desk, and my background is permanently ready to shoot.  

Because the lights and the background are the same, I don’t need to change camera settings either. 

I just need to choose my shirt, turn on the light and the camera, and press record. 

If you want to build the easiest-to-use lighting setup, I have a dedicated article here!

It doesn’t take more than 30 minutes to prepare everything. 

Even if you don’t have a dedicated place for shooting and need to mount and pack everything after you shoot, the main trick here is to use the same spot, with the same background, to have a routine that will speed up the process. 

How long does it take to shoot the A-roll?

Because I use the Elgato Prompter and I read the script, it doesn’t take more than 30 minutes for a 10-15 minute video. Most of the time is under 20 minutes, but let’s say, on average, it is 30 minutes. 

How long does it take to edit the A-roll?

After I finish shooting the A-roll, I immediately download the footage and make the cuts. No color grading, effects, zooms, nothing! Just cut to watch the entire speech and see if I made a mistake or if I need to retake something. 

And because I shoot using a script, I just need to remove some mistakes and pauses. It takes no more than 30 minutes, with the download process included. 

How long does it take to shoot the B-roll?

This part is for me the biggest time-consuming one. 

I always try to represent what I am talking about in the video as much as I can. 

Sometimes I use B-roll that I already have, sometimes I use some text or screen recordings, but most of the time I need to shoot the B-roll. 

I can do overhead shoots, or shoot equipment on the desk, or in the studio, but sometimes I even need to move things out of the studio. 

Next, I shoot a scene and add it to the timeline. I shoot the next one and add it. 

To complete the entire video with the B-roll, it takes between two and four hours. 

I don’t want to spend more than four hours on it, but it’s a long time. 

How long does it take to edit the B-Roll?

Because the A-roll is already edited, and the B-roll is already on top of the A-roll, all I need to do is complete the video with texts, the minimum amount of effects, highlighters, circles, or some lower thirds. 

After I finish everything about the video aspect, I also process the audio, add some background music, and a few audio FX if it’s necessary. 

To make all the refinements, it takes between one and two hours. 

How long does it take to create the thumbnail and the title?

A YouTube video is never complete without a great thumbnail and title. 

The thumbnail is, for me, the hardest step in creating a video. 

And it takes about two hours. 

When I choose the topic, I already have in mind exactly how the thumbnail will look, so I need to take the picture and edit it. 

And for the title, I spent another hour researching, make between 1 to 5 variations, and chose the best one. 

Let’s do the math and find out how Long it takes to create a YouTube Video

The fastest video takes about 10 hours and 15 minutes!

The longest time to create a video takes me about 13 hours and 15 minutes.

Also, keep in mind that this time is not consumed all at once. 

It’s usually split between three days. 

Some creators say it’s fast, while others say it’s a long time. 

You choose what’s best for you. 

But don’t forget: The most important thing is to reach the results you want and create a workflow that will help you be consistent. 

For me, being consistent is the most important aspect, and I discovered that being consistent doesn’t mean publishing every week, day, or month. Consistency on YouTube is much more!

And this type of consistency I discovered helped me grow my channel fast to 15.000 plus subs and become a full-time creator. 

FAQ