Tips for Video Submission

Recording Tips

  • Shoot in portrait mode (vertical video) using a smartphone, iPad, or tablet
  • Look directly into the lens when talking
  • Don’t forget to smile
  • Record audio in a quiet place. If possible, use an external microphone connected to your smartphone
  • Record multiple clips separately
  • Try to hold the smart phone, iPad or tablet still and avoid too much movement
  • Try focusing on one thing at a time
  • To make editing your video easy, consider making it directly in iMovie, Clips,  Instagram, or TikTok app
  • Check out our video creation resources for curriculum, sample videos, how to videos, and upcoming trainings.

How to Make a Simple Video!

There are many different ways you can approach making a video but if you don’t know where to get started try following the guide below!

Take a selfie video of yourself and tell us “Why Should You Join 4-H?”

Attract Attention:

  • Try using a hook to catch the viewer’s attention, here are some example hooks/ideas:
    • How 4-H is beneficial?
    • How has 4-H influenced your life?
    • What has 4-H taught you?
    • What you can do in 4-H?
    • Your favorite part of 4-H?

  • Record video clips and/or  pictures that capture “Why You Should Join 4-H!" Below are four examples.

    • Photo and/or video clip  of you and other 4-H'ers working together 
    • Photos and/or video clip of you working on a 4-H project
    • Photos and/or video clip of you at a 4-H event or program, leading a session or talking to a group
    • Photos and/or video clip of something you learned in 4-H

Branding:

  • Try to include a 4-H clover in your video (could be on a shirt, on a sign, a flag, something in the background, or a graphic overlay edited into the video later).
  • Also try to use a MSU Extension logo somewhere in your video found in the link below.

Adding Music/Sound:

  • Do NOT add any music that is copy right protected or requires royalty.
    • If you add music/sound to your video, you MUST add a credit slide indicating the source of the music/sound(s).
    • Music and sound from Clips, iMovie, and Garage Band are allowed and royalty free. 

Other Reminders: 

    • Make sure your video is under 1 minute
    • Name your video with your name so we can identify prize winners and give you recognition for your creation!
    • Have Fun!!
    • When complete, upload your video to:  https://bit.ly/4-Hcreativecontest
    • Deadline to register and submit video for the 4-H Creative Campaign Contest  is April 1, 2024.
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).