Video is often expected in modern memberships, but producing it sustainably requires strategy. Here’s how to make video work for your community.
Does Your Community Need Video?
Not every community does. Consider:
- Does your topic benefit from visual demonstration?
- Does your audience prefer video?
- Can you produce quality video sustainably?
- Does video provide value beyond what text/audio offers?
Don’t add video just because others do.
Types of Membership Video
Educational content: Tutorials, workshops, lessons Live events: AMAs, workshops, office hours (recorded for replay) Community content: Member spotlights, interviews, case studies Behind-the-scenes: Updates, previews, personal connection
Production Levels
Simple (webcam/phone): Talking head videos, screen shares, casual updates. Authentic and sustainable.
Medium (basic setup): Good lighting, decent microphone, simple editing. Professional enough for most purposes.
High (professional production): Studio quality, advanced editing, graphics. Impressive but expensive and time-consuming.
Match your production level to member expectations and your resources.
Live vs Pre-Recorded
Live video creates urgency and interaction but requires scheduling and has higher stakes.
Pre-recorded video allows editing and flexibility but may feel less personal.
Most communities benefit from both: live events for connection, pre-recorded for evergreen content.
Video Hosting Considerations
- Where will videos live? (Platform-hosted, YouTube, Vimeo, etc.)
- How will you protect member-only content?
- What about bandwidth and loading speeds?
- Can members download or only stream?
Sustainable Production
Batch recording: Film multiple videos in one session.
Repurpose content: A 1-hour live session can become clips, blog posts, and podcast episodes.
Templates: Consistent intros/outros save editing time.
Good enough: Perfect is the enemy of shipped. Members value consistency over production value.
Need video hosting for your membership? Contact us to discuss platform capabilities.