The Importance of Music and Sound Effects in Horror Movies 👻
An impactful intro and a finishing outro are both crucial parts of any kind of content, especially when it comes to videos and podcasts. Just think of any great series you have ever watched, and it is likely that you remember its soundtrack and outro. This is not only because it is a constant element throughout a season, but also because creators tend to spend a lot of time thinking and producing the perfect introduction. It may seem kind of irrelevant, but trust us, intros and outros can make a video appear more professional and, most importantly, they help the branding and image of your channel while giving a recognizable element.
What are Intros & Outros?
Just like the word implies, an intro marks the beginning of a video or an episode. It can go at the very start or right after a clip in which you summarize the content that will follow, this is a strategy lots of YouTube creators do to engage their audience. On the contrary, the outros appear at the end, as a way to mark the closure of the episode or video. Still, this is not an exact science, some YouTubers experiment on where to put the intro and outro, so you can make your own rules with them.
One sort of general rule though is to keep it short. A long intro, as cool as it may look, can be boring for the viewer, even more, if it is in a podcast. Usually, intros and outros don’t last longer than 8 seconds, so in just a few seconds you will have to be able to entertain, engage, and communicate your brand professionally.
Another tricky thing about intros and outros, is the fact that they have to be simple but still require some technical design elements. If you have a video channel, then visuals and sounds will be very important, but if you have a podcast, you will need extra audio support. This is where the music comes in, it has to be catchy and go with the mood of your channel or video. Think about the values and voice tone of your brand: is it funny? Is it more emotional? Is it enigmatic?
Why Should You Create an Intro and Outro?
So should you go with visuals or soundtrack first? Our advice is to start by defining the vibe you want to communicate with the intro and then continue by selecting the music. Once you’re well aware of the tone you want to establish in your video, we suggest you take a look into our intros & outros library. Each of these tracks were carefully crafted by our artists for content creators like you, and most importantly, they’re royalty-free.
It is extremely important that you choose royalty-free music, as you don’t want your video or podcast to be copyrighted by the platform. Qualities such as originality and exclusivity are a plus, so you can make the intro and outro feel and sound even more special.
Once you have selected a song, let the music inspire you and start designing the visuals. It could include a selection of videos, pictures, animations, illustrations…just let your creativity flow! Of course, it will depend on your design and editing skills, but it is all a matter of practice. Don’t expect to create a perfect intro in one day, it may take you a few more or even weeks. Once you’ve done it, test it out. Ask a friend, a family member, even if you have a group of loyal followers, this way you will see how effective and engaging it can be.
If you are looking for an easy-to-use YouTube intro maker, we recommend you using Clipchamp. It will help you to create professional intros by uploading your media or using one from their stock library, add special effects, text and many other things.
Why Should You Create an Intro and Outro?
They are great for branding
Your intro is a key part of your brand identity. Just like a logo or color scheme, a memorable intro helps you stand out and create a sense of professionalism. Many successful YouTubers even expand their brand into merchandising. A great example is the Friends theme song—instantly recognizable and forever tied to the show. Your channel can achieve the same level of recognition with the right intro. In case you’re interested, we have another post that explains how your music and visuals should coexist regarding intros!
Intros are a great warm-up for your content
The first 30 seconds of your video are crucial. A strong intro helps hook viewers, keeping them engaged until the end. Including a short preview of what’s coming up before the intro can further boost retention, making sure your audience sticks around.
Outros are awesome to separate content
An outro creates a clean transition at the end of your content. Whether you’re adding bloopers, teasing the next episode, or directing viewers to your social media, an outro provides closure and makes your content feel complete. It’s especially useful for podcasts, where a structured ending helps retain listeners.
Now that we’ve probably convinced you on intros and outros, it’s time to get started. Check our subscription page to select the plan that better fits your needs and start browsing through our library to find the perfect one for you.
