What's a Talking Head Video?

Carly

Have you ever wondered why you find yourself drawn to faces? Well, research says they're actually the most informative things around.

So, it’s no surprise that talking head videos are as popular as they are. They appeal to one of our most basic human instincts - responding to faces. Now, let’s get into exactly what talking head videos are and what they offer.

What is a talking head video?

A talking head video is when someone talks straight to the camera. You'll typically see just their head and shoulders in the shot.

Tip: In Tella, you can easily add a 'talking head' intro to any videos.

Examples

Chances are, you’ve seen quite a few talking head videos. The format is popular, and for good reason. So, let’s take a look at some of the most popular ways talking head videos are used.

Product Reviews and Demos

Talking head videos are great for both product reviews and demos. Review videos have someone sharing their thoughts and experiences with products.

Demos, on the other hand, introduce products to customers. They're engaging, clear, and sometimes funny to keep you interested.

Online Courses

Video lectures help teach lessons in an engaging way. They might have conversations between people or visuals to guide students learning. These interactive elements make the learning experience more fun and effective. In fact, it’s been proven that talking head videos boost learning.

Company Updates

Update videos keep everyone in the loop about what's happening with the company, making sure everyone feels connected and informed about the latest news. Seeing a face makes it feel personal and helps you understand why it matters.

Recruitment

Companies use these videos to reach out to potential job candidates. They talk about the job and what it's like to work there to get the best people interested.

Keep in mind that these are just a handful of the uses for talking head videos.

Whether you're putting together an online course, an interview, or a product demo - talking head videos are a great way to engage your audience.

Pros and cons of talking head videos

Let's break down the pros and cons of talking head videos.

Pros

Familiarity: Talking-head videos are a regular feature in explainer videos, documentaries, and TV shows.
Drives engagement: Human faces hold attention, keeping viewers interested and involved.
Cost-effective: Making talking head videos is affordable compared to other productions, saving you money.
Builds a connection: They're great for building trust and credibility with your audience, which is key for business.
Ideal for quick learning: Short videos work well for bite-sized learning, perfect for busy schedules.

Cons

Limited learning styles: Some people need more than just talking to learn.
Lacks variety: If your video doesn’t offer exciting visuals, it might not keep viewers engaged, especially those who prefer more action-packed content.
Risk of boredom: Long stretches of just talking might bore viewers after a while.
Potential distractions: Without other visuals, viewers might get distracted more easily.
Accessibility issues: People with hearing impairments might struggle without captions or transcripts.

FAQs

Keep reading to learn more about talking head videos.

1. What is a talking head in video?

A talking head video is when someone talks straight to the camera, usually showing just their head and shoulders.

2. What is the best background for talking head videos?

The best background for talking head videos is one that tells something about the person speaking. It could be their home bookshelf, office, or clean background.

3. What is the best lighting for talking head videos?

It's best to turn the light at a 45° angle for the best lighting in talking head videos. This setup adds depth and shadows, making the subject more appealing to look at. Whether you're using natural light or pro lighting, make sure it's diffused to soften harsh shadows and create a flattering look.

4. What is the best aperture for talking head videos?

The aperture, which regulates light intake and depth of focus, is crucial. Opt for a wide aperture like f/2.8 or f/4 for interviews and talking head videos. This will help create a pleasing shallow depth of field, keeping the focus on the subject.

5. What is the best frame rate for talking head videos?

For smooth movement in talking head videos, 30 frames per second (FPS) is usually enough. It gives a fluid look and is commonly used for online videos. But if your video has fast movements or you want a more cinematic feel, you might think about recording at 60 FPS.

Wrapping up

If you want to start making talking head videos, check out Tella. Ready to connect with your audience? Get started with Tella for easy, effective talking head videos.