Writing a book is only part of the journey. Visible things fuel success much easier nowadays; and authors today are not just mere writers.

One of the most effective ways to engage with readers and build credibility is by creating your personal brand videos.

These videos give audiences a window into the real person behind the pages, establishing a more personal connection that goes beyond the written word.

Why Authors Should Create Personal Brand Videos?

Creating your personal brand videos as an author comes not only with making your work more creative, but also defines a strategy. Standing out is always a thing, and it isn’t just about quality writing.

Trust and personality remain on top. Readers are more likely to become loyal fans when they feel a connection to you as a person, not just as a name on a cover.

Video offers a unique level of intimacy. It’s one thing to read a blog post or see a photo; it’s another to hear your voice, see your expressions, and get a sense of your character.

These personal brand videos can be used to promote upcoming books, share updates, or give your followers a sneak peek into your creative process. They can also become valuable evergreen content to grow your audience over time, allowing new readers to watch creating your personal brand videos even long after they’ve been published.

What Your Personal Brand Video Should Contain?

Nothing that special. No need to follow some rigid formula; still, there are a few elements that help shape an engaging, well-rounded message. The key is to find that fragile balance between personal, professional, and promotional.

What elements to include:

1. A Short Greeting

Start with a warm hello and quickly explain who you are. Don’t just state your name. Explain what kind of writer you are.

For example: “Hi, I’m Leah, a speculative fiction author exploring worlds on the edge of reality.”

2. A Glimpse Behind the Process

Show your audience where the magic happens. Maybe you have a messy writing desk, stacks of notebooks, or your digital plotting tools to show. Letting viewers into your workspace makes your process more relatable.

If part of your process happens digitally (say, outlining chapters or formatting drafts), that’s not a problem at all. Just back up with some tools like Screen Capture Online to record your screen and include these clips easily in your video.

3. Something About Yourself Outside Work

Professions doesn’t matter that much how personalities do. Share a bit about what’s going on in your life. Perhaps you’re a cat lover, a coffee snob, a marathon runner, or a board game fanatic.

These small details help flesh out your personality and give viewers something to remember you by.

4. Your ‘Why’ as a Writer

Tell your audience why you write. What themes are you passionate about? What stories do you feel compelled to tell? Sharing this can deepen interest and build a shared value system between you and your readers.

5. A Reader-Focused Message

Include a few lines that speak directly to your audience. What kind of experience are you hoping they’ll have when reading your work? What emotions are you trying to evoke? This builds a sense of intimacy and consideration.

6. A Call to Stay Connected

Wrap up with an invitation. Follow on social media, subscribe to newsletter, or check out your latest book, something like that. Give viewers a gentle nudge toward staying in your orbit. Just make sure it’s natural and in line with the overall tone of your video.

How Personal Brand Videos Improve Reader Trust?

Trust is the currency of modern digital marketing, and in any other industry, it’s no different. Readers want to feel like they know you. When they see you speak, hear your thoughts, and experience your authenticity, that trust forms more quickly.

Creating your personal brand videos helps readers see that you’re more than just a name—you’re a real person with real passion. That makes them more likely to support your work, leave positive reviews, share your books with friends, and engage with your posts.

Trust also plays a role in how your work is perceived professionally. Book reviewers, podcasters, and influencers are far more likely to feature someone who appears credible and open. And since most of them do check out your online presence, having a strong video presence can tip the scale in your favor.

It’s no exaggeration to say that a single video (meaning it’s well-shot and well-edited) can do more for your brand than dozens of static posts. You can start creating your personal brand videos and give viewers a sense of your tone, values, and even writing style before ever reading a page.

Technical Elements of Creating Personal Brand Videos

Of course, authenticity only goes so far without decent technical quality. That doesn’t mean you need to rent a studio, but it does mean putting a little thought into how and where you shoot your videos.

How to Actually Make a Video?

Pro gear, expensive software, props… You don’t always need that. Better say, it’s still going to be awesome even without everything mentioned.

A modern smartphone and a few free tools are often enough to cut the middle part or add transitions. Begin by writing a short outline or even a script. Decide which key points you want to cover, and plan your visuals accordingly.

When it’s time to record, use a tripod or stable surface for your camera. Frame yourself in the center and make sure your background isn’t too cluttered.

Editing is the final (and crucial) step. Don’t underestimate the power of good video editing: trimming out awkward pauses, adding soft background music, or inserting text overlays can significantly elevate the final result.

Where Is the Best Place to Shoot?

Natural light is your best friend. Shooting near a window during the daytime helps your face look clear and well-lit. Avoid harsh overhead lighting or sitting with a window behind you unless you have proper lighting equipment.

Your background should reflect your personality without being distracting. A tidy bookshelf, a cozy writing nook, or even a neutral wall with a plant can work wonders. Just be mindful of what your viewers can see—it should add to your personal brand, not detract from it.

What Is the Best Way to Shoot?

Keep it simple, especially when you’re starting out. Record horizontally if you’re planning to post to YouTube, or vertically for Instagram Reels, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts. Use a mic if you have one—clear audio is more important than 4K visuals when it comes to viewer retention.

Avoid zooming or moving the camera unless you’re deliberately showing something. Stability is key for a professional feel. Practice speaking clearly, looking into the lens, and smiling naturally—it’ll feel awkward at first, but gets easier quickly.

Final Thoughts

Creating your personal brand author videos is more than just becoming an influencer. You can strengthen reader trust, grow your audience, and reinforce your presence across social media and book platforms alike.

Put your personality out there. Let people see the writer behind the words. That’s where real interest—and real loyalty—begins.