GENRE ANALYSIS
One of the most common types of videos on the internet today are the tutorial videos, where one person is teaching another how to do or make something, and are often referred to as Do- It- Yourself videos, or DIY. While they are similar to other videos in the production techniques and preparation, they are different in their content and how they display that content, as well as their structure.
Do-It-Yourself videos and podcasts are structured in a show-and-tell format, meaning that the person that is in the video is not only showing their viewers how to do something, but they are also telling them as well, step by step. Introductions are key in DIY videos because they explain what the video will be about, and also sets up the person’s credibility. There is usually a backstory or they explain how long they have been doing the particular task the viewer wants to learn how to successfully do, whether it is cooking, makeup, or building something. The person in the video generally starts with a list of the materials that are needed for the project, describing the quantity and any other tips or things to specifically look for when selecting materials, such as quality and type. By doing this, the viewer is able to understand and process what they are starting with. Katherine from YouTube’s Do It On A Dime does this well by showing where and how she gets her materials, and gives a brief overview on how they will be used to create the final product. Once they have discussed the materials, they will then proceed with the development of the project, from step one to the final step, talking the viewer through each step and visually showing them what it should look like every step of the way.
The person in the video will want to use simple and easy to understand language, while also being descriptive, so that the viewer can learn and understand and does not feel lost or excluded. However, they do not want to use too simplistic language in order to not make the viewer feel inadequate or that they are being talked down to or talked at. Food Network TV Chef Rachael Ray, host of her show 30 Minute Meals, uses fun and exciting language and tonality to make her viewers excited about cooking. She is confident in what she is doing, and seamlessly talks her audience through the recipe she is making. Pacing is also important in the DIY genre because if the person making the video goes too fast, they could lose the viewer, and if they go to slow, the viewer could get bored or try to work ahead, which will lose them and they will not understand if they mess up. Music does play a role in the production of DIY videos, but are not the major focal point. Music can often be distracting or limit what the viewer can hear if the music overpowers the talking or explanation.
The DIY types of videos do face challenges of being heard and properly understood. Often times, they do not account for those that do not have any previous knowledge or skill before watching the video, such as previous practice with makeup or prior knife and cooking skills. This can be addressed through the visual aid that accompanies these types of videos where the person shows the viewer what they are doing and explaining it. DIY videos are easily accessible if the viewer knows where to look for them. Videos, blogs, and shows on television are the most popular.
Works Cited:
“Pottery Barn DIYS All From Dollar Tree (That Are Actually Easy To Do)!.” YouTube. N. p., 2019. Web. 22 Sept. 2019.
“Rachael Ray 30 Minute Meals (Clip).” YouTube. N. p., 2019. Web. 22 Sept. 2019.