Learn from the best video makers on YouTube
A hand-picked library of free tutorials from respected creators — organized by the exact skills you’ll use to shoot, edit, and publish a story for The Come Up. Watch, then put it into practice on your next submission.
Storytelling & interviews
How to structure a subject-driven story and ask questions that get honest, emotional answers — not a flat Q&A.
Documentary Interview Tips: How to Get Better, Deeper Responses
Mark Bone
Why watch: Practical ways to make a subject comfortable and ask open questions that turn a nervous athlete into a real conversation.
Watch on YouTubeThe Art of Visual Storytelling
Studiocanal
Why watch: How great films build a story around one person and let images carry the meaning — the backbone of an athlete-first piece.
Watch on YouTubeShooting fundamentals
Framing, lighting, and audio — the details that separate an amateur clip from something that looks and sounds pro.
The Rule of Thirds in Film Composition
Creative Path Films
Why watch: Where to place your subject in the frame so every shot feels intentional instead of accidental.
Watch on YouTubeHow To Set Up 3-Point Lighting for Film & Video
Full Sail University
Why watch: The standard lighting setup that instantly makes any interview look more professional — recreatable on a budget.
Watch on YouTubeHow to Record Audio for Video (Every Budget)
Riverside
Why watch: Bad audio makes great video unusable. Simple fixes for clean sound whether you have a phone or a mic.
Watch on YouTubeEditing & pacing
Cuts, b-roll, music, and keeping the energy up so viewers watch to the end.
How Beginners Can Edit B-Roll Like a Pro
Think Media
Why watch: A beginner-friendly walk-through of layering b-roll over your interview to keep the screen alive.
Watch on YouTubeThe Ultimate Guide to Editing B-Roll for YouTube
Katie Steckly
Why watch: A real editing workflow — choosing clips, cutting to the beat, and using music to control energy and pacing.
Watch on YouTubeHow to Edit B-Roll — Beginner’s Guide
Jeven Dovey
Why watch: How shooting and editing work together, so you capture the right footage to cut a tight, fast-moving story.
Watch on YouTubeGear on a budget
You do not need a cinema camera. Phone and entry-level setups that punch far above their price.
Filmmaking on a Budget: Cinematic Video With Your Smartphone
Tom Wade
Why watch: Prove to yourself that the phone in your pocket can shoot a great story with the right settings and technique.
Watch on YouTubeMaster Mobile Filmmaking in 20 Minutes
Tomorrows Filmmakers
Why watch: A fast, complete crash course in shooting cinematic footage on a phone — settings, movement, and composition.
Watch on YouTubeTop 10 Budget Smartphone Filmmaking Tools Under $100
Learn Online Video
Why watch: The few affordable add-ons (mic, tripod, light) that make the biggest difference to your production value.
Watch on YouTubeHow to Create a Recruiting Video
A recruiting video is your first impression with a college coach. These creators break down exactly what coaches want to see, how to film it, and how to cut a highlight reel that gets you noticed — even if all you have is your phone.
How to Make a Good Recruiting Video
NCSA College Recruiting
Why watch: The essentials from a leading recruiting organization — what to include, how long it should be, and the mistakes that get a video skipped.
Watch on YouTubeHow to Film a Baseball Recruiting Video the Right Way (What D1 Coaches NEED to SEE)
Summers Method
Why watch: A detailed, angle-by-angle breakdown of filming for maximum impact — the framing and reps D1 coaches actually look for.
Watch on YouTubeCollege Baseball Recruiting Tips: How to Get Noticed by Coaches
Coach Beede
Why watch: Fast, practical tips for standing out and getting on a coach’s radar so your video actually gets watched.
Watch on YouTubeHow to Make a Great Volleyball Recruiting Video (for college or going pro)
Ci Michel
Why watch: A sport-specific example of structuring a reel — the same principles apply no matter what you play.
Watch on YouTubeHow to Make a Highlight Film — All On Your PHONE!
Josh Newlin
Why watch: No fancy gear needed. A start-to-finish walkthrough of building a highlight film using just your phone.
Watch on YouTubeHow to Make a Highlight Video Coaches Love to See
Troy Cagle | College Recruiting Coach
Why watch: A quick hit on the one thing that separates highlight videos coaches finish watching from the ones they close.
Watch on YouTubePublishing & thumbnails
Hooks, titles, and thumbnails that earn the click and hold attention once people arrive.
How To Make YouTube Thumbnails — Quick, Easy & Free
Primal Video
Why watch: A simple, free workflow for thumbnails that stand out — even if you have never touched design software.
Watch on YouTubeHow To Make the Best Thumbnails
finzar
Why watch: The design thinking behind high-click thumbnails: contrast, emotion, and keeping it simple.
Watch on YouTubeThese tutorials are created by independent YouTube creators and are not affiliated with or endorsed by NILvault. We’ve curated them as free learning resources. YouTube videos can occasionally move or be removed — if you find a broken link, let us know and we’ll refresh it.
Ready to make yours?
Pair what you learned here with our step-by-step production guide, then submit your story to The Come Up.