Let’s be honest, creating video content sounds great in theory. But when it comes to actually doing it?

That’s where most people get stuck.

Maybe you feel awkward on camera, can’t think of what to say, or it all just takes way too long. Whatever the reason, video ends up at the bottom of the list (again).

We know how valuable video content is to businesses and want to help more people like you connect with your customers this way. So we did our 2025 State of Video Content Research to uncover the real issues.

In this blog post, we’re sharing our findings about the biggest things holding people back. And giving practical advice to help you finally get confident, consistent, and strategic with your video content.

So… why aren’t we creating more video content?

There isn’t one simple reason – it’s a mix of things.

• • 40% of people said it takes too long.
  • But almost the same number of people combined rated feeling self-conscious on camera (22%) and struggling to come up with ideas (17%) as their main issue.
  • 13% of people find tech overwhelm to be their biggest video content challenge.

With this diversity of issues, it’s clear they’re not going to be resolved with one answer. Which is why we’ve rounded up our experience to give you some valuable tips to tackle them all.

1. “It takes too long.”

Yep, this one comes up a lot. If creating one 60-second video feels like it eats up your whole afternoon, something’s off.

The trick? Do the thinking before you press record.

Here’s how to speed things up without sacrificing quality:

• • Build an ideas bank
    Don’t sit there trying to come up with content on the spot. Keep a running list of ideas – every time something pops into your head, chuck it in. Client question? New tip? Something you ranted about on a Zoom call? In it goes.
    
    
  • Start with your hook
    Your hook is the first thing you say in the video – the bit that grabs attention. Once you’ve got that nailed, it helps you shape the rest of the piece because you’ve already defined the angle.
    
    
  • Use prompts, not full scripts
    Writing out every word can make you sound robotic (unless you’re a trained actor… and even then). Bullet points are your best friend. They’ll keep you focused, while letting your natural voice come through.
    
    
  • Repurpose like a pro
    One long-form video can become loads of short ones. You can also turn it into blog posts, social captions, carousels, freebies—you name it. Ask yourself: “What else can I do with this?” Then do it.
    
    
  • Use a content calendar
    Don’t leave it to the last minute. Plan your topics around what’s happening in your business, and actually book in your recording and publishing days.

Pro tip: Batch your content. Take one day to plan, one day to film – and you’ve got a whole month of video sorted. Bliss.

2. “I feel self-conscious on camera.”

Honestly? This one is super common. Being on camera can feel weird.

You might feel awkward about how you look, how you sound, or just generally unsure of yourself. But here’s the thing, people aren’t watching your videos to judge you. They want your knowledge. They want to connect.

And the best way to do that? Be visible.

Here are six ways to feel more comfortable during a shoot:

• • Try a different angle
    Literally. Facing the camera straight on can feel intense. Try turning slightly, like you’re talking to someone just off to the side. It softens everything.
    
    
  • Bring someone with you
    Chatting to yourself? Weird. Chatting to a real person? Way easier. Get a friend or team member behind the camera and have a conversation.
    
    
  • Film a conversation
    Record a Q&A or a discussion with someone else. You’ll feel more relaxed, and you’ll probably say things in a way that’s more relatable for your audience.
    
    
  • Ditch the script
    A full script sounds good in theory, but it rarely works in practice. Prompts give you structure without sounding like a robot.
    
    
  • Keep rolling through the mess-ups
    Don’t stop every time you trip over a word. Just pause, restart the sentence, and keep going. You don’t need to stop and apologise, the editors have got you!
    
    
  • Keep your fingers busy
    From simply holding a pen to making a cup of tea, doing something with your hands isn’t a distraction – it can make your video feel more authentic. And gives you something to hold onto.

Bottom line: the more you do it, the easier it gets. You don’t have to be polished or perfect – you just have to show up.

3. “I don’t know what to talk about.”

Totally fair. Generating ideas stops 17% of people from creating more video content.

When you’re deep in your own business, it’s hard to zoom out and think about what people actually want to hear. But the truth is, you’re probably sitting on more content ideas than you realise.

Here’s where to look:

• • Client love
    Got a lovely testimonial or review? Use it. Share what someone said and turn it into a story, tip, or insight.
    
    
  • Common questions
    What are you asked all the time? Whether it’s in sales calls, emails, or DMs, those questions make brilliant video topics.
    
    
  • Sales team gold
    If you’ve got a team that talks to leads and customers, ask them what objections or concerns they hear the most. Then create content that answers them.
    
    
  • What people are already sharing: UGC
    Scroll through your mentions or tags. If someone’s saying something great about you, share it and talk about it.
    
    
  • Behind the scenes
    Show what goes into your work. People love seeing the process, not just the finished product.

And remember – write it down when it comes to you. Keep that ideas bank updated regularly. Don’t rely on memory; it’s never there when you need it.

4. “The tech stresses me out.”

We hear you. There’s no shortage of tools, platforms, apps, lights, mics, and settings to figure out – it’s no wonder 13% of people say the tech is holding them back.

But you really don’t need a full production setup to make effective videos.

Here’s how to keep it simple:

• • Use what you’ve got
    Your phone camera is absolutely good enough. Add a basic tripod and some natural light, and you’re off to a strong start.
    
    
  • Stick to beginner-friendly tools
    Tools like CapCut, InShot, Canva, and Descript are super user-friendly and many have templates to help you edit quickly.
    
    
  • Save your setup
    If you’ve found settings that work, stick with them. Reuse your layout, graphics, and captions to save time (and brainpower).
    
    
  • Outsource the tricky bits
    Hate editing? Hire an editor. Don’t want to deal with captions or thumbnails? Get help. Outsourcing even a small part of the process can make a huge difference.
    
    
  • Done is better than perfect
    Focus on sharing value, not cinematic production. Authenticity > polish in the online video space. If you’re saying something useful, people will watch.

What’s holding you back?

Creating more video content doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, awkward, or time-consuming. Whether you’re battling time constraints, camera nerves, idea blocks, or tech hurdles, there’s a way through…

Start small. Plan ahead. Keep it simple. Speak from the heart. And most importantly, don’t let perfection hold back progress.

Here’s your next step:

• • Pick one of the barriers above that feels most relatable
  • Choose one of the tips to try this week
  • Start your next video, however imperfect it might be

Because your audience doesn’t need perfection. They need you: your voice, your story, your expertise.

And video is the most powerful way to show up.

If you want to see all the data insights and pro tips from our ‘2025 State of Video Content Research report’, you can download the whole thing.

Would you like help building your video content strategy? Get a bespoke, 6 month video content plan that’s delivered in bite-sized monthly chunks. This is deliberately designed as a ‘done-with-you’ service so, at the end of the 6 months, you’re all set up to carry on creating independently.

Book your video strategy kick-off call today.