25 Innovative Business Ideas For Videographers
Looking to start a video-related business but not quite sure what to start?
The good news is, that there are so many videography related opportunities you can start today and build a successful business.
You can become a business videographer, start a real estate video service, wedding videography, explainer video service, or any other video-related business opportunities that suit your experience.
In this post, we put together a list of 25 videographer business ideas you can start in 2023.
Here they are:
1. Start a film production company
A film production company is responsible for producing video content for social media, corporate promotions, television programs, commercials,s or other media-related fields. Ideally, the responsibilities of a video production company include scripting, location scouting, and also logistics to ensure a successful film.
Starting a film production company can be a daunting task. However, you can set up your business for success with proper guidance. Here are important steps for creating a video production company:
- Determine the company niche
- Choose a suitable company name
- Draft a solid business plan
- Hire an advocate to lead all legal matters of starting a company
- Fund your business
- Acquire video production equipment and skills
- Create a website and market your film production company
If you are starting a video production company from scratch, consider creating some proof-of-concept projects so you can market the business. Alternatively, you may buy a franchise or an existing business.
Hello there! My name is Hope Horner, and I’m the co-founder and CEO of Lemonlight, an on-demand video production company that offers brands and agencies access to high-quality affordable video content nationwide.
We’ve built Lemonlight as an entirely self-funded business. We haven’t taken any outside capital since we launched the business in 2014. We’re on track to hit 6M in sales this year and we’ve grown the team to 45 full-time employees. We’ve been recognized in dozens of major publications, and we were awarded in Inc 5000 and Entrepreneur 360 for three years in a row.
2. Start an explainer video business
An explainer video is a short online marketing video used to explain a company's product or service. Marketers place the explainer videos on the website landing page or product pages to illustrate how the product or service works to their target audience.
Different types of explainer videos include:
- Live-action explainer videos
- Live streams on social media
- Animated explainer videos
- Whiteboard explainer videos
To create an explainer video, you need a video script and voiceover. You can use an explainer video editing software to add characters, music, and sound effects to the explainer video.
Hello! My name is Marco Gatti, an entrepreneur from Milan (Italy) and the founder of Whiteboard.ee. The company deals with video marketing and, in particular, doodle whiteboard animation: that's why I chose the name for this digital project. We are in fact specialized in personalized animated videos that develop one after the other, just as if a hand made the drawings live on a whiteboard.
I officially started the company in February 2018, and currently invoices about $10,000 per month. We started from the Italian market, where we managed to carve out our share of the market and win the trust of many entrepreneurs and professionals. Now we are expanding internationally, already reaping the first results.
3. Start an online video editing business
Video editors manage camera footage, dialogue, sound effects, graphics, and special effects to produce the final film or video product. To become an online video editor, you must have media production and communication knowledge and the ability to work with others.
To start a video editing business, you can outsource video editing skills from an experienced professional. Your role will be to pick video footage from the customers and upload them for the video editor to do the magic.
Hey, I am Sabba and I am the co-founder of VEED.IO along with my partner in crime Tim. We are a London-based bootstrapped startup. Our web app, VEED, is a simple online video editing platform that allows users to do a bunch of cool stuff like auto subtitle videos, add video effects, add music, trim, rotate videos and much more all in the browser.
We launched just over a year ago, started charging 4 months ago and as of this interview, we are at $5,300 MRR and are just about profitable (Ramen profitable).
4. Start a baking YouTube channel
Do you have a passion for baking? Do you know that you can create a baking channel and earn money selling your recipes and videos online?
Ideally, a baking YouTube channel involves recording the process of preparing baked foods, teaching your audience how to mix the ingredients, and also taking them through the entire process.
When you gain subscribers and watch hours on your channel, you can monetize the videos or allow YouTube to put ads on them. With the baking videos channel, your potential to earn money depends on the ad format, the ads appearing while content is playing and price of the advert featured, and other YouTube set factors.
To create a successful baking video sales business, you need to work on some skills before you can launch the channel:
- Basic baking techniques
- Teaching skills
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Filming and video editing skills
Once you have acquired those skills and you are set to start, follow these steps to start your baking video sales business:
- Watch example YouTube cooking shows
- Figure out the best approach that works for your schedule
- Create recipes, film and edit
- Create a storyboard for each show before filming
- Create a social media profile to promote the channel
5. Become a music video director
A music video director is the head of music video production from initial conception to final editing. The director conceives of the video's artistic and dramatic aspects while instructing the music act, the technical crew, actors, models, and dancers.
To become a music video director, learn the basics of film-making with photography. Then, purchase filming equipment and produce amateur music videos to prepare you for learning the job.
Alright guys I’m Jordan Williams, I am the Founder and Owner of Snake Oil Music News. I am a massive fan of music and finding new bands and artists specifically in the Indie Rock’N’Roll genre proving that Rock’N’Roll is still alive and kicking even though some people would say it finished years ago.
However, we do have a website where you can buy Snake Oil Music News merchandise from T-Shirts, Beanies, Bucket Hats, etc which helps fund equipment that we use for content and any events that we put on.
6. Start a drone photography business
Drone video, a.k.a, aerial cinematography, is the best way to achieve affordable bird's view footage of an event or commercial.
Until recently, when organizations wanted an aerial video of their business, they had to hire a helicopter, or a photographer had to climb the highest roof to cover the business. Nowadays, drones are the best approach when it comes to aerial photography.
The technological evolution has created an opportunity for aerial cinematography. To start a drone photography business, get your drone flying license, buy a basic drone and camera, and create your aerial cinematography profile.
We are CFF Media, a video production company located out of Atlanta, GA. We create video content (About Us, Testimonials, Promotional, Drone videos) for the Greater Atlanta area with a primary focus on videos representing other companies and what they stand for, but we love the opportunity to try other avenues of video production!
We started just four and half years ago, working out of our house and trying to understand how we could make our way into the industry. I look around now and cannot believe the progress that we have made and every day I’m still shocked to find myself walking into an office with our very own studio. These moments make me look back and really appreciate just how far our company has come in such a short amount of time.
7. Become an event videographer
Event videography is the art of capturing social and special events onto video. Corporate events use videographers to help them improve their company's image and to create future marketing materials. Social events hire videographers to create memories of their events.
Therefore, becoming a professional videographer presents many possibilities to your business.
To become a videographer, you attend workshops or enroll in a short course, then buy a professional camera. You may work under a professional videographer as an intern as you acquire the skills needed to create professional videos.
Hello there! My name is Hope Horner, and I’m the co-founder and CEO of Lemonlight, an on-demand video production company that offers brands and agencies access to high-quality affordable video content nationwide.
We’ve built Lemonlight as an entirely self-funded business. We haven’t taken any outside capital since we launched the business in 2014. We’re on track to hit 6M in sales this year and we’ve grown the team to 45 full-time employees. We’ve been recognized in dozens of major publications, and we were awarded in Inc 5000 and Entrepreneur 360 for three years in a row.
8. Start a 360 video production business
A 360º video production company uses one of the most powerful content formats to achieve user engagement. The 360º degrees video has the potential to reach a broader user engagement.
The first and most crucial step to starting a 360º video production company is buying the right equipment and hiring a professional crew. Remember production of 360º video involves multiple time-consuming steps, from preparation to post-production editing.
To ensure the success of your business, invest in the right software for the 360º video editing task.
Hey, I am Tarun Lachhwani and the co-founder of Filmbaker, a Video Production Company based in Bangalore.
Co-founders - Rakesh R, Gaurav Singh, Tarun Lachhwani, Soman Surya Yadav
9. Become a tutorial video creator
A tutorial video is a subcategory of instructional videos that share knowledge and interact with viewers. Different forms of tutorial videos include:
- Presentation: common among college professors and teachers
- Niche videos: short 10-15 minutes tutorials covering a wide range of topics
- Training videos: teach candidates the skills they need to perform better at work
Creating tutorial videos is not a difficult task. With a proper strategy, you can make a tutorial video. Invest in a professional camera for your business and start creating a tutorial video. Then, outline the video contents you intend to create and create scripts.
Hey guys! My name is Josh Summers and I’m the founder of All Things Secured, a personal security and privacy brand that produces tutorials and educational content online. I started the company about 5 years ago while living in a sensitive part of China where the internet was highly censored and my activities were closely monitored, but have since moved to a more comfortable location in Thailand.
This past year, we crossed the 100,000 subscriber mark on YouTube and have continued to grow our content through email, live workshops, and other social media channels.
10. Become a video game audio creator
The video game audio serves to immerse the player in the game through dialogue, thematic music, and sound effects. With the video game industry snowballing, becoming a video game audio creator can be a rewarding career.
To become a video game audio creator, you need a qualification in the related field and work under someone as an intern to acquire the necessary skills.
My name is Aaron Hsu. I started Blerp in my junior year of college after I made the viral Shia Lebouf soundboard app. In the first few weeks after launch, we had over 100K downloads. It was at that moment I realized there was an opportunity to make a full sound sharing platform instead of downloading one off soundboard apps at a time.
Blerp takes a small cut of soundpack sales. We’re excited about bringing more ways for creators to monetize their brand and their most iconic moments.
11. Start a youtube video creation business
In today's digital world, YouTube channel has become an essential marketing tool. YouTube is the top video marketing platform for brands looking for paid and organic growth through video content. Businesses hire video creators to help them record, edit and upload YouTube videos.
Are you a videographer with an interest in YouTube marketing? Consider starting a YouTube video creation business.
To start your business, register a brand name and create a website and a YouTube channel. Use the YouTube channel and the website to sensitize your target customers on the importance of video marketing.
Potential customers include new and existing startups, individuals, celebrities, and organizations looking to use YouTube video marketing to grow their reach.
I work with a group of artists and developers who are making tools for other artists. If you need royalty-free music, video effects, graphics, or sound assets, we’ve got you covered.
ProductionCrate got its reputation from our VFX library, FootageCrate. That’s our flagship product, and where most of our million-plus users first found us. Filmmakers don’t just need one asset, though. As soon as our users realize we have all kinds of production resources, they’re downloading everything they need to make their project awesome.
12. Start a live video service
Live streaming has become an essential service, a trend that has created a business opportunity. While businesses can use social media platforms for video streaming, some prefer an online video platform and setting up live streaming websites.
Are you looking for a videography business idea? Consider starting a live streaming website. With over 57% of marketers using live streaming, it is not hard to see why creating a live streaming application is profitable.
To start your business, plan your live streaming business, and form a legal entity. Market your services to see your business growing.
13. Start a freelance video production business
More people prefer watching videos over reading text. This trend has led to the widespread adoption of video across multiple platforms, including mobile devices, social media platforms, and video hosting platforms.
With the increasing demand for video services, there is an excellent opportunity for Freelance videographers. If you are a videographer looking to start your new business, consider becoming a freelance video production expert.
To become a freelance videographer, you need a professional camera and video editing software. Remember that you do not need to have every piece of equipment immediately. Learn video editing and videography skills to handle the customer's requirements confidently.
14. Become a tik tok personality
Becoming a TikTok personality is a huge aspiration shared by millions of people across the globe.
To become a TikTok personality, create an account, choose a niche, and post high-quality content consistently. To stand out on TikTok, you need to be creative and ensure you post unique content based on what your followers like.
Riyaz Ali is a popular Indian Tiktok star and social media influencer.
- Over 45.2M followers on Tik Tok and 27M+ Instagram followers.
- On TikTok, his videos have about 2.1B likes.
- Videos consist of comedy, dances, and collaborations with fellow TikTokers and Indian actors or stars. - Riyaz is just 19 and making around ₹70 lakh per anum from TikTok, Instagram, and paid promotions.
Read the full story on biooverview.com →
15. Start a real estate video service
Video content helps drive more eyes to real estate listings. According to statistics, real estate listings with video receive 403% more inquiries compared to those without listings.
Realtors and real estate brokers have shifted to the use of video not only to generate social proof but also to build trust with potential buyers and sellers.
Therefore, there is a high demand for video creators focusing on the real estate industry. Real estate agents use video to show off their properties, reach customers digitally, and start conversations directly with them. Therefore, starting a real estate video service can be a rewarding and profitable venture.
Hello there! My name is Hope Horner, and I’m the co-founder and CEO of Lemonlight, an on-demand video production company that offers brands and agencies access to high-quality affordable video content nationwide.
We’ve built Lemonlight as an entirely self-funded business. We haven’t taken any outside capital since we launched the business in 2014. We’re on track to hit 6M in sales this year and we’ve grown the team to 45 full-time employees. We’ve been recognized in dozens of major publications, and we were awarded in Inc 5000 and Entrepreneur 360 for three years in a row.
16. Start an online news
The rapid pace of technological advancements is constantly evolving and creating different business opportunities. Starting an online news channel can be a great business opportunity for videographers with some journalism skills.
Millennials have become more adaptive to the latest technologies and viewing patterns, with most prefer watching news online. According to statistics, more than eight in ten Americans watch news through digital devices like smartphones, computers, and tablets.
Therefore, starting an online news channel can be a profitable venture. To start making money through your channel, focus on growing the audience so that marketers and advertisers can reach out for the airing of their advertisements through your channel.
I’m Codie Sanchez, and I am the Founder and owner of Contrarian Thinking. Our mission is to free minds and build the bank accounts of our readers. Specifically, we strive to help one million people become financially, philosophically, and physically free.
We currently have over 100,000+ newsletter subscribers and a community of over 1.5 million people across our social media platforms with a run rate of $3m this year.
17. Start a stock video business
Stock video is pre-filmed footage that can be purchased and used in various projects and films. Like stock photos, copyrighted stock videos cannot be used without permission and licensing from the rightful owner.
Businesses and filmmakers use licensed stock footage as they save money and hours, they would need to create original footage. Starting a stock video suitable for use in commercials and entertainment can be a great venture.
I’m Eduard Stinga, founder of VideoPlasty, a platform for stock animation and GIF images.
Since we launched, more than 600,000 people have visited our platform over the years, with 2020 being our best year so far, the year we finally cleared the first legendary milestone for any startup, registering our first six-figure year with a little over $100k in revenue. And we’re just getting started!
18. Start a presentation creation business
A business presentation is a purpose-led summary of key information about a company's plans, products, or practices, designed for internal or external audiences. Companies create business presentations to persuade their customers and introduce new offerings.
Most business presentations feature video use and require good video editing skills to make informative, persuasive, and supporting business presentations.
Do you have great videography skills to create innovative business presentations? Consider starting a business presentation creation business. Your target customers can be organizations and businesses looking to create business presentations for commercial or general purposes.
Founders & Partners Jesse Austell and Caitlin Rogers started Next Day Animation, a Baltimore-based animation studio founded in 2012 that makes short and interactive animated content. The company produces excellent explainer animation videos to meet its clients’ communication requirements.
Besides being the co-founder, Caitlin is the chief of storytelling at Next Day Animation and handles the creative operations. Co-founder Jesse graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in nonprofit finance. He later earned a master’s degree in non-profit management from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
Ten years ago, the co-founders were looking to start something in the communications deliverable segment, and Prezi, a Powerpoint alternative, was the only available app in the market.
They initially named their brand Next Day Prezi, and after its Launch, the brand had a lot of college students approaching them to get last-minute help with their college assignments. They were not catering to this market, and their services were priced too high ($800) for a student to pay.
Soon they got an actual client for whom they made a presentation, and their journey started there. The company is currently running for ten years, and now they are a 25-staff strong team that delivers results for their valued customers.
The company’s mission is to assist organizations in communicating complex ideas in an engaging and fun manner. Their team is made up of people who are smart, talented, and incredibly nice. It is a one-stop shop for professional animators, voice actors, and designers.
Next Day Animations partners with clients worldwide to deliver high-quality, powerful animations. Their clients include Big Brothers Big Sisters, HBO, Goodwill, and Johnson & Johnson.
Key Facts:
- The founders never gave up despite their first business name flopped.
- Proper pricing strategy is critical from the time of launching the business
- Testing ideas and believing those ideas will succeed were critical success factors.
- At Launch, they created a website and set up Google Ads, which landed the first potential customers.
19. Start a product review blog
A product review blog typically includes a description of the product, as well as a rating and review. This can be anything from reviewing gadgets to books to software.
To start a product review blog, you need to have strong writing skills and be familiar with the available products. You should also have a good understanding of how to market your blog and generate traffic.
The recent trend that is making this business more popular is the growth of social media. With more people using social media, businesses are looking for ways to connect with their customers. Product review blogs provide businesses with a way to connect with their customers and generate positive reviews.
Starting a product review blog is a great way to share your opinion on different products. This type of blog can be very profitable, as you can generate revenue through advertising and affiliate marketing.
I’m Cy, an award-winning sex blogger who’s critiqued over 200 body-safe sex toys. My review blog, Super Smash Cache, focuses on which sex toys are worth it, which ones fall short, and which ones may work for others but not for me (and vice versa).
I gave my honest take on THAT nearly-$300 massager that won a robotics design award, and I’ll never rave about a toy that sounds like a dolphin when you clench around it — no matter how many influencers post smiling selfies with it.
20. Become a product demonstrator
In the past, product demonstrators worked at department stores, malls, tradeshows, and grocery stores, where they met with potential customers. However, with current trends in e-commerce, product demonstrators have adopted videos to reach out to potential customers.
You can become a freelance product demonstrator and focus on creating demo videos that educate and inform the target audience on different products.
Hi, everyone! My name is Maarten, and I am the founder of Studio Wombat, where I create and sell WooCommerce plugins. WooCommerce is a platform that turns any WordPress-powered site into an e-commerce shop.
I started this company in August 2017, mainly as a side project to challenge my own development skills. To my surprise, it grew into a profitable business and we’re now making well over $15,000 per month!
21. Start a wedding videography business
A wedding videographer is a video production company that documents a wedding on video. The wedding videographers cover all events from when the couple starts preparing for the wedding, arrival at the wedding ceremony site, and the reception.
Most weddings use a professional videographer. Therefore, starting a wedding videography business can be rewarding.
To start a wedding videography business, invest in the right gear for filming the wedding ceremony, like microphones, cameras, gimbal, etc. It would help if you had professional video editing software and set up a website so you can be found online.
22. Become a documentary photographer
Documentary photographers capture images that portray people, places, and events and offer their audience an accurate visual recording.
To start a documentary photography business, you need a camera, a DSLR, or a regular point-and-shoot device. Proper photo editing skills will help you present quality results to your customers.
23. Start a vlog
Short for video blog, a vlog is a blog in video form. Think of a vlog as a TV channel that covers matters of a particular topic.
You can create and publish a vlog on different platforms. However, YouTube is currently the most-viewed and successful vlog, followed by platforms like Instagram, Twitch, and TikTok. Your vlog can offer instructional, performance art, or comedy-style content.
To create a vlog, develop a niche, decide the niche to specialize in, and create content.
24. Start an adsense business
Are you looking for an opportunity to turn your videography business into an earning opportunity? You can create videos, post them on YouTube or your website, and create an AdSense business. An AdSense business is an opportunity to earn passive income that can generate money without much involvement.
25. Become a Q&A video creator
Q&A videos are a popular format on YouTube and other video platforms. Business executives create Q&A videos to share important information about their businesses. The Q&A video formats help to build trust with the audience and to attract more traffic online.
As a videographer, you can apply your skills in helping businesses to create Q&A videos. You can share the Q&A videos across multiple platforms to expand your reach.
Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.
Get our 5-minute email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
"An amazing network of founders that truly want to help each other grow their business."