Level 6 · In practice

6.4Checklists & templates

Goal: reduce forgetfulness and save time with reusable checklists before and after each publication.

Estimated time: 12 min · If you only have 5 min: read “The essentials in 30s” + the diagram.

The essentials in 30 seconds

Before: a filming checklist avoids discovering a sound problem during editing.
During: a publication checklist checks title, thumbnail, description, rights and visibility.
After: an analysis checklist limits hasty conclusions and prepares the next video.

Fil Lina — the forgotten shoot

Lina filmed for 40 minutes, then noticed that the microphone was disconnected. She decides to install three simple checklists so as not to waste an entire session again.

Print or copy these lists into a notebook: a used checklist is better than a perfect forgotten list.

Three moments, three lists

A checklist doesn’t need to be long. It must contain the points which, if forgotten, waste the most work: sound, light, exposure, title, thumbnail and rights.

The best checklist is the one you actually use. Start with five points, add one only after repeated forgetting, and delete what is never useful.

Before turning

Charged phone or camera, sufficient storage space.
Microphone plugged in and 10 second test listened to through headphones.
Light facing the subject, no window behind.
Stable frame, focus locked, format chosen.
Decor tidy, confidential elements removed from the field.
Script or plan of steps visible off camera.

Before publishing

Title close to the research and faithful to the content.
Thumbnail readable on phone, short text, strong contrast.
Useful description with chapters, links and mentions.
Verified subtitles and royalty-free music.
Image permissions and rights checked.
Visibility, audience and comments adjusted according to the objective.

After publication

Note the first three questions in the comments.
Measure the click rate and retention at 24 hours then at 7 days.
Identify the moment when the audience stops.
Compare with previous video on a single indicator.
Decide on a concrete improvement for the next video.
Archive script, thumbnail and sources.

Common misinterpretation: “A checklist replaces talent. " No. It frees attention: once forgetting is avoided, you can concentrate on the subject, the rhythm and the story.

Text version of the diagram (SEO / screen readers / translation): Before filming → before publication → after publication. Each list contains the points that cost the most if forgotten; we improve it after a real incident, not by accumulation.

Ready-to-say script — announce checklist (20 sec)

“Before shooting, I check five points: battery, storage, microphone, light and frame. It takes two minutes and avoids wasting a session.”

Copy and paste template — filming checklist

BATTERY:
STORAGE:
MICRO TESTED:
LIGHT:
FRAME:
DECOR:
SCRIPT:

Copy and paste template — video description

In this video I show [promise].

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:20 Material
1:10 Step 1
2:30 Step 2
4:30 Result

Resources:
- [useful link]
- [model]

Music: [source and license]

Filming alone

Three points minimum: sound, light, storage.

Two-person shoot

Add role distribution and cross-checking.

Business

Add filming authorization and referent validation.

Quick release

Keep the six publication points, delete the rest.

Caution: Corporate checklists should include consent of those filmed, confidentiality of visible documents and validation of business information.

48-hour challenge — adopt three lists

Copy the three checklists, adapt them to your material and use them for your next video. Note the time saved and the forgetting avoided.

Section exit checklist

I have a filming checklist adapted to my equipment.
I have a posting checklist before each video.
I have a simple post-publishing analysis routine.

Self-assessment 1-5: are my checklists used?Have I deleted unnecessary points?

← Previous : Best practices & pitfalls (V3)Next : Go further (V3) →

Check your understanding

What point absolutely must be included in the checklist before filming?

💡

A checklist that is too long is no longer read. Keep track of the points that prevent an actual loss and review the list after each incident.