Become a DIY Influencer!
Create short DIY tutorial videos showing simple crafts, learn basic filming and editing techniques, and practice safe sharing to inspire friends and family.
About this activity
Create short DIY tutorial videos showing simple crafts, learn basic filming and editing techniques, and practice safe sharing to inspire friends and family.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Pick one simple craft you can teach in a short video like a paper bookmark a tiny card or a simple bracelet.
- 2
Step 2
Gather only the craft materials you will need from the Materials Needed list.
- 3
Step 3
Plan three short parts for your video: a quick intro a how-to sequence and a final reveal.
- 4
Step 4
Write a one or two sentence intro and one short sentence for each how-to step as your script.
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Step 5
Set up a tidy workspace with the plain cloth background and good light so viewers can see your hands clearly.
- 6
Step 6
Practice making the craft once while timing yourself to keep the demo about 30 to 60 seconds.
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Step 7
Record the video keeping the camera steady and showing each step slowly and clearly.
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Step 8
Re-record any part that is too blurry too fast or that you stumble over.
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Step 9
Edit the clips to trim extra footage add short titles for each step and speed up any repetitive parts.
- 10
Step 10
Remove or blur any personal details in the video such as full name address or school from the shots.
- 11
Step 11
Write a short title and friendly description that do not include your real name or location.
- 12
Step 12
Show the finished video to an adult and ask for their approval and safety check.
- 13
Step 13
Share your finished tutorial on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I help my child make a short DIY tutorial video?
Start by choosing a simple craft and writing a short outline that breaks the project into 3-5 clear steps. Set up good lighting and a steady camera (phone on a tripod or stacked books). Film close-ups of hands doing each step and a brief intro and reveal. Keep clips short, speak clearly or record a voiceover, and use a basic editing app to trim, add captions, and background music. Review the final video with your child before sharing and get parental permission.
What materials do I need to become a DIY influencer with my child?
At minimum you'll need a smartphone or tablet with a camera, a stable mount or tripod, and basic craft supplies for the project (paper, glue, scissors, markers). Add a window or lamp for lighting, a simple clip-on microphone or earbuds for clearer audio, and an easy editing app (free options available). Also prepare props, a towel or mat for the workspace, and a checklist for privacy and parental consent before any sharing.
What ages is the 'Become a DIY Influencer' activity suitable for?
Suitable for children about 6 and up, with adjustments for skill and supervision. Ages 6-8 can plan and perform simple steps with close adult help; ages 9-12 can handle filming, basic editing, and learn privacy rules with guidance; teens 13+ can create more polished tutorials and manage sharing responsibly. Always supervise online posting, set time limits, and choose age-appropriate platforms or private sharing with family to keep the experience safe and positive.
What are the benefits and safety tips for kids making DIY tutorial videos?
Benefits include building creativity, planning, communication, fine motor skills, and basic digital literacy. Safety tips: never use full names, avoid showing home addresses or school details, set videos to private or share only with approved contacts, get parental approval before uploading, and check platform age rules. Teach children to be kind when responding to comments and to show only what's safe. Consider family-only channels or school projects to practice before public sharing.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
If I don't have the exact craft materials on the Materials Needed list (like beads or a plain cloth background), what can I substitute?
You can substitute beads with painted pasta or rolled paper beads, use yarn or ribbon instead of string for a bracelet, and replace the plain cloth background by taping a large sheet of plain white poster board to a wall when you set up your tidy workspace.
My recording came out blurry or too shaky—how can I fix that during recording or in editing?
Prop your phone on a stack of books or a tripod and add a desk lamp for clearer footage while recording, then follow the instructions to re-record any blurry parts or trim and stabilize clips during editing.
How can I adapt the activity for younger kids or older kids?
For younger kids, pick the simplest craft, have an adult help with scissors and recording while the child practices one timed 30–60 second run, and for older kids, have them write a concise three-part script, self-edit clips, and add step titles in the edit.
What are simple ways to extend or personalize the tutorial beyond the basic instructions?
Personalize the video by decorating the plain background with a small banner, adding a short voiceover or music and step titles during editing, showing one or two variations of the finished craft in the final reveal, and then write a friendly anonymous description before sharing on DIY.org.