Your First 30 Seconds Are Killing Your Videos + Considering Vlogging? ๐ฌ | DevReel Weekly #3


Hey video creators! Back for #3 with more video production goodies.
Let's dive into more good stuff.
๐บ Video of the Week
I freaking enjoy content that makes me think, "This feels like hanging out with a friend" (and this is a proven way to engage in video content).
That's exactly what taylor desseyn DevRel vlogs do. No fancy studios, no overengineered content - just pure, authentic community building through storytelling.
This works because it shows the journey, not just the destination, feels like a friend sharing updates (not a corporate robot) and proves that "how-to" isn't the only way to engage developers
๐ WATCH HERE
๐ฏ Tip of the Week: 30 seconds is all you have
Confession time: I used to start every video with "Hi, I'm Kevin Blanco and I'm a DevRel at..."
Guess what? Nobody cares.
Harsh? Maybe. True? Absolutely.
Here's my new 30-second hook formula:
Problem statement (10s): Hit them with what hurts
Proof you get their pain (10s): Show you've been there
Promise of the solution (10s): Tease what's coming
That's it. No bio. No life story. Just pure value signaling from second one.
Want to see one example? Here's a video I did showcasing a solution in less than 30 seconds to generate intrigue and keep people wanting to see the entire video. Seniors and advanced users gets it quickly, while I build tension for more introductory users to stay and watch the step by step video.
๐ ๏ธ Resource of the Week: ATEM Mini Pro
"Yo, Kevin, how do you switch cameras so smoothly in your streams?"
I get this question A LOT. In my streams, I do everything by myself. Here's my little tool: the ATEM Mini Pro.
Look, I was tired of managing software (OBS) while trying to run a stream. This little box is just... buttons. Beautiful, physical buttons. Switch cameras? press a button - New angle? press a button - My screen with my face in the lower third? press a button. The best part is that it records the final output to your hard drive with a multicam project.
๐ Get your ATEM Mini Pro Here
And that's a wrap! Thank you again for taking the time to read this.
Have a creative week and keep producing!
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Written by

Kevin Blanco
Kevin Blanco
Kevin Blanco is a multifaceted technologist who bridges the worlds of technology development and creative media. As a Senior DevRel Advocate, Google Developer Expert in Cloud and Workspace, and Google Champion Innovator, Kevin brings over 14 years of industry experience to the stage. His expertise spans cloud architecture, education technology, and innovative developer solutions. A certified Cloud Architect and Google Educator/Trainer, Kevin has delivered impactful sessions across North America and Latin America, establishing himself as a trusted voice in the global developer community. His unique background in cinema production and certification as a Davinci Resolve editor/colorist adds a creative edge to his technical prowess. Currently Senior DevRel at Appsmith in charge of Video Production, Kevin has spearheaded successful video initiatives that have significantly boosted community engagement and product adoption. His YouTube channel is a showcase of his ability to blend technical knowledge with compelling content creation. Kevin's passion for empowering developers, combined with his filmmaking skills, makes him an ideal speaker to inspire audiences to harness the true potential of video in DevRel and beyond.