If you’ve been keeping up with skate videos lately, you’ve probably noticed a pattern: there’s a formula that editors are using to create a trendy video. While skateboarding is supposed to be about individuality and innovation, in today’s world, being perfectly on-trend is what gets you shares on Instagram, and that’s what matters. So, how do you make a skate video that gets noticed? After analyzing numerous videos, I believe I’ve deciphered the code. Follow these steps to ensure your 12-minute edit gets the views it deserves.
A drawing of a person sitting on a casting couch, with a camera pointed at them
Assemble Your Crew With the Right Look
First, you need the right skaters. Think Chuck Taylors, wallrides, steep tail drops, face and head tattoos—that’s the vibe. A few skaters in Dunks are okay, but ensure they’re rocking baggy light wash denim. It’s challenging to make a 19-year-old art school transplant stand out, so everyone’s fit has to be on point. The skaters’ appearance should scream “skate culture.”
A banner with the words "chunky black marker" in a graffiti style
Combine Two Random Words for a Title
“Strawberry Plug,” “Metal Curve,” “Dick Pimp”—these titles have one thing in common: they don’t mean much, but they get views. Use them as inspiration. Consider something like “New Lighter,” because lighters make fire, and your video is going to be fire (hence all the fire emojis). Or better yet, name it “:;” so no one knows what to call your video. The title’s meaning doesn’t matter as long as it generates buzz.
A graphic with various nonsensical skateboarding video titles
Select the Perfect Soundtrack
Track down a local hardcore band and ask if you can use their song for free. There are bound to be several in your hometown looking for exposure. If they need persuasion, tell them this could turn them into the next Turnstile. Just make sure the singer isn’t one of those older hardcore guys with a high school girlfriend; you don’t want any controversy. Bonus tip: Throw in an early 2000s pop hit to appeal to both punk and quirky audiences. This contrast can help your video stand out.
Slow-Mo, and More Slow-Mo
Build the suspense with plenty of slow-motion footage. It’s crucial for adding drama. Cops at the spot can also add to the stress, so if any show up, capture it on camera, preferably in slow-mo. Even if they don’t care that you’re skating, filming them gives a rebellious vibe. Nothing is more badass than showcasing that the police tried to bust you, aside from maybe slow-mo close-ups of bloody hands.
A zoomed-in image of someone's hands covered in blood
Forget About Perfect Technique
Camera shake used to be a problem, but now it’s a key part of the aesthetic. Embrace it. Go full-on with the shaky cam. Channel that authentic Parkinson’s vibe with a 50mg Adderall before your session. This gives the video an edgy, raw feel.
Go Off-Road and Get Grimey
Skateboarders are known for being dirty, so embrace the grimey side of skating. Film your crew spot hunting in unexpected places, skating dirt hills. Have the skater with the roughest style drop in on a dirt hill bomb, and don’t make it look too easy! You’ll want to capture them falling and rolling down the hill. Once they get back up, film them walking up the hill again (in ultra slow-mo, naturally), making sure to get the dirt on their white T-shirt in the shot.
An ashtray with cigarette butts
Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em
Cigarettes are classic. Although you’re literally burning money, they make mundane activities look cool. So, it’s worth it. If the b-roll of your crew at the spot feels flat, have someone light up and exhale onto the lens. Instant cinematic gold. The combination of smoke and skateboarding will boost the aesthetic of your edit.
Distribute Your Video Everywhere
Gone are the days when you needed skate mags to run your videos. Why allow a magazine to add an ugly watermark to your video when you can run it on your own channel? Upload it yourself and then send it to all the mags a few hours after it goes live. Don’t worry if most say no; at least one will run it for free.
Note from the editor: send all your video submissions to [email protected] and make sure to cc: [email protected] so he’s forced to watch them all.
Making a trendy skate video is all about combining the right elements, from the skaters and the style to the music and the editing. By following this guide, you’ll create a video that resonates with the current skate scene and gets the views it deserves. It’s a mix of authenticity and trend awareness.
Words by: Larry Lanza
Illustrations by: Mandeep Rangi
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