Many different types of videos are successful on YouTube, from product unboxings and reviews to stop-motion movies and time-lapse scenes. But one of the most popular types of video is the "reaction" video.

It's a simple format: reaction videos essentially feature a person watching or experiencing something, highlighting their feelings as they go.

Essentially a mundane premise, reaction videos have become surprisingly popular. So, how do you make your own reaction video?

What Is a Reaction Video?

Put simply, a reaction video is a clip of someone (or a group of people) reacting to something else. Typically, the item being viewed---a film, TV show, or video game---is displayed in the corner of the video. This is achieved using picture-in-picture software and helps the viewer contextualise the reaction.

Meanwhile, the main chunk of the window displays the reaction. It could be pleasure, it could be pain---whatever it is, this is what people want to see.

Want to Make a Reaction Video? First Find Something to React To

To make your own reaction video, start by finding something you want to react to.

It might comedy, tragedy… a game, or a music video. It could be a movie trailer, a news report, even the weather.

Your next step is to find a way to watch while recording your reaction. Using a mobile phone screen recording app while you watch a streamed video is one way. However, it is better to download than to stream. Buffering can make your reaction video somewhat ridiculous (unless you're specifically recording a buffering reaction video!) resulting in unnecessary editing.

If you're recording your reaction to playing a game, meanwhile, check your hardware is up to simultaneous playing and recording.

React to Something You Love, or You Hate

No one wants to watch you quietly enjoying a movie. They want you to either LOVE it or HATE it. Extreme reactions work best for YouTube reaction videos, so make sure that you are giving it the full-on emote, especially at the key scenes---the big moments that people talk about.

If you love something, make it clear that you are loving it. If you don't like it at all, use facial expressions, body language and verbal communication to distinctly relate your feelings. Be yourself, be honest, but communicate in a positive manner, even if you're not enjoying it.

And if you're recording someone else's reactions, stick to the same principles. But in both cases, remember to hit record!

How to Make a Reaction Video on Your Phone With TikTok

To assist in the production of reaction videos, you can load up the footage you're planning to react to onto your mobile device and use an app to record your reaction. Apps are available on Android and iOS for smartphones, and on tablets.

However, there is a good chance you're already using an app that can make reaction videos: TikTok.

In the TikTok app, find the video you want to react to.

  1. Tap Share
  2. Select React
  3. Wait while the video downloads to your phone
  4. Select the camera (front or back) to react with
  5. Position the picture-in-picture reaction video where you want it
  6. Set any filters and other effects that you wish you use
  7. Tap Record

When you're done, stop recording and share your TikTok.

Related: How to Use TikTok

Other Mobile Apps for Reaction Videos

TikTok has various privacy concerns. If you don't want to use it for reaction videos, plenty of other apps can be used.

Android Reaction Video Tools

If you have an Android phone it is likely you have a built-in screen recorder with picture-in-picture recording. Check your pre-installed apps to find it. Failing that, use one of these apps.

Vlog Star: Considered the best vlogging app for Android, Vlog Star makes it easy to create a whole host of video types, including reaction videos. In-app purchases extend the functionality further.

AZ Screen Recorder: This app needs to be upgraded to the PRO version to unlock the front camera recording feature. This is around $4, but other features are included in the upgrade.

Screen Recorder: Another app that is free with paid upgrade, you'll need to enable the "Record face" feature before recording a reaction video on your Android device. Purchasing a $1 license will remove ads and recording duration limit.

Reaction Video Apps for iPhone and iPad

Reaction Cam: Install this app to record your reaction videos to games, Facebook videos, Instagram, photos, and even websites. Features pause and rewind functions so you can rewatch and record. Additional features can be unlocked for $0.99.

Letsplay---Video in video commentary: This app will let you record reactions to videos while recording your face and/or voice. The app also features some editing and tweak controls.

iReact---Reaction Videos: Record reactions to videos on your phone or a web URL. Has swappable picture-in-picture function, pause, forward, and rewind feature, and separate recording for intros and outros. Upgrade to the premium version for $2.99.

How to Make a Reaction Video That Looks Amazing

It doesn't matter how good your phone camera is, you ultimately want a reaction video that stands up to scrutiny. To do this, you need quality hardware, decent software, and a pleasing background.

  • A decent camera: Whether you're using a smartphone, PC webcam, or dedicated video camera, it should be top quality. The crisper the image, the more enjoyable for the viewer.
  • Tripod or mount: Your camera will need to be mounted on something to achieve the best angle. You should look presentable on your webcam, not ridiculous (unless that is your intention…). While a laptop webcam might be already "mounted" vibrations caused by movement rule it out as a reliable option.
  • Microphone: Don't use the mic built into your PC or laptop. Instead, find a good quality USB or phono jack microphone. If you're reacting to a pre-recorded video, play it back through earphones to avoid the mic picking up the audio track.
  • Lighting: Most indoor locations are too dark for filming, which is where lighting comes in useful.
  • Space: It isn't just hardware that you need. A tidy, presentable area where you won't be interrupted is vital. Untidy backgrounds will divert attention away from your reaction, while interruptions can throw your progress.

Recording a test video (perhaps just a few seconds) to line up the shot, check the audio, and ensure everything is tidy, is a good idea.

Editing a Reaction Video on the Desktop

If you're not using a dedicated reaction video mobile app, you'll need to edit the footage together manually. With a professional-standard editing tool, you can merge your reactions with the show/game/pop video/whatever you're watching. You can then add any necessary video effects and captions, and output to a format that can be uploaded to YouTube.

Related: Best Free Video Editing Tools

A desktop editing suite will result in superior results to a mobile app, but more time is required.

While desktop video editors differ, editing follows largely the same pattern:

  1. Ensure the video footage and is saved to your computer
  2. Launch the editing software and start a new project
  3. Select the video properties if prompted (e.g. set the desired resolution)
  4. Import your video clips
  5. Arrange the clips on the timeline
  6. Use the picture-in-picture function to overlay (or superimpose) the subject video as a small box over your reaction.
  7. Place the box so it appears you're "looking" at it, watching the video, and reacting
  8. Preview the video to ensure the timings line up---you can nudge the videos along the timeline until you get a match

Eventually you should get something like this:

This is a good question.

There are two considerations: the footage you're reacting to, and the format.

  • Is the footage you're reacting to owned by someone else or a media body? If so, you're likely to receive a Content ID claim, or a copyright strike from YouTube. In the case of the former, it will prevent you from monetizing the video with ads. "Clever" editing can help get around this by cutting the content to focus on your key reactions. However, this is not recommended.
  • The reaction video format isn't owned by anyone, however. While popular YouTubers the Fine Bros attempted to trademark the format, this failed. One reason for this was that reaction videos predate YouTube and form the basis of many DVD extras and documentary TV shows.

So: react in any way you like!

Upload Your Reaction Video to YouTube

Sharing your reaction video is important, and while you might upload to Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, you'll probably consider YouTube to be the best destination.

With a dedicated reaction video mobile app, YouTube support is typically built in. This will streamline the uploading process once you've linked your Google account.

Many desktop video editors feature YouTube integration, again saving time. Follow the steps in the video editor to link your account and upload.

If you prefer to manually upload to YouTube, ensure the video has been exported in a suitable format, then upload through the website.

You Made a Great Reaction Video

Choosing the right tools and a good subject will help you to make a great reaction video. It can take time to get right, but once you've mastered the process, you'll be ready to publish regular reaction videos on YouTube.