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From music videos and epic fails to game streams and tutorials, express your reactions to absolutely any video using Clipchamp's webcam overlay feature.
Read on to explore how to record and edit YouTube reaction videos that your subscribers will love.
What is a YouTube reaction video?
A reaction video on YouTube is a video showing creators reacting to another video. Creators can react to just about any video, from funny animals, before and afters, podcast videos, and more.
Before we jump into the tutorial, let's talk about the two different styles of YouTube reaction videos you can create. Either edit a reaction video by placing two videos side-by-side on the screen (also known as split-screen) or using a video overlay (also known as Picture-in-picture). Both layouts are beginner-friendly video editing techniques and suitable for any YouTube video. YouTube reaction videos usually are between 3 to 5-minutes long, but unverified creators can upload up to 15-minutes on YouTube.
How to make a YouTube reaction video
One of the easiest ways to create a YouTube reaction video is to use Clipchamp’s online webcam recorder. Sign in or create an account for free to record yourself for up to 30-minutes.
Step 1. Upload your video
To start editing your YouTube reaction video, upload media or a video from YouTube. If you’re using a YouTube video to react to, make sure you have legally downloaded the video.
Click the + button to add your media, drag and drop a video, or upload using one of Clipchamp’s integrations.
Step 2. Add your video to the timeline
Drag and drop your reaction video onto the editor timeline, or click on the green + button on the video preview.
Step 3. Locate the webcam recorder
Click on the Record & create tab on the left toolbar, then click on the camera recording button.
Step 4. Record your reaction video
Once you have clicked on the camera recording tab, a pop-up access window will appear. Click on the Allow button to allow camera and microphone access if it appears on your browser permissions.
To start recording, click the red record button. Watch your YouTube video and react to it using your webcam. Recordings are limited to 30 minutes. After recording your video, click on the same red button to stop.
Either click Save and edit or Retake recording. You will now return back to the editor. Your webcam recording will automatically be added to your timeline above your YouTube video.
If you need more help, check out our help tutorial on how to record a webcam video.
Step 5. Create a picture-in-picture effect
Click on the webcam video so it’s highlighted green. Editing handles will appear. Click on the handles to change the size of your video to turn it into an overlay.
Edit the position of your reaction video by either clicking on the Picture-in-picture button and then a position or by freely moving the clip around the video preview.
Audio tip: A reaction video captures your video and audio reaction while playing the video you’re reacting to out loud. There can be many sounds playing all at once, so be sure audio levels for both your reaction and the video playing are not overpowering one another.
Step 6. Export in 1080p directly to YouTube
Once you’re finished editing, save your video by clicking on the Export button at the top right corner of the editor. Select from 480p, 720p, or 1080p video quality. We recommend selecting 1080p for all YouTube uploads. Save your video to your computer, or share it directly on YouTube with Clipchamp’s integration.
Add special effects to your YouTube reaction video
Make your YouTube reaction videos stand out from competitors by adding special effects.
Easily trim and resize video clips
If you need to trim awkward silences or unwanted sections from your reaction video, just use the trimming tool. All you have to do is drag in and out the clips green sidebars on the timeline. Using our free-hand cropping tool, resize video clips without any restrictions.
Add text, logos, and watermarks
In just a few clicks, add fun elements to your reaction video and capture the attention of your viewers even more. Choose from various text fonts, styles, captions, and colors, and add your YouTube logo or branding to the brand kit. Your logo can also become a watermark for your videos by reducing the opacity.
Change between clips with transitions
Set the tone, mood, and add some style to your reaction with the help of video transitions. Effortlessly merge clips on your timeline with a popular video transition in between.
Add YouTube intros, outros, and stickers
Add a professional ready-to-use YouTube intro or outro to your reaction video. Just personalize the text, color scheme, and add your branding. You can even add on-theme YouTube subscribe buttons and emojis to your video with our GIPHY stickers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I share my YouTube reaction video on another social media platform?
Yes. You can edit the aspect ratio of your video to suit other social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook in the editor. Select from 16:9, 9:16, 1:1, 4:5, 2:3, and 21:9 aspect ratios.
Can I make a YouTube reaction video on my iPhone?
If you want to record, edit, and caption YouTube reaction videos on the go, check out Clipchamp's iOS app.
Can I add background music to a YouTube reaction video?
Yes. Add royalty-free audio to any YouTube reaction video with our free audio library. Just make sure to turn down the volume of your background music so it doesn’t overpower the video's original audio.
Are YouTube reactions fair use?
If you’re reacting to another creator's video on YouTube, you may receive a copyright strike for publishing the video. When downloading and reacting to YouTube videos, always be sure to get permission from the owner. Uploading reaction videos to YouTube isn’t illegal, but the video may risk being taken down or demonetized. Make sure to correctly attribute the video you're reacting to in your video description box. Creators can dispute and appeal reaction video copyright strikes under the making claims section using YouTube’s Copyright Management tool.
Create and record YouTube reaction videos with Clipchamp's free online video editor.
