Implementation of Creative Content and Video Editing Training to Develop the Creative Economic Potential of Rural Youth

Abstract

The rapid development of digital technology has created new economic opportunities that can be utilized by youth, including those living in rural areas. However, low levels of digital literacy and limited content production skills remain major barriers that prevent young people from optimizing these opportunities. This community service program aims to enhance the capacity of rural youth in producing creative digital content and developing their creative economy potential through training in content creation and video editing. The program consisted of four stages: needs analysis and preparation, core training sessions, content production mentoring, and publication and evaluation. A total of 32 youth participants aged 16–25 took part in the activities. The training was delivered using a hands-on learning approach via mobile and laptop devices and covered material related to video shooting techniques, storyboard planning, video editing using digital applications, as well as social media branding and content distribution strategies. The results indicate a significant improvement in participants’ digital content production skills. A total of 81% of participants were able to independently develop a storyboard, and the average video editing skill score increased from low to high after the training. Furthermore, all participants successfully published their content on digital platforms, and several videos received high levels of audience engagement. Eight participants even began receiving promotional content production requests from local MSMEs. These findings demonstrate that creative content and video editing training effectively empowers rural youth to leverage digital technology as a productive and sustainable economic opportunity. This program has the potential to be replicated in other rural areas as a strategy for youth empowerment through the digital creative economy.