Tips For Smartphone Videos: Banish The Wobbles
Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of creating professional-looking videos for your small business or personal brand? You’re not alone! Many entrepreneurs believe they need a hefty budget and a fancy production crew to get started. But here’s the secret: that powerful video studio is already in your pocket.
The Budget Buster: Your Smartphone
Believe it or not, your smartphone is a powerful filmmaking tool waiting to be unleashed. Forget expensive equipment and complicated setups. With a few simple hacks and the magic of your phone, you can create engaging videos that showcase your brand and connect with your audience. It’s a practice run for the future, when you might get on a podcast, television, or work with a production team.
Best Practices For Phone Videos
1. Light is Life: Embrace Natural Illumination
Lighting is key to professional-looking videos. Ditch the harsh overhead lights and fluorescent buzz. Instead, film in bright, natural light for a crisp and clean aesthetic. Think window light for indoor shots or the golden hour glow outdoors for an extra touch of magic.
2. Steady Wins the Race: Banish the Wobbles
Shaky footage is the enemy of a captivating video. Invest in a simple phone tripod for ultimate stability. Can’t afford a tripod? No problem! Get creative and prop your phone against a stack of books or use two hands to hold it steady. Every small step towards stability makes a big difference. Get your best buddy before he has a couple beers to hold the camera.
(TIP: Going handheld like that looks great and natural, if the phone operator has a steady hand.)
3. Sound Sweetness: Prioritize Crisp Audio
Good sound is often overlooked, but it’s crucial for viewer engagement. Choose a quiet recording location free from background noise. Consider investing in a budget-friendly external microphone for a noticeable improvement in audio quality.
(TIP: Use AI to clean up the audio in CapCut if your using your phone’s microphone.)
4. Editing Magic: Unleash Your Inner Director or Don’t
Most smartphones come equipped with basic editing tools. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Trim unnecessary pauses, remove unwanted footage, and add background music to enhance your video’s flow. A well-edited video keeps your audience engaged and focused on your message. The best is to work with an editor who will take that footage and work some magic.
(TIP: Adding a logo, the right music, and a great opener followed by a call to action will put the video over the top as far as presentation and quality go. Editing yourself? Keep it simple Nolan)
Bonus Tips Entrepreneurs:
- Portrait vs. Landscape: Choose your filming orientation wisely! Vertical is perfect for Instagram Stories, while horizontal is ideal for YouTube or widescreen viewing.
- Unlock Your Phone’s Potential: Many phones offer hidden camera settings. Explore and adjust resolution, frame rate, and other options to maximize video quality. Just go for it and make it highest quality.
(TIP: 24fps for talking on camera, 60fps for b-roll. The editor will love you. Don’t have time for that? Just go for 60fps the whole time)
For iPhone users, this video goes over some important steps. Click -> For Android
- Filming on the Go? Consider a mobile gimbal for smooth, stabilized footage even while walking or running.
(TIP: Get a friend who plays a lot of XBOX for a steady hand/camera operator.)
No More Excuses! Start Creating Today!
With these simple hacks and the power of your phone, you have everything you need to create compelling videos that build your brand and connect with your audience. Remember, the most important ingredient is your passion and creativity. So grab your phone, experiment, and unleash! There’s no better time than now to start sharing your story with the world.
Need help taking your videos to the next level? Lets chat!
