Short-form video has become a staple in the world of content creation, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t difficult to make! Video requires a variety of skills, from editing to acting. Today, we're sharing our top 10 tips to take your video content from passable to professional:
1. If you are filming using your phone use the front camera (not selfie ) when recording better quality videos, and adjust your video settings for better quality video.
2. Consider whether you will use landscape or portrait orientation and stay consistent. Not sure which to use? Most creators opt to use portrait orientation for TikToks and Reels. As a rule, don’t use landscape orientation unless you are filming a video for a platform where it’s more likely to be viewed on a large screen, like YouTube.
3. Lighting makes all the difference. Try filming in the morning or evening, instead of midday, using natural light. This allows for softer, more flattering light. If you’re filming indoors, avoid pointing light sources towards the camera.
4. When filming a static shot, use a tripod to avoid shaky footage. Shaky footage leads to an unprofessional and unpolished feel. Don’t own a tripod? They don’t have to be expensive and can even be found in discount stores, or you can simply find a way to prop your phone up using what you have around the house (water bottles, books, etc.)
5. Ensure that there are no distractions in the background. A messy workspace, a box of cereal, or yesterday’s dishes might not distract you, but they will remove focus from the subject.
6. Additionally, be mindful of the foreground of your shot. We suggest you avoid wearing or displaying the logos of other brands as these can again pull focus away from the focus of your video.
7. Watch for unwanted reflections. If you are standing in front of a mirror or other reflective surface, you may want to consider changing locations or adjusting your angle to avoid showing the camera or other unwanted content.
8. Record more footage than you think you’ll need. Especially if you’re new to video creation, try recording from different angles, using different props and lighting. B-roll, or filler footage, can be useful not only for a video about behind-the-scenes footage but can often result in footage that is better than expected!
9. Clear audio is an underrated facet of video creation. Ensure that your phone’s microphones are not obstructed. Avoid competing background noise such as fans, TVs, or music. Purchasing a small microphone to use is a great idea, especially if you frequently record voiceovers or speech-heavy videos.
10. Avoid excessive filtering or special effects. They can definitely be fun, but when overused have the effect of making your videos look less professional.
Bonus: Don’t break the bank! Consider what kind of content you’re filming, and invest in equipment accordingly. If you’re filming mostly product-focused videos with voiceovers, invest in a microphone before you buy props or lighting equipment. On the other hand, if you film mostly at night, it might be a good idea to purchase lighting equipment first.
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