Video content creation on smartphone
You don’t have to break the bank to start creating good videos. With just your smartphone and a few simple techniques, you can produce good-quality content. I started content creation as a skit maker on Instagram shooting with my phone in 2017 or so, then learned more on my media 9–5 job and film school for better shooting knowledge to share with you. You will learn all you need to know and start shooting content using your phone.
- Optimize your phone: Use the back camera, not the front camera. To see what your frame is like, you can put a mirror in front of you or use a method like this. Go to settings and set your camera to the highest resolution your phone can shoot 1080p is okay but your phone has 4K, choose that. I recommend you set the FPS to 30fps or 29.97fps. Even if you want to use your laptop, still leverage your phone’s back camera, as it gives the best quality. Here’s how to do that:
2. Microphone Options: Good audio is key to professional-looking videos. You can use any microphone, such as lavalier mics for vlogs, shotgun mics with phone cages for outdoor shoots, USB mics for indoor talking head segments, and boom mics for interviews, to ensure clear and crisp sound. Note that there are AIs that can help with you address specific issues like external noise and echo. I have tried Adobe Podcast ai, NVIDIA Broadcast ai, vocal removal AI, among others. Tap this to learn more about my audio journey:
3. Lighting Solutions: Lighting can make or break your video quality. Utilize natural light by shooting outdoors or if indoors, position yourself facing a window. If natural light isn’t available, room light is fine only for a start. Invest in affordable lighting options like ring lights or LED panels (15000–45000 naira) to illuminate your scenes effectively without breaking the bank. I started my talking head YouTube videos with this soft box:
4. Background Considerations: Your background sets the stage for your content. Opt for simple backgrounds or shoot between two walls to keep the focus on you or your subject. Avoid clutter and distractions that may detract from your message. Just organize your space. That’s sufficient for a start. You can get ornamental props, tube light, strip light or flower later on. Use real background — avoid all those greenscreens on Zoom and similar apps. Real settings create a more appealing and seamless visual experience, eliminating awkward edges around your body.
Note that the first background is not real, it is augmented with Ai. Learn how to do it.
5. Storage Management: My iPhone has 256gb but as a contents creator, it’s easy to run out of storage space. I delete old footages and invest in external storage options like cloud storage or SSD. For phones with microSD cards, you may need to get an extra one to store your footage. If you plan to edit on laptop , using Airdrop, Xender, Document Readle and so on is cool but for me, I use this flash that can connect to both my phone and my PC.
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6. Editing Software: Post-production is where your content truly comes to life. Fortunately, there are plenty of budget-friendly editing software options available. Consider apps like CapCut, InShot, and so on for phone editing, or explore desktop software like CapCut PC for more advanced editing capabilities. Premiere Pro is not free, so I will skip that. Da Vinci Resolve has a free version, but like Premiere Pro, it has a steep learning curve.
7. Background Music: Enhance the mood of your videos with suitable background music. Note that you can’t simply Google download and slap any music you feel like on your video, as that will get your video flagged for copyright. Use platforms like YouTube Audio Library or Pixabay that give you some license to use their audio. You can consider subscription-based services like Audiio or Epidemic Sound for access to a wider range of high-quality tracks.
8. Tripods and Stabilization: Keeping your shots steady is essential for professional-looking videos. Get a phone tripod or use pegs, books, to support your phone to stand steady and eliminate shaky footage. For vlogs, you should consider getting a selfie stick or mini tripod while saving up for a gimbal in the future.
9. Framing and Composition: Learn the basics of framing and composition to create visually appealing videos. YouTube got you on this one. Experiment with different angles, rule of thirds, and framing techniques to capture attention and convey your message effectively.
10. Engagement and Interaction: Encourage engagement with your audience by incorporating interactive elements into your videos. Ask questions, prompt viewers to leave comments, and respond to feedback to foster a sense of community and connection with your audience.
I wish you the very best in your content creation journey on TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, X, Facebook, and, of course, YouTube!!!! I am rooting for your success.
