Edumarketer Tip #131: Tips for Recording Video on Your Phone

You’re ready to start filming. Follow these four basic tips to increase the production value of your mobile content.

1. Phone video settings

You’d be surprised how much a few switch-flips can make a difference when it comes to capturing beautiful mobile video. If your phone’s relatively new, we’re willing to bet it’s got the ability to capture video in 4k (fancy!), you just probably need to select it in settings.

Head to your mobile camera settings to check out the recording specs available to you to instantly bump up your video quality. (Heads up, iPhone users — make your videos even more gorgeous by changing these iPhone video settings.) Click HERE for instructions.

2. Lighting for mobile video recording

Always make sure there’s more light in front of your subject than behind them. It’s more important that your subject is lit nicely than your background and if possible, shoot in shady or overcast conditions. That’ll help keep everything lit fairly evenly.

Also: avoid fluorescent lights or dull backgrounds at all costs.

3. Recording audio on your phone

The closer you are, the better the audio. If you’re using the built-in microphone for dialogue, get up close and personal to get your best soundbite. Clear the space of unnecessary background noise (kids and pets should head to another room, if possible), and you should be good to go. The good news is, your phone is already a pretty good audio capture tool!

4. Stabilizing your mobile video

One of the easiest ways to boost your production value is to ensure your mobile video is properly stabilized. Your phone is already pretty equipped to cut down on camera shakiness, but following these tips should help maximize your video’s stability:

Move the camera slowly. This should be a no-brainer, but if you handle your camera with intention, you’re already halfway there.

Keep two hands on your smartphone at all. Repeat after us: two hands are better than one.

Don’t zoom in if you don’t have to! You can always physically move closer to your subject in order to get the best shot. You’ll notice zooming in on your mobile video adds shakiness to the shot.

If you need any help or would like additional guidance on equipment, you can reach out to us at [email protected].