Going gear-free: The most valuable ways to create videos using your smartphone

We all love to watch videos, whether they’re funny cat clips, informative how-tos, or stunning travel vlogs. And with the power of today’s smartphones, it’s never been easier to create incredible videos of our own. Whether you’re looking to start your own YouTube channel or make fun clips for your friends and family, here are the most practical ways to create videos using your smartphone and (almost) nothing else. 

Complete the pre-shooting stage

Before you start shooting your video, completing the pre-shooting phase is crucial:

1. Battery-saver mode can interfere with your phone’s camera performance, so it’s best to turn it off before shooting a video. 
2. A low battery can cause your phone to shut down in the middle of shooting, so it’s essential to ensure it’s fully charged. 
3. Smudges or fingerprints on your camera lens can cause your video to appear blurry, so clean the lens before shooting. 
4. Video footage can take up a lot of storage space; ensure you have enough free space on your device before shooting.

Whatever you are filming, ensure to create an eye-capturing thumbnail if you are going to upload your videos on YouTube. With the coming holidays, crafting relevant previews is a no-brainer. Fortunately, valentines day templates have got you covered this time! Use any template to spread a romantic mood and attract more people to your video content. 

Switch between lenses when necessary

There are many ways to create videos using your smartphone. Perhaps the most helpful method is switching lenses to get different perspectives and shots. For example, if you’re shooting a video of a person speaking, you might want to switch to a wide-angle lens to get a full view of the person’s body language. Or, if you’re shooting a video of a landscape, you might want to switch to a telephoto lens to get a closer shot.

*Pro tip: Think about your composition

Mixing up your angles and perspectives is crucial to keep things interesting. Experiment with different shot types, such as close-ups, wide shots, and Dutch angles. Also, pay attention to the rule of thirds when framing your shots.

Keep lighting in mind

The most valuable tactics to create videos using your smartphone are to keep lighting in mind, shoot in well-lit areas, and use a light source to brighten up your shots. Lighting can significantly impact the quality of your video, so be sure to keep it in mind when shooting. If possible, try to record in well-lit areas or use a light source to brighten up your shots. It will help ensure that your video looks its best.

Fix your focus, orientation, and zoom!

One of the most common mistakes people make when shooting videos on their smartphones is forgetting to fix their focus. Be sure to tap on your screen to set the focus before you start filming.

Another helpful tip for shooting better videos is to hold your device horizontally. It may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people try to film vertically. Horizontally holding your gadget gives you a much wider field of view, which is essential when trying to capture all the action.

Finally, avoid using the zoom function on your phone’s camera. Zoom can often make your video look blurry and pixelated. If you need to zoom in, it’s best to do it after you’ve already filmed the footage. You can always crop and zoom in during the editing process.

Use a tripod

While there are many ways to create videos using your mobile device, using a tripod is one of the most valuable approaches. A tripod will help stabilize your camera and prevent any unwanted shaking. It will ultimately result in more professional-looking videos. 

Invest in some quality audio

If you plan on recording audio for your video, whether it be a voiceover or simply recording sound, it is vital to invest in quality audio equipment. It can make a big difference in the overall quality of your video.

There are a few different ways to go about this. You could purchase a microphone that can plug directly into your phone. It would give you the best sound quality. Alternatively, you could use a Bluetooth microphone. It would be less expensive than purchasing a microphone specifically for your phone, but the sound quality may not be as good.

Film in short segments

If you’re filming with your smartphone, one of the best ways to make your video editing process more manageable is to film in short segments. That way, you can quickly and easily eliminate any mistakes or unwanted footage.

When you’re filming, try to keep each segment under a minute. That way, you won’t waste time sifting through hours of footage. And if you make a mistake, it’ll be much easier to fix.

If you can, use a tripod to keep your phone steady. That way, your footage will be smooth and stable. And if you’re filming something that requires movement, like a cooking tutorial, use a stabilizing app to help keep your footage shake-free.

Recap

As you can see, there are numerous ways you can use your smartphone to create videos. Whether you want to make a video for your business or just for fun, you can do it using your smartphone. With a little creativity and some practice, you can create videos that are both professional and personal.