The trend in social media towards genuine content means that even small businesses can now make professional-looking movies using nothing more than their phones. Of course, there is always a place for high-quality, professionally shot videos, but for Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts, any old smartphone will suffice.
We’re not expecting perfection, just something solid. I’ve compiled 9 ways to enhance your video quality.
Get Organized First
Let’s discuss the groundwork that has to be done before we go into the specifics. Having a strategy and endpoint in mind is essential for producing high-quality videos. There should be no pointless posts.
Ask yourself these things before you start making content:
- Where does my video fit into my overall content plan, and what will it be about?
- Why should anyone care about what I’m talking about?
- How do we go about producing this video? A voice, a narrator, or some tunes?
- To what end is this video intended?
- When will I know whether this video has been a success? Which Key Performance Indicators Should You Track?
- If you can resolve these questions, you’ll be in a better position to produce high-quality writing in general.
Use the Suggested Specifications
Vertical video is the standard format for Reels, TikTok, and Shorts. Make sure your videos are platform-appropriate by adhering to these guidelines.
- 9:16 aspect ratio
- Pixels: 1080 horizontal and 1920 vertical
- MP4 or QuickTime Movie
- Your video’s duration will change depending on the content and distribution method. Here at Sked, we think it’s important to cut to the chase. If you can make your argument in less than 30 seconds, then don’t waste time elaborating.
Keep the Lights On
I would not characterise the quality of the videos recorded on modern gadgets to be great; in low light, they typically become grainy and unclear. We need good lighting, either natural or artificial, to make great Instagram videos.
Light-related considerations to keep in mind quickly:
- Maintain direct face-to-light illumination. Keep the main light source in front of your face unless you’re trying for a particular artistic effect.
- If you must record in natural light, do so early or late in the day so that the sun isn’t directly in your eyes.
- Indoors or in low light, a ring lamp’s versatility will come in handy, so make sure you have one.
- Choose the rear-facing camera.
The rear camera often performs better than the front one. However, I will concede that the front-facing camera is probably adequate in well-lit environments. The front camera on my brand new iPhone 14 Pro Max is seriously *chef’s kiss*.
Wipe the Lens This may seem like common sense, but before you start recording, make sure the lens is clean. Oil and grime on our hands can cause the video to seem hazy and out of focus, but this is easily remedied by giving the device a quick wipe down.
Pick a Solid Backdrop
To avoid distracting your viewers, keep the background clear. If you’re going to make a video in your bedroom, put the clothing back on the hangers and get them off the floor.
Having a clean background is especially important if your movie will feature text or subtitles.
Editing adds flavour
Use effects, transitions, and text to give your films some pzazz. Use InShot or Videoleap, or make do with the app’s in-built editing options. Here are some brief guides to get your creative juices flowing:
Branding your Reels: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Videoleap’s Guide to Creating a Clone of Yourself
- Here are four ways you can work together even if you aren’t physically close.
- How to use your phone’s photo library into Instagram sticker art
- Instagram’s in-app transitions and how to use them
- Get a Recording Device
- You should get a low-priced microphone. The sound of a lawnmower is extremely distracting and will cause your audience to zone out. The sound will be much better after you have a microphone. This inexpensive Amazon option works great for me; I just connect it into my gadget and start recording.
Upload in High Quality with the App
When it comes time to actually upload the video, you’ll want to do it with a reliable connection using the Instagram app’s high-quality upload setting.
The upload time will increase somewhat, but quality is worth the wait.
At Instagram….
Make a Demo Reel
- Add your caption, hashtags, tags, etc. by clicking the Next button.
- Select the “Advanced” tab
- Make sure the switch for “Upload at highest quality” is turned on under “Data Usage” on TikTok….
Make a video for TikTok
Add your caption, hashtags, tags, etc. by clicking the Next button.
On YouTube, go to Settings and make sure the option to “Allow high-quality uploads” is on.
Due to the lack of a high-definition upload option, your videos for Shorts should adhere to the aforementioned guidelines.
