Exciting news: you’ve probably got a film studio in your pocket. Or on your desk. Or in your hand right this very second. Phones have become powerful tools for creating professional-looking content, meaning you no longer need to splurge for expensive equipment.
Whether you're a content creator or just someone interested in videography, learning how to film high-quality content on your phone can make a significant difference. Want to give it a go? Here’s our guide to help you achieve brilliant results.
Not all phones are made the same when it comes to video quality. While almost all modern phones can shoot decent video content, some models stand out for their camera capabilities. Some are so good you’d swear someone brought out their Canon for the job.
You should look for a phone with a high resolution (at least 1080p (Full HD) or 4K) to ensure sharp, clear videos. Consider opting for a model with advanced lenses too, such as wide-angle or telephoto, as they offer incredible versatility in your shots. Additionally, stabilisation features like optical image stabilisation (OIS) or electronic image stabilisation (EIS) help reduce shakiness while filming. No more nerves getting the best of your footage.
Lighting is crucial for creating high-quality videos. If the lighting isn’t right, you can end up with not only unintentionally dreary content but footage that looks grainy or pixelated — and that applies to both professional cameras and phones.
We recommend always using natural light where possible, because honestly, nothing beats it for proper quality results. Film near windows (but not in front of) and take advantage of daylight, which is the most flattering and, not to mention, free light source. Just be cautious of shadows and keep in mind that natural light changes throughout the day, which may result in some clips looking brighter than others. Scheduling is essential when using the sun, so get to it.
If you’re going to use artificial light, keep it soft. Avoid harsh, direct lights (switch off the big light, people) and instead use soft lighting to reduce shadows and give your video a more professional feel. Softbox lights or ring lights are great tools for achieving this effect.
Finally, avoid backlighting. Ever taken a selfie with the sun behind you, only for you to be totally shrouded in darkness in the pic? That’s what happens when the light source is in the wrong place, so make sure it comes from behind the camera rather than behind the subject. This helps prevent silhouettes and overexposure in your content.
A quick important note here: Filming near windows is great for light, but avoid filming your subject directly in front of a window, or you’ll be dealing with backlighting issues.
Shaky or wobbly footage often happens when you’re filming hand-held, and, unfortunately, it can make your videos look a bit unprofessional. The good news is, there are some pretty solid tips and tools to lend your phone some stability when filming.
A classic phone tripod will keep your phone steady and ensure smooth, stable shots with total ease. Many tripods come with adjustable heads and flexible legs for creative angles and are ideal for keeping your phone static in one fixed position when filming.
Alternatively, you could use a gimbal. These are phone and camera supports that basically mechanically stabilise your equipment, allowing your phone to adjust seamlessly to shakes, turns, dips, and whatever other movements you’re putting it through. These are ideal for silky smooth motion shots, as they keep your phone ultra steady while you film.
If you don’t have a tripod or gimbal, don’t stress. Try holding your phone with both hands and keeping your elbows close to your body for extra support. If you do happen to have a shaky shot, most editing apps and software often have a stabilisation effect which can help you smooth it out.
Composition (the arrangement of what you’re filming) is a vital part of content creation, even when filming on a phone. You should focus on guiding the viewer's eye to where you want it and creating a visually appealing shot to really engage your audience. This can be done by keeping in mind three key videography techniques.
Number one: The rule of thirds. This involves dividing the screen into a 3x3 grid, which you can usually have visible on your phone screen when setting up your shot and filming to help with framing. Place key elements along the grid lines or at their intersections to create a nice, balanced shot.
Why is this important? Well, when watching social content, viewers naturally look toward the upper middle section of the screen. Bearing this in mind when filming, you can ensure you’re framing your content in a way that will draw the viewer’s attention to what matters in the video.
Number two: Do not shy away from experimenting with different angles to make your content more engaging and interesting. Play around, have fun with it, and keep going until you find something that works for you and your viewers. Try shooting from above (bird’s eye view), below (low-angle shots), or at eye level for a bit of variety.
Finally, number three: Keep backgrounds clean, and keep them minimalist if relevant to your brand. Make sure your background is tidy, doesn’t distract from your subject, and doesn’t include anything irrelevant. If you’re filming indoors, clear up the space or choose a neutral backdrop.
If clutter is all part of your vibe, make sure it’s organised clutter! Trinket clusters, book stacks, and shelves of product don’t have to be messy; keep them neat to avoid distracting people while still providing a rich backdrop.
Trust us when we say that this tip is a game-changer and definitely not one to be skipped. Phone microphones generally work well, but a lot of the time, they pick up unwanted background noise, which can detract from the overall quality of the video. No one wants to watch content where they can hear cars driving past, keyboard keys clacking, or the washing machine going in the background.
To enhance sound quality, consider investing in external microphones that can be compatible with your phone's audio input, such as Lavaliers (clip-on mics) or shotgun microphones, which will enhance your audio. These kinds of mics can elevate your content from ‘eh, fine’ to ‘wow, that’s some fancy filmwork right there’. If you’re aiming for professionalism, we’d highly recommend a microphone.
Once you’ve shot your content, editing is the key to making it look refined and polished. Luckily, there are some really easy ways that you can make your video look professional.
First, cut out any unnecessary footage to keep the video concise, relevant and engaging. No one will sit through faff that has nothing to do with why they’ve stopped to watch in the first place.
Second, consider colour grading (adjusting the colours to change the style or vibe). Many editing apps, such as CapCut and Adobe Premiere Rush, have built-in filters, effects and adjustments that can improve the quality and overall look of your video. Experiment and see what you can come up with.
Finally, adding smooth-cut transitions will help present a professional outcome. We don’t need to see unnecessary left swipes or circle-out transitions that look like PowerPoint presentations. Unless that’s what you’re going for, of course, in which case, add that fun, bouncy transition favoured by high schoolers in the noughties.
It goes without saying, but when uploading to social media platforms, make sure you're using the highest resolution available. Most platforms automatically compress videos, so uploading in the highest possible quality ensures your video looks as good as possible.
Don’t over-compress, though, as this can reduce the quality too. If you choose to compress before uploading, use a tool that will maintain the clarity of your video while decreasing the video file size. It is also important to pay attention to the recommended aspect ratios, as different platforms have different sizes.
We know all these tips might sound like a lot, but we promise it’ll be worth it when you and your audience are faced with bloody brilliant content. Just remember that filming high-quality content on your phone comes with practice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles to see what works best with your equipment.
Can’t be bothered? That’s alright, we’ll do it for you. We’ve got the tech and the expertise to create top-notch social content for you and your brand, should you need it. Give us a ring on 01603 339048 and let’s have a chat.
