March 15, 2025 in Digital Content, Technology, Tips and Tricks, YouTube

Tips to Shorts Video with mobile for YouTube Creators

YouTube Shorts lets you shoot and share vertical videos from the camera that you carry everywhere: your phone. Anyone can create with Shorts. Let’s dive into some tips to consider when filming.

Set up your phone

• Clean your camera lens before filming
• Turn off your notifications before you start filming to avoid disruptions
• Shoot vertically with your phone or camera of choice

To Record a clip, press and hold the capture button or tap it to start recording and then again to stop. The Shorts multi-segment camera lets you film and string multiple videos together.

Choose the right lighting

• Soft, even lighting will help your camera’s image sensor to maintain detail in the brightest and darkest parts of the image.
• On sunny days, try shooting in the shade to avoid bright sun and dark shadows.
• When filming at home, you can capture natural light by setting up your camera near a window.

Record quality sound

• Quality sound can make a world of difference. Make sure that you’re recording in a space with minimum echo and background noise.
• Turn off nearby fans or buzzy electronics to prevent your phone’s microphone from picking up unwanted sounds.
• If you have a mic and want to use it for the audio, great! If not, your phone mic will be fine

You can tap Undo to remove the previous video clip you have recorded or tap Redo to add it back. Take as many tries as you must to get the perfect shot.

Things to bear in mind

• If you have an idea for your Short, consider making a shot list before you start filming. Will you need screen recordings or extra footage?
• Always wait a beat after you press record before you start doing anything and always wait a beat after you finish before you stop recording. Don’t stop recording until you are done.

March 15, 2025 in Digital Content, Technology, Tips and Tricks, YouTube

Tips to Shoot Video with mobile for YouTube Creators

Set up your phone

Mobile phone cameras often have an auto and a manual mode. The auto mode is the easiest to get started with. But try out the manual mode if you would like more control over the look of your content.

• Hold your camera horizontally to shoot in 16:9 high definition.
• Use the phone’s rear camera as much as possible because it records at a higher resolution.
• Turn off notifications whilst filming to reduce interruptions.
• Adjust the depth of focus and exposure manually to produce a sharp, clear image.
• Lock both the exposure and focus to avoid the camera changing brightness and sharpness during your shoot.

BBC Earth Unplugged captures incredible images with a phone by using simple equipment.

Choose the right lighting

Cameras on mobile devices typically need lots of light. And good lighting helps to keep viewers engaged and interested in your video. Consider the limitations of the camera on your mobile device and then arrange your lighting setup to create the effect that you’re going for.

• Soft, even lighting will help your camera’s image sensor to maintain detail in the brightest and darkest parts of the image.
• On sunny days, try shooting in the shade to avoid bright sun and dark shadows.
• When filming at home, you can capture natural light by setting up your phone near a window.
• Bounce light onto your subject with a white card or a reflector.
• Use light to create different moods in your video.

Record quality sound

It’s important that audiences can watch your video and understand what the characters are saying. Quality sound can also cut time in editing, so it will help to get it right on the day of your shoot.

• Try placing your subject as close to the microphone as you can.
• Think through your shooting locations so that your subject can enter or move around within a shot without creating extra noise, which can be distracting.
• Consider using an external microphone to improve your sound quality when filming in a noisy environment.
• Locate your phone’s microphone so that you don’t cover it when shooting.
• Improve voice quality by covering hard flat surfaces in your environment with softer materials like cloth and pillows.

ThreadBanger shows how you can create your own macro lens for your phone.

Make the most out of your phone

Phones are small. Which means you can get shots that you can’t achieve with a bulkier DSLR or camcorder. And you’re not just limited to filming on your phone – you can edit and upload videos from them too.

• Take exciting shots. A selfie stick will allow you to film yourself when walking around, whilst a gorilla pod can give you the freedom to attach your phone anywhere.
• Experiment with different looks for your video by using clip-on macro or fisheye lenses compatible with your phone.
• Try setting your camera in unusual locations to achieve unique shots.

Tomorrows Filmmakers show how they use smartphones for a professional wedding shoot.

We recommend

• Taking a photo of yourself with your mobile where you intend to record – this will show you what your background will look like on video.
• Reducing background noise by turning off fans, closing windows and turning off notifications on your phone.

March 15, 2025 in Digital Content, Technology, Tips and Tricks, YouTube

Video equipment tips for YouTube Creators

Being a YouTube creator requires at least a foundational knowledge of video equipment. You might be asking yourself: What type of camera will I use? How will I handle sound and lighting? Here’s an overview of some common production equipment choices that can help you get started.

Cameras

There’s no ‘one size fits all’ – consider what you want to achieve with your videos. Here are two common types:

You can always start with your mobile device’s camera. It’s a great option before you invest in a standalone camera.

Take a look at camera reviews from other YouTube creators to find out what brands and models they recommend.

Sound

Good sound is a must. Viewers often don’t mind imperfect lighting, but they are less accepting of poor sound quality in the video.

If you’re using your camera’s onboard mic, you may need to stay about a metre away from the camera for the best audio.

Confirm whether your camera has a port for an external mic before buying one.

Lighting

• Many creators use a ‘two-point’ lighting system. This involves lighting your main subject from two light sources at opposing directions. In this setup, the ‘key light’ gives the primary lighting, while the ‘fill light’ balances out the shadows.

• Another option would be ‘soft lights’, which sometimes cost less, consume less power and are more flattering. A single soft light can be great for close-up shots. You can add lights to illuminate the background or other parts of the scene, as needed.
• Don’t forget about one of the brightest (and cheapest) lights in existence – the sun! Try recording outside or using natural daylight through a window.
• For shooting on the go, consider camera-mounted lights.

We recommend

• If you have a lot of questions, consider your creative style and production goals as you select the right equipment. Some creators aim for a highly polished video, while others are OK with something casual and authentic.
• If you want to keep costs down, you could buy the most affordable equipment and upgrade later based on your video-making needs.
• Often, the best piece of equipment is the one you have to hand. Use your mobile device to get started immediately.