Top 5 Beginner Tips to Creating A Better Vlog

Mobile devices are great for taking photos and videos, but have you ever thought about creating a vlog with your smartphone or even your tablet?

“A vlog?” you ask. But of course! Your mobile device probably captures high quality HD video, so why are you using it to only capture cute pet videos?

More and more people are interested in using their smartphones to create quality content that can be shared socially, and it's a more affordable and accessible video production solution that is always with you.

What's a Vlog?

A vlog simply is a blog with video, and you can easily turn your blog into a vlog by embedding a video within a post.

All you need is an account on a video streaming site like YouTube and you're good to go. Video is one of the most compelling and engaging types of media and it can help you establish a community, build your influence, and raise the engagement level on your site.

Types of Vlogs

  • Talking Head: A talking head vlog is just that, you sit in front of the camera and talk about a certain topic or share some information.

  • How-To: A how-to vlog teaches the audience how to do something by demonstrating the action or activity.
  • Adventure/Reality: You go on an adventure or activity outside of the studio and take the camera along to record what you see and hear.

The Equipment

To create a high quality vlog, you would want to use the same equipment that is used with professional video productions. You'll need: a camera or your mobile device, a tripod, lights, a microphone, and a cable or two. Let's assume that you have a mobile device that captures video, so the camera is covered ;)

Tripod

A tripod is a three-legged stabilization mount that ensures the shot is still and steady.

But wait!  You probably noticed that there's no way to connect a tripod to a smartphone. You'll also need a tripod adaptor as well. (Included with our kits)

Light

If you're just starting with video, light can be more challenging especially if you're indoors, but you should always use some kind of light source because it will improve the quality of the image.

If lighting isn’t done properly, video production can go from top quality to a cheap video quickly. Even basic lighting in a production will make a huge difference on a set.

Poor lighting = more time in the editing room

Microphones/Audio

Audio is very important which is why you should connect a microphone to your mobile device.

If you're shooting a talking head vlog, a lavaliere or clip on lapel mic will work just fine.

 

5 Mobile Video Production Tips

So, now that you're geared up, you're just about ready to shoot your video.

#1 Shoot in airplane mode.

If you don't, a phone call, or notification will interrupt your recording.

 

#2 Orient your phone horizontally.

Most people hold their phone vertically when shooting video. Unless you want black bars on the side of your video, hold it horizontally.

 

#3 Record test footage especially if you're self shooting.

Shoot 5 – 10 seconds of video and check the shot to make sure it looks as you desire. Once you are happy with the shot, you're ready to record.

 

#4 Frame your shots using the rule of thirds.

The rule of thirds is a composition rule that uses a tic-tac-toe like grid as a guide to frame your subject.  Place the subject along the guide lines and your shot should look more professional.

#5 Edit

iOS devices especially have great video apps, and if you have a new iPhone 5s or 5C, it comes with a great app called iMovie. You can edit clips together, add text, narration and music with a few swipes of a finger. You can also use the same program on your computer if you find that easier like I do. 

*Bonus Tip

Always be creative and have fun!

Video production takes a bit of work no matter how easy you think it is. Your first video will be the most challenging, but like anything, the more you do it, the better you will get.

Best of Luck!

~The Socialite Team