How to Make YouTube Videos on Your Phone (Beginners Tutorial)
Film & Animation
Introduction
Creating YouTube videos has never been easier; all you need is your smartphone! In this beginner’s guide, we will explore how to shoot a YouTube video using your phone, whether you have an iPhone or an Android. In this first part of our four-part series, we'll focus on shooting the video.
Getting Started
Hey, what's up! Sean Cannell here with Heather Torres from Think Media. We aim to provide you with the best tips and tools for building your influence with online video and social media. This post is part one of a four-part series on creating compelling YouTube videos with your smartphone. Later sections will cover creating thumbnails, editing, and optimizing your video uploads.
Step 1: Prepare Your Environment
Before locking down your shot, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with your filming environment. This is done best by using your phone’s selfie mode. Walk around your filming area to see what works visually and ensure the background isn’t too busy. It might take a couple of tries to find the perfect angle, so don’t rush through this step.
Step 2: Gather Your Gear
While you can start recording with just your smartphone set on a stack of books, investing in a few essential pieces of gear can significantly enhance your video quality. A lighting kit, a good microphone, and a tripod with a smartphone mount are highly recommended. You can find a decent lighting kit for under $ 100, and all the necessary gear can be purchased for around $ 150 in the United States.
Step 3: Lock Down Your Shot
Next, you’ll want to establish the shot using the normal camera rather than the selfie camera. The quality of most smartphones' regular cameras is superior, and it’s better for your video’s overall look. Remember to check your shot with a test recording. Sit down, say a few lines, and check that everything looks and sounds good before you start filming in full.
Step 4: Set Your Video Settings
Before hitting record, be sure to adjust your video settings. Most smartphones can shoot in 1080p, but if you have the option for 4K, go with that for better quality. In this series, we film in 4K at 30 frames per second. Although 4K footage will take more storage space, it retains more detail and can be downscaled to 1080p later without losing quality.
Step 5: Deliver Your Content
Preparation is key to delivering engaging content. Research your video topic beforehand and create an outline with key points to discuss. Practice makes perfect, and it's normal to stumble during your recording—don’t hesitate to stop and restart as needed. Keep shooting until you get the take that feels right.
Conclusion
Now that you have all your footage recorded, it’s time to move on to the editing phase. However, before that, creating a great thumbnail for your YouTube video is crucial. To learn more about that, check out part two in this series linked in the description below. If you're interested in viewing a full video shot on an iPhone, it’s available on my homeschool channel.
Keyword
- YouTube videos
- Smartphone filming
- Video quality
- Lighting kit
- Microphone
- Tripod
- 4K video
- Video editing
FAQ
1. Can I really start filming YouTube videos with just my phone?
Absolutely! Your smartphone is a powerful tool for creating high-quality videos.
2. What equipment do I need to enhance my smartphone videos?
A basic setup includes a lighting kit, microphone, and tripod.
3. Should I use selfie mode or the normal camera?
It's recommended to use the normal camera for better quality, but ensure you look at the lens for a personal touch.
4. What video resolution should I use?
If available, shoot in 4K, but 1080p is still great if that's your only option.
5. How can I prepare my content before filming?
Research your topic thoroughly, and create an outline to help deliver your message clearly.
