How to start shooting face-to-camera videos on your phone for LinkedIn 🎥
Need to ‘up’ your LinkedIn content game? Want to film slick & simple video content that builds trust, shows your expertise and gets your brand in front of the right people - but you’re not sure where to start?
We’ve put together our top 10 tips for creating face-to-camera video on your phone for LinkedIn so it doesn’t need to be complicated (or cringe-inducing).
Follow these 10 steps to elevate your filming capabilities before you even hit record - meaning you’ll avoid any awkward audio mishaps or upload issues!
Tip #1: Set the right format and file size first
Switch your iPhone camera to video mode. Tap the top-right settings and select ‘HD’ and ‘30’ (30fps). This keeps the video size manageable for LinkedIn’s 5GB upload limit. You don’t need 4K or 60fps - those are for bigger video projects.
Remember: shoot portrait!
Tip #2: Use your main camera (not selfie mode)
The main camera gives better quality and lets you choose a more flattering lens. Prop your phone at head height - a stack of books works if you’ve no tripod - and you may need someone to press ‘record’.
Tip #3: Choose your lens
When shooting with the main cameras, you get different zoom options. Experiment with what you prefer - 1x goes wider (great for getting shots where a scene is required) whereas 2x optical zoom is more flattering for head & shoulders framing - but experiment with what you like!
Tip #4: Look for the light
Better lighting makes a world of difference. If you’re shooting in the daytime in your office or house, find a source of natural light or one consistent light source - using more than one will mix the lighting temperatures and could give an orange cast.
Top tip for a flattering light
Hold out your hand vertically with your palm facing you and slowly rotate as if you’re doing a royal Queen wave in slo-mo. When the most light hits your hand and you see the fewest shadows, that’s your ideal filming angle for lighting as it's the softest and most forgiving!
Tip #5: Pick a decent background, if you can
If all you’ve got is a white wall, that’s fine. You can always add a plant, books, maybe an artefact to make the background more engaging - or use an interesting area in your office or workplace. Balance this with good lighting (see tip #4) - and if you have to choose, always prioritise lighting.
Tip #6: Make your audio as good as possible
Good audio grabs attention. Keep your phone 2–3 feet away max for decent sound and framing. We recommend a clip mic like the DJI Mic 2, and record in a quiet room with minimal echo.
Tip #7: Keep the editing simple & quick
You can edit on your phone using great free apps like CapCut or Adobe Premiere Rush. Jump cuts (the fast cuts in between talking favoured by YouTubers) are absolutely fine, so don’t shy away from using them. Remember audiences love 'real' over something too produced. Avoid garish transitions.
Tip #8: Add burnt-on captions
CapCut can auto-generate your captions from your voice alone, which you can then edit. Why bother with captions, we hear you ask? 90% of social videos are watched on mute - without captions, people may scroll past.
Tip #9: Don’t worry about adding fancy bits
If you're talking to the camera for LinkedIn, you don’t necessarily need B-roll (footage that plays over you talking). You'll faff with it, you’ll never post it, and it’ll actually look too polished - this needs to feel and look real. It’s about people connecting with you, ‘the brand’ - it’s not a sales video after all.
Tip #10: Publish and be damned!
Write your caption and press publish. What’s the worst that will happen - someone will watch it?! If you feel hesitant, don’t worry, we’re coming back soon with our Video Guide for the Camera-Shy: How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome.
Bonus tips
#1 - You don't need much gear to get started at all - but if you want to make it a bit easier, we'd recommend:
A simple tripod w/ phone holder
A ring light
#2 - Definitely pay attention to what's in shot behind you - is it distracting? Does it represent you?
#3 - Record your video with no one else around so you can focus and avoid the stares.
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