Guide – Creating Videos

by | Apr 17, 2025

Creating great videos with your iPhone—or any similar smartphone—is about making the most of the powerful camera in your pocket. You carry it everywhere. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft professional-looking videos wherever you find yourself.

Step 1: Plan Your Video (this does not need to be as lengthy a process as you may think!)

Before you hit record, think about:

  • Purpose: What’s the goal of your video? Is it educational, entertaining, or promotional?
  • Storyboard: Visualise how you want it to look and feel. If you have the time, you can always write down a plan or sketch out the scenes.
  • Location: Choose a well-lit area with minimal background noise.
  • Aspect Ratio:
    • Square (1:1) if you want to be creative!
    • Vertical (9:16) for Stories, Reels, TikTok and Instagram feed.
    • Landscape (16:9) for YouTube and Facebook videos.
  • File Format: MP4  or MOV are widely supported.
  • Length:
    • Instagram Reels: Up to 90 seconds.
    • Facebook: Up to 240 minutes long, but shorter often works better.
    • LinkedIn: 3 seconds to 15 minutes.
    • TikTok: Up to 10 minutes.
    • YouTube: As long as you like, but shorter often works better.

Step 2: Set Up Your Device for the Best Results

  • Open Settings > Camera and adjust settings (terminology may differ on devices):
    • Set Format to High Efficiency for better compression.
    • Enable Grid to help with framing.
    • Use 4K at 24, 30, or 60 FPS for high resolution if you have it, or use the highest setting for your device.
    • Determine if you require portrait or landscape footage – note that social media usually requires portrait.
  • Clean the lens with a microfiber cloth for sharper footage.

Step 3: Lighting & Composition

  • Natural Light: The best and easiest option is to use golden hour or indirect sunlight. Avoid “dappled” lighting, ie standing under a tree with the light coming through, unless that is what you are looking for.
  • Artificial Light: Use soft LED lights to avoid harsh shadows indoors.
  • Headshots: Ensure sufficient facial lighting is provided to illuminate the speaker.
  • Framing: Follow the rule of thirds (the grid feature helps with this) to keep subjects balanced.
  • Background: Ensure it’s clean, uncluttered and fits the theme of your video.
  • Added Time: Make sure you leave a few seconds before and after you speak to allow for editing, ie. press “record” wait 3 seconds, then start speaking.

Step 4: Steady Your Shots

  • Using a tripod or gimbal to avoid shaky footage is preferable.
  • If handheld, stabilise your arms against your body.
  • Enable Cinematic Mode (if available) for smooth depth-of-field effects (you will look more like a professional!).

Step 5: Audio Matters

  • Where possible, always use an external microphone for clearer sound.
  • If recording directly on the iPhone, get close to the subject and minimise background noise.
  • Try to avoid high wind areas for recording, unless that is the desired effect.
  • Consider voiceovers if the audio quality isn’t great. You can always record that at a different time if needed.

Step 6: Record Like a Pro

  • Use the AE/AF Lock by tapping and holding on your subject for consistent focus.
  • Experiment with slow-motion, time-lapse, or cinematic mode for creative effects.
  • Shoot multiple takes to have options during editing.

Step 7: Editing & Enhancing (if required)

  • Use Apps to trim, adjust colours, and add transitions.
  • Add music, text, and graphics to make it more engaging, fun and interesting.
  • Keep the pacing lively. Be ruthless about your performance and eliminate unnecessary parts to maintain interest and pace.

Step 8: Export & Share

  • Export in 4K or 1080p for optimal quality.
  • Adjust aspect ratio depending on the platform (16:9 for YouTube, 9:16 for TikTok).
  • Optimise for social media—add captions and engaging thumbnails.