The era of online video domination is here. And it’s not going anywhere.
- Youtube has more than a billion users, almost one-third of all people on the internet. (Youtube)
- 500 million people are watching Facebook videos every day. (Tubular Insights)
- By 2020, internet video will account for 79% of global Internet traffic. (Cisco)
Staggering, right? Just a decade ago, having a high definition promo video was a luxury for most organizations. Now, capturing 4K footage with a device that fits in the palm of your hand is a commodity. And with the click of a button, you can share your video across dozens of social platforms with people from all over the world.
But simply having a powerful device in your hands doesn’t translate into a great video. At Angel Oak, we work with a lot of nonprofits who can afford to hire us to create videos for them. Some, however, aren’t there yet. That’s why we’re firm believers in maximizing the resources you have to create the best possible result.
So if your smartphone is the only “camera” you have to create videos, great! This post will identify the three simple factors people overlook when creating a video with their phone. We guarantee that if you start implementing these tips, you’ll see an incredible difference in the quality of your video content. And higher quality leads to higher engagement.
1. Stop recording video vertically! Hold your phone horizontally!
This really doesn’t need much explanation other than you need to hold your phone horizontally. The simplest answer is that videos appear on computers and tablets in a horizontal aspect ratio. Simple fix!
2. Make sound a priority.
When you’re recording an announcement or testimonial, the sole focus is the message being communicated by the speaker. Think about it. By recording a person speaking, the most important thing is being able to clearly hear what the person is saying. The first step to capturing better sound is recording your subject in the quietest environment possible. Before choosing where to record, listen first. Walk around areas where you think you want to record and just listen for how clean the sound is. You can even buy an inexpensive mic for your smartphone.
3. Record your subject where the light is right.
The result of how the subject appears is based on light. Specifically, the quantity, quality, and temperature of the light. For testimonial style videos captured with a smartphone, we recommend placing your subject where the light source is directed at their face.
By 2020, video will account for 79% of global internet traffic. Now’s the time to create a strategy for how your organization can consistently use video in your marketing efforts. If you’re an organization who’s not creating video at all, use your smartphone to capture some testimonials of the people your organization has impacted using the tips above.
Most importantly, commit to becoming an organization that uses storytelling to communicate. Video may be the premiere content right now, but stories are what connect with people emotionally. Below you’ll see two of our latest Nonprofit Nuggets, which shed light on the important role of storytelling for nonprofits.
– Will Saunders, Digital Marketing Consultant
