What are Social Media Videos? Typically, social media videos are short clips that last anywhere from one to three minutes. The length of the actual video isn’t as important as the message and the content. Social media video is the use of short video clips on social media networks such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.
Social media video has become a very important tool in the marketer’s arsenal. As a business owner and manager, it’s essential to be able to shoot and edit your own videos for your social networks. Creativity is at the core of everything you do, and video creation goes way beyond just targeting your audience with the best videos out there. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on equipment, but you can if you want to.
Social media is an important part of any online presence. These days it’s not enough to just have a website anymore, you need to be on the many different channels that most people use to share their opinions and insights. One of the easiest ways to do this is through video recording. But not all video recording equipment is created equal.
1. A Camera
Obvious right? There are a LOT of options out there and it can be hard to decide which one is for you. Look for a camera that will make high-quality videos. But that doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot of money! Your smartphone or even the built-in webcam on your computer are great options to get you to create quality videos for YouTube and your social media channels.
But when you are looking to upgrade, look at a Camera like a Canon 70D which will double as a camera for taking photos, a mirrorless camera like a Canon M50 or a smaller compact camera like a Canon G7x or the Sony A7SII.
2. Smartphone
Here’s the thing about smartphones: everybody has one. But many businesses don’t comprehend how much video-making power their phone has. Hollywood director Steven Soderbergh filmed two full-length movies using an iPhone — and the last one was back in 2019, so iPhone cameras are even better today.
If you want to film awesome social media videos for your brand, consider one of these standout smartphones. For Apple users, the iPhone 12 boasts a beautiful camera with vibrant color that can shoot videos up to 4K. If Android is your cup of tea, the Samsung Galaxy S21 also has 4K capability and the ability to shoot up to 8K video, but this high resolution can sometimes hamper zoom functionality and low-light videos.
These Apple and Android phones are pretty similar overall and each can film great videos for social media. The choice really comes down to personal preference and which smartphone you’re most comfortable with. New to video? We’ve got you covered. Learn how to make snazzy social media videos right from your smartphone in this handy guide!
3. Ring light
Have you ever seen a social media video that looked like it was filmed in a dimly lit basement (not on purpose)? It’s so dark and grainy you’re barely able to make out the person talking on camera. That’s exactly what can happen if you don’t prioritize lighting in your videos.
Don’t worry, there’s a simple solution to avoid this problem: Ring light.
Ring lights enhance the lighting in your social media videos so viewers can clearly see your face and the background in detail. This type of lighting is especially useful for direct-to-camera monologues and interviews.
The Auxiwa Clip-on Selfie Ring Light is a great option for users filming social media videos. It easily clips onto your smartphone (Apple or Android) and is available on Amazon for only $13.99.
4. Tripod
When you’re representing a brand on social media, the last thing you want is for your videos to look shaky and amateurish. We’re all for a walk-and-talk shot every now and then, but the camera can’t be moving around like you’re in The Blair Witch Project.
Tripods can help with that. They stabilize your smartphone so you don’t have to worry about those coffee-induced jitters.
Made with lightweight aluminum, the UBeesize 50” Phone Tripod is compatible with most modern smartphones and is easily adjustable for different filming heights. You can find one on Amazon for $18.99.
5. Lapel microphone
If you watch talk shows, you might notice a black dot every now and then on a guest’s piece of clothing (usually their shirt); these are lapel microphones. They can enhance the audio of your social media videos by offering broadcast-quality sound in a neat and portable little package.
The Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone is a high-quality lapel microphone specifically designed to plug into your smartphone and easily clip onto your clothing. It’s compatible with Apple and select Android smartphones and will run you $65 on Amazon.
6. Lighting
Many video tutorials and how-tos are done indoors, so we need good lighting! You want the light to look as natural as possible, but additional studio lighting will add a more professional look. Look into a simple lighting kit or a ring light, so that you don’t always have to create the video in the daytime when the light is good.
7. Video Editing Software
Don’t forget to edit your video! Most computers have basic editing software. If you are editing strictly on your smartphone, apps like iMovie and InShot will work just fine. When you want to get more creative and move beyond the basics, it’s time to invest! Look at Adobe Premiere Pro and Apple’s Final Cut Pro to see which one fits your needs and budget.
So these suggestions are the basic tech you need to start producing great video content. As time goes on, you will add equipment and upgrade, but remember, start where you are and just create!
Conclusion
With the growing popularity of live streaming on social media such as Twitter and Facebook, as well as YouTube’s popularity for sharing/viewing personal and business-related videos, it has become increasingly common to use video on these sites. As this medium gains popularity, its audience engages more closely with the content and becomes more likely to share their own experiences — which boosts their reach.