This is not new: research has already proven that mobile data traffic is skyrocketing, while a recent study from Cisco confirms that by 2020 video will account for 75% of that traffic. This is impressive, taken into consideration that is has gone up from 55% in 2015.
Mobile effects video; Cisco’s 2016 annual Visual Networking Index forecast (VNI) shows that mobile data traffic has grown 400M over the past 15 years. Simply put, the number of users holding advanced mobile devices will cause a tremendous increase and demand for video consumption.
So, how can you add video in your content strategy? Is there a cost efficient way to start producing relevant, engaging videos using cheap technology? In Social Mellon we believe there is!
1. Ready, steady…go!
The things you can do with your smartphone: from the iPhone 6 and the comparable Samsung models on, the featured cameras are good enough to use for video. Smartphones are great, because they are light, easy to carry and perfect to go LIVE or use for on-the-go shooting.
Tips:
• Predefine the best position to place your phone; it really needs to be steady. Use a tripod, a shelf or even a book stand.
• Choose the right height for the purposes of your project; slightly above the eye – level provides the most natural outcome, holding it too low or too high changes the perspective dramatically, so test it first.
• If you plan to go live check your internet connection first.
2. Lights, please
Lightening separates amateurs from pros. If you can’t afford to buy umbrella lights then use the natural light in a smart and efficient way. Discover a sunny outdoor location to film, or turn on any additional light you have inside.
Tips:
• Prefer fluorescent lights, so as to avoid yellow blossom
• If you are filming an interview, then it is better to turn towards the light source; if the light is behind you, it will throw your figure to the side
3. Mind the sound
Attention to detail is again a must have. Suppose you are filming with your smartphone, then the audio should be fine, providing you stand close to the phone in a quiet space. Cars, bells, alarms, or even the wind could interfere with your audio, so be cautious.
Tips
• Invest on buying a microphone for your smartphone to stand out for your amazing audio
• If you want to do interviews, you will need a set of two
• Should you choose a lavalier microphone, then make sure you maintain a distance from your head, cause it picks up too much
4. Background
No budget for a professional backdrop? Then be creative! First decide your tone of voice for the video: is it humorous, serious, corporate, educational, artistic, or something else? Then work with what you have: empty a bookcase and redecorate it, stand in front of vivid painting or go outside – find a graffiti or a tall concrete wall. Tell your story in front of the the right scenery.
Tips
• Mirrors can add a creative touch, but they require extra attention, so that you won’t film the wrong things
• Avoid glossy or metal backgrounds, especially if you don’t have professional lights
Now that you are ready, you should move on with video editing. Again, plenty of options are available:
• Windows Movie Maker comes standard with Windows PCs and it’s easy to use
• For Mac lovers, iMovie is great and offers a lot of useful features.
• HitFilm is also cool and suitable for both PC and Mac.
• Thinking of going pro? Check out Adobe Premier Pro.
Regardless what you do, start testing! Your first or second video won’t be a masterpiece, but practice makes perfect. So are you ready to boost your content strategy? Feel free to contact us.