Tips for creating videos with a smartphone

Before you start filming here are some tips

It is best to do a location scout (framing, lighting, optimal time to shoot,...)
Prepare your storyboard (mini-script), write the story or the development of what you want in your video
Write and rehearse the texts
Eliminate any visual elements that have no place in your video
Check your battery!

When shooting with your smartphone

Hold the phone horizontally to film in landscape format
Set the standard photo application of your device to "video" mode
Avoid any unwanted background noise (conversations, television, radio, passing cars,...). Sometimes a background noise (birds, waterfall, music) can be useful for your video if it fits your subject
Take care with the lighting: halogen lamps indoors, not too much shadow/sun contrast outdoors. Ideally, the weather should be slightly overcast, otherwise make sure the sun shines on your subject.
Shoot without (too much) shaking! Breathe slowly, spread your feet and hold the phone with both hands. For a stable image, if you have the possibility, use a stand.
If you want to "self-film", get someone else to do it! Avoid at all costs "selfie" mode (filming yourself with the camera held at arm's length) or "webcam" mode (with the hallway wallpaper as a background).
We advise you to make small sequences (5 to 30 sec) that you can then assemble.
As in photography, do not place the subject in the middle of the screen. Position it at the intersection of the lines of force (which divide the screen into thirds, horizontally and vertically).
Avoid fixed shots: move your phone slowly from left to right, up and down, back and forth. Take close-ups of the faces (at least 3 seconds).
Wait 1 to 2 seconds after the start of the shot to speak (otherwise, the editing will be a bit rough).

Stay steady
For a smooth and enjoyable shot, consider resting your hand on a railing, table or other object that will keep it steady while you film. Camera shake is always annoying to viewers, and smartphone videos are notoriously unstable because you are almost always holding your phone in your hand.

There is equipment you can use to eliminate phone shake. You can get a smartphone stand for your tripod, or you can even stabilise your phone with a selfie stick. Most of the latest smartphones have a feature called 'OIS' (optical image stabilisation) which helps to reduce vibration.

Be heard!
You have a lot to say, so make sure people can hear you! Smartphones don't usually have very good built-in microphones (neither do most cameras).

Ideally, you should get an external microphone to record your voice. There are shotgun mics that you can plug directly into your phone's audio jack that will record quality sound.

For the editing of your video

Keep it short! Absolute maximum: 2 minutes. It's better to have several short thematic videos than one long video that very few people will watch to the end.
Add a title to your video and include the link to your sendbiz page to encourage people to click on it and go to your page
If you add background music to your video, make sure that it is free of rights (don't just grab your favourite song, beware of copyright!)
Use a program to stabilise your images or activate this option in YouTube