A recent phone films well enough for TikTok, Reels and Shorts. What makes the difference is everything around it: the light, the sound, how close you get, and knowing which shots you need. Here’s a checklist, with shots from our films to copy.
Before you press record
- Wipe the lens.
- Turn the phone upright.
- Write the shots down. “How to write a short video script” shows how.
Light
Turn your subject towards the light, so faces and food are lit from the front. A window works, and so do the room’s own lights. Avoid standing someone with a bright window right behind them.
Get close
Food, hands and tools should fill the frame. At Qahwah House’s Astoria café, we shot one drink built in front of the camera, close on the counter: a pink base, then milk, then a green layer on top, each pour with the frame to itself.
Pick an angle and keep it
Straight down works for anything on a counter: for Azal Coffee, we shot from above, on its marble and its blue cups. Eye level works for people talking to the camera.
Keep it steady
Lean on the counter, hold the phone with both hands, or use a small stand. For a walk-through, move slowly: at Astoria, a member of the team walked the camera from the front door, past the bar, to the seating.
Record the sound
Keep the phone close to whoever is speaking, away from fans and loud music. The sizzle and the crunch are worth recording on their own.
Film more than you need
A few seconds before and after each shot gives the edit room to cut. “How to edit a short video” picks up from there.
If your team films
DIY is our strategy and content plan for teams that film themselves: 20 complete post scripts, with references, captions and storyboard, for $1,750 a month. Or we film at your business on any of our plans.
Questions owners ask
Can you make good business videos with an iPhone?
Yes. A recent phone films well enough for TikTok, Reels and Shorts; the light, the sound and the plan matter more.
Should I film vertically or horizontally?
Vertically, for TikTok, Reels and Shorts.
Do I need a microphone?
Not to start. Keep the phone close to the person speaking and away from noise. Add a small microphone if people often talk to the camera.
How do I start?
Apply to work with us: a few quick questions about your business. We read every application, and if we can help, we write back to set up a free thirty-minute video call. Apply to work with us