💡 BEFORE YOU START...
Throughout the guide, we reference a few basic tools that can help improve your results. None of this equipment is required. You can absolutely get started with what you already have. Where possible, we have included simple workarounds.
🎤 Recommended Equipment
Once you have run through this process a few times and seen how much your video quality improves, we recommend testing it again with the suggested equipment. Before jumping into the 12 steps, here is a quick overview of what we recommend:
- A small tripod or phone mount to hold your device steady
- A quality microphone for clear, consistent audio
Check out our gear recommendations here 🔗
STEP 1: Prepare Content for Filming 📝
▢ Download you full webinar script
▢ Study it and read it at least twice, this helps you stay clear and confident.
▢ Outline the key points you want to cover so you are not improvising on camera.
▢ Paste Script into the Teleprompter App (on iPhone, Android or iPad) and use this Teleprompter for support while recording
STEP 2: Select a Suitable Location 🛋️
When selecting a filming location, avoid:
▢ Excessive background noise
▢ Bright lights or sunlight facing the camera
▢ Dark rooms with insufficient lighting
▢ Busy or distracting backgrounds
A quiet, evenly lit space works best!
STEP 3: Prep Your Phone Mount 🤳
Decide where your phone will sit and position your tripod or mount.
▢ The camera lens should sit just below eye level.
▢ You should be looking slightly downward at the lens.
No tripod? Stack books, use a stool, or prop your phone securely at the right height.
STEP 4: Switch on Airplane Mode...✈️
▢ Enable Airplane Mode to prevent calls, notifications, or interruptions while filming.
STEP 5: Mount your Phone 📲
Secure your phone horizontally in the mount or DIY setup.
▢ Use the front facing camera
▢ Make sure the screen is facing you
▢ Reconfirm the lens is just below eye level
Wanna use the back lens for even better quality? Yes! back camera lens is better quality, however, if you don't have support and you have to film on your own, remember, first, you'll need another iPhone for the Teleprompter App; and secondly, we suggest you get a Selfie Monitor Screen for iPhone & Android so you can check how everything looks like, not required, but will help you feel more in control!
STEP 6: Clean the Camera Lens 📸 (⚠️ CRUCIAL!)
Wipe the front camera lens to remove fingerprints or smudges, ideally with a microfiber cloth.
STEP 7: Wire up your Microphone (Optional)
If you are using an external mic, attach it to your phone and either:
▢ Place it just out of frame below you, or
▢ Angle the mic toward your mouth, if you can clip it!
No microphone? The built in mic will work fine in a quiet environment.
STEP 8: Configure your Phone for Recording ⚙️
Before recording:
▢ Check available storage and plan for about 1.5GB per 10 minutes of video: Settings > General > About > Available
▢ Clear space if needed by backing up files
Then:
▢ Open the Camera app
▢ Switch to Video mode
▢ Select the front facing camera for selfie-mode OR back facing camera if you chose this route, as explained above on STEP 5
Recording above 1080p is not necessary and will consume storage quickly.
STEP 9: Frame the Shot + Adjust Lighting
▢ Keep the phone horizontal and level
▢ Use a horizontal or vertical reference to ensure alignment
▢ Position yourself slightly off center
▢ Look directly into the camera lens
🔦 For lighting:
If shadows appear harsh, add a desk lamp or light source to balance the scene evenly 🛋️
STEP 10: Lock Exposure 🖼️
By default, your phone adjusts brightness automatically. In a controlled environment, this can cause distracting light shifts.
To lock exposure:
▢ Tap and hold on your face on the screen
▢ Continue holding until AE/AF Lock appears
This keeps lighting consistent throughout the recording!
STEP 11: Record a Test Video 🎞️
Record a short test video and play it back.
▢ Confirm audio quality
▢ Check framing and lighting
If using an external mic, in some cases you have to unplug it to hear playback 🔊
STEP 12: Record Your Video 📽️
You are now ready to film!
Remember to keep these tips in mind:
▢ Confirm Auto Exposure Lock is still enabled
▢ Watch for lighting changes between clips
▢ Look into the camera lens, not at yourself on screen
▢ Pause if background noise occurs and continue recording once it clears
When starting:
▢ Press record
▢ Get into position
▢ Clap once to help sync audio later if needed when editing
▢ Wait 3 seconds before speaking
When finishing:
▢ Stop speaking
▢ Wait at least 5 seconds
▢ Then press stop
This prevents awkward cut offs and improves editing flexibility.
