8 Easy Tips and Tricks for Better Smartphone Videos – 2024 Guide

Modern tech devices and gadgets have come a long way from the simple ones we used several decades ago. Nowadays, with Android and iOS mobile devices in our pockets at all times, we are able to do some truly wonderful things once only possible in the sci-fi genre.

One of the most favorite features of our modern smartphones is of course the camera. Flagship phones always come equipped with fascinating camera options and features that are enough for an average user to take professional-level videos and edit them further with absolute ease.

Because of all this, more and more people are trying to express their photography and editing talents and skills without buying professional DSLR cameras to take videos, and laptops to edit them. However, in order to properly utilize the power of modern tech, some easy tips and tricks are required to help you record better. Continue reading the article to find out more.

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1. Recording while Playing Music

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Both Android and iOS phones have this function disabled by default, which is something most users do not like. Recording while listening to music would be very beneficial as you already have background music for your video is you need it at the time of recording.

Luckily, the mideo.app is there to help you achieve this. With 4.7/5 stars, it is a Top 100 application that solves this problem for any user and gives them the chance to record while listening to YouTube, Spotify, and any other source of audio.

2. Lighting is Key

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Although most smartphones of today have bright lenses, they are still smaller than on premium cameras, which means you have to do all you can to find better lighting for your videos. Do not settle for limited light while recording especially it is something important. You will have to edit it less later and the overall quality will be much better.

Take advantage of night mode features and all the help that your camera settings have regarding light. Also, while indoors, try to provide as much natural light as possible before opting to use artificial lights even if they are top-tier. Nothing beats natural light for both photos and videos.

3. Use the Grid

The grid feature is there for a reason, and while many users think it is a pointless option, it is actually quite useful if used the right way. The lines are there to help you use basic photography rules and act as guidelines to show you how better to position yourself and the phone for the best possible recording. Try it out and see for yourself. It cannot hurt you and remember it is there because it works.

4. Learn the Features of the Camera

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This goes without saying but we feel it should be mentioned anyway. In order to make the best possible videos with your phone’s camera, you have to know all the features it is equipped with. This is especially true if you own a flagship model with tons of options available for users.

Start with the basic settings you see on the camera interface before you move to hidden away features and other menus. All the different video recording options will give you new options and choices. It is important to know your tool no matter what to do, and with technology, this is true on a whole other level.

5. Add-On Lenses

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A very neat and easy trick to try out is add-on lenses you can buy separately and attach to your phone. Your phone’s camera does have a powerful lens or even more of them, but for especially wider or tighter shots you should opt for a quality add-on.

The best ones are pricey, but if recording videos is your passion or a side job, consider it an investment towards a better quality of your work. There are different types of add-on lenses, the most common and popular being macro lenses, fish-eye lenses, telephoto conversion lenses, and ultra-wide lenses.

6. Optimal Focusing

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You are probably aware of the fact that cameras capture the best when they focus on whatever it is you want to record or take a photo of. It should not surprise you to find out that modern phones have more powerful and delicate cameras capable of focusing rather close.

This should always be used to get the most out of a potential video. Limiting the focus to one part of the frame is another amazing idea that will give you fewer amounts of editing later. Zooming in and out has also never been better, which combined with the right focus gives the users a plethora of creative options while recording.

7. A Gimbal Goes a Long Way…

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Modern smartphones tend to be much more powerful than cameras when recording is concerned. For example, some professional cameras are stuck at only 720p when recording while flagship phones easily achieve 4K video recording.

For that, you need good stabilization and although the best phones have a high amount of optical image stabilization, one does require more to achieve smooth videos at all times. This is why you should consider investing in a gimbal that will help you keep your smartphone steady while recording. This should really be a part of the kit of any smartphone video recording artist who often records videos on the go.

8. …and so does a Microphone

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When shooting videos, you have to pay attention to multiple senses. With photos, it is only important to look at them and satisfy the sight, but with videos, one also requires the right sound quality to accompany the visuals. Therefore, the internal microphone that was designed to make phone calls and not much else simply will not cut it.

For high-quality audio recording, a USB plug microphone will make all the difference and allow you to record videos with some truly amazing high-definition sound. Before buying one, make sure to do some research and check compatibility between the phone, the operating system, and the mic. Like the gimbal, a pluggable phone microphone should be a key component of every phone video recording kit.