These days, getting your content liked and shared by the masses or even getting a page to the top of the search listings takes more than just a good message. People scroll quickly. You get just a few seconds to hook them in. Whether you’re a YouTuber, podcaster, or small business owner looking to make an impact in the online world, the quality of your videos is a pretty big deal. This means if you want people to stay and watch instead of clicking away, your video should look professional, even if you’re not working with a professional.
The good news? You’re not expected to empty your wallet or transform your home into a Hollywood soundstage. With a couple of simple adjustments and a little forethought, you can make pretty great-looking videos without draining your wallet.
Here’s how to bring your videos up to the next level — even if you are on a shoestring budget.
Try More Than One Camera Angle
Videos shot with the same angle get pretty boring after a while. So whether you’re shooting a product demo, a podcast or simply looking at the camera, adding some different angles can make a world of difference.
So, how do you get a multi camera recording setup if you don’t have three (or more) cameras lying around? Here's the trick:
- Use what you already have. Start with your smartphone and pair it with a simple camera if you have one lying around.
- Mix and match. One could be from your laptop webcam, another from your phone, and perhaps a third via a basic DSLR or mirrorless camera if you have one.
- Sync and switch angles with free software. You can do a bunch of that sort of camera-switching stuff with tools or editing software to switch between shots while recording.
More angles automatically make your content feel way more engaging, even if it’s just you sitting and talking.
Make Your Audio Sound as Good as Your Content Looks
Here’s something that shocks a lot of new creators: People will 100 percent put up with fuzzy video, but if the sound isn’t up to the mark, they’ll leave within a few seconds.
So yes, audio does indeed matter. But fear not; you don’t need to shell out hundreds of dollars to get it right. Here’s how to fix it fast:
- Get a decent mic. Even a $25–$50 clip-on mic can have a major impact. USB mics are also highly user-friendly for beginners.
- Avoid built-in mics. Laptop and phone mics are often, again, far away or echo-y. The external mic will, right away, make a more professional sounding you.
- Find a quiet space. Close the windows, turn off your fans, and find a location where your voice does not echo off the walls too much.
- Use free tools for cleanup. Background hum can be taken out, or the noise reduced, with software or built-in editing filters (such as in Audacity).
The fact is, clean-sounding audio makes people think you’re more reliable — and over time, it adds up when building your audience.
Improve Your Lighting with Inexpensive and Simple Tools
Let’s not forget lighting. Lighting can completely shape what your video will look like. Fancy camera or not, no one looks good without good lighting. The good news is that in exchange for a few bucks, you can make a tremendous improvement.
Here’s what to try:
- Ring lights. These are wildly popular for good reason. They’re affordable, easy-to-use and add a nice glow to your face without casting too many shadows.
- Let the sunshine in! Natural light is absolutely free! Record near a window during the day — but don’t position the window behind you, or you won’t be visible.
- DIY solutions. White shower curtains, beds sheets or even white poster board can reflect light and soften harsh light.
Great lighting makes everything look better.
Create a Look That Is Clean and Purposeful
So let’s talk about where you film now. You don’t need a fancy studio to look professional. A corner of your bedroom may suffice if it appears clean.
Keep this in mind:
- Declutter. Having too much stuff going on in the background can be distracting. People need to focus on you, not your laundry basket.
- Add subtle props. Placing a small plant, a bookshelf or a picture frame can add some life to your setup without drawing too much attention.
- Use a backdrop. You can hang a curtain, put up a folding screen or just shoot against a plain wall.
- Mark your spot. When you have a set up you like, mark the positions of your lights and your camera. This can save you lots of time the next time you shoot.
So yes, your filming space does not have to be perfect; it just has to look thoughtful and purposeful.
Leverage Free (or Cheap) Video Editing Tools
This is where your video starts coming together. And no, you don’t have to go out and buy costly software just yet.
Here are a few affordable alternatives:
- (iMovie for Mac or Clipchamp for Windows). Great for beginners.
- DaVinci Resolve. It’s also free and packed with a ton of pro-level features.
- Shotcut and OpenShot. There's also a free version, which is simple enough to learn.
Once you have decided on the editing software you want to use, edit out parts that drag or feel redundant. Include text, captions or images to break up the monotony, and audio balance so you’re not super loud or quiet.
Editing might seem a little scary at first, but trust us, it gets easier with practice and your videos will look way better.
It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to produce great-looking, great-sounding video content. A little imagination and some small purchases can take your videos to new heights. Let’s review what you should be focusing on:
- Film with multiple camera angles (even if it’s just on your phone and webcam).
- Acquire a quality microphone and record in a quiet place.
- Enhance lighting with ring lights or sunlight.
- Create a clean, purposeful filming space.
- Edit using free tools and keep it simple.
- Save time by repurposing your content across platforms.
Test out some of these and see how you go with them. You’ll appear and sound better, you’ll have more confidence, and your audience will certainly appreciate you for this.
