No-Stress Guide to Filming Video Content as a Social Media Manager

Jun 2

Whether you're capturing content for yourself or a client, showing up to film without a game plan is a recipe for stress and missed shots. From planning and prepping to nailing the shot and staying on-brand, there's a lot that goes into creating content that actually converts. This blog walks you through everything you need to know before you hit record.

Table of Contents for our No-Stress Guide to Filming Video Content as a Social Media Manager:

Before Filming
Filming Tools We Love
Tips for Being on Camera
Tips for Filming Client Content
Video Ideas You Can Use Right Now

Before Filming…

Plan + Prep Before Filming Content

Start with a plan, always! Define your purpose and map out what you are filming to make the process easier when you get to the actual filming. We never show up at a content day without a full list of props, outfits, locations, and examples. Use our freebies to help you prep.

Set-Up Your Frame

Consider framing, angles, and perspective when setting up your shot. You’ll want to make sure your subject is centered and you are in focus.

Test Your Audio

Do an audio test on your device to ensure that it’s working and high-quality. We can't tell you how many times we've been burned by a bad mini-mic experience. Test your audio out with each person and ensure that it sounds how you'd like it to.

Setting up The Best Lighting for Social Media Shots

Utilize natural light and ring lights and avoid backlighting! Think ahead about the time of day you're shooting at so you have the best lighting possible!

Making your Videos On-Brand for Social Media

Here's advice we just don't hear enough — your videos need to be on brand, too! Keep your filming style consistent with your brand.

Filming tools

Your tools are your limits! Be sure to be choosy when picking out the equipment you are using when on a content day. Here are a few of our staples we can't live without:

mini-mic
gimbal
stand
light
screen wipes

Shop our content day Amazon list:

To the Amazon List!

Tips for Being on Camera

If you are the star of the content, here are our top tips for you! Remember that you are your BIGGEST critic and you need to be your OWN social media manager and carry on with the show, no matter how much you hate listening to yourself talk on video. Don't overthink it, get out of your head, you're going to crush it!

Start short: Your videos don't have to be super lengthy, keep them short and sweet, for you and for your audience.
Use the right equipment: Filming yourself is a new challenge. Make sure you have the equipment you need so you aren't running back and forth between the camera and your filming spot. Use a camera that faces toward you or a mirror if you have to.
Write it down: Tape a paper with some talking points or your "how to film" instructions so you don't have to memorize it. When you don't have to think on your feet, it will be easier.
Practice first: Do ONE practice round, watch that, and then film the video based on that.
Only film three times: After your practice, film the video three times. Watch all three takes at one time to take note of the BEST one... publish that one. Don’t overthink it!
Be you: Don't want to dance? Don't worry about it! Don't want to point to the screen? You don't have to. Do what feels best for YOU. That is how you will connect with your audience on reels AND how you will be more comfortable in your videos!

Tips for Filming Client Content

When it comes to filming content with social media management clients, here are our top tips!

Have prep calls: Leading up to the content day, have a few prep calls to go over the content day plan. This shows how prepared you are, but also gets you on the same page so you don't have 10,000 changes the day of!
Get specific: Clients aren't on socials all day like us; most appreciate direction. Let them know exactly what you want them to do
Time block breaks: You are going to need a break, and so will the client. Make sure to put in time blocks to take breaks so you both can recharge your battery if it's a long filming block!
Outfit changes: This goes for any content day, but especially when you're batching a lot of content. It adds variety to your content and makes your audience feel like they aren't watching one continuous Reel if they see the same outfit!
Keep rolling: B-roll is amazing! You will thank yourself later — Film B-roll throughout to have. This comes in handy for LOTS of different content types.