Up your social video skills for your school
In the fast-paced world of international school marketing, getting fresh content onto social media can sometimes feel like a race against time. With so much on your plate, grabbing your phone and filming a quick video may seem like the easiest solution—and with a bit of know-how, it can be!
With the right techniques, your phone can help you create professional-looking videos that capture the essence of your school, without needing a full production crew. Here are some quick tips on how you can do it, whilst avoiding some common mistakes!
Nail the Lighting
The quick tip: Natural light is your best friend! Try to film near windows to make the most of soft, even lighting. If you’re outside, avoid direct midday sunlight (it leads to harsh shadows and squinting faces). Instead, opt for early morning or late afternoon—also known as the 'golden hour'—for softer, more flattering light.
The pitfall: Filming in poor lighting can make your video look grainy or too harsh. You don’t want your students looking like they’re part of a spooky mystery or completely washed out!
Helpful video: How to Light Your Videos With Natural Light
Keep it Steady
The quick tip: A steady shot instantly makes your video look more professional. Use a tripod if you have one, or get creative—prop your phone up against a pile of books, a cup, or anything stable. If you need to film while moving, hold the phone with both hands and walk slowly to avoid too much shake.
The pitfall: Shaky footage can be distracting and is an instant giveaway that the video was done in a hurry.
Helpful video: How to Hold Your Phone to Shoot Smooth Video
Frame It Right
The quick tip: Use the 'rule of thirds' to frame your shots. Most phone cameras have a grid option that divides the screen into nine squares. Aim to place your subject along one of the grid lines or at the intersections, rather than dead centre, for a more visually appealing result. Also, double-check that your horizon is level—wonky angles can throw viewers off.
The pitfall: Centrally framing your subject every time can make your video look static and predictable. And make sure the horizon isn’t slanted, unless you’re intentionally going for a dramatic look (which, let’s face it, most school videos probably aren’t).
Helpful video: How to Frame Your Shots
Use Easy Editing Apps
The quick tip: Simple editing apps like iMovie (for iOS) or InShot (available on both iOS and Android) are perfect for quick edits. You can trim, add transitions, and even include text or music. Keep edits clean and minimal—social media audiences appreciate short, snappy content that gets to the point.
The pitfall: Over-editing can make videos feel overdone. Fancy transitions and too many effects are often more distracting than impressive. Let the content speak for itself!
Helpful video: How to Edit Videos on Your Phone
Pay Attention to Audio
The quick tip: Phone microphones are decent, but they’re not magic. If you’re recording someone speaking, get as close as possible and try to film in a quiet environment. An affordable lapel mic that plugs directly into your phone can make a big difference. For background music, keep it light and unobtrusive—it should enhance, not dominate.
The pitfall: Background noise can ruin a great video. The last thing you want is for the viewer to hear traffic, chatter, or a noisy air conditioner instead of the message you’re trying to deliver.
Helpful video: How to Improve Phone Audio for Video
Short and Sweet Wins
The quick tip: Social media thrives on short, impactful videos. Aim for 30–60 seconds to hold attention and deliver your message concisely. Whether you’re showing a snippet of student activity, a quick facility tour, or a highlight from an event, brevity is key.
The pitfall: Long videos tend to lose engagement. Don’t try to cram everything into one video—break it up into bite-sized clips if needed, and you’ll get more mileage out of each piece of content.
Helpful video: Tips for Creating Engaging Short Videos
Creating professional-looking videos on your phone doesn’t have to be time-consuming or stressful. By following these simple steps and avoiding common mistakes, your school’s social media videos can look polished and engaging in no time. And if you ever feel the need for more complex video content or a helping hand, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a pro (like me!).
So, happy filming—and remember, the best videos show off the heart and soul of your school!
