Who is this for? Beginners who want to make one finished 60-second video using the phone they already own. Journey time: 1 to 2 weeks.
1. Keep the first project to 60 seconds
One subject, one small story: a recipe, a morning walk, a friend at work on their craft. Short means you will actually finish.
2. Plan your shots before you hit record
Write a list of 6 to 10 shots. Mix three sizes:
- Wide: where are we?
- Medium: who is this?
- Close-up: what detail matters?
3. Set up the phone
Clean the lens. Decide on horizontal (YouTube) or vertical (Reels, TikTok) before you start. Pick one frame rate, 24 or 30 fps, and keep it. Tap and hold to lock focus and exposure.
4. Get clean audio
Viewers forgive soft images, not bad sound. Record close to the speaker, in a room with soft furnishings, away from fridge or traffic hum. A clip-on lavalier mic is the best first purchase.
5. Light with a window
Face your subject toward a window, slightly off to one side. Turn off overhead lights so colours don’t mix. Never put the window behind them.
6. Hold every shot for 5 to 10 seconds
Tuck your elbows or lean against something. Move slowly or not at all. You need extra seconds at both ends to cut cleanly.
7. Edit in free software
CapCut, iMovie or the free version of DaVinci Resolve. First pass: put clips in order. Second pass: cut every second that doesn’t move the story forward.
8. Add music last
Use a royalty-free library such as the YouTube Audio Library to avoid copyright claims. Keep it low under anyone speaking.
9. Publish, then review
Watch it once on a phone, the way your audience will. Write down one thing to fix, and start video two within a week.
You’re ready to begin. Finished beats perfect. Your tenth video will be good because your first one exists.
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