Guide to recording videos for ReelFlow

Preparing to Record

A professional home or office setup is easy to achieve with the right foundations. Watch the video below for a quick overview of our top tips:

Watch the Setup Guide

1. Lighting 💡

• Position: Place your light source (ring light or window) directly in front of you at face height.

• Shadows: Avoid sitting with a window behind you, as this will turn you into a silhouette.

• Softening: If the light is too harsh, bounce it off a nearby wall to soften the glow.

2. Sound 🔉

• Equipment: Use an external microphone or a clip-on lavalier mic for the best clarity.

• Environment: Record in a quiet room with soft furnishings (rugs, curtains, cushions) to reduce echo.

3. Background, Composition and Framing 🖼️

• Record in landscape/horizontal format (16:9) in at least 1080p resolution - the ReelFlow player optimizes your video content for each of the Player Types, Inline & Overlay. Important: video shot in portrait is not suitable and will need to be reformatted .
• Background - brand & contrast: A simple or unfussy background with some objects placed behind to add depth is usually most effective, as a completely plain background can look stark. Also consider the existing tone of your website; using a texture or colour that adds contrast but complements your website background colour can be very effective. Avoid wearing dark clothes, on a dark background on a dark website, as the overall effect reduces visual interest.

• Depth: Step away from the wall to avoid shadows and create a sense of depth. Keep the background clean and professional.

• Auto-tracking: If using a tracking mount, ensure it is locked onto your face before you begin.

• Safe Zones: Avoid placing text or important elements at the far left or right edges, as the ReelFlow player may crop these slightly to fit different screen sizes.
• Positioning, Composition & Framing: Place the camera at eye level. Centre yourself in the frame with your head and shoulders visible, leaving a small gap above your head.

4. Scripts and Video Duration

• Duration: Keep each video under 2 minutes. Our interactive experience is best when populated with short clips separated by "Action Buttons" to create a much better navigational experience for the visitor. Learn more about managing duration by scripting appropriately in our scripting guide.

What to Wear

The camera picks up textures and contrast differently than the human eye and this can affect the end result more than you expect, so follow these useful tips:

• Colors: Stick to solid, mid-tone colors like navy, slate grey, or jewel tones. Avoid neon (too bright), solid black (loses detail), or solid white (can "blow out" the image). 

• Patterns: Avoid small pinstripes or tight checks; these cause a flickering effect called "moiré." Opt for solid colors or large, subtle textures.

• Fit & Grooming: Wear well-fitted clothes you feel comfortable in. Use matte makeup or powder to reduce shine on the forehead and cheeks, and ensure your outfit is ironed.

• Accessories: Keep jewelry minimal and "silent" (avoid jangly bracelets).

Tips for a Natural Delivery

• The "Lead-in": Start recording, take a deep breath, smile, and then begin talking. Leave a few seconds of silence at the end before stopping. This makes trimming much easier.

• Eye Contact: Look directly into the lens, not at the screen, to simulate a face-to-face conversation.

• Don't Stop for Mistakes: If you mess up, just pause and restart the sentence. It’s easier to trim one long take than to manage dozens of tiny files.

• Scripting: If using a script, place it as close to the camera lens as possible so your eyes don't wander.

• Pro Tip: If you have a modern iPhone, use the Continuity Camera feature—it usually offers much higher quality than a standard computer webcam.

After the Session

1. Trim Tightly: Cut the video exactly where the speech starts and ends to keep the experience snappy.

2. Naming: Name your files clearly (e.g., Homepage_Step1.mp4) before uploading.

3. Upload: Head to the Library to upload your videos. Ensure your files meet the size requirements - files must be under 100MB. 

4. Need more info on formats and resolution? Read our technical guide to preparing and exporting video footage to upload into ReelFlow.