Tips for recording your videos

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:

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.

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.

Format: Always record in landscape (16:9). ReelFlow is optimized for horizontal video.
Positioning: Place the camera at eye level. Centre yourself in the frame with your head and shoulders visible, leaving a small gap above your head.
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.

To ensure your videos look great across both mobile and desktop:

Record in Landscape (16:9) - the ReelFlow player optimizes your video content for each of the Player Types, Inline & Overlay.

Resolution: 1080p HD.
File Type: .mp4.
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.
Duration: Keep videos under 2 minutes. Short, punchy clips separated by "Action Buttons" create a much better user experience.

The camera picks up textures and contrast differently than the human eye.

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).

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.

Trim Tightly: Cut the video exactly where the speech starts and ends to keep the experience snappy.
Naming: Name your files clearly (e.g., Homepage_Step1.mp4) before uploading.
Upload: Head to the Library to upload your videos. Ensure your files meet the size requirements - files must be under 100MB.

Need professional help? Check out the Marketplace for professional recording options with studios and videographers

This article explains how to set up your recording space and capture high-quality ReelFlow videos.