The iPhone has always been one of the best phone cameras you can buy. With their recent upgrades and video capabilities they’re now even compared to dSLRs. But, having the right tool is only half the battle. Follow these tips for shooting with the optimal video resolution, capturing the highest quality video audio, and more to take your iPhone video creation to the next level and start competing with the pros.

Where are you posting?

Knowing what platform you want to post your video content to before you shoot will save you time and frustration in your editing process.

Facebook:
Recommended size: 1280 by 720 pixels
Minimum width: 600 pixels
Supported aspect ratios: 16:9 (horizontal), 9:16 (full portrait), square (1:1)
Format: .MP4 and .MOV format
Length: Videos can be up to 240 minutes long
File size: up to 4GB
Frame rate: maximum of 30fps.

Instagram:
Square video: 600 by 600 pixels (1:1 square)
Horizontal video: 600 by 315 pixels (1.9:1 aspect ratio)
Vertical video: 600 by 750 pixels (4:5 aspect ratio)
Format: .MP4 or .MOV format
File size: up to 4GB
Length: Feed – up to 60 seconds, Stories – up to 15 seconds, IGTV – up to 10 minutes
Frame rate: maximum of 30fps

Twitter horizontal and square videos:
Recommended size: 1280 by 1024 pixels
Minimum size: 32 by 32 pixels
Maximum size: 1920 by 1200 pixels
Supported aspect ratios: between 1:2.39 – 2.39:1
Format: .MP4 for web, .MOV format for mobile
Length: 140 seconds
File size: 512MB
Frame rate: maximum 40fps

Twitter vertical videos:
Recommended size: 1200 by 1900 pixels
Minimum size: 32 by 32 pixels
Format: .MP4 for web, .MOV format for mobile
Length: 140 seconds
File size: 512MB
Frame rate: maximum 40fps

LinkedIn:
Maximum size: 4,096 by 2,304 pixels
Minimum size: 256 by 144 pixels
Supported aspect ratios: 1:2:4 to 2:4:1
Format: .ASF, .AVI, .FLV, .MOV, .MPEG-1, .MPEG-4, .MKV, and .WebM,
Length: maximum 10 minutes long
File size: maximum 5GB
Frame rate: maximum 60fps

Choose the right video resolutions:

Launch the Settings app > Camera > Record Video / Record Slo-mo

• 720p HD at 30fps (space saving video resolution): 40MB per minute
• 1080p HD at 30fps (default video resolution): 60MB per minute
• 1080p HD at 60fps (smoother video resolution): 90MB per minute (smoother)

Higher Video Resolutions:

• 4K at 24fps: 135MB per minute
• 4K at 30fps: 170MB per minute
• 4K at 60fps: 400MB per minute

Slo-mo video recording

• 1080p HD at 120fps: 170MB per minute
• 1080p HD at 240fps (most frames, default): 480MB per minute

Stabilize your video:

One of the biggest reasons iPhone videos can look unprofessional is the shakiness of the footage. It’s hard to keep your hand steady, even if you’re using both of them. The best thing you can do is remove your hands from the equation. Prop your phone up in the desired position and use items from your desk, like a stapler, to hold it in place. If you’re willing to invest a few dollars into your iPhone video creation, use a tripod for stationary shots and try a gimbal for more cinematic moving videos like this one from EVO Gimbals.

Flip the switch:

Another tool that can transform your videos is light. If you don’t have access to external light sources that’s ok – make your light source work for you!

• Make the shot (and the people in the shot) look their best.
• Kill any shadows on faces by avoiding direct overhead light. This lighting often creates raccoon eyes on your subject.

Light can also enhance a particular mood and highlight specific details in your shot. Use lighting accessories to take your video storytelling to new levels.

Add quality video audio:

Video audio is one of the most important things to consider when producing a high-quality video. A video that is somewhat out of focus or a little shaky is easily forgiven by an audience. It can even be passed off as an artistic choice at times. But bad-sounding video audio can make your video appear amateur and damage your overall engagement.

If you have the budget to purchase an external mic, then take a look at these top choices from iMore to really enhance your video’s sound.

If you are keeping it simple and using your iPhone’s built-in mic, follow these steps to ensure the best quality video audio.

• Make sure you’re in a quiet place. Preferably with no windows to avoid any street noise.
• Pay attention to the sounds inside the room. Refrigerators, air-conditioners and even running computers create low humming noises that can ruin your sound quality and distract your audience.
• Keep your subject between 1-4ft from your iPhone to achieve maximum resonance without shouting.
• Diction! Speak clearly to maintain your audience’s focus.
• Review your footage to double check whether there is too much ambient noise or if your subject is speaking at a good enough volume.

Check out this example of a Run-and-Gun video interview with the CEO & Co-founder of Wibbitz, Zohar Dayan, where no external video audio accessories were used.