Shooting a selfie video for Instagram
Author: Gina Alward & Carly Jenkins
Posted on Mar 26, 2020
Category: Web and Social Media
Creating a selfie video is a lot of fun and a great way to add a human touch to your message. And with today’s technology and the right lighting, shooting video on your phone can almost look as if it was shot by a pro.
To ensure your first take is a wrap, we’ve compiled a list of simple tips and tricks to follow when creating a selfie video for Instagram:
1. Keep your phone vertical
All video segments must be taken vertically to match the format of Instagram stories.2. Keep the light on you, not behind you
We do not want you to be blacklit, so make sure the light is hitting your face, not the back of your head. Natural light will look best, so try to locate a good window you can face.
3. Do not state your name
We will include a caption with your name, so use your time to share your message.
4. Keep it short
You want your message to be short, sweet and to the point. That’s why your video should be roughly 10 seconds long, but should NOT exceed 14 seconds.
5. Prepare for your moment
When sharing words of encouragement, inspiration and help, it’s important to think about what you want to say (especially in the short amount of time you have to say it). Possible messaging to consider includes:
- “Here’s me in my new virtual classroom. If you had any problems joining a virtual classroom this week, be sure to let your instructors know. We’re here to help!”
- “We’re all in this together. Take care of yourselves, be kind to each other and stay safe!”
Learn more
Want to improve more of your Instagram skills? Check out our Instagram Best Practices on our Social Media Hub or contact us at socialmedia@unb.ca.