Brands use UGC on their own channels and in ads, so the technical quality of your content matters. You don't need a professional camera, because your phone can do a lot. But the right settings make a big difference.
1. Format: film vertically
Most UGC is used on TikTok, Instagram Reels and Stories, so vertical (9:16) is the standard. Only film horizontally or in square format if the brief specifically asks for it.
2. Resolution: at least 1080p, preferably 4K
Filming in 4K gives the brand more room to crop and edit without losing quality. If your phone's storage is limited, 1080p is fine for most campaigns. Avoid anything lower.
3. Frame rate: 30 fps as standard
30 frames per second is the standard for most social content and looks natural. Use 60 fps if you want to show smooth movement or create slow motion in editing. Use the same frame rate for all clips in one video.
4. Use the rear camera
Your phone's rear camera is almost always better quality than the front camera. If you need to see yourself while filming, use a small mirror or film a test first to check your framing.
5. Use your standard camera app
Film with your phone's own camera app, not directly in the Instagram or TikTok app. The quality is better, and you have more control over your settings.
6. Lock focus and exposure
Tap and hold on your face or the product on your screen until you see that the focus and exposure are locked. That way the image doesn't keep refocusing or changing in brightness while you film.
7. Turn off filters and beauty mode
Brands want natural content in which their product looks the way it does in real life. Filters and beauty effects change colours and skin and can make products look less accurate. Leave editing to the brand, or follow what the brief says.
8. Be careful with HDR video
Some phones film in HDR by default. That can look great on your own phone but appear overexposed or washed out once the brand edits or uploads it. Unless the brief asks for HDR, it's safest to turn it off.
9. Don't use digital zoom
Zooming in on your phone reduces the image quality. Move closer to your subject instead.
10. Other useful settings
Turn on grid lines, so you can frame your shots neatly. Keep video stabilisation on for steadier footage. Be careful with portrait or cinematic mode, because the background blur can also blur the edges of the product.
Delivering your content
Send the original files. Don't send them via WhatsApp or other apps that compress video. Film a little before and after each shot, so the brand has room to edit. And check in the brief whether the brand wants raw clips, a finished video, or both.
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