TikTok Influencer Starter Kit: Phone Filming Basics (Lighting, Audio, Framing)

1) Camera settings (phone-only, TikTok-ready)

Resolution: 1080p is the default sweet spot

For most creators, 1080p gives crisp detail without huge file sizes or overheating. Use 4K only if you have strong lighting and plenty of storage, and you plan to crop in during editing.

• Use 1080p for everyday talking-head, tutorials, and vlogs.
• Use 4K when filming products, food, or anything where fine detail matters and you have bright light.

Frame rate: 30fps vs 60fps

30fps looks natural for talking and saves storage. 60fps is smoother for movement (fitness, dance, transitions) and gives better slow-motion options, but needs more light.

• Talking to camera: 1080p / 30fps
• Movement-heavy: 1080p / 60fps (only if your lighting is bright)

Rear vs front camera trade-offs

The rear camera is usually sharper, handles light better, and looks more professional. The front camera is easier for eye contact and framing but often softer and noisier in low light.

Quick setup checklist (copy/paste)

• Clean lens with a soft cloth (this alone can double perceived quality).
• Set video to 1080p and 30fps (or 60fps for movement).
• Turn on grid lines (rule of thirds).
• Lock focus/exposure on your face (tap and hold on most phones).
• Use the rear camera when you have time to set up.

2) Lighting fundamentals (simple, flattering, repeatable)

Core concept: your light should be soft and in front of you

Soft, front-facing light reduces under-eye shadows and makes skin look even. The easiest “studio” is a window or a ring light placed correctly.

Window light setup (the easiest high-quality option)

Window light is naturally soft when it’s indirect. Aim for a bright window, but avoid harsh direct sun hitting your face.

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• Stand or sit 1–3 feet from the window.
• Face the window at a slight angle (about 30–45°) for gentle dimension.
• If one side of your face is too dark, place a white poster board or a light-colored pillowcase on the shadow side to bounce light back.

Ring light positioning (when you need consistency)

Ring lights are consistent and convenient, but can look flat if placed too close or too high.

• Place the ring light slightly above eye level and angled down a bit.
• Keep it 2–4 feet away for softer light (closer = harsher).
• Dim it until your skin looks natural (over-bright = shiny forehead and blown highlights).
• If you wear glasses, raise the light a little and tilt it down to reduce reflections.

Avoiding harsh shadows (common fixes)

• Overhead ceiling light only: creates raccoon-eye shadows. Turn it off and use window/ring light instead.
• Direct sun: creates sharp nose and brow shadows. Move back from the window or diffuse with a sheer curtain.
• Mixed lighting (yellow lamp + blue window): makes skin look odd. Use one main light source and turn off the others.

Three ready-to-copy lighting setups for small rooms

Setup A: “Window + Bounce” (best quality, no gear)

• Where: next to a window
• Place yourself: 1–3 feet from window, facing it at 30–45°
• Add: white poster board/pillowcase on shadow side
• Phone: on tripod/books at eye level

Setup B: “Ring Light + Back Separation” (consistent day/night)

• Where: anywhere with space behind you
• Key light: ring light 2–4 feet away, slightly above eyes
• Background: stand 4–6 feet from the wall to avoid harsh wall shadows
• Optional: a small lamp behind you (off to the side) for depth, not aimed at your face

Setup C: “Two-Lamp Softbox Hack” (household lamps)

• Where: corner of a room
• Lights: two matching lamps placed left/right at 45° angles
• Diffuse: clip a white pillowcase or thin white fabric in front of each lamp (keep fabric away from hot bulbs; use LED bulbs)
• Result: softer, more even light than a single lamp

3) Audio (clear voice beats perfect video)

Quiet room selection (fast test)

Audio quality is mostly about the room. Before filming, do a 10-second test recording and listen with headphones.

• Choose the smallest, softest room available (bedroom beats kitchen).
• Turn off fans, AC, humidifiers, and buzzing lights.
• Close windows to reduce traffic noise.
• Put your phone in Do Not Disturb.

Mic options: wired, wireless, or no mic

Step-by-step: get clean audio with any setup

If you have no mic

• Move closer: keep your phone within 1–2 feet of your mouth (frame tighter if needed).
• Face away from noise sources (window/door).
• Record in a “soft zone”: near curtains, bed, or closet.
• Do a 10-second test and listen for echo.

If you use a wired lav

• Clip mic about 6–8 inches below your mouth (center chest).
• Hide cable under shirt if possible to reduce rubbing.
• Do a test while moving your head/arms to check for clothing noise.

If you use a wireless lav

• Charge transmitter/receiver fully.
• Clip mic securely; avoid necklaces and loose fabric.
• Keep the receiver unobstructed (don’t cover with your hand).
• Record a test and watch for sudden volume jumps (common with auto gain).

Reduce echo with household fixes (no renovation required)

Echo happens when sound bounces off hard surfaces. Your goal is to add soft materials near you and around the phone.

• Film near curtains or hang a blanket off-camera.
• Put a rug/towel on hard floors.
• Open a closet full of clothes and face it (clothes act like sound panels).
• Place pillows on a desk just out of frame to absorb reflections.

4) Framing and composition (instantly more professional)

Headroom and eye line

Headroom is the space above your head. Too much headroom makes you look small; too little feels cramped.

• Start with eyes about 1/3 down from the top of the frame.
• Keep the camera at eye level (not below your chin).
• Look at the lens, not your own face on the screen, for stronger connection.

Rule of thirds (use the grid)

Turn on grid lines and place your eyes near the top horizontal line. For variety, position yourself slightly left or right, leaving space for on-screen captions or product demos.

• Centered framing: best for direct teaching and strong “talking to you” energy.
• Off-center framing: best when you want space for text, screenshots, or pointing.

Clean backgrounds (remove distractions)

Your background should support the topic, not compete with it. Do a 10-second “background scan” before recording.

• Remove clutter that reads as messy on camera (piles of clothes, random packaging).
• Avoid bright windows behind you (they silhouette your face).
• Create depth: stand 4–6 feet away from the wall if possible.
• Use 1–2 consistent background elements (plant, shelf, lamp) to look intentional.

Brand consistency (visual repeatability)

Consistency makes your videos recognizable even before someone reads the username.

• Pick a “home base” filming spot you can repeat.
• Use the same camera height and distance most of the time.
• Choose a simple color theme (e.g., neutral wall + one accent color in clothing or background).
• Keep lighting direction consistent (window always on the same side, or ring light always centered).

5) Performance basics (look confident without overthinking)

Speaking pace: slightly slower than you think

Phone audio and fast scrolling punish rushed speech. Aim for clear, punchy sentences with micro-pauses.

• Say one idea per sentence.
• Pause for half a beat after key points (helps captions and editing).
• If you stumble, stop, breathe, and restart the sentence cleanly.

Facial expression: “friendly focus”

On camera, neutral can look bored. Add a bit more expression than you would in normal conversation.

• Lift your eyebrows slightly on the hook/opening line.
• Smile lightly when greeting or delivering a win/result.
• Keep your eyes engaged by looking at the lens during key lines.

Gestures: keep them inside the frame

Gestures add energy and clarity, but only if viewers can see them.

• Use small, deliberate hand movements near chest level.
• Point to where text will appear (leave space in your framing).
• Avoid constant motion; gesture on emphasis, then return to neutral.

Redo takes efficiently (no spiraling, no perfectionism)

Efficient retakes keep your energy high and your footage usable.

Method: “Stop, mark, restart”

• Stop immediately when you mess up (don’t ramble hoping it fixes itself).
• Pause 2 seconds (gives you a clean edit point).
• Repeat the last full sentence with the same tone, then continue.

Method: “3-take rule” for one line

• Record the line three times max.
• Pick the best one and move on.
• If none are good, simplify the sentence and try once more.

On-camera energy reset (10 seconds)

• Exhale fully, relax shoulders.
• Smile once (even if you don’t keep it).
• Say the first 3 words of your next line with extra clarity and volume.