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Writer's pictureSan Mandolin Media

8 Tips for Creating Videos/Vlogs on A Small Budget

It’s not easy for everyone to afford the latest equipment and services like those offered by our video production company in Bangkok, Thailand. So if you're looking for tips on how to create videos or vlogs on a small budget with limited equipment, then this is for you!


Capturing a cooking video vlog all on mobile phone camera.

1. Plan your shoot


You should be producing content with a purpose in mind, whether it’s an event, documentary, commercial or music video. It’s definitely a good idea to plan your production before setting out to shoot, unless you’re simply trying out new equipment or techniques.


2. Find a suitable location


If you don’t have access to professional audio capturing equipment, you’ll have to be more aware of the ambient audio that you’ll capture on location.

If you’re trying to record an audio interview or PTC (piece to camera) find a location that is not too busy. If you're going to be shooting outdoors, your lighting options will probably be better but the audio more challenging.


However, if you’re able to find an area that's quiet enough for your voice to be heard over the ambient noise of cars driving by, crowds of people or even birds chirping in trees, then it'll make all the difference in your final product.

Get creative with your location, spending some time on a location scout can be invaluable.


Lastly but most importantly: ensure that whatever places end up being used are safe places where no one else will interfere with filming and make sure these places allow access without any restrictions (such as having permission from management first).



Filming a personal vlog with an affordable camera and light.

3. Get creative with equipment


To create stability while filming, you can try keeping your arms close to your sides, using a budget-friendly tripod stand or improvising with household items such as books to build a makeshift tripod setup. You can even try putting the cameraperson in a chair with wheels or on a skateboard and push them around for an improvised dolly/gimbal.


4. Use your smartphone


The first thing to know is that the quality of a smartphone video can be better than you think. The image sensor in a smartphone camera is getting better and better, and it's possible to get some good footage with just your phone.


The image sensor in a smartphone camera is getting better and better, and it's possible to get some good footage with just your phone.

The second thing to know is that while you might think your phone doesn't have good sound quality, it actually can!


5. Shoot during natural light hours. Set up small lights if needed.


Your best bet for a quality video is to shoot during natural light hours. If that's not possible, set up lights and use them so you can film in the evening or early morning. These times of day are sometimes called the “golden hour” when the sun is low in the sky and the lighting is soft. Filming during the middle of the day can create harsh contrast and shadows.

Creating content on the go with just mobile phone.

For photography, if your lighting is limited you can select a slower shutter speed and consider using a tripod to keep your camera steady while shooting.


6. Keep it simple and limit the duration of the video.


Vlogging videos tend to perform well when they are between 2-5 minutes in length especially on YouTube.

Focus on one topic, rather than trying to cover too many different things in one video.

Don't overcomplicate things! The same goes for any other effects or filters you might want to use: if they're going to make a big difference in what your audience sees at first glance, then maybe they're worth using but if all they do is distract from whatever message or emotion you're trying to convey through your content, then leave them out!

Vlogging videos tend to perform well when they are between 2-5 minutes in length especially on YouTube.


7. Use affordable licensed music


Music licensing is an important part of video production. You can use a variety of options to find the right music for your video, but it's important that you choose the right one.

Check out these sites for free, royalty-free music options for your vlogs: YouTube Audio Library, Free Music Archive, and Pixabay.


8. Edit on a budget using affordable tools


If you're looking to edit your videos on a budget, there are a few options that don't require a ton of cash. For example, iMovie is an easy-to-use video editing suite that comes preinstalled on all Mac computers and is free to download from the App Store. If you want something better than iMovie but don't want to spend on Adobe Premiere Pro (which costs $239.88 per year), try YouTube's Creator Studio. In addition to offering free editing software and templates, this platform also allows users access to analytics data so they can see how their audience responds when they upload new content.


If none of these work for your needs or if you're just looking for something simple yet effective, consider using KineMaster or InShot instead! These two apps offer similar features in price. Both offer their services at $3.99 per month.


So, there you have it. We hope these tips will help you create videos that look great and don't cost a lot of money! If you have any questions about our blog or would like to learn more about how we can help your business, please contact us today.





148 views1 comment

1 Comment


Silouewt
Aug 14

Hi. Could you please tell me more about Imovie? You mentioned it in your article and I installed this video editing program for myself, but I don't know anything about it.

How about making a video tutorial or at least an article about it?

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