The Crash Course

Post-Worthy: A Social Video Crash Course 

Learn the essentials of shooting vertical social video on your phones— from proper settings and composition to capturing clean audio, stabilizing footage with a gimbal and adding light. Once you shoot your footage, lock in on an editing workflow that works for you.

Think about the most engaging video you came across on TikTok/Instagram/Snap recently. What drew you in? What impressed you? What worked? 

Micro-Theory: What Makes Social Video Work 

  • The Hook (0-3 sec) – Movement, text, question, surprise  
  • Pace Matters – Cut every 1-3 secs. Remove dead space ruthlessly 
  • Visual Variety – Wide, Medium, Closeup. Jump cuts, zooms, overlays, punch-in, crop 
  • Text = Retention – Many viewers watch without sound. Try highlighting key words. 
  • Sound Design – Music sets tone. Add sound effects. Cuts should feel tied to audio. 
  • Platform-First Mindset – not overly polished. Authentic, quick, real, and relatable. 

*For up-to-date social video specifications across platforms: visit SproutSocial.com 

Phone Camera Settings 

  • Resolution, Frame rate: 1080p at 30fps  
  • Resolution 1080p – Intentionally shoot in 4K to crop in without losing quality.  
  • Frame Rate – 30fps (or 24fps for a more “cinematic” look) – higher # of frames = more slowed down video. ie. 240FPS for Marvel-like slo-mo fighting scenes. 
  • Turn off HDR. Turn Grid lines ON (to support vertical rule of thirds – composition) 
  • Turn on Airplane mode or Do Not Disturb while filming (no dings mid-take) 
  • Clean your phone’s camera lens!** 

The Vertical Shot 

  • Aspect Ratio: 9:16 is the format — full vertical, no black bars 
  • “Fill the frame” — subject should take up real space, not be lost in a sea of background 
  • Headroom rule: don’t chop heads, don’t leave a ton of dead space above 
  • Depth — foreground/background elements make vertical video feel less flat 

Sound + Mobile Stabilization + Lighting (from Newhouse Cage)

Blink500 wireless mic 

  • Power on transmitter (TX) (clip to talent) + receiver (RX) (plugs into phone) 
  • Pairing check 
  • Mic placement: clip 6-8 inches below chin, avoid fabric rustle 
  • Input level meter + listen for location sound issues: HVAC hum, hallway noise, echo 

DJI Osmo 6 Gimbal (stabilizer) 

  • Balancing the phone on the gimbal (quick calibration) 
  • Basic modes: pan follow vs. lock 
  • Walking technique: bent knees, “ninja walk,” smooth heel-to-toe, slow + steady! 

Westcott Ice Light 

  • Face your light source (window light or shade)  
  • Avoid backlighting (don’t put subject in front of a bright window/sky) 
  • For indoors: avoid overhead-only lighting causing eye shadows 
  • For outdoors: overcast softs direct sunlight; if sunny, find shade. 

CapCut Editing Workflow

  • Download CapCut mobile app (owned by TikTok) – Free Version! 
  • Setup: Open CapCut, hit “+”, import their clips, confirm 9:16 canvas 
  • Basic trim & arrange: Add clips to timeline, trim in/out points, drag to reorder 
  • Add text: Text tool, pick clean font, animate in/out 
  • Music/audio: Add from CapCut’s free sound library, adjust volume. Auto-caption feature 
  • Export: Export settings — 1080p, 30fps, direct to camera roll