Getting DIY Video Right Without the Epic Fails
You’ve got your ring light, your fancy mic, and you’re ready to hit record. So why does your DIY video still look… off? After 20 plus years behind the camera, we’ve seen every DIY video mistake in the book, and we’re here to help you avoid them.
Why This Matters Now
Video marketers get 66% more qualified leads per year, and 83% say video gives them good ROI. But here’s the catch: 39% admit production delays hold them back. The fastest way to increase your video output? Smart DIY. But “smart” is the keyword here.
When DIY Actually Works
DIY isn’t the enemy; complexity is. If you’re going live on your phone to share a quick message, that’s perfect. DIY is part of the message. But when you start adding lights, external mics, multiple cameras, and editing software, you’ve just created a second job. And unless video production is your business, that’s a problem.
The Most Common DIY Fails We See
Lighting Nightmares: Your face shouldn’t be darker than your background. Put the light source in front of you (not behind). A window or a lamp works fine. Skip the ring light (it creates weird reflections in your eyes). If you’re adding production lights…Congratulations, you’ve just added complexity and potential glasses glare to your to-do list.
Camera Confusion: Your laptop camera or phone works perfectly fine for most DIY content. But the moment you start using external cameras without auto-focus experience, you’re asking for trouble. Someone walks behind you? You’re out of focus. You lean forward? Out of focus. And unfortunately, the hard truth is you can’t fix out-of-focus footage in post.
Sound Disasters: The biggest fail? That $100 mic you bought isn’t actually being used. Your computer is still recording from its built-in mic. We see this all the time. The fancy microphone is just a visual prop. Here is a solution: wear headphones and listen to what you’re actually recording. Also, audio buzz can ruin otherwise good content. You’ll have to spend time learning how to fix the audio, paying for software you didn’t want, and then put in more time to actually clean it up.
The Authenticity Trap
“I want to DIY because I want to be authentic.” We get it. But authenticity doesn’t require doing everything yourself. Some of the most “authentic” creators you follow have full crews, but you just don’t see them. That CEO who insisted on being “authentic” and winging it without a script? His one-hour shoot turned into an eight-hour nightmare.
Making It Work: The Velasquez Media DIY Rules
1. Keep it simple: One camera, one mic (or none), one message
2. Limit complexity: Every piece of equipment you add is another potential failure point
3. Use headphones: If you’re using an external mic, you need to hear what you’re recording
4. Light from the front: Windows and lamps are your friends
5. Skip the fake backgrounds: Blurred is better than watching your hand disappear into a faux beach scene
6. One topic per video: Save the complex multi-point presentations for professional productions
7. Know when to get help: If it’s for a major launch, event, or revenue-driving content, bring in a crew
The Real Question: What Business Are You In?
You can learn to do your own bookkeeping, mow your own lawn, and produce your own videos. But should you? Every hour you spend troubleshooting why your audio has a mysterious buzz is an hour not spent on your core business.
DIY video works when it’s fast, simple, and serves your immediate communication needs. Potential for failure increases when you’re trying to create something complex while also being the talent, the crew, and the editor.
Bottom Line
87% of consumers say video quality impacts their trust in a brand. You don’t need Hollywood production values, but you do need to avoid the distracting failures that scream “I didn’t prepare for this.” Start simple. Stay focused on your message. And when the project matters to your bottom line – get help.
Ready to skip the fails? Book a discovery call to talk through your video plans. We’d love for you to visit our new, expanded studio space, where we handle all the technical headaches while you focus on your message.
Book a Discovery Call: https://velasquezmedia.com/velasquez-media-studio-launch-promotion/
Contact Us: hello@velasquezmedia.com
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2 4 S2 E4: DIY Video Fails: What NOT to Do When Recording Your Own Content (+ How to Get It Right)
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Executive Producers: Monique Velasquez and Piper Kessler
Producer: Arielle Morten
Director/Editor: Simon Beery
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