What are the best practices for recording videos on Spokenote?
This article covers Spokenote's recommended recording best practices: choosing and sticking with one aspect ratio for all footage, proper framing and headroom, wardrobe choices that avoid tight or high-contrast patterns, tips for avoiding glasses glare, and why shooting everything in a consistent format from the start matters — especially for Dynamic Video builds where multiple clips get assembled together.
For the best-looking results, record in a consistent aspect ratio from the very first clip (switching formats mid-project causes mismatched or cropped videos later), frame yourself centered with some headroom, wear solid colors instead of tight patterns or stripes (they can flicker or distort on camera), and if you wear glasses, angle your light source to avoid glare. Most importantly: decide on your format and setup before you start recording, since staying consistent from clip to clip saves major headaches down the line.
The Customer Question"What's the best way to set myself up before I start recording?"
The Detailed ExplanationA few minutes of setup before you hit record saves a lot of re-shoots later. Here's what to get right from the start.
Aspect Ratio: Pick One and Stick With It
This is the single most important rule, especially if you're recording multiple clips for the same page or a Dynamic Video build.
- Decide on your aspect ratio (vertical, square, or horizontal) before your very first recording and use it for every clip in that project.
- Mixing formats mid-project leads to cropped, stretched, or mismatched footage when clips are assembled or displayed together.
- If you're not sure which format fits your use case, check where the video will primarily be viewed (mobile-first outreach tends to favor vertical; embedded web pages often look better horizontal).
Framing
- Center yourself in the frame with a bit of headroom above your head — not too tight, not too far back.
- Keep your eyes roughly at the upper third of the frame rather than dead center.
- Make sure your shoulders and upper chest are visible; a frame that's too close can feel intense, and one that's too wide can feel distant.
Wardrobe
- Stick to solid colors where possible.
- Avoid tight, high-contrast patterns — thin stripes, small checks, and busy prints can shimmer, flicker, or distort on camera (an effect called moiré).
- Steer clear of pure white or pure black if you can; both can cause exposure issues depending on your lighting.
Glasses and Glare
- If you wear glasses, angle yourself slightly away from direct light sources rather than facing them head-on — this reduces glare bouncing off your lenses.
- Position your main light slightly above and to the side of your camera rather than directly in front of you.
- If glare is still an issue, try tilting your chin down very slightly, or adjusting the angle of the light rather than your glasses.
One Consistent Setup, Start to Finish
Whether you're recording a single video or a full set of Dynamic Video clips, shoot everything in one sitting, with the same lighting, framing, and format whenever possible. Consistency across clips makes the final result feel polished and intentional, especially important for Dynamic Video, where different clips get assembled together for different viewers and any mismatch (lighting, angle, aspect ratio) becomes noticeable.
What to Check Next- About to start a multi-clip or Dynamic Video project? Confirm your aspect ratio and lighting setup before recording clip one, not after you've already recorded a few.
- Video looking washed out or glare-y? Check your light source angle relative to your glasses and camera before adjusting anything else.
- If your existing footage was shot in mismatched aspect ratios and you're not sure how to fix it before building a page or campaign, reach out and we can help you sort out the best path forward.