Shooting case-study videos on your phone is budget-friendly and authentic—but basic mistakes can make your content look unprofessional. If you want your B2B testimonials to shine, avoid these five slip-ups and follow our expert fixes.
1. Bad Audio Sabotages Case-Study Videos
Poor sound drives viewers away faster than shaky footage. Even a great story falls flat if we can’t hear it.
Fix:
- Clip-on lavalier mic (under €20)
- Record in a quiet room or closet
- No mic? Record a second phone’s voice memo close to the speaker and sync in editing
For more on clean audio, see HubSpot’s audio recording tips 📢
2. Wrong Orientation for Your Case-Study Videos
Mixing vertical and horizontal formats without planning leads to awkward crops and black bars.
Fix:
- Vertical (9:16): Instagram Reels, TikTok, LinkedIn Stories
- Horizontal (16:9): YouTube, website embeds, sales decks
Plan your orientation based on where your case-study videos will live.
Alt text: Interviewee framed by soft window light indoors
3. Distracting Backgrounds & Flat Lighting
Cluttered scenes and harsh overhead lights make even polished interviews look amateur.
Fix:
- Clear or neutralize the background (hide clutter)
- Shoot near a window for soft, natural light
- No daylight? Bounce a desk lamp off a white wall (Wistia’s lighting guide) 💡
4. Winging the Interview in Case-Study Videos
“Tell me about the project” rarely yields concise, impactful answers.
Fix:
- Prep 3–5 open-ended questions focused on challenges, results, and lessons learned
- Encourage clients to speak naturally by listening and following up
- Avoid yes/no prompts—let them tell the story
For interview structure tips, check our interview scripting guide.
5. Cropping Nightmares in Editing
Reusing footage across platforms often results in chopped-off heads and lost logos.
Fix:
- Film in 4K to allow cropping without quality loss
- Center your subject with ample headroom and side margins
- Keep text and logos well inside the safe zone
Bonus Tip: Plan Your Workflow
Streamline production by batching shoots and using a simple shot list. That way, all your case-study videos follow a consistent structure—from B-roll to branded lower thirds.
Final Takeaway
Your phone is powerful enough for professional case-study videos—as long as you nail audio, orientation, lighting, interview prep, and framing. Avoid these rookie errors, and you’ll create B2B testimonials that engage, build trust, and drive results.
