Standing in front of a camera feels strange at first. People stiffen up, ramble, or look disconnected—it’s normal. But to make your video content convert—whether on TikTok, LinkedIn, or your ecommerce store—you must ditch these 7 common video mistakes.
Image source: 5 Clever Lighting Tricks You Can Do with Your Smartphone 📷
1. Video Mistakes: Rambling before the Point
Viewers scroll fast. If you waste time with a long intro, they’ll swipe away.
Fix:
- Hook them in the first 3 seconds
- State the topic clearly
- Dive in immediately
Bad: “Hey guys, so today I just wanted to talk a bit about something I’ve been thinking about lately…”
Good: “Want to fix your shaky selfie videos? Here’s how to hold your phone like a pro.”
2. Video Mistakes: Ignoring the Lens
Staring at yourself breaks eye contact and weakens connection.
Fix:
- Place a small sticker near the front-facing lens as a visual cue.
3. Robotic Posture
Locked arms, hunched shoulders, and stiff legs scream discomfort.
Instead:
| Don’t | Do |
|---|---|
| Locked arms | Use natural hand gestures |
| Shoulders hunched | Roll shoulders back, relax |
| Feet glued to floor | Shift weight, take small steps |
4. Video Mistakes: Over-Rehearsing Every Word
Memorized scripts sound robotic and unrelatable.
Better:
- Jot down bullet points
- Practice once or twice
- Speak freely and conversationally
5. Video Mistakes: Wrong Tone for the Platform
A salesy LinkedIn pitch feels off on TikTok; a casual TikTok style can flop in B2B.
Tone Guide:
- TikTok: Casual, high-energy
- LinkedIn: Clear, confident
- Instagram: Warm, visual-first
- YouTube: Structured, in-depth
6. Video Mistakes: Ignoring Background & Lighting
Even great delivery can’t save a cluttered frame or harsh shadows.
Tips:
- Film face-forward in natural window light
- Tidy or blur the background
- Avoid overhead lighting
- Stick to 1–2 consistent filming spots for a cohesive brand look
7. Video Mistakes: Skipping Self-Review
Watching your own footage is cringey but invaluable. Spot filler words (“uhh,” “like”), body-language tics, and energy dips.
Loop: Record → Watch → Note 1–2 tweaks → Re-record.
Bonus FAQ: Avoiding Camera Awkwardness
Q: How do I look more natural?
Practice short takes with bullet points—talk to one person, not the camera.
Q: How can I sound confident?
Smile slightly, speak slower, and pause. Clarity beats volume.
Q: How do I cut filler words?
Embrace silence. Breathe between thoughts instead of filling gaps.
👉 Check out our blog post Authentic Video Marketing: Why Raw Beats Polished to learn why video with the smartphone is a winner.
👉 For tips on how to create a performing video, see The No-BS Guide to Making Better Videos
External Resources:
- HubSpot’s Video Marketing Guide: hubspot.com/video-marketing
- Wistia’s Lighting Basics: wistia.com/learn/production/lighting-basics
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