Even the coolest and most entertaining UGC videos can encounter hitches when it comes to production. It’s all too easy to slip up on things like video quality or sound – and poof, there goes your audience’s attention!

But don’t worry, we’ve all been there, and we’re gonna make your lives easier by sharing what we’ve learned along the way – let’s dive into some common hiccups to avoid while producing your UGC videos!

Mistake #1: Irrelevant or distracting locations

One common misstep is selecting a location that doesn’t align with the theme of the app or game, or one that distracts the viewer from the main content and the message.

Location tips for filming UGC videos:

Opt for backgrounds that are clean, simple, and don’t compete with the main content. Avoid choosing a location that’s so busy or cluttered that it draws attention away from the subject. Neutral or minimalistic backgrounds often work best, with good natural lighting, whenever possible.

Neutral locations (such as living rooms) are a safe bet, but depending on the concept of the video, the location of filming could relate to and enhance the theme of your app or game (for example, for a cooking app, a kitchen setting would be ideal). This relevance helps viewers immediately connect the visuals with the app’s purpose.

Steer clear of places with potential distractions like noisy streets, crowded areas, or spaces with personal items that shouldn’t be in the frame (like an unmade bed or laundry).

If your video requires multiple shots from different locations, maintain a consistent theme or aesthetic throughout.

Before finalizing the location, take a few test shots at different times of the day to see how the lighting and background elements interact. This can help you avoid unexpected shadows or glares and ensure the background complements the foreground.

Mistake #2: Poor lighting choices

In UGC video production, lighting plays a pivotal role in setting the mood, highlighting the subject, and overall video quality. One of the biggest mistakes creators make is not giving enough attention to lighting. Poor lighting choices can result in underexposed or overexposed shots, creating shadows that obscure the subject, or an unflattering glare, all of which can distract the viewer and diminish the impact of the content.

Lighting tips for filming UGC videos:

Natural light is often the most flattering and cost-effective lighting source. Whenever possible, shoot in locations with a lot of natural light. This could mean filming near a large window or outdoors during the golden hours (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) when the light is softer and more diffused.

In scenarios where natural light is insufficient, such as during night shoots or in dimly lit rooms, use artificial light sources, such as LED ring lights.

Be mindful of how light falls on the subject. Harsh shadows or glaring lights can be distracting and unflattering. Use diffusers with artificial lights to soften the shadows. If shooting outdoors, avoid direct sunlight that causes squinting or stark shadows; instead, look for shaded areas that offer even lighting.

Ensure that the background is neither too bright nor too dark compared to the subject. Overly bright backgrounds can cause the subject to appear silhouetted, while too dark backgrounds can make the scene look gloomy and uninviting.

When shooting multiple scenes, maintain consistent lighting to ensure the final video looks cohesive. Drastic changes in lighting can be jarring and detract from the viewer’s experience.

Be aware of the color temperature of your lights. Warmer lights (with a yellowish hue) can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere, while cooler lights (with a bluish tint) can evoke a more clinical or modern vibe. Choose the color temperature that best suits the concept and the mood of your video.

Try to avoid a mix of different types of lighting (like natural light and fluorescent lights) as it can create inconsistent colors and shadows in your footage. Stick to one type of lighting source as much as possible.

It’s always a good idea to do tests before the actual shoot. Record short clips to check how the lighting appears on camera, as it can look different from what’s visible to the naked eye. Make adjustments as needed to avoid any surprises during the final shoot!

Mistake #3: Skimping on audio quality

One of the most frequent oversights in UGC video production is neglecting audio quality. Poor audio can range from low volume, muffled voices, to intrusive background noise, all of which can quickly turn viewers away, regardless of the visual quality of the video. It’s a rule of thumb that viewers will often forgive other blunders, but never when it comes to audio quality.

Audio tips for filming UGC videos:

Select filming locations that are inherently quiet and free from distracting background noises such as traffic, construction, or crowded areas. Indoor settings often provide better control over ambient noise than outdoors.

While smartphone microphones have improved, they are often not sufficient for high-quality audio recording, especially in noisy or windy environments. Invest in an external microphone, such as a lavalier mic, which can be clipped close to the speaker’s mouth for clearer sound capture.

Conduct a sound check before starting the actual recording. This helps identify and address any audio issues like echo, wind noise, or levels that are too high or too low.

Minimize echo in indoor settings. In rooms that are empty or have hard surfaces, sound can bounce, creating an echo. You can minimize this by filming in spaces with soft furnishings, like carpets and curtains, or using portable sound-absorbing materials.

If filming outdoors, be mindful of wind, which can cause significant audio problems. Use windshields or wind mufflers on microphones to reduce wind noise.

While some background sounds can add to the ambiance, they shouldn’t overpower the main audio. Ensure any background music or sound effects are at an appropriate volume level and don’t drown out the speaker.

Be careful with handling the microphone or the device it’s attached to, as this can create distracting noises. Use a microphone stand or tripod to keep the setup stable.

To avoid interruptions from calls or notifications during recording, switch the smartphone to flight mode while keeping it connected to any necessary audio equipment.

Don’t just set and forget – regularly check the audio quality throughout the filming process. This helps catch any issues early and avoid the need for extensive post-production fixes or reshoots.

Mistake #4: Inappropriate use of props

Overly complex, irrelevant, or distracting props and backgrounds can confuse the viewer and dilute their focus.

Prop & set element tips for filming UGC videos:

Choose props and set elements that are directly relevant to the concept. Props and set elements should complement, not compete with, the video’s theme.

Ensure that the set is not cluttered with unnecessary items. A clean and organized background helps keep the focus on the subject. Avoid props that are too large, brightly colored, or flashy as they can draw attention away from the main content.

Pay attention to how light interacts with your props and set. Avoid reflective surfaces that can cause glare or props that cast unwanted shadows.

Also, when using a green screen, ensure that no green or teal props in front of it to avoid keying issues during post-production.

Mistake #5: Inappropriate or distracting clothing & appearance

Clothing and appearance play a significant role in the effectiveness of UGC videos. Inappropriate attire can distract viewers from the content, clash with the video’s setting or theme, or even cause technical issues, particularly in green screen scenarios. Clothing that is too casual, overly formal, or features prominent branding can also detract from the authenticity of the video.

Creator clothing & appearance tips for filming UGC videos:

Choose attire that aligns with the tone and setting of the video. If the video is casual and fun, the clothing should reflect that. For more professional or serious content, opt for smarter attire.

Steer clear of clothing with intricate patterns, loud colors, or large logos, as these can be distracting. Solid colors work best, particularly when filming against green screens.

Speaking of green screen filming – when filming in front of it, avoid clothing that is the same color as the screen. This prevents the clothing from being keyed out along with the background. Also, avoid reflective clothing and accessories that might cause glare.

Ensure that the clothing contrasts sufficiently with the background. For instance, avoid wearing white if the background is light-colored.

Avoid over-styled or unnatural looks. The clothing should be consistent with the branding and the message of the app or game. It should also reflect the authenticity that UGC is known for.

Consider the demographics of the target audience. The attire should resonate with them and reflect something they can relate to or aspire to.

Ensure that the clothing is comfortable for the creator, especially if the video involves a lot of movement or action. Uncomfortable clothing can affect the creator’s performance and delivery.

Monitor how the clothing looks on camera throughout the shoot, especially if there are changes in lighting or background. This helps in catching any issues early on.

If you’re not directly involved in the video shoot, provide clear guidelines to the creators about your expectations for their attire.

If shooting multiple videos or scenes, plan different outfits that suit each scenario, keeping in mind the above considerations.

Encourage creators to wear clothing that reflects their personal style, as long as it adheres to the above guidelines. This adds to the relatability and authenticity of the video.

Mistake #6: Wrong resolution & aspect ratio

Using inadequate resolution or the wrong aspect ratio can lead to poor video quality and a lack of engagement from the intended audience. These technical shortcomings can make videos appear amateurish, reducing their impact and effectiveness.

Aim for a minimum of 1080p resolution for clear and sharp footage. If possible, use 4K resolution to allow more flexibility in post-production, like cropping or zooming without losing quality.

Select the aspect ratio based on the platform where the video will be published. For example, TikTok, Facebook (Meta), and Instagram Reels often prefer a 9:16 aspect ratio (portrait mode), while YouTube videos typically use a 16:9 aspect ratio (landscape mode).

Mistake #7: Wrong camera angles

Position the camera at eye level for direct audience engagement, especially when the creator is addressing the audience. For different narrative styles, experiment with various angles to enhance the storytelling. For example, a high angle can make the subject appear smaller or more vulnerable, whereas a low angle can give a sense of power or dominance.

Ensure the frame includes all essential elements without being too crowded or sparse. Understand the concept of ‘safe zones’ in videos, which are areas free of platform-specific UI elements like buttons or text. Proper framing prevents crucial parts of the video from being obscured by platform interfaces.

Mistake #8: Shaky footage

To avoid shaky and unstable footage, use a tripod or a stabilizer. For smartphone filming, various handheld stabilizers are available that can significantly improve the steadiness of the footage.

Mistake #9: Screen reflections

Adjust the brightness of the device screen to ensure it is visible in the video without causing glare or reflections. Position the device and the camera to avoid reflections, especially from external light sources.

Mistake #10: Wrong green screen setup

Green screens can transform a simple video into a cinematic experience, but only if they’re used correctly. One of the most common mistakes in UGC video production for apps and games is an improperly set up green screen, leading to issues in post-production.

Green screen setup tips for filming UGC videos:

Ensure the green screen is evenly lit. Uneven lighting creates shadows and hotspots, causing keying problems in editing.

Use a smooth, stretched-out screen. Any wrinkles or folds in the green screen can cause uneven keying and shadows.

Keep the subject at an adequate distance from the screen to avoid shadows and green spill (a green hue around the subject).

Adjust the camera settings, like ISO and shutter speed, to match the lighting and avoid overexposure or underexposure of the green screen.

Avoid reflective accessories and props. Shiny objects like jewelry or watches can reflect the green screen, causing keying problems.

For more tips and tricks, and handy tools for your UGC video ads, check out Flixr’s resource center!

So, the next time you’re setting up for a shoot, keep these tips in mind. With a little practice and a lot of passion, you’ll be making awesome videos that not only look and sound great but also resonate deeply with your audience. Remember, crafting the perfect UGC video is a mix of art, technique, and a whole lot of trial and error.

Whether you’re shooting with the latest smartphone or just using what you’ve got, the key is to keep it real, engaging, and true to your brand. Don’t be afraid to experiment and always be ready to learn from each shoot. The world of UGC is constantly evolving, and staying adaptable is your ticket to success.

Ready to make some UGC videos without all the hassle? Give us a shout. We’re here to streamline your journey from concept to final cut.