How To Create The Perfect Apartment Vlogs For Social Media
October 6, 2021 10:00 am Leave your thoughtsApartment vlogs have taken over social media in recent months as users share glimpses of their apartments and homes! With the ability to create short videos, social media gives anyone the power to develop and edit a vlog.
A vlog is a “video blog” where one might make videos of their lifestyle or their space to showcase decorations, trends, DIY’S, or renovations. It’s both a fun way to show off your living space and entertaining for people to glimpse your creativity and style.
Whether you want to focus on Instagram and TikTok or prefer longer videos for YouTube, these tips will help you get started and make a good impression with your vlog.
Get ready to put together your very own apartment vlog for social media with the guide below!
What Equipment Do I need to Get Started?
Luckily, all you really need to get started making apartment vlogs is a smartphone. Most of them have excellent cameras that let you shoot in a variety of different settings and light situations. Their orientation also makes it super easy to create video that’s already formatted for TikTok or Instagram.
Plus, there are apps that let you put together clips and upload them directly to social media straight from your phone. So, if you’re not ready to invest in a camera, a smartphone is still a fantastic option and it makes things easy.
If you are interested more in YouTube or just want to get your hands on a camera for higher-quality images, there are a lot of great options. You can still create YouTube vlogs with your phone, but a camera gives you more flexibility and a chance to create your own style.
The most modern cameras on the market have some incredible features and make it easy to make your footage look good. Mirrorless cameras are lightweight and many of them come with image stabilization for better video quality. Because they are smaller and more portable, they make some of the best vlogging cameras. Canon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Nikon all have mirrorless models. You can do a quick search to find one that best fits your needs and your budget.
DSLR cameras are another great option. You can get stunning picture quality for your apartment vlogs with a DSLR. There are a wide variety of models on the market and because they have been around longer than mirrorless cameras, there are more options to buy them secondhand at an affordable price.
When buying a camera, we recommend looking at resale sites. Not only does it save you some money, but buying tech secondhand is more eco-friendly! B&H Photo and KEH are both great places to start.
Another thing worth mentioning is that lenses often cost a lot more than the camera itself. It’s the lens that will help you get the best picture, so having a good lens is more important than having the most top-of-the-line camera. Consider what brand you prefer and focus on investing just within their line. That way, if you decide to upgrade your camera, you’ll be able to continue to use your lenses with their newer models.
Other equipment to consider:
- Microphones – a microphone will make the sound SO MUCH better on your video. There are options for external mics both for your phone and for DSLR/Mirrorless cameras. Rode makes microphones with incredible sound quality, but there are also a variety of cheaper ones on the market. A wireless mic also lets you move around a lot more in your videos which can add variety to your apartment vlogs.
- Stabilizers – A camera stabilizer is called a gimbal. With a gimbal, you can eliminate a lot of the shaky footage that you might have just filming by hand. Many cameras (and even your phone) come with some level of image stabilization, so a gimbal may not be a priority, but it does make the footage even better. You can create some great moving shots and add to the cinematic quality of your video with better image stabilization.
- Tripods – Tripods are another great way to stabilize your images. They let you set a scene and film completely hands free. You can simply set up your camera on a shelf or agains some books, but a tripod lets you adjust the height and angle to exactly what you’re looking for.
- Remote devices – It might also be worth looking into remote devices that let you take pictures and video while standing at a distance from your camera. This gives you control when you want to be in the frame but also need to be the one pressing the shutter. Many modern apps also have this feature and you can link your camera wirelessly to your phone so that you can adjust settings and start recording from across the room.
How to Set Up the Perfect Space to Film Apartment Vlogs
Creating the ideal space for filming vlogs in your apartment isn’t as tricky as it sounds. But, it does involve careful planning and attention to detail.
Apartments often have odd layouts and limited space. This can make it difficult to get good camera angles, balanced shots, and nice lighting. Luckily, with some planning and small adjustments, it’s totally doable. Here’s a mini guide to help you set up the perfect vlogging environment in your home:
Choosing Where to Film
The first step is to find the best spot in your apartment for filming. What you choose will depend on whether you will stay in one spot or if you want to move around and show off more of the space. Either way, you’ll want to consider the following factors:
- Natural Light: Choose a location with ample natural light, like a room with a large window. Natural light provides a soft, flattering glow that enhances your video quality and makes you (and your space) look better. It’s also easier to edit video filmed in diffused, natural light, so keep that in mind.
- Space and Background: Choose an area with a clean, visually appealing background and enough space for you to film comfortably. A plain wall, a bookshelf, or a tastefully decorated corner can serve as a great backdrop. Open layouts or rooms with minimal furniture can be great options because of the feeling of space they offer.
- Quietness: Ensure the spot is away from noisy appliances, street noise, or any other sources of distraction. You want your audio to be clear, so do your best to minimize the noise.
Setting Up and Preparing the Space
Once you’ve chosen the perfect location, it’s time to set up and prepare the space:
- Declutter: Start by removing any unnecessary items from the frame. Clutter can be distracting and take away from the professional look of your vlog.
- Organize: Arrange everything else as neatly as possible. Use storage solutions like baskets, boxes, and shelves to keep things organized and out of sight.
- Personal Touches: Add personal touches to make the space feel cozy and inviting. This could include plants, artwork, or decorative pillows that reflect your personality. You want your viewers to get to know you and your style through your video and this helps you do that.
Enhancing Visual Appeal
To make your filming area even more visually appealing, follow these tips:
- Color Coordination: Stick to a cohesive color scheme. Neutral tones work well on camera and can be accented with pops of color through accessories.
- Decor: Use stylish yet minimalistic decor to enhance the background. Avoid overly busy patterns or bright colors that can be distracting. Not your style? That’s okay. Minimalism is trendy, but it’s not for everyone. You can commit to the colorful and embrace a lot of texture. Just make sure it isn’t overwhelming to the eye and your viewers know where to focus. Check everything through the viewfinder of your camera and make sure it feels cohesive instead of cluttered.
- Props: Consider using props that are relevant to your vlog content. For example, if you talk a lot about how you’ve enhanced your apartment with tech, having gadgets and devices in the background can add context.
Lighting Tips
Good lighting is crucial for creating high-quality videos. It’s more important than most things because without good light you can’t get a good picture. You want people to be able to see you. So, here are some lighting tips for filming in an apartment:
- Natural Light: Utilize natural light as much as possible. Film during the day and position yourself facing the window to make the most of it. Pay attention though to where shadows fall. Natural light is lovely, but if it’s coming through trees before it reaches your window, it might create patterns of shadow on your face. That might seem artsy, but it doesn’t make for a very clear vlog. Film when the light is diffused and even.
- Artificial Lighting: Invest in a ring light or softbox light so you can get consistent lighting. Place them at a 45-degree angle to your face to avoid harsh shadows.
- Background Lighting: Use additional lights to illuminate the background. This helps in creating depth and preventing a flat look. Fairy lights, LED strips, or a small lamp can add a warm, inviting glow. They are also an opportunity to play with color. Since they won’t be shining directly on your face, a colored light in the background can add interest or show your personality.
- Adjust and Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lighting setups. Adjust the intensity and position of your lights until you find the most flattering setup.
By thoughtfully choosing your filming spot and preparing the space you can create a professional and captivating vlogging environment right in your apartment. Doing it this way will not only improve the quality of your vlogs but also keep your viewers engaged and coming back for more.
Find Inspiration & Trends
Take a look at social media to find apartment vlogs that you love! Notice how they’re filming, what type of music they’re using, and how to create your own. Many apartment vlogs are circling TikTok with popular pastel decorations, sunset lights, checkered rugs, and more.
However, you don’t need to follow precisely what everyone else is doing. Give your space a little flair and show off what makes it yours. Trends are fleeting, but a real sense of style lasts a lot longer. After you gather a bit of inspiration, you will be ready to get started!
How To Record A Vlog
Before hitting the record button, plan your shots. Think about the flow of scenes and how they’ll fit together. Will you start with a wide shot of your apartment, then move to detailed close-ups of your favorite spots? Or perhaps you’ll lead with a teaser of a recent DIY project, followed by a step-by-step reveal?
This pre-planning ensures a smoother editing process and helps maintain viewer interest. Also, consider the audio background early on. Will your voice narrate the journey, or will a carefully chosen soundtrack set the tone? This decision will influence your recording process, especially in terms of noise control and timing.
It’s also important to think about where you’ll be sharing the footage. Just Instagram and TikTok? No problem. Keep everything in portrait format. If you also want to share footage to YouTube (beyond just YouTube Shorts), you’ll want to make sure you also shoot in landscape format and record enough for a longer video.
Take Small Clips
To get the most out of your vlog, you should start by taking small clips. Taking small clips allows you to edit them together and have a variety of frames that you can piece together. Many of the current vlog trends revolve around going from clip to clip quickly! Not to mention, you often have time limits on certain platforms.
Keep in mind though that you can always repurpose your content. It pays to shoot some extra footage and take extra pictures so that you can continue to share your apartment vlog moments down the line and on a variety of platforms.
The truth is that you don’t any need video editing experience to make a fantastic vlog. You get to feel like a videographer in the comfort of your very own home! Thanks to social media apps like TikTok and Instagram, you have everything you need to create a successful vlog.
Edit Your Video
There are a variety of ways that you can edit your video. Get creative and match it to the song you want or do a voiceover. The best part is that you can do this all on your phone without downloading any special software. With user-friendly editing tools, you’ll be able to remove and add any clips. If you’re having difficulty knowing how to edit, watch a few tutorials and get a good idea of how to get started. There are even apps like CapCut that make it super easy!
Editing is where your vlog truly comes to life. Beyond basic cuts and transitions, explore color grading to enhance the mood of your vlog or add text overlays to highlight key points or funny moments. Free editing apps like Canva, offer a range of filters and effects that can transform your footage. Play around with speed adjustments for a dynamic feel, or use split screens to compare before and after views.
Want to get into more in-depth editing? Trying to focus on YouTube? There are several professional video editing software options to choose from. You can pay for something like Final Cut Pro, or simply download the free version of DaVinci Resolve. If you find you enjoy video editing, you can save up to purchase the studio version.
Whatever way you choose, there are a wide variety of tutorials online that explain just how to make the most out of your editing software.
Share On Social Media
Once your apartment vlog is ready to go, you can share it on social media! Don’t be afraid to put what you create out into the world. So many people could gain inspiration from what you creatively put together. It doesn’t matter if your vlog becomes truly popular or if only a few people see it! If you’re being creative and having fun, then it makes it completely worth it.
Before sharing your vlog, craft an engaging caption that invites interaction. Pose a question about your viewers’ favorite part of your apartment or a DIY tip they’d like to learn more about. Hashtags and keywords are crucial for discoverability, so research trending and relevant hashtags and target the right keywords.
Creating an apartment vlog doesn’t have to be complicated. And honestly, making videos is a lot of fun. Get started today with our tips and watch your audience grow!
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Categorised in: Apartment Living
This post was written by Isabella Housel
Isabella Housel is a passionate and versatile professional writer with a deep love for words and a commitment to crafting compelling content that engages, informs, and inspires. With many years of experience in the industry, she has honed her skills across various genres, from creative storytelling to informative articles and technical documentation.