Starting YouTube with just a phone

How to film watchable videos on a phone and the bare minimum gear worth buying.

Today's phone cameras are good enough for YouTube. Three things decide quality more than gear: sound, light and stability.

Sound matters most

Viewers forgive a slightly dark picture but leave instantly if they can't hear you. Film in a quiet room and keep the phone close. If you buy one thing, make it a cheap lavalier mic.

Light

• Face a window so daylight lights you or your subject evenly.
• With the window behind you, your face goes dark.

Stability

• Fix the phone on a tripod or a stack of books.
• Just wiping the lens makes a visible difference.

Settings

• Landscape for long-form, portrait for Shorts
• 1080p at 30fps is plenty
• Check storage and battery before you start

One-minute check before filming

• Turn on airplane or do-not-disturb mode so calls don't interrupt
• Lock focus and exposure by long-pressing on the screen (AE/AF lock)
• Wipe the lens and free up at least 10 GB
• Record a 10-second test and listen to it

The rear camera is sharper than the front one. If you want to see yourself while filming, a small mirror or a remote-monitor app helps.

Next guide: Checklist before your first upload