Let’s talk about something that makes most of us cringe: the selfie video. You know the one I’m talking about – staring into the camera, heart pounding, wondering if you’re going to look like a deer in the headlights—or worse, if you’ll sound like one. I get it. It’s uncomfortable. It’s confronting. But here’s the thing: people want to learn from YOU. Not a perfect version of you, not a super-polished, scripted version of you, but you. And in today’s digital-first world, video is one of the best ways to build that connection with your audience.
But, first, let’s tackle that fear. The truth is, everyone feels awkward at first. Which means everyone needs to tackle the fear in the same way—by embracing the discomfort and pushing through. Spoiler alert: the more you do it, the less painful it becomes. So, let’s take the dive together into owning your selfie video presence and making it work for your business.
1. Why Video? Why You?
Before we dive into the practical stuff, let’s talk about why you need to get on the selfie video train. Here’s the deal: people connect with people. While carefully curated Instagram feeds and professional headshots are great, nothing beats the raw authenticity of someone talking directly to their audience, face-to-camera. It humanises your brand—and in business, human connection is everything, especially in digital marketing.
Think about it: customers want to know the real story behind your business, the journey you’re on, and what drives you. Selfie videos break down the barrier between you and your audience, giving them a chance to see and hear from the person behind the brand.
So, even if you feel like an awkward potato – just do it! Trust me, your audience will appreciate your honesty and vulnerability far more than a perfectly polished persona. In a world saturated with content, authenticity wins every time and posting a video on social media will get you 48% more views than other content so why not? (Techreport 2024)
2. Embrace the Discomfort
I’m not going to lie. The first few times you hit ‘record’, you’re going to feel ridiculous. You’ll over analyse everything, from the way your hair falls to the tone of your voice. But here’s the catch: your audience doesn’t care. They aren’t watching for perfection; they’re watching because they want to hear what you have to say.
Take it from me – as someone who still feels the pinch of anxiety every now and then when hitting the record button – the more you do it, the more you’ll realise that it’s really not about you at all. It’s about your message, your story, and the value you provide. Own the discomfort and let it become part of your journey.
3. Keep It Real
People can spot fake a mile away, and nothing kills engagement faster than inauthenticity. So, when you’re filming, don’t worry about being super polished or delivering everything perfectly. If you fumble a word, keep going. If you lose your train of thought, pause, laugh at yourself, and move on.
Let your audience see the real you – that’s what they’re looking for. The magic is in being relatable, not perfect. When you’re authentic, you build trust. And trust is what converts followers into clients.
4. Lighting, Sound, and Angles: Your Basic Cheat Sheet
Ok, so while authenticity is key, we do want to avoid looking like we’re filming from a cave. Let’s go over some quick tips to get your video looking and sounding good:
- Lighting: Natural light is your best friend. Film during the day, ideally near a window, with the light hitting your face. Avoid backlighting – where the light is behind you – as it will make your face dark and hard to see. If natural light isn’t an option, consider investing in a ring light (they’re affordable and make a world of difference).
- Sound: You don’t need fancy sound equipment, but if you’re filming in a noisy area, it might be worth using a basic lapel mic. Even without that, just make sure you’re in a quiet room where your voice can be heard clearly without too much background noise.
- Angles: No one looks good when the camera is pointing up their nose! Keep your phone or camera at eye level – or slightly above – for the most flattering angle. A simple tripod or phone stand can help keep things stable.
- Framing: Make sure your head and shoulders are in the shot, with a bit of space above your head. Don’t crowd the frame – leave a bit of breathing room.
5. Key Dimensions & Lengths for Social Platforms
Now that you’re ready to hit ‘record’, it’s important to understand the recommended dimensions and lengths for different platforms. Each platform has its quirks, and tailoring your content to the platform makes a massive difference in engagement: (Sprout Social 2024)
- Facebook: Video dimensions: 1080 x 1920 (vertical) or 1920 x 1080 (horizontal). Ideal video length: 1-2 minutes. Keep it short and punchy for feed posts.
- Instagram:
- Feed: Video dimensions: 1080 x 1080 (square). Ideal video length: 1 minute.
- Reels: Dimensions: 1080 x 1920 (vertical). Length: Up to 60 seconds.
- Stories: Dimensions: 1080 x 1920 (vertical). Length: 15 seconds per story frame (multiple frames allowed).
- LinkedIn: Video dimensions: 1920 x 1080 (horizontal). Ideal video length: 30 seconds to 2 minutes. LinkedIn audiences prefer a more professional tone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still be yourself!
6. Practice Makes Progress
As with anything in business (or life), the more you practise, the better you’ll get. Your first video might be awkward, but the 10th will be second nature. Progress, not perfection, is what we’re after.
Set yourself a goal to post one selfie video a week for the next month. It could be a quick tip for your audience, a ‘behind-the-scenes’ moment, or just sharing a win you had that week. The point is to keep showing up, and soon enough, it will feel as natural as having a conversation with a friend.
7. Call to Action: Engage Your Audience
Every video should have a clear call to action. Whether it’s asking your audience to comment, share, or visit your website, you need to let them know what to do next. Don’t be afraid to ask for engagement – the more you encourage interaction, the more your videos will gain traction. For a deeper insight into video marketing trends read Vidico’s Video Marketing Statistics.
Selfie videos are a powerful tool for building your personal brand and connecting with your audience. Yes, they might be uncomfortable at first, but if you embrace the fear and do it anyway, you’ll find that the rewards far outweigh the initial discomfort. Keep it real, be yourself, and remember that people are tuning in because they want to learn from YOU.
Now, go and hit record. Your audience is waiting.