5 Common Video Recording Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Bad lighting, poor audio, awkward framing, and clunky editing can ruin your videos - no matter how great your content is. But fixing these issues is easier than you might think. Here’s what you need to know:

• Lighting Problems: Fix harsh shadows, overexposure, and uneven lighting with simple tricks like three-point lighting or using natural light effectively.
• Framing Issues: Avoid excessive headroom, cluttered backgrounds, and awkward angles by applying the rule of thirds and maintaining consistency.
• Audio Quality: Ditch built-in mics, reduce background noise, and position your microphone correctly for clear, professional sound.
• Script and Teleprompter Errors: Write conversational scripts, match teleprompter speed to your speaking pace, and practice for natural delivery.
• Video Settings & Editing: Record in 4K, adjust frame rates and white balance, and use simple, clean edits to ensure your content looks polished.

The 5 Biggest Video Mistakes You're Making and How to Fix Them

1. Poor Lighting: Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Good lighting can completely transform the quality of your videos. It’s one of those things that viewers might not consciously notice when done right, but they’ll definitely pick up on when it’s wrong. And let’s face it - poor lighting can instantly make even the best content look unprofessional. The upside? Most lighting issues can be fixed without spending a fortune on fancy gear.

Common Lighting Problems

One of the biggest culprits is harsh shadows. If you’re sitting directly under an overhead light or using a single, intense light source, you’ll end up with unflattering shadows across your face. Not exactly the best look.

Then there’s overexposure, when the lighting is so intense it washes out all the details. Your skin looks pale, features disappear, and the camera struggles to capture you properly. This often happens if you’re too close to a bright window or using lights that are too strong without any diffusion.

On the flip side, underexposure leaves you looking like a shadowy figure. Your face blends into the background, making it hard for viewers to see your expressions. This usually happens in dimly lit rooms or when you’re sitting with a bright window behind you, creating a backlit effect.

Uneven lighting is another common issue. If one side of your face is brightly lit while the other is in shadow, it creates a patchy, unbalanced appearance. This often happens when you rely on a single light source without anything to even things out.

And let’s not forget about color temperature. Mixing warm indoor lighting with cool daylight can make your skin look unnatural - think orange, blue, or even green tones. It’s a dead giveaway that the setup wasn’t carefully planned.

How to Improve Your Lighting

The secret to professional-looking lighting is three-point lighting. Here’s how it works:

• Start with a key light, your main light source. Position it about 45 degrees to one side of the camera and slightly above your eye level.
• Add a fill light on the opposite side, but keep it at about half the intensity of the key light. This softens any harsh shadows.
• Finally, use a background light to separate yourself from the backdrop and add depth to the shot.

You don’t need expensive equipment to pull this off. A large window can work as a key light during the day - just sit at an angle to it rather than facing it directly. To balance things out, use a white poster board or even a bedsheet to reflect light back onto the darker side of your face.

LED panels are another great option. They’re consistent, adjustable, and work regardless of the time of day. Look for ones with adjustable color temperature (usually between 3,200K and 5,600K) so you can match your lighting to the room or daylight.

Don’t overlook diffusion! Harsh light can be softened by placing a thin white cloth or parchment in front of the light source, giving you a more natural and flattering look.

Always position your lights slightly above eye level and angle them downward at about 30 degrees. This reduces shadows and highlights your face in a way that’s pleasing to the camera.

To avoid looking like a floating head, add background lighting. A simple lamp placed behind you (but out of the frame) can create depth and make your videos more visually interesting.

Lighting Equipment Comparison

Lighting Type	Pros	Cons	Best For
Natural Light	Free, soft, and flattering when diffused	Inconsistent, depends on weather, limited control	Daytime shoots, budget-friendly setups
LED Panels	Reliable, adjustable color temperature, energy-efficient	Higher upfront cost, needs a power source	Indoor filming, polished productions
Ring Lights	Provides even lighting, minimizes shadows, compact	Can create unnatural eye reflections, less versatile	Close-ups, beauty tutorials, live streams

Great lighting doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. It’s all about understanding how light works and using what you have to control it effectively. Even one well-placed light with proper diffusion can make a world of difference compared to relying on random room lighting. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be setting the perfect stage for all your other video skills to shine.

2. Bad Framing and Composition

Framing and composition can make or break the quality of your video. Even with flawless lighting, a poorly framed shot can make viewers feel something is off. Thankfully, most framing mistakes are easy to identify and correct. Let’s dive into common errors and how to fix them for a polished, professional look.

Common Framing Mistakes

One of the most frequent issues is excessive headroom - leaving too much empty space above your head. This draws attention away from you and toward the background, diminishing your presence on screen.

On the flip side, cutting off the top of your head creates a cramped and awkward composition, making viewers feel uncomfortable.

Off-center positioning is another common problem. Sitting too far to one side leaves the frame feeling unbalanced, with empty space that distracts from your message.

A cluttered background can pull focus from your content. Piles of laundry, messy bookshelves, or busy patterns compete for attention and detract from your professionalism. A clean, simple background is always a better choice.

Incorrect camera angles are also a frequent culprit. Shooting from below can make you look overly imposing, while angles from above can make you seem less confident. Both extremes can undermine your credibility.

Finally, inconsistent framing across videos or even within the same video creates a jarring experience for viewers. If your position or head size changes noticeably between shots, it can come across as careless and unpolished.

Better Composition Techniques

The rule of thirds is a simple but effective way to improve your framing. Picture your frame divided into nine equal sections with two horizontal and two vertical lines. Align your eyes with the upper horizontal line and, if you're off-center, position yourself along one of the vertical lines for a more dynamic composition.

Using an eye-level perspective is key to connecting with your audience. Set your camera so the lens is directly at your eye level, creating a natural and conversational feel - like you're speaking face-to-face.

Keep headroom minimal - just one to two finger widths above your head is ideal.

Choose uncluttered or softly blurred backgrounds to keep the focus on you. A plain wall, a neatly organized bookshelf, or a simple backdrop works best. If your background is busy, increase the distance between you and it to create a slight blur or use your camera’s portrait mode if available.

Consistency is crucial. Consistent framing across your videos helps establish a professional and cohesive look. Once you find a setup that works, mark your camera and seating positions to replicate it every time.

Consider the depth of field to add a professional touch. By creating some separation between you and your background - either through distance or camera settings - you’ll stand out more clearly and look polished.

Framing Tips for Teleprompter Users

If you’re using a teleprompter, you’ll need to tweak your framing slightly. Positioning matters - keep the teleprompter screen close to the camera lens and at eye level to maintain natural eye contact with your audience.

Make sure the teleprompter distance allows you to read comfortably without squinting or leaning forward. For most people, this means placing the screen 18–24 inches from your face, though it depends on your vision and text size.

Double-check your teleprompter alignment and text distance before recording. Ensure the teleprompter doesn’t cast unwanted shadows or reflections on your face. If the screen’s glow affects your lighting, adjust your setup to balance it out.

Evelize’s teleprompter features, like customizable scrolling speed, font size, and background color, can help you match your reading pace and lighting conditions. Slower scrolling makes your delivery feel more natural, and larger text allows you to maintain better eye contact without straining.

Finally, practice your setup before recording. Run through your script to ensure you’re comfortable, maintaining good posture, and keeping your expressions natural. The goal is to make the technology invisible to your audience, so all they see is a confident, well-framed presenter delivering a clear message.

3. Poor Audio Quality

Audio quality can make or break your video. While viewers might tolerate visuals that aren't perfect, bad audio will have them clicking away in no time. If your audience has to strain to hear you or gets distracted by background noise and echo, your message won't land. Let’s break down the common audio issues and how to fix them.

Common Audio Problems

Background noise - whether it’s the hum of an air conditioner, traffic outside, or the buzz of fluorescent lights - immediately pulls attention away from your content. These constant distractions make it hard for viewers to focus on what you're saying.

Echo and reverb are common in large, empty spaces or rooms with hard surfaces like tile floors or bare walls. These environments cause your voice to bounce around, creating a hollow, distant sound that disconnects you from your audience.

Built-in microphones are often a weak link. They pick up sound from every direction, capturing unwanted room noise and making your voice sound thin or muffled.

Inconsistent audio levels can frustrate viewers. If your voice is too soft, people will crank up the volume, only to be startled by sudden loud noises. On the other hand, overly loud audio can distort and sound harsh.

Wind noise and handling sounds - like the whooshing from wind or the scraping noises from touching the recording device - can disrupt your message and make your video hard to follow.

How to Improve Audio Quality

Get an external microphone. A good mic can make a world of difference. Lavalier (clip-on) microphones are great for stationary setups and keep your hands free. For desktop recording, USB microphones like the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB or Blue Yeti are solid choices. If you’re recording on the go, a shotgun microphone that connects to your phone is a smart option.

Pick the right recording space. Smaller rooms with soft furnishings, like a bedroom with carpets and curtains or an office with bookshelves, naturally absorb sound and reduce echo. Avoid spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, or garages, which tend to amplify sound and create reverb.

Position your microphone properly. Keep it about 6–8 inches from your mouth for clear, balanced audio without picking up breathing sounds. For lavalier mics, clip them roughly 6 inches below your chin on your clothing.

Test your audio levels. Record a short test clip to check for issues before diving into your full recording. Aim for audio levels that stay in the green zone, occasionally touch yellow, and never hit red (which causes distortion).

Use windscreens and pop filters. These tools help reduce breathing sounds and soften plosive consonants like "P" and "B" that can create harsh pops in your audio.

Simple Audio Editing Tips

Noise reduction tools can clean up background hums or constant noises. Before you start recording, capture 10–15 seconds of room tone to give the software a reference point for noise removal.

Normalize your audio levels to ensure consistent volume throughout your video. Add gentle compression to even out volume differences, and use high-pass filters (set around 80–100 Hz) to remove low-frequency rumbles or handling noise without affecting the clarity of your voice.

Edit out distractions. Remove long pauses, filler words like "um", or sudden background noise spikes to keep your content smooth and engaging. Most editing software makes it easy to cut out these unwanted sections.

Free tools like Audacity offer plenty of features for cleaning up audio, while paid software like Adobe Audition provides advanced options for those who want more control. Even basic editing can turn subpar audio into something polished and professional.

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4. Script Problems and Wrong Teleprompter Settings

Even if your lighting and audio are spot-on, a poorly written script or incorrect teleprompter settings can completely throw off your delivery. Awkward pauses, stiff reading, and robotic tone can make your video feel disconnected, leaving your audience unengaged. To fix this, you need to fine-tune your script and ensure your teleprompter setup supports a smooth, natural delivery.

How to Organize Your Scripts

Write like you're speaking to a friend. Your script should feel conversational and flow naturally when spoken aloud. Use short sentences, contractions (like "you'll" instead of "you will"), and everyday language. Always read your script out loud during the writing process to catch anything that feels awkward.

Keep your structure clear and logical. Start with an attention-grabbing opening, organize your main points in a logical order, and wrap up with a clear call to action. For longer scripts, break them into smaller sections with smooth transitions, so it's easy to pick up where you left off if you need to pause.

Use short paragraphs and mark key points. Stick to 2-3 sentence paragraphs to make the script easier to follow. Highlight words or phrases you want to emphasize with bold text, and use line breaks to indicate natural pauses. This approach helps you maintain a steady and natural rhythm while reading.

Leverage a teleprompter app like Evelize to manage your scripts efficiently. These apps let you create, edit, and organize multiple scripts in one place. With features like script search, you can quickly find specific sections, saving valuable time during recording.

Once your script is polished, it’s time to set up your teleprompter to complement your delivery.

Setting Up Your Teleprompter Correctly

Match scrolling speed to your speaking pace. Most people speak at around 150-160 words per minute, but this varies. Start with a slower scrolling speed and adjust until it feels comfortable and natural for you.

Choose a readable font size. If you're close to your device, smaller text might work fine. But if you're further away, increase the font size to avoid straining your eyes. Test your setup at your typical recording distance to find the ideal size.

Use a high-contrast text and background. For example, light text on a dark background works well in bright settings, while dark text on a light background is better for dimmer environments. Apps like Evelize let you customize these settings, so experiment until you find what suits your lighting and preferences.

Position the teleprompter at eye level. Whether you're using a phone, tablet, or dedicated teleprompter, the screen should be as close to the camera lens as possible and at the same height. This keeps your eye line natural and avoids the obvious "reading notes" look.

Test everything before recording. Read a sample passage to ensure the scrolling speed feels right, the text is clear, and your alignment with the camera looks natural. This step can save you from re-recording later.

Practice for Natural Delivery

Rehearse with the teleprompter to build confidence. Practice maintaining eye contact and a conversational tone while reading. Record a few test runs to spot areas for improvement and fine-tune your delivery.

Learn how to recover from mistakes. Even with practice, mistakes happen. If you lose your place or stumble, pause briefly, take a breath, and continue as if nothing happened. Most small errors can be edited out later, so don’t let them throw you off.

5. Wrong Video Settings and Poor Editing

Even with top-notch lighting, crystal-clear audio, and a well-crafted script, bad video settings and sloppy editing can ruin everything. Blurry visuals, jerky playback, or videos that don’t display correctly on different platforms can make even the best ideas look amateurish. Taking the time to get your settings right from the start not only saves you headaches later but also ensures your videos look sharp and professional on any device or platform.

Common Video Setting Mistakes

One major pitfall is recording in the wrong resolution or aspect ratio. For instance, sticking with your phone’s default settings (like 1080p at 16:9) might result in pixelated footage on larger screens or awkward framing on platforms like TikTok or Instagram Stories.

Mixing frame rates - such as 30 FPS and 60 FPS - creates inconsistent motion that feels jarring. Plus, if your frame rate doesn’t match the platform you’re targeting, you risk playback issues or compression that reduces quality.

Another common issue is ignoring your device’s storage and processing limits. High-quality video files are huge. If your device runs out of space mid-recording, you could lose the entire take. Similarly, dropped frames or file errors can occur if your device is pushed to its limits.

Lighting also plays a big role. Forgetting to adjust exposure and white balance for your setup can leave your footage too dark, overly bright, or with unnatural color tones. Auto settings often struggle with changing lighting conditions, especially when artificial lighting or teleprompters are involved.

How to Set Up Video Settings Correctly

Here’s how to avoid these common mistakes:

• Shoot in 4K whenever possible. Even if your final output is 1080p, 4K footage allows for cropping while maintaining detail, giving your videos a polished look. Most modern devices support 4K recording, so take advantage of it.
• Stick to 60 FPS for smoother motion. This is ideal for videos where you move around or use hand gestures. It also works great for creating slow-motion effects.
• Match your aspect ratio to the platform. Use 16:9 for YouTube and LinkedIn, and 9:16 for TikTok and Instagram Reels. If you’re creating content for multiple platforms, record in 4K at 16:9 and crop later. The extra resolution ensures quality even in vertical formats.
• Turn on HDR (High Dynamic Range) if available. HDR captures more detail in both bright and dark areas, which is especially helpful in tricky lighting conditions or when shooting near windows.
• Manually set your white balance. Match it to your lighting. For daylight, use the daylight setting. For artificial lighting, select tungsten or LED depending on your bulbs. This avoids the awkward color shifts caused by auto white balance.
• Free up enough storage. A 10-minute 4K video at 60 FPS can eat up 4–6 GB of space. Make sure you have at least double that available to avoid interruptions.

Editing and Post-Production Tips

Once you’ve nailed the recording, editing is where your video truly comes together:

• Use editing tools with platform-specific presets. Many apps now offer presets that automatically adjust resolution, aspect ratio, and compression for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. These can save you time and ensure your videos meet technical requirements.
• Trim and crop wisely. Cut out dead air at the start and end of your clips, and crop out any distractions in the frame. If you’re cropping 16:9 footage for vertical platforms, consider leaving yourself slightly off-center in the original recording to give more flexibility later.
• Add subtle color corrections. Small tweaks to brightness, contrast, saturation, and warmth - usually no more than 10-15% - can make your footage pop without looking overdone.
• Export in the best quality for your platform. YouTube supports 4K beautifully, while Instagram compresses videos heavily, so 1080p is usually fine there. Check each platform’s recommendations: YouTube prefers the H.264 codec with high bitrates, while TikTok works better with smaller files and moderate compression.
• Establish a consistent workflow. Once you’ve figured out settings and techniques that work for your style, save them as templates or presets. This consistency not only speeds up your process but also helps create a professional, cohesive look across all your videos.
• Keep edits simple. Avoid overloading your content with filters, transitions, or effects. These can distract from your message and make your video feel gimmicky. Instead, focus on clean cuts, steady audio levels, and a natural flow.

Conclusion: Make Professional Videos with Confidence

Creating professional videos boils down to refining key aspects like lighting, framing, audio, scripting, and video settings. Each of these elements plays a critical role in shaping a polished, high-quality result that grabs and holds your audience’s attention.

The five common mistakes discussed earlier are all connected. For instance, great lighting enhances your framing, clear audio keeps viewers tuned in to your message, an organized script helps you deliver effortlessly, and proper video settings ensure your content looks sharp across various platforms. When these pieces come together, they create a polished and professional final product.

Start by focusing on the basics: improve your lighting, refine your framing, ensure clear audio, and organize your script. Once these are in place, tweak your camera settings to match your platform’s requirements. While this process might feel overwhelming at first, it quickly becomes second nature and can save you countless hours during editing.

To make things easier, tools like Evelize combine essential features into one streamlined solution. With teleprompter functionality and advanced recording options like 4K resolution, 60 FPS, and HDR support, it simplifies the process. The app also includes social media presets that adjust your aspect ratio and settings for various platforms, along with script organization tools to keep you on track. You can explore these features risk-free with a 3-day free trial.

FAQs

What are some tips for using natural light effectively when recording videos without professional gear?

To get the best out of natural light when recording videos, aim to shoot during the golden hours - the period shortly after sunrise or just before sunset. During these times, the sunlight is softer and gives a more flattering glow. Position your subject so they face the light source, like a window, to ensure even lighting. If the sunlight feels too intense, sheer curtains can work wonders to diffuse it and create a gentler, more balanced effect.

Another handy trick is using a simple reflector or a light-colored surface - think a white wall or a piece of poster board - to bounce light back onto your subject and minimize shadows. Shooting in shaded spots can also help you avoid harsh contrasts and overexposure while keeping the look natural. These straightforward and budget-friendly techniques can make a noticeable difference in your video quality.

How can I keep audio levels consistent throughout my video?

To keep the audio levels in your video consistent, aim to normalize your audio between -1 dB and -3 dB. This range helps maintain a steady volume throughout your clips. Adding a compressor can also help - it tames louder peaks and enhances quieter parts, ensuring the dynamic range stays balanced. For optimal clarity and to prevent distortion, leave a headroom of 10–12 dB.

As you record or edit, make it a habit to monitor your audio levels with meters. This allows you to catch any unexpected spikes or dips, ensuring your video sounds smooth and professional from beginning to end.

What aspect ratio and resolution should I use for videos on different social media platforms?

Choosing the Right Aspect Ratio and Resolution

When creating videos, the aspect ratio and resolution you choose should align with the platform where you plan to share them. Each platform has specific preferences to make sure your content looks polished and fits perfectly.

• Instagram Stories, Reels, and TikTok: Go for a 9:16 aspect ratio (vertical) with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. This format is ideal for vertical, full-screen viewing.
• YouTube: Stick to the classic 16:9 aspect ratio (horizontal) with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD) or higher for a sharp and professional look.
• Facebook and Instagram Feed Posts: A 1:1 aspect ratio (square) with a resolution of 1080 x 1080 pixels is perfect for standard posts. Alternatively, you can use a 4:5 aspect ratio for vertical posts to take up more screen space in the feed.

Make it a habit to stay updated on platform guidelines to ensure your videos deliver the best viewing experience possible. Platforms frequently tweak their recommendations, and being in the know keeps your content looking its best.