Best iPhone Settings for Small Business Owners who make their own video content

Tutorials

Jul 24

How to Film With Your iPhone and Make It Look Professional

Running a small business and filming your own content? Want to start your YouTube Channel or start putting out consistent reels on IG? That’s a lot of hats to wear. Sheesh, you’re doing it all—and still finding time to tell your story.

Here’s the good news: your iPhone is more than just a device that is polluting minds and the environment. It’s ALSO a powerful video camera with built-in features that support creators who aren’t camera experts. With the right settings and a few small adjustments, you can make video content that looks polished, intentional, and professional.

If you’re wondering how to film with an iPhone for your business, this guide is for you.

1. Use the Best iPhone Video Settings

Start here:
Settings → Camera → Record Video

Choose:

4K at 24 fps for a cinematic, storytelling vibe
These settings give you high-resolution, clean footage that holds up well when editing or posting to social platforms.

Low on storage? Use 1080p at 24 fps - still decent quality, smaller file sizes.

2. Lock Focus and Exposure

To avoid your camera constantly adjusting mid-shot, tap and hold your subject before filming until AE/AF LOCK appears. This locks in your focus and brightness, helping you avoid that awkward light pulsing or sudden blur.

3. Manually Adjust Exposure

After locking focus, slide your finger up or down on the screen to fine-tune the brightness.

Your goal: natural light levels where faces and product details are clear but not overexposed. This is a simple move that gives your footage a clean, professional look.

4. Turn on Gridlines for Better Framing

Go to Settings → Camera → Grid and turn it on.

Gridlines help you frame your subject evenly, keep your camera level, and if you’re filming landscape, follow the rule of thirds—a simple visual trick that makes any shot feel more intentional.

5. Clean Your Lens Before You Film

It’s basic, but it matters. A quick lens wipe with a soft cloth can really help make things look nice. Many DIY videos suffer from serious lens smudge - don’t let that be you. We don’t want to watch your video through the greasy haze of the bologna sandwich you had for lunch.

Bonus: Simple Tools That Help Your iPhone Video Shine

To get even more out of your filming setup, consider:

A tripod or phone stand for steady, hands-free shooting
An external microphone for clearer, more professional audio (exactly like the current trend of talking into a little fuzzy mic.)
Natural light from a nearby window (and avoid harsh overheads or backlighting)

No need for a bunch of gear - just a few thoughtful tools can go a long way. Also, try and buy things used on offerup or craigslist, rather than buy something new and cheap from the ‘Zon that will eventually just get thrown into the ocean…

I mean this - email us with any questions on what to buy or not buy.

Why Your iPhone is a Great Camera for DIY Business Video

Your iPhone is designed to help everyday users capture high-quality video, without needing a background in cameras or editing. It auto-balances a lot for you—but with just a few small setting changes, you unlock a level of quality that holds up for websites, reels, and YouTube uploads alike.

Even if you’re filming between client calls or packaging orders, these tips can help you create content that feels polished, confident, and aligned with your brand.

Need Help With Editing, Strategy or Storytelling?

Oh, good! That’s where we come in.

Nicely Video Co. helps small businesses across Seattle and the PNW turn scrappy into strategic. Whether you need help shaping a story, editing iPhone footage, or building a content plan—consider us your video partner next door (but not ON Nextdoor).

Let’s make your videos work harder, without adding more to your plate.

Work with Nicely