The Ultimate iPhone Settings for Filming (When You're Doing It All Yourself)

Running a business and handling your own video content? Hats off to you.

You're juggling a lot—and still finding time to create videos that tell your story.
The good news? Your iPhone is more powerful than you think. With the right settings, you can film content that looks polished, professional, and way more high-end than “just filmed it on my phone.”

Here’s how to make your iPhone work overtime (just like you) — these are the best iPhone video settings for small business owners filming solo.

Step 1: Dial in Your Camera Settings
Before you hit record, head to:
Settings → Camera → Record Video
Set it to: 4K at 24 fps – for a cinematic, story-driven look
Or
4K at 30 fps – if you're filming motion (think: product demos or walk-throughs)
This unlocks higher-quality footage that’s crisp, clean, and edit-friendly.
Bonus tip: If storage is tight, go with 1080p at 30 fps — still solid, still sharp.

Step 2: Lock Focus + Exposure
Tap and hold your screen before filming to lock focus and exposure (you’ll see “AE/AF LOCK” pop up). This avoids that awkward pulsing light or sudden refocusing mid-shot. Set it once, and let your camera chill.

Step 3: Adjust Exposure Manually
Once focus is locked, slide your finger up or down on the screen to manually tweak brightness. Your goal: bright, but not blown out. Skin tones and product details should still look natural.

Step 4: Use Gridlines to Frame Like a Pro
Turn on gridlines in Settings → Camera → Grid This helps you center your subject, keep horizons level, and follow the classic rule of thirds (aka: easy pro look, no extra gear required).

Step 5: Clean Your Lens
Obvious? Maybe. Skipped way too often? Absolutely. Give that lens a quick wipe with a soft cloth. A clean lens = instantly clearer, sharper footage. No regrets.

You’ve Got This. Your Content Can Look Great—Even DIY
Even if you're filming between client calls or packaging orders, these simple tweaks make your iPhone content look intentional, confident, and brand-forward. No fancy gear, no extra stress. Just sharp video for your sharp business.

If you're looking to spend a minimum amount to instantly improve your video setup, check out the other articles here.

Need help editing your footage or planning out content that fits your brand?
That’s our wheelhouse.
👉 Work with Nicely — Your neighborhood video partner.