**Disclaimer: this page contains affiliate links. I would, however, never recommend something that I do not stand by! This is the equipment that I actually use to create video pins and other videos.
You might be thinking, “where do I even start to create video pins?”
I was there, too, even after I had experience creating preview videos for Teachers Pay Teachers. You can always use natural lighting and have someone hold your camera/phone, but this is not going to achieve a professional and clean end result.
You know that you need to start using videos to bring your products to life. I’m here to help you get a space set up that is will take away the guesswork and frustration.
Why Create Video Pins?
You’ve done all of the work to create and upload your wonderful resource. You’ve put your heart and soul into it. You STILL don’t feel like your photography or description highlights how awesome your product is, and how much it can help teachers.
The answer? Video.
Video brings your product to life and shows teachers how they can use it in a concrete way. They see it printed (or digitally) and can imagine how it would be used with their students.
Pinterest also favors video pins at this time. Even after the algorithm change in January, 2020, you can reuse your videos if you put them in different pin templates.
How awesome is that?
Once you go through the work of creating and editing a video, you can reuse it. This is not the same for images on Pinterest, as they do not count as fresh pins if used more than once (even in new templates).
I am going to go over my setup for showcasing videos for clients and myself here!
If you’re interested in getting my full video pin course, click here to check it out!
Lighting
- Natural lighting: natural light works perfectly in most cases, however I’ve found it to be inconsistent. If you don’t have a large budget then I would suggest using natural lighting. Just keep in mind that sunny days will differ from overcast days, and you won’t be able to film at night.
- Ring light: I use a ring light and tilt it directly over the table I’m working on. This is the ring light that I use, and it works perfectly. It’s also great if you need to film yourself for any reason. Make sure that you’re using the cooler lighting settings and that it’s as bright as possible when filming.
- Clamp lights: I use clamp lights at the side so there aren’t any shadows. I currently just use two of them. Also, be sure to put parchment paper (it won’t burn) over the bulbs to filter out the harshness.
- 5500K watt bulbs: Make sure you’re using bulbs that are the equivalent of daytime light.
- Box Lighting: I also have two sets (4 in all) of these box lights, which I put at each corner of my table for photography. These could easily be used for lighting for video, as well.
Phone Mount
I use an Arkon Phone Mount to hold my phone while filming. I also place it on a separate surface, aside from the rest of my work area, so it does not shake while writing on the product (see picture). The arm looks directly down through the right light.
Backdrops and Props
What do you set your product on? How do you make the video eye-catching? Use props and an attractive background to pull people’s attention in!
- Offset any white-on-white with colored paper. Layer colored paper or scrapbook paper between your white paper and the white poster-board you might be using. Astrobrites or construction paper work perfectly for this! I also frequently use black paper in the mix.
- Hobby Lobby and Joann Fabrics have tons of different poster boards to lay down as a backdrop. I usually use white, but I also use wooden textures.
- The Better Than Paper bulletin board sets are awesome, especially if you have a larger area to cover. These make perfect backdrops and there are many unique patterns.
It may be an investment in the beginning, but most of the equipment is relatively cheap. And trust me… if you use videos strategically, you will make all of your money back and more.
What other tips do you have about video filming equipment? Let me know in the comments!
If you’d like access to the batching system that allows me to get over 100 video pins done per week, join the Chlover Club here! You’ll also get video filming tips and updates on a video course straight to your inbox!
