I often wonder why more companies—especially small businesses—aren’t taking better advantage of the marketing goldmine they already carry with them every day: their smartphones.
In my work, I’ve seen so many teams delay launching video content because they think they need fancy gear, a full production team, or a perfect script. But here’s the thing: You don’t need any of that to get started.
What you need is already in your hand.
Yes, your phone is enough.
Your phone has more video power than the camcorders many TV shows were shot on just 10 years ago.
But Is a Phone Really Good Enough?
You might be wondering: “Sure, Kevin, but can a phone actually produce professional-looking content?”
Let me put it this way:
Entire commercials, music videos, and even feature films have been shot on smartphones.
Director Steven Soderbergh shot not one but two full-length films on iPhones—both of which were released on Netflix:
- High Flying Bird (shot on an iPhone 8 — a sports drama set in the NBA world)
- Unsane (shot on an iPhone 7 — a psychological thriller)
Brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google have filmed product campaigns using only their flagship phones. So yes—your phone is technically capable of producing commercial-quality work.
But here’s the key: it’s not just the camera—it’s how you use it.
Things like framing, lighting, stabilization, and audio still matter.
For now, know this: your phone has more video power than the camcorders many TV shows were shot on just 10 years ago. Don’t let gear stop you from sharing your message.
Your Phone Shoots Great Video. So What’s the Catch?
Honestly? The only thing you should not skimp on is audio.
There’s a well-known Google/YouTube study that found 84% of viewers say good audio is more important than good video when watching content. I couldn’t agree more. You can shoot a decent-looking video with your phone—even in natural light—but if your audio is tinny, echoey, or muffled, people will stop watching.
Want to instantly improve your video content? Get a mic. A $20 clip-on lav mic or USB mic can take your content from amateur to pro in a heartbeat.
Something more advanced like the wireless microphone below makes things even easier.
Start Simple. Stay Consistent.
The truth is, getting started with video isn’t a tech problem. It’s a mindset one.
You don’t need a scriptwriter. You don’t need a “content calendar” (yet).
You need a message, a phone, and a mic.
Here’s how you can start today:
- Pick one question your clients or customers ask often
- Answer it in 60 seconds or less
- Record it with your phone in natural light
- Use a mic for clear sound
- Post it. Don’t overthink it.
Done.
You Can Always Iterate Later
The most valuable thing about content isn’t how perfect it looks—it’s what it helps your audience understand, feel, or do. You can improve your delivery, visuals, editing, and branding over time. But first, you just have to hit record.
You already have what you need. The only thing left is to start.
Here’s a mic you might consider
DJI Mic 2 wireless lavalier microphone: https://amzn.to/4inU3bu
(affiliate link — purchases help me buy more coffee)