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Lights, Camera, Viral! Tips For Slaying Your UGC Videography

You don’t need to be a videographer to take epic UGC content. But if you’re trying to level up your content knowing some tips and tricks of the trade can’t hurt right!? 

Whether you’re a UGC creator or just someone trying to improve their content game you should totally read this blog (no pressure at all 👀) because understanding the technical aspects of video production can make the difference between content that converts and content that gets lost in the endless scroll.

 

Why Your First 3 Seconds Make or Break Your Content

Research shows that viewers make snap judgments about video content within the first three seconds. 

A well-lit video immediately signals professionalism and quality, with studies indicating that properly illuminated content receives up to 66% more engagement compared to poorly lit alternatives (sheeeeeesh).  

This stark difference in performance highlights why lighting should be a primary consideration in any videography setup.

 

The Building Blocks of Stunning Content

Professional videography often employs the three-point lighting technique, but social media content creators have adapted these principles for more practical, space-conscious setups. 

The key is to ensure your subject is clearly visible while creating depth and dimension in your footage.

 

Natural Light is Your Best Friend

For many UGC creators, natural light remains the most accessible and flattering lighting source. 

Position yourself facing a window during the golden hours (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) to achieve that coveted soft, warm glow. 

However, relying solely on natural light can be unpredictable, which is why investing in artificial lighting solutions is crucial for consistent content production

If you are reading this thinking where am I going to get artificial lighting from!? Cough, cough (we have some pretty epic lighting at our Hamilton studio. 😉). Get in touch with our team here to use it for yourself!

Man and women taking a video and UGC using a iphone for videography

Your Content Creator Toolkit

When starting your UGC videography journey, here are our lighting starter packs: 

1. Ring lights 

They have become synonymous with social media content creation, providing even, flattering illumination that’s perfect for close-up shots. 

Their portability and ease of use make them ideal for UGC creators who need to maintain consistent quality while working in different locations.

2. LED panels 

These offer a little more versatility than ring lights and can be positioned to create different moods and effects. 

Their adjustable brightness and colour temperature settings allow content creators to maintain consistent lighting across multiple shots, even when natural light conditions change.

 

The ROI of Quality Lighting

While professional lighting equipment requires an initial investment, the return on investment becomes clear when examining engagement metrics. 

Videos with professional lighting setups typically see:

  • 45% higher watch time
  • 38% increase in shares
  • 27% more likes and comments
  • 58% better conversion rates for product demonstrations

These statistics really hit home on why brands increasingly prefer working with UGC creators who demonstrate technical proficiency in their videography setup. 

Incoming shameless plug…And hey if you don’t want to invest in your own lighting equipment, you can always hire a studio space. Check out our epic Cyc wall here

 

Are These Lighting Blunders Killing Your Content?

Many beginning videographers fall into common traps that can be easily avoided. 

Mixed lighting temperatures, harsh shadows, and overexposed backgrounds can make otherwise good content appear amateur. 

Understanding these pitfalls helps UGC creators maintain professional standards in their videography work.

 

What Have We Learnt Today? 

Whether you’re a fresh face in the UGC world or a seasoned content creator, your lighting setup can be the difference between scrollable and stoppable content. 

As social platforms continue to push video content into our feeds with increasing intensity, the ability to craft well-lit, professional-looking content isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential for standing out in the endless scroll. 

So have we convinced you to level up your lighting game yet? If you answered yes (even if you answered no) you should totally give us a bell! 

Want to download this epic piece of content to show your boss later? Download it here!