Use a Camera That Meets Quality Standards
You don’t need expensive or complex equipment to create high-quality video, but your camera must capture clear, sharp, and professional-looking footage.
Recommended Camera Settings
To ensure your video is compatible and high quality, we recommend the following:
- Video Codec: H.264
- Resolution: 1080p HD (4K is not recommended)
- Frame Rate: 24fps or 30fps
- Audio Codec: AAC
Why not record in 4K?
1080p provides excellent quality while keeping file sizes manageable. Since the maximum upload size is 10GB, recording in 4K can quickly create unnecessarily large files without meaningful benefit for most content.
Recommended Starting Point: Smartphone Cameras
Modern smartphones are more than capable of meeting our quality standards and are a great place to start.
Tips when recording on a smartphone:
- Use a tripod or mount to avoid movement
- Use the rear-facing camera (higher quality than front-facing)
- Enable Grid lines to help keep your frame level and well-composed
- Set camera format to “Most Compatible” (ensures recording in H.264)
- Turn off advanced formats like ProRes (if available) to keep file sizes manageable
Optional Upgrade: Dedicated Cameras
If you’d like to elevate your video quality further, you may choose to use a dedicated camera (such as a mirrorless or DSLR).
Tips when recording on a dedicated camera:
- Use a tripod or camera mount to avoid movement
- Set a fixed white balance instead of auto to avoid color shifts
- Use standard formats (H.264, 1080p) and avoid high-bitrate or specialty formats
- Monitor your recording if possible (using a flip screen or external monitor)
Not Allowed: Laptop Webcams
Recording with your laptop’s built-in camera does not meet our quality standards.
- Laptop webcams typically produce low-quality, poorly lit, and unprofessional-looking video
- This applies even to newer or high-end laptops
Autofocus & Exposure: What to Know
Most cameras and smartphones automatically adjust focus and lighting - but this can sometimes create distractions.
Autofocus
- Pro: Keeps you in focus as you move
- Con: Can “hunt” or shift focus unexpectedly, especially during movement (including background objects)
- Recommendation: If your camera allows it, lock focus once you’re in position to avoid shifting during recording.
Auto Exposure (Lighting)
- Pro: Adjusts brightness automatically if lighting changes
- Con: Can cause visible shifts in brightness during your video
- Recommendation: Assuming your light source will be consistent throughout the duration of your recording, lock exposure before recording to keep lighting consistent throughout.
Set Up Your Camera Correctly
Proper camera placement makes a big difference in how your video feels. Using a tripod is always recommended.
Movement-based practices (Yoga, Qigong, etc.):
- Position the camera at chest height
- Ensure your full body stays in frame throughout
- Avoid angles that tilt sharply up or down
Talking head / lecture-style videos:
- Position the camera at eye level
- Frame yourself from the chest or waist up