5 tips to improve your TikTok game

In this article, we share five tips and gadgets that could help someone improve their photos and videos for TikTok and other social media platforms.

Samsung Galaxy A12 in White

5 tips and gadgets that may improve your video

What do you need?

Social Media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have become part of our daily lives and over the years, the pictures and videos we post have somewhat become a reflection of our lives. So it doesn't hurt to improve the image quality of the photos and videos we share online

Samsung Galaxy A12

1. Capable smartphone - First up is a smartphone that can download and install TikTok while being able to take good pictures and record stunning videos. If you are just starting, it’s good to consider an affordable but capable smartphone like the newly released Samsung Galaxy A12.

The Samsung Galaxy A12 features a massive 6.5-inch LCD display with the 2.3GHz MediaTek MT6765 octa-core processor, 4GB/6GB RAM, 128GB of storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 15W Fast Charging. This means that it has a massive screen to be able to view content on TikTok while providing enough battery for shooting multiple takes and enough storage to hold all your videos.

Capable cameras despite the budget price tag

Aside from that, the 8MP f/2.2 selfie camera and the 48MP f/2.0 main + 5MP f/2.2 ultra-wide + 2MP f/2.4 macro + 2MP f/2.4 depth lens can take photos and videos in almost any situation. It allows content creators the opportunity to produce different types of footage to improve their TikTok videos.

The Samsung Galaxy A12 is now available in the Philippines with an SRP of PHP 7,990 for the 4GB/128GB variant while the 6GB/128GB has an SRP of PHP 9,990.

Notepad and Pen or the Notetaking app

2 and 3. Notetaking app/Notepad and Pen - To make compelling photos or videos, sometimes the person recording must do elaborate shots and sequences that add to the look, feel and storytelling aspects of the photos and videos.

This is why it is essential to plan and note down the sequence of shots and recordings. We highly suggest brainstorming creative and effective video shot recording. List them down and organize them on the notepad or on the Note apps first so you can shoot the video smoothly, progressively, and in-sequential order.

Samsung Notes app

Alternatively, if you go to the Google Play Store and the Galaxy App store, you can download Samsung Notes and replace the notepad and pen with the app. There is no need for an S Pen either as the app can use finger gestures to write on the app.

Stabilize your phone with a tripod

4. Tripod or Gimbal with smartphone clamp - There are some shots and sequences wherein we have to use both arms or when we have to shoot away from the camera (like when we have our whole body in the frame). This shot requires us to make sure that the smartphone is standing still and stabilized. A tripod or a gimbal would be the best choice. If you are a budding content creator, a tripod with a phone clamp is a good way to start.

We also recommend picking a tripod or phone clamp that secures your smartphone in both landscape and portrait orientation.

Light source

5. Light - Good lighting significantly improves the quality of photos and videos. Having a light source that focuses on the subject will not only improve the photo and video, it will also be more flattering on the subject while helping the video consistency.

Sometimes we shoot with natural light or the light fixtures in our house which can yield decent results. However, this can be inconsistent due to rapid weather changes which can lower the quality of light, thus compromising the photo and video.

Ambient light on the left and focused light on the right

On left is without a focused light source while on the right is the one with the light.

There are times where the user has to record video with multiple takes longer periods of time. If you don't have a focused light, the changes in weather or time can be noticed in the video quality.

To summarize, first, we recommend having a smartphone like the Samsung Galaxy A12 with capable specs and cameras to record great photos and videos. Second, it is also a good idea to plan and take note of the shot sequence. Lastly, using a tripod/gimbal to stabilize the phone while using a focused light source can significantly improve the image quality of the photos and videos.

If you find these tips and gadgets useful or if you can recommend other tips or gadgets that may help others, feel free to write your feedback and suggestions in the comments section below.

And if you are interested, the Samsung Galaxy A12 4GB/128GB has an SRP of PHP 7,990 while the 6GB/128GB model has an SRP of PHP 9,990.

What do you guys think?