Let me just say it upfront: I shoot all of my videos on my phone. No fancy camera, no help, no lighting setup that looks like it came off a Marvel set. Just me, my phone, and usually a race against time before I run out of storage. And do you know what? It works.
A lot of people hold off on turning their funny idea into an actual video because they feel like they need fancy equipment to make it. I used to think that, too. I would scroll past those creators with crystal-clear DSLR footage and cinematic color grading and think, “Welp, I’ll never look like that.” But then one of my dumbest, poorly lit, rough-looking skits blew up overnight. No fancy equipment, just a funny idea I got from Instagram that clicked. The quality of the content will more than likely outshine the quality of the video.
Shooting with a smartphone is not just doable; it’s ideal for short-form comedy, especially on TikTok. The algorithm wants fast, scrappy, personal. And nothing says “right here, right now” like pulling out your phone and filming a bit before your lunch break ends.
Don’t get me wrong, there are limits. I’ve had moments when I’m balancing my phone on a cereal box, praying it doesn’t fall mid-take. Or I’m doing takes in my car because it’s the quietest “studio” I’ve got. But here’s the thing: that kind of DIY vibe connects. People aren’t coming to your videos expecting Spielberg. They come for laughs, for relatable characters, for jokes that hit. Sometimes literally, with a poorly timed slapstick moment.
That being said, there are some little tricks I’ve learned to make smartphone filming way easier. First off, while you don’t need professional lighting, it can’t hurt to shoot your scene with proper natural lighting. You don’t need a $200 softbox; just stand near a window. Natural light is free and flattering. Midday lighting, especially when it’s slightly cloudy, is nature’s filter. And if you’re filming at night? A cheap clip-on ring light or even just aiming a desk lamp at the ceiling can do wonders.
Audio is another big one. Phone mics are surprisingly solid if you’re in a quiet space, but the echo is real. I’ve filmed under blankets, in closets, and even in my car just to avoid that hollow, bathroom-style sound. If you want to level up just a little, a $20 lavalier mic that plugs into your phone can make a dramatic difference. But again, funny dialogue or captions played over a sound trumps crisp audio, in my opinion.
The real MVP, though, is your phone’s camera app. I’ve stopped chasing the “perfect” camera settings and started focusing on speed and spontaneity. Use the back camera for higher quality, sure, but the front-facing camera is optimal for short skits, especially for TikTok. All of my best videos came from the front-facing camera.
And then there’s editing. Most of my cuts, captions, and sound tweaks happen right on my phone. Apps like CapCut, InShot, or even TikTok’s native editor are more than enough to get the job done. You do not need Final Cut or Premiere to tell a joke. You just need rhythm, timing, and the confidence to hit “post.”
The best part about shooting with a smartphone is that it removes every excuse. You are not waiting for the right lens, or your friend with the camera, or the perfect time. You have everything you need. Right now. In your pocket. It democratizes comedy in a way that still blows my mind. Some of the funniest, most viral sketches out there? They were filmed in bedrooms, cars, parks, and bathrooms. With a phone.
I would not hold off on making a video because you think your gear is not “good enough.” Let me save you some time: it is. The only thing your audience wants is for you to make them laugh. And if you can do that with bad lighting, shaky hands, and a phone at 3% battery, guess what? You are already ahead of the game.