How to Film Better Reels for Your Business
Let’s face it — short videos are here to stay. Whether you're on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, Reels have become one of the most powerful ways to reach your audience.
But if you’ve ever watched your own Reel and thought, “Why doesn’t this look like those viral ones?” — you’re not alone.
Here are 7 simple and effective tips to help your Reels stand out — even if you're filming with your phone — especially for small businesses here in Calgary.
1. Start with a Hook (First 3 Seconds Matter)
Reels scroll fast. You have less than 3 seconds to stop someone from swiping past.
Try starting with:
A bold question (“Are you making this mistake in your skincare routine?”)
A surprising visual
A clear title overlay (“3 Must-Try Drinks This Summer”)
Tip: Don’t save the best part for last — grab attention upfront.
2. Use Natural Light Whenever Possible
No lighting setup? No problem. Calgary has amazing natural daylight — use it!
Film near a window (facing the light)
Avoid overhead ceiling lights (they cast shadows)
Golden hour (before sunset) is your best friend
Want to level up? Get a ring light or LED panel — small investment, big difference.
3. Keep It Short and Sharp
Even though Reels can be up to 90 seconds, most top-performing Reels are under 30 seconds.
Plan tight shots and edits:
Cut out long pauses
Use fast cuts between scenes
Match the pace to music or transitions
Attention spans are short — keep it punchy.
4. Add Captions or Text Overlays
80%+ of viewers watch without sound.
Make sure your message still gets across:
Use built-in auto-caption tools
Add short, bold text to highlight key points
Place text in the safe zone (center — avoid the top/bottom UI areas)
5. Film Vertically (9:16 Ratio)
This might sound obvious — but it’s a common mistake.
Reels, TikToks, YouTube Shorts all use vertical format. Filming horizontally means you’ll lose screen space or have to crop awkwardly.
6. Show Behind-the-Scenes or “Real Moments”
People love authenticity. Show:
How your product is made
What a typical day at your business looks like
Your reaction to customer reviews or funny moments
These build connection and trust — not just polish.
7. Plan Your Reel Before You Film
It doesn’t have to be a full storyboard — just answer:
What’s the main idea?
What’s the beginning → middle → end?
What action do I want people to take?
Reels are short, but the best ones are still planned.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need fancy gear to create great Reels — but you do need strategy, consistency, and a little creativity. And if you want to elevate your content further, working with a videographer who understands both social and storytelling can make all the difference.
At WE TIME Production, we help Calgary businesses create social-first video content that feels real, performs well, and looks fantastic — all while keeping things simple and stress-free.
