Quick Short Video Guide

A few things to keep in mind: 

  • CREATING AN APPEALING, DETAILED AD SHOWS HOW WELL YOU KNOW YOUR CAR AND HAVE REALLY TAKEN GOOD CARE OF IT. 

  • MAKING A THOROUGH VIDEO OF EVERYTHING SHOWS YOUR ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND GIVES THE BUYER MORE CONFIDENCE IN BUYING FROM YOU.

  • MAKE SURE YOUR CAMERA IS FOCUSED IN EVERY VIDEO SO THE MAIN OBJECT COMES OUT SHARP, NOT BLURRY. SHOOT THE VIDEO AT THE HIGHEST RESOLUTION YOUR CAMERA OFFERS.

  • KEEP AN EYE ON BRIGHT/DARK BALANCE. TOO MUCH BRIGHTNESS (SUNLIGHT) OR DARKNESS((SHADOW) CAUSES PICTURE IMBALANCE.

  • AVOID SHADOWS AT ALL COST (YOUR OWN, TREES, POLES, ETC).

  • IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN INDOOR LOCATION, THE BEST TIME TO TAKE VIDEOS OUTSIDE IS AROUND SUNRISE OR SUNSET, OR ON A VERY CLOUDY DAY. 

  • AFTER DARK, YOU CAN ALSO TAKE GREAT VIDEOS AT A NICELY LIT UP GAS STATION WITH HIGH CEILINGS. 

  • MAKE SURE TO GIVE YOUR CAR A GOOD CLEANING.  FROM WHEELS AND SHINY TIRES TO A PROPERLY VACUMMED AND WIPED DOWN INTERIOR. 

  • IF YOU ARE SELLING A NICE RIDE, CLEAN UP THAT ENGINE BAY AND EXHAUST TIPS AS WELL. 

  • REMOVE ALL YOUR PERSONAL JUNK FROM THE INTERIOR AND TRUNK. 

  • IF YOU DO NOT WANT LICENSE PLATES SHOWING, TAKE THEM OFF AND CLEAN UP BEHIND IT.

  • USING A TOWEL OR PAPER TO COVER THE LICENSE PLATES IS SO LAZY, YOU CAN DO WAY BETTER.

  • LAST BUT NOT LEAST, DONT HOLD THE CAMERA TOO CLOSE TO YOUR FACE. NOBODY WANTS TO HEAR YOU BREATHING :) 

A short 2-3 min video is pretty simple to make if you have a little bit of patience.

  • Always hold the phone sideways.

  • Avoid as much sunlight/shadows as you can. It will throw off your color balance. Sunlight will always darken what you are filming.

  • Use an editing app to cut out unnecessary parts.

  • Make sure your camera is focused in, control the bright/dark level. 

  • Cold start your car with the camera pointed at the exhaust for a few seconds.

  • Do a 360 walk around, point out any defects, dents, scratches, etc. 

  • Show wheels and tires

  • Do a quick 360 of the interior, point out any defects.  Keep the camera very focused to avoid blurriness.

  • Film the instrument panel while starting the car, showing all warning lights working properly and mileage. 

  • Last, but not least, give it some good revs for viewers to hear that exhaust tone. This shows the engine running flawlessly.