One of the key features of Snapchat is the ability to take videos and share them with friends.
However, the quality of Snapchat videos is not always the best, especially when comparing to platforms like Instagram and TikTok. There are a few things you can do to improve the video quality on Snapchat.
Why is Snapchat video quality not the best?
There are a couple reasons why Snapchat videos are lower quality than other platforms:
- Snapchat compresses videos to save data and allow for quicker uploading. This compression leads to decreased quality.
- Snapchat limits videos to 10 seconds max. Shorter videos tend to have lower quality.
- The Snapchat camera and editing tools are basic compared to other apps. Less control can mean lower quality.
The good news is that while Snapchat videos max out at lower quality than other apps, there are still some tricks you can use to improve the video quality as much as possible within Snapchat.
Adjust Camera Settings
One of the easiest ways to improve Snapchat video quality is to adjust the camera settings before recording your snap. Here are a few tips:
Use the Rear Camera
Most smartphones have better quality rear cameras than front-facing cameras. Whenever possible, use the rear camera to capture higher quality video. Simply toggle the camera button in the top left of the capture screen to switch to the rear camera.
Increase Resolution
In your Snapchat settings, go to the “Camera” section. From here, you can choose a higher video resolution. Higher resolution videos will have better quality. Most phones max out at 1080p HD resolution for the rear camera.
Adjust Lens
Swipe left and right on the camera screen to adjust the lens from wide to telephoto. The telephoto lens will zoom in more. Zooming in can help improve video quality by reducing interference and artifacts around the edges of the frame.
Clean Your Lens
Wipe down the front and rear camera lenses with a microfiber cloth before capturing your snap. Dust, fingerprints, and smudges on the lens can reduce image quality.
Use Proper Filming Techniques
How you film the video matters just as much as your camera settings. Use these tips when recording:
Hold Steady
A shaky video almost always turns out blurry and choppy. Hold your smartphone firmly in both hands, cradling the phone to reduce shake. If needed, lean against a wall or prop your elbows on a table to create a more stable base. You can also invest in smartphone gimbals and tripods.
Ensure Proper Lighting
Snapchat doesn’t perform well in low light scenarios. Make sure you film your video in a well-lit area, with light sources shining directly on your subject. Move the subject outdoors or near windows if possible.
Stay Close to Subject
Don’t film from too far away. Bring the camera as close as comfortably possible to your subject to maximize detail, colors, and lighting. Filling more of the frame with your subject results in a better quality final video.
Focus First
Before hitting record, tap the area of focus on your screen. This ensures the auto-focus locks in on your desired subject. Readjust the focus if needed during filming.
Edit Carefully
The Snapchat editing tools, while basic, can help enhance your video quality. Avoid going overboard, as too much editing can degrade the video.
Trim Down Footage
Cut out any boring or shaky clips to showcase only your best content. Streamlined, engaging footage always looks better.
Enhance Selectively
Use the auto-enhance button sparingly. It can make colors and details pop more, but also risks decreasing quality if overused.
Limit Text and Emojis
Too many animations and overlays can detract from video quality, so use them selectively. Keep text brief and emojis minimal for ideal quality.
Save at Highest Resolution
When exporting your final edited video, always save it at the highest available resolution and least compressed format to preserve quality.
Change Camera App Settings
Adjust settings in your native smartphone camera app, since this is what powers Snapchat’s camera.
Increase Resolution
Most smartphone cameras let you bump up the video resolution. This enhanced resolution will carry over to Snapchat.
Turn Off Digital Zoom
Optical zoom is preferable, but disabling digital zoom in your native camera app will prevent pixelated footage in Snapchat from aggressive digital zooming.
Adjust Frame Rate
Higher FPS (frames per second) results in smoother, better quality videos. Ideally, set your smartphone camera to 60fps.
Use Camera App’s Beauty Mode
Beauty modes enhance skin smoothing, making your Snapchat videos look professionally polished. Just don’t overdo it.
Leverage Third-Party Apps
Consider using third-party apps for filming and editing before uploading to Snapchat.
Snapseed
This app from Google offers advanced editing like curve adjustments and selective editing. Fine tune your video, then export and upload to Snapchat.
Adobe Premiere Rush
Premiere Rush allows for multi-layer editing and effects. It’s easy to use and ideal for short social media videos.
FiLMiC Pro
FiLMiC gives you full manual control over focus, exposure, white balance, and more for next-level mobile video. Export to Snapchat when done.
Moment Camera
This app taps your smartphone’s full capabilities for controls like shutter speed, ISO, and more. Plus, it offers lens attachments for mobile devices.
Conclusion
It is possible to get much better video quality on Snapchat by adjusting camera settings, filming properly, editing carefully, and leveraging third party apps. While Snapchat video quality will never match platforms designed for long-form, highly produced video, following these tips can still dramatically elevate your Snapchat content. Just remember to focus on the fundamentals first: good lighting, a steady hand, proper framing, and an eye for engaging content.
| Tip | How it Improves Quality |
|---|---|
| Use rear camera | Rear cameras have better quality sensors and lenses |
| Increase resolution | Higher resolution equals more detail |
| Adjust lens | Telephoto reduces edge interference |
| Hold phone steady | Prevents blur from shakiness |
| Ensure good lighting | Proper illumination enhances detail |
| Stay close to subject | Fills frame for sharper focus |
| Focus before filming | Optimizes clarity on subject |
| Trim footage | Showcases only best clips |
| Enhance selectively | Targeted enhancement avoids overprocessing |
| Save at highest resolution | Retains quality better than compression |
Key Takeaways
- Adjust Snapchat camera settings for optimal quality
- Use proper filming techniques like lighting and stabilization
- Edit videos carefully to showcase best clips
- Leverage advanced third party camera and editing apps
- Focus on fundamentals like framing, lighting, and engaging content
Following these tips will vastly improve your Snapchat video quality. Just remember Snapchat will never match more robust video platforms.
Focus on working within Snapchat’s limitations and highlighting your creativity. With the right techniques, you can produce high-quality Snaps that captivate viewers.