Independent artists face a major challenge: creating content for both YouTube and social media without doubling the work. The good news? You can shoot music videos in both landscape and vertical formats at the same time using a simple dual-rig setup.
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Why You Need Both Formats
Every platform has its own preferred video style. YouTube and Vevo thrive on cinematic, wide-screen music videos, while TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts demand vertical, native-looking clips. If you only film one format, you’ll either have to crop your footage (losing quality) or reshoot for social platforms.
The Dual-Rig Setup
Here’s the trick: mount your main video camera for your professional landscape shot, then attach a smartphone on top of the rig. This way, you capture both formats in one take—no extra setups required.
- Main Camera: Shoots 16:9 landscape for YouTube and streaming platforms.
- Phone Camera: Captures 9:16 vertical content for TikTok, Instagram, and Shorts.
- Sync Both: Start recording at the same time to make editing seamless.
Gear You’ll Need
- A DSLR, mirrorless, or cinema camera for your main shot
- A sturdy tripod or gimbal
- A smartphone with high-quality video
- A phone clamp or cold-shoe mount adapter to attach above your main camera
Pro Tip: Use a wide lens on your main camera and a tighter crop on your phone. This gives you two slightly different looks from one performance take.
Editing Your Dual Footage
When editing, treat your main camera as the master shot. Cut your music video in landscape, then separately export clips from the phone footage for vertical versions. This workflow saves hours of reshooting and instantly creates platform-specific content.
Why This Method Works for Independent Artists
If you’re trying to shoot music videos on a budget, efficiency is everything. By capturing both formats at once, you maximize your content without increasing production costs. It’s like doubling your music video output instantly.