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How Can You Tell if a Video is “Good”?
Selfie vs. Pro Videos: When to DIY and When to Call in the Pros
These days, everyone has a high-def video camera in their pocket. That’s a good thing. At Mastcom, we’re not threatened by that—we’re thrilled. It means clients are more comfortable with video than ever, and it opens up new ways to connect with audiences quickly and authentically.
But not every message should be shot in selfie mode. And not every story needs a full-scale crew. Here’s a simple way to decide when it makes sense to go DIY—and when to go pro.
Use Selfie or DIY Video When…
You want to be fast and personal.
A quick update from the trenches. A behind-the-scenes moment. An “aha moment” or insight from your car. These are perfect selfie video moments. They feel real, raw, and human—and that’s the point.
The audience expects authenticity.
On social platforms like LinkedIn, TikTok, or Instagram, high-production can sometimes feel too polished. In contrast, handheld or webcam videos often perform better because they’re imperfect. They feel like a conversation, not a commercial.
You’re prototyping ideas.
Sometimes it helps to just hit record and talk through a message. It can become a first draft for something more refined down the line—or even get posted as-is for early feedback.
You’re in the moment.
Live events, team celebrations, spontaneous customer stories—capture them as they happen. That kind of energy is hard to replicate in a studio later.
Call in the Pros When
You need to protect your brand.
If the video will live on your website homepage, be part of a paid campaign, or represent your brand for years, the investment in quality pays off. First impressions matter.
The story is complex or emotional.
Documentaries, customer testimonials, or high-stakes internal communications benefit from thoughtful structure, lighting, sound design, and editing. These elements help your message land with impact and clarity.
You need animation or visual storytelling.
Explainers, motion graphics, stylized storytelling—this is where professional teams shine. A selfie video won’t do when your message needs visuals to make sense.
You want results.
Video marketing isn’t just art—it’s strategy. If your goal is to drive leads, educate audiences, or build long-term trust, a professionally produced video is more likely to get you there.
Final Thought
You don’t have to choose one or the other. In fact, some of the most effective strategies use both. We’ve helped clients build campaigns where a professional brand film leads to a series of casual selfie follow-ups. The key is knowing what each format does best—and using them with intention.