How to Make Better Selfie Videos (Without Feeling Awkward)

Talking to your phone like it’s your best friend sounds easy… until you hit record.

Suddenly, you’re overthinking every word, blinking too much, wondering what to do with your hands, and questioning all your life choices…

Here’s the truth: selfie videos are way harder than they look, but it’s absolutely possible to get good at them. I’ve watched YouTubers with millions of followers (and dollars) struggle to deliver a line for hours, so don’t worry, you’re not alone, and even the best aren’t perfect.

With some practice, your videos will become the most powerful tool for building trust and connection with your audience. My clients know that consistently posting videos is the #1 thing they need to do to grow their following.

If you’ve been struggling to make selfie videos that feel natural and engaging, here’s your playbook for getting better fast:

1. Memorize the Message, Then Speak From the Heart

One of the biggest mistakes I see? Trying to read off a teleprompter or script word-for-word. When you’re staring at text, you disconnect from what you’re really trying to say, and your audience can feel it.

Instead, memorize the key points you want to hit, then put the script away. Pretend you're FaceTiming a friend and just talk. Even if you stumble a little, you’ll sound way more real, and that's what people connect with.

2. Find a Comfortable, Quiet Space

You don’t need a fancy studio, just a spot where you feel relaxed and won’t be interrupted. It doesn’t even have to be the same spot every time! Some of the best videos are filmed in random corners of your house, car, or backyard. The key is finding a space where you can focus, be yourself, and not be interrupted by a dog barking or a plane flying overhead.

3. Look for "Good Enough" Lighting

You don't need professional lights; good enough lighting is, well, good enough!
Natural light is ideal (facing a window usually works great), but even a decent lamp can do the trick. You're good to go if you can see your face clearly without weird shadows. Don’t let chasing perfect lighting be the thing that stops you from hitting record.

4. Keep It Tight

Attention spans are shorter than ever, especially on social media.
Aim for 30 to 60 seconds max. If you find yourself rambling, think about the one takeaway you want people to remember and center your video around that.

5. Find Your Energy Zone

You don’t have to be over-the-top bubbly (unless that’s your style), but you do need to dial your energy up a notch. Camera flattens personality — so whatever your natural vibe is, turn it up by about 10-20% when you hit record.

6. Practice the First 10 Seconds

The hardest part of any video is the opening. If you can nail your first line confidently, everything else flows easier. Practice your first sentence a few times until it feels natural. Once you hit your stride, the rest won't feel so scary.

7. Don’t Overthink "Perfect"

Spoiler alert: the videos that go viral are almost never the most polished ones.
They’re the ones where people are being real, relatable, and a little imperfect.
So if your hair’s not perfect or you trip over a word, good. It means you’re human.

Remember

Selfie videos aren’t about looking perfect or sounding rehearsed. They’re about building a real relationship with the person on the other side of the screen.
And the more you practice, the easier (and even fun) it gets.

You’ve got this. 🎥✨

If you want more tips like this, stick around — Peanutt’s Playbook is just getting started.