Welcome to the ultimate guide to recording video at home.

I'm a YouTuber turned freelance video producer now working with some of the UK's biggest brands. I've gathered my expertise into this quick reference guide for anyone trying to film at home: learn the basics of video and lighting and applying my hacks, tips and tricks to optimise your existing devices.

1. Back camera is better

Phone manufacturers have concluded we prefer taking pictures of our pets, than ourselves. So the quality of the image from back cameras are usually much better than the front 'selfie' cameras.

That said- using the back camera is more difficult because you often need a work-around to monitor yourself as you record. If you need use the front cam, make sure you've got the settings as high quality as possible, only the very latest models have improved these cameras.

If you want to connect your phone to a display- use a HDMI adaptor or try out screen mirroring. I'd recommend only doing this on the latest phones as it takes a lot of processing power, and recording 4K video is already quite power hungry!

If you're working solo, you often need to be able to monitor yourself to check you're in frame (and recording). There are options to connect your phone to a display... but often the simple solutions are the best. If you have a small mirror, position it behind the phone!

There is no need to shoot at 50fps (or 60fps) even if your phone supports it. This is generally only used for slow motion and can create unnecessarily huge files!

2. Film in 4K 25fps

Smartphone settings are set by default to compromise for a general American user. This balances the file size with quality, which is useful most of the time when recording memories, but not so much for professional videos. As a rule, film in the highest resolution your phone offers and in 25fps rather than 30 (if you're in Europe!)

While filming, you can check which resolution and frame rate you are using in the top corner.

If you flip between front and back cameras, the resolution may automatically change as some older phones only have 4K cameras on the back.

To film landscape you may need to turn off portrait lock.

3. Get the camera to eye level

Cameras flatten your beautiful 3D self into an often unflattering 2D image. To give your vanity a fighting chance, set the height of the camera as close as you can to eye-level.

Position yourself in the frame so your eyes are roughly one third down from the top of the screen. A common mistake is to have far too much headroom, or sometimes far too little!

If you have the grid guidelines turned on, the eye-line is represented as the first line down. This works whether you're close up, or far away!

Cheap tripods are great. But I use these flexible arms which attach to a desk or bookshelf. And they're less than £15.

4. Download these apps

There are some great apps which access some secret camera settings inside your phone, creating even better footage.

5. Plan to send the big files

So you got all the settings right and have a great high quality video... but now it is stuck on your phone. Ask yourself which one of the following applies:

Emails are not designed for carrying big things.

Just like how we don't squeeze exciting large parcels into envelopes to post. Video files are often huge, especially with the settings I've suggested! But luckily there are a few free services that will do the job.

And finally, if in doubt: Google it.

All phone manufacturers have gone out of their way to make user friendly guides. Go look for them!