How to Record Video Interview on iPhone
Table of Contents
Producing high-quality recordings on an iPhone is easily achievable nowadays thanks to its top-of-the-line camera and microphone tech. When done right, you can even come up with a broadcast-quality video recording straight from your phone.
If you want to learn how to record video interviews on your iPhone in the simplest way possible while attaining the best results each time, then you’ve come to the right place!
How to Record a Video Interview Using the iPhone Camera
Assuming that you have already properly set up the location and lighting for your interview, you can now assess your iPhone and make the necessary adjustments so you can properly record videos.
iPhone Storage Space
The first thing you would have to do is to check how much storage space you have left on your iPhone. You can do this by following these steps:
- Go to Settings
- Tap on General
- Tap About
- Look for the Available line. This should show you how much free space you have left on your phone.
If you simply cannot delete files and apps in the meantime, then here’s an estimate on how much space a video recording is going to take up on your iPhone so you can plan your interview duration accordingly:
| 1-hour h.264 | 1 hour h.264 | |
| 720p HD at 30 frames/sec | 60 MB | 3.5 GB |
| 1080p HD at 30 frames/sec | 130 MB | 7.6 GB |
| 1080p HD at 60 frames/sec | 200 MB | 11.7 GB |
| 4K HD at 24 frames/sec | 270 MB | 16.2 GB |
| 4K HD at 30 frames/sec | 350 MB | 21 GB |
| 4K HD at 60 frames/sec | 400 MB | 24 GB |
Looking at this table, you will see that video recording can take up plenty of space. If you foresee that your interview might be long, then you can change the format resolution of your videos. If you’re using iOS 11 and higher, Apple has already added features that will support the High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) format. This allows you to record a video of up to 50% smaller than the standard above with just a slight difference in your video quality. You can change the format of your device by doing the following:
- Open Settings
- Tap Camera
- Tap Formats
- Tap High Efficiency (HEVS) or Most Compatible (h.264)
Camera Settings
Once you have assessed your storage space and for some, changed the format of your iPhone device, you can now open the camera app. While you can opt to use an external cam and microphone, this article will explain how to optimize the built-in features of the iPhone.
As is, the resolution of the iPhone cam is excellent. It has features and capabilities that are comparable to that of a high-end external video camera. Here’s how you can further maximize your camera app so you can record an interview with stellar resolution.
The standard definition of your iPhone cam is 480p. You can take this up a notch by shooting in HD which is at 720p, Full HD at 1080p, and Ultra HD at 4K. Of course, the file size of your interview will get bigger the higher your resolution is. Although a tip here is you can start recording your interview at HD and then adjust it to 4K later on when you’re editing during post-production. This trick will help you save file space on your phone and make the wait shorter when you upload the file to your desktop.
Before you begin recording, make sure to tinker around the cameras your iPhone has. Yes, you read that right —most iPhone models today have at least three cameras: a front camera, a standard 1x, and an ultra-wide .5x. These cameras allow you to play around with your videography so your interview recordings will look extra professional.
Opt for the main camera if you want to capture the picture of your interview using a classic focal wide length. However, if you plan on shooting at low angles and want to add scope and scale to the entire picture of your interview, then use the .5 ultra-wide lens. If you plan on doing zoom-in shots during your interview, then the telephoto lens is great at adding focal length and depth to your subject while bringing a shallow depth of field to the background. This means you won’t need to edit your background if you find that there are too many distractions happening.
If you are using an iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro model, then you can also make use of Cinematic Mode. This mode has settings and tools that mimic the true depth of field on a professional DSLR or cinema camera. This mode will allow you to capture your interview documentary style.
Microphone Settings
It goes without saying that when you record a video interview on your iPhone, you will also record an audio interview with it. Fortunately, iPhone models such as the Xs, XR, and later models can function as excellent audio recorders. These models don’t just have a single built-in microphone, they have multiple microphones to achieve stereo sound for your audio recording and voice memos. In case you own later models, there are plenty of ways to also tweak your iPhone’s microphone so you can achieve better sound when you record voice memos.
For users who want to maximize their iPhones as a recorder for recording conversations and interviews, then there are hidden audio filters that can be enabled through the Mic Mode. Even without using an external stereo microphone, these filters found in Mic Mode can create an audio recording that you may not have to edit later on.
Mic Mode is not an app you need to download and save as this is a built-in feature that Apple has placed starting with the iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS Monterey models. With the Mic Mode, you can have control over how the audio processor will interpret the signal from the iPhone’s mic. This allows the effect that is enabled to learn the sound and adjust accordingly for your recording. The three filters are as follows:
- Standard (Default): This filter is the standard digital signal processing that can be found for all devices and apps. If the location of your recording session is already optimized for conducting interviews, then you can use this mode and still come out with a decent playback.
- Voice Isolation: If you are recording a conversation in a rather noisy place, then enabling the Voice Isolation filter will help keep unwanted noises at bay. This will remove unwanted ambient noises from your recording and highlight the voice of your subject.
- Wide Spectrum: If you want your finished recording to include echo cancellation while minimizing audio processing, then Wide Spectrum is the filter to be used. It’s also helpful when recording heavily audio or music-based interviews.
How to Record a Remote Video Interview
Remotely recording a video interview is a form of video technique that became prevalent during the global COVID-19 pandemic. It’s also a great alternative to the traditional face-to-face interview, especially if there are logistical concerns that simply place too many challenges for both the interviewer and interviewee should they meet up in person.
One can conduct a remote video interview by using an iPhone. Just download an app that allows screen recording of video interview calls. The Zoom or Skype app are great options to use for such functions. Once you have downloaded the app, simply place your iPhone in a sturdy and stable stand that can hold your phone for the duration of the interview. Open the app and you should see a red record button that will allow you to capture the entire interview.
You can also use FaceTime and simply screen record using your iPhone’s feature. Simply swipe down from the top right and you should see a circle icon at the bottom left. When you press this button, it will screen record your entire phone — image, and audio included. All the clips and files will also automatically show up on your phone’s roll.
Just make sure that you are on the same page as the person you are interviewing and have their consent to record them. May this be verbal recorded consent or written consent via text message, it is important that you get one’s approval. Otherwise, you will have to stop recording and cannot use the file entirely.
How Do I Record Myself for a Video Interview?
Recording oneself using an iPhone is simple and easy. Similar to how you would take a selfie, you can position the iPhone in front of you and switch to the front-facing camera so it would capture you.
However, the back camera of an iPhone has a better resolution so if you would like the image to look better, then use this cam. Should you opt for this, place your iPhone on a stand and position it to your preferred orientation. Once you have finally chosen the right angle, orientation, and position, then you can press record before going in front of the camera.
Once you are done recording, the file will automatically be stored in your roll.
Final Note
Recording a video interview using the iPhone is simple, easy, and convenient. In a single device, you essentially have a cam, recorder, and even editor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I record a live conversation on my iPhone?
Recording a live conversation will first need the consent of the parties. Otherwise, you are not legally allowed to use any of the material. Once you have the consent, then you can record the entire conversation on your iPhone by either opening the voice memos app, camera, or another recording app of your choice.
Is using the voice memos app to record audio advisable?
Using the voice memos app to record audio is a great option. While you shouldn’t expect your recordings to sound like they came out of the studio or were done professionally, they can still do a great job at reducing any echo and background noise to their best capacity.
What’s a good app to use for recording interviews?
Aside from the voice memos app, there are other apps that you can use for recording your interviews. For audio customization, you may use the Voice Record Pro. This allows you to manipulate the sample rate, bid deputy, and even encode your audio. Another great option is the ShurePlus MOTIV app. Created by the Shure company, this app will allow you to achieve excellent sound recording without any additional hardware.
