10 Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Mobile-First Video Content

Reviewed by:  Karan Bhasin

Written by:  Aquib Nawab

Credits: FLUX-schnell

Credits: FLUX-schnell

Most people hold their phones upright while watching. A wide video won’t fit well and may lose viewers. Always shoot vertically to improve the viewing experience and boost engagement on mobile platforms.

1. Not Using Vertical Video

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People scroll fast. If your video doesn’t grab attention in the first few seconds, they’ll skip it. Start with something exciting, like bold text or an eye-catching scene, to hook viewers instantly and keep them watching.

2. Slow and Boring Start

Thumbnails are the first thing viewers notice. A blurry or dull image makes them ignore your video. Use bright colors, clear text, and an engaging subject to grab attention and increase clicks on your content.

Credits: FLUX-schnell

3. Bad Thumbnails

Many people watch videos without sound, especially in public. If your video depends only on audio, you’ll lose viewers. Adding captions or on-screen text ensures your message is understood even when the sound is off.

Credits: FLUX-schnell

4. No Subtitles or Captions

Too many words make a video hard to follow. Keep on-screen text short, clear, and easy to read. Use large fonts and simple words to deliver your message effectively without cluttering the screen or distracting viewers.

Credits: FLUX-schnell

5. Too Much Text on Screen

Slow-loading videos make people leave. Large files take time to play, and buffering kills engagement. Use optimized formats like MP4 with H.264 encoding and compress videos properly to ensure quick, smooth playback.

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6. Video Takes Too Long to Load

Different platforms have different video sizes and styles. A YouTube video may not work well on TikTok or Instagram. Always adjust video length, format, and style to match each platform’s best practices.

Credits: FLUX-schnell

7. Same Video for Every Platform

If viewers don’t know what to do next, they’ll scroll away. Always add a clear call to action, like “Follow,” “Tap Here,” or “Swipe Up,” so they understand the next step after watching your video.

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8. No Clear Action for Viewers 

Poor lighting and shaky footage make videos hard to watch. Always record in good light, hold the camera steady, and properly frame your subject to make your content look sharp, professional, and engaging.

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9. Bad Lighting and Shaky Video

If you don’t track your video’s performance, you won’t know what’s working. Monitor views, likes, and comments to understand audience preferences. Use this data to improve future videos and create better content.

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10. Not Checking What Works

10 Reasons Why Vertical Video is the Future of Mobile Marketing

Thanks for Reading

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