Creating Vertical Real Estate Videos or Reels for Social Media

[@lifejoy5703]

Hi Mike, thank you for your great videos I have been shooting videos for Instagram since iPhone 12, then 13 and now 14. Because it only takes me from 5-15 minutes to do the filming depending on the size of property and the editing is also faster , I can charge half of what I charge for the High End videos, and now are the videos I do the most. Will say 70% of them I do them in that format and because of the price more agents are able to afford them. I have to say the dynamic range sometimes is better on the phone with computational photography. This has help my business and agents. I offer the tour of the property by itself or agent doing an intro and then the tour or agent going through the property. Videos are 1 minute only so I do a lot of speed ramping and only show the main areas like exterior front and back, living room, dining, family, kitchen, master bed and bath. Some times I also add drone for a little higher price. Once again thank you for your great content 😊

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences!

[@jwleemedia]

One great way to differentiate the vertical vs horizontal to prevent sabatoging your higher end offering is to brand their veritcal videos. Put their name and contact info on the video so they can only use it for social media, the way it is intended. Most MLS's will not allow any branding so if they want video on the MLS they will have to get the full price option. Then I'd add a discount to do both together.

[@jw7665]

Easily the best RE Photography channel on YT, keep doing awesome work

[@LuisAlvarez-fj5ny]

Fully agree with your comments and approach. 100% of my clients ( agents) have moved from traditional horizontal videos to vertical reels. Now, I use iPhone 14 pro max and G9 ( in a vertical bracket). I prefer horizontal as you can show more ( specially in RE), buy my agents dont care, they want reels for IG.

[@Sarahlee52106]

I love your honesty in this video! This is the first year where I'm introducing vertical videos as well and I'm a little conflicted myself. Mainly because the main reason I'd use my phone is to speed up my workflow of providing vertical videos to clients. At least for the first video I provided, I'm not sure that there's much time saved in the process. My regular camera has IBIS so the video is smoother, lens is better and editing time is still the same regardless of using a full camera or cell phone. I'm thinking it might be faster to just use my regular camera, but I'll keep trying it out to get a better feel for it.

[@altynnazar]

This is the best real estate photography channel on KZbin

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

Thank you!

[@hightidecontent]

Great info here. We have come to realize that it's not always about the tool you use, but the product you deliver. We've been using iPhones to create "Quick Tour Videos" that allows us to quickly transition from horizontal to vertical video on the fly. Our clients actually have really enjoyed the quality of the videos since we started using iPhone 13 & 14's instead of the A7iii about 5-6 months ago. Clients are saying it looks "better and brighter" - and the iphone is easier to maneuver compared to the traditional camera/gimbal set up because of the light weight. We have been able to reduce video cost to the client as well since we are using a cheaper/easier set up. There are definitely pros and cons to using an iPhone, but also there will be the same for any camera set up.

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

Good points! Thanks for adding that

[@Gerald_G]

Very insightful for someone starting like me. Thx!

[@TheDarknight3x]

Something else to consider is what platform the clients are going to be sharing the videos on and also what the clients are used to seeing. If they're not photographers / videographers, most of the media they consume is going to come from social media and that's going to be what a lot of them might prefer, if anything, because of familiarity. If a client wants images from a phone, then by all means, give it to them. Besides, a lot of phones can deliver something very good nowadays.

[@SStarwind]

Your videos have been a boon for me getting things up and running. You're crystal clear on everything you do and use and you get straight to the point. That you link your gear helps a lot too, even more so now that I'm using the exact same setup, lol. Gratitude!

[@jeremygilbert1890]

Osmo mobile 6 is a great phone gimbal. One tip, shoot your vertical reels with the Ultra Wide camera on your phone.

[@Sarahlee52106]

Man you're always providing valuable information. Thank you

[@Jacob_Perceptions]

I sold my Sony a6400, after seeing a side by side DJI mini 4 pro drone footage (walking and holding the drone). I also got Xiaomi 14 and record in well lit situations in 8K downsize to 4K and do stills with the 50 megapixel ultra wide lens (my last video was shot only on my phone and Drone walking in hand - Casa Kibaloma). Usable and great footage. Also getting DJI pocket 3 since the quality is insane and not going back to DSLR.

[@Gerald_G]

Hey, Mike! This topic is definitely something to consider as I build out my business. Definitely looking forward to seeing how it works out with someone established like you.

[@richryanphotography]

The best thing to do (IMO) is to use the pro camera and gimbal, BUT.... charge the same price for the vertical video as you do the traditional.... HOWEVER... if they order the traditional video, then I will heavily discount the vertical video... That way it wont sabotage my sales of traditional videos. I just don't like the idea of using a phone and giving the impression of not being professional, and then having agents think they can just do it themselves.

[@gliderider59]

Thank you as always, great info. I am just getting into video. My Clients have been using just "stills" and I also got my Drone License to stay current...I bought an iPhone 15 Pro to do some video. My Clients typically are doing "High End" Video as our Market (Amarillo, TX) has a few listings here and there that a Realtor would pay a Premium for. Thanks again.

[@MelvinDlaCruz]

The best solution for the vertical horizontal video is this.. just shoot around AK in a camera like the Sony A71 with wide lend like the 12mm and then crop horizontal and vertical according your taste

[@mariokibet]

You are providing valuable lessons sir thank you

[@dougcooper4917]

Excellent Tutorial Review Video. Thank You Mike.

[@saltlakerealestate]

Shooting a reel on a phone is fine. Shooting a promotional video for national geographic on a phone is not fine. In most cases this media will only be used for a few weeks to a few months. There's no need for the dog and pony show.

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

Agreed!

[@eddevelazquez2866]

Nice Video, great add on service.

[@nikloff1815]

Thanks for the video. I've seen a lot of videos done with the iphone pro and I don't think anyone without a trained eye would know the difference or care. In fact I picked the iPhone as better side by side. I then asked two other people and they both also picked Iphone as well. Except for perception if they didn't watch you film I don't think they would know.

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@sage.aesthetic]

I appreciate you creating this, I am going through the same thing as well. I have done some iPhone reels recently but I prefer shooting with my Sony. I have an agent who is wanting both a vertical and horizontal of each house for all under $325. I am having a hard time with this since we are shooting multi million dollar homes and hes wanting me to be in and out in under an hour. I realize now That I should be doing this with iPhone instead of my camera since the price point is so low. I am wondering though should I be filming both horizontal and vertical on iPhone so that way I am not having to crop in on horizontal? This is all so new and hard to figure out and agents are ready to jump ship if you dont already have it all figured out. Thank you for sheding some light on it and giving me an idea as to what direction to be going

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

It is certainly tough to figure out! Best of luck!

[@mattgreco288]

There’s more options taking a horizontal video and making it vertical. I believe you did the worse option, because our job is to make the unit look big. I usually crop the exterior full screen like you did then I create a 3 horizontal clips and stack them ontop of each other. I make the middle one slightly bigger and do most of the cuts/walk through on the middle one. the top and bottom ones clips I keep slow and long shots. I find when all three change it’s too much movement. Or another option is leave the frames the size they are from horizontal and copy the layer and expand it and blur it out.

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

Thanks for adding that! Yes I’m familiar with those options as well. It depends on the client. Some don’t like the multiple clips at the same time. It’s just too much.

[@michaelnardino4254]

Great video. 9:01 you can shoot in Apple ProRes with the 13 pro and skip this step.

[@r5photography]

Cool. Thanks for this.

[@Sarahlee52106]

I had the OSM5. It works ok if you have a phone that doesn't need an external lenses. Unfortunately, for me as a Pixel 7 owner, my wide angle lens is absolute trash for videos, so I need an external lens to put on the main camera. With the lens attached, it becomes too heavy for the OM5 to support, so I had to upgrade to the Zhiyun Smooth 5. This worked a lot better for me

[@RealEstatePhotographerPro]

Thank you good info.

[@seecraig]

The biggest problem is the "downscaling" of perception. I see more brokers now shooting walk-throughs on their phones, especially if these are not the highest-value properties. They use camera stabilization rather than gimbals and edit in the free CapCut or similar NLE. That's creeping up on us. For what it's worth most people don't see a significant qualitative difference between a good mirrorless camera and a good smartphone especially if it can shoot HDR so the windows don't blow out. Certainly, many brokers don't want to do their own walkthroughs as it's not time efficient but it does mean we may be forced to be "price competitive" in a commodified market. On the other hand, one can shoot mobile with a gimbal with a much lower investment compared to a mirrorless camera, wide lens, and gimbal. This means moving to a volume-based business model of shooting more properties and delivering faster.

[@mediamannaman]

True story - I shot a lake house video with my Panasonic S5 on a gimbal. I had trouble. It was very important to see the lake out of the windows, but if I exposed for the lake, the house was poorly exposed, and if I exposed for the house, the windows were blown out. I had my iPhone 12 Pro Max in my pocket, and an Osmo gimbal in the car, so I gave them a try and it exposed the house and the windows just right. Was image quality as good as with the S5? No. But it is hard to tell the difference on a mobile device or most computer screens.

[@anthonykufta2197]

Which camera do you use for pictures, I know you use the a7s3 for video only right

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

Nope, it’s fantastic for real estate photos. I use it for both. It’s the perfect all around real estate camera in my opinion. Plenty of resolution for photos especially being that these photos are going on the internet. Keeps all the files light. Any other camera you are downsizing the images anyway so they can go on MLS. No need for that much resolution.

[@anthonykufta2197]

@@InsideRealEstatePhotography right now I use a6400 but I need 4k60. A7s3 is the way to go even with the small megapixels.

[@shamusic04]

I too am worried if I offer the vertical reel as a cheaper add on that clients will shy away from the more expensive horizontal. My thought is, offer the horizontal video at your normal more expensive price, and to entice clients to buy it, offer the vertical reel for free if they buy the horizontal. Thoughts on this ?

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

I think your idea has merit! It’s very tricky. My only thought is that then they may shy away from it altogether because it’s too expensive.

[@shamusic04]

@@InsideRealEstatePhotography good point ! I’ll definitely be following along your page for updates on what’s working for you. Cheers !

[@NickandCindyDavis]

We offer a reel add-on for $75. But they have to purchase regular video too. My 0-1500sf photo/video is $325.00 so if they want add reel cost for package is now $400.00. Don’t have just a reel video option…

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

Thanks for your input!

[@rajshekharkhandeparkar352]

Good video. But the demand for vertical shooting has taken off the natural horizontal cinematic look that our eyes are naturally inclined towards. I hope this will change with the new mobile technology of flip screens to be able to view it in horizontal mode.

[@Sarahlee52106]

I was also conflicted with the "professionalism" (or lack thereof) of using a cell phone for these vertical videos. 1. Using a gimbal is professional 2. Editing is professional These 2 set us apart from someone going into homes without them and just shooting with your phone. Also there are apps you can use with your phone to adjust the ISO, SS, WB and some even let you shoot in log if you're good at grading those (StaCam allows me to do all of this with my Zhiyun Smooth 5 gimbal). I believe apps like Filmic pro allow you to do this for iphone and DJI OM setups also.

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

Cheers!

[@Gerald_G]

Very, very good points.

[@lifejoy5703]

Great points and I will add the most important one. You can give a brush to any person, lets see if they can make a work of art. Now give that brush to an artist and they will paint you a real art work. Same with us, doesn’t matter what gear we use, what they are paying is for our talent and experience

[@glendysfilsinger9132]

Love this! Thank you so much. I’m pretty new at this. Quick Question how do you do when a client ask you for website video and social media. Do you record one video horizontal and one vertical? So it is double work?

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

Not usually. I usually edit the horizontal footage into a vertical video.

[@camerontolman9894]

I’ve found that no one cares if I use my phone when I get it geared up with a gimbal and nd filters. The reality is that no one will think about it once into on social media.

[@maxlasater]

I’m using my phone for reels. I charge $100 for a 1 min video. If they want from involved I include &$50 to the bill

[@ApelfeldM]

Nice video Mike! I am also considering adding reels as an add-on service and it was good to hear your thoughts on this. Just out of curiosity, which lens did you use on your iPhone when shooting the sample video? The wide angle or ultra-wide angle?

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

The ultra wide

[@ApelfeldM]

@@InsideRealEstatePhotography thanks for getting back to me.

[@franciscopesantez9590]

Hey Mike, does your sky replacement pack include sunset images?

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

No it doesn’t, I want to create a pack that does though but I haven’t gotten around to it yet!

[@Hoss_VegasTTV]

I offer vertical videos, shot in my iPhone, for half price. I haven’t had anyone take me up on it yet. As a side note. If you’re shooting 4k I can’t see any benefit to turning your camera sideways for vertical video. If you crop in on a horizontal 4k video you will crop out the lens distortion from shooting with a wide angle lens. If you don’t, you’re going to see that distortion on the top and bottom of the frame.

[@clydedigital]

I think the answer to the dilemma is that the reels video would be limited to about 60 seconds. That makes it a different product.

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

That is true!

[@Andredelapaz07]

do you think capcut is good enough for video editing or do we need premier pro?

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

Someone just introduced me to capcut. Not sure but I’m going to look more into it!

[@smcarmel]

So how’s it going? Any update?

[@totalvisionstudios2419]

I am in the very same cross roads

[@kyleschwartz.]

What do you suggest for pricing an iphone 1 minute video as an add on?

[@rapterkingofthebrozone7490]

You said you like to shoot in 120fps on your camera. Does that mean you record at 1080p? Or does your camera do 1440/4k at 120 fps?

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

I use the a7siii which does shoot 4K 120fps

[@trevster1314]

Hey Mike, Now that it's been a year or so, how are you feeling about shooting the reels on a phone and your other fancier videos on your camera? Are you still feeling the same or has anything changed?

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

I’ve been exclusively using my camera for all videos (vertical and horizontal) for a long while now. I was debating on using the phone but I just can’t get past the idea of busting out my phone to do a professional shoot. People do get great results with the phone though. I don’t know, that is how I’m feeling currently haha.

[@trevster1314]

Do you still charge a cheaper rate for the reels though or did you end up increasing the price of the reel to be closer to your normal cinematic style?@@InsideRealEstatePhotography

[@richryanphotography]

many gimbals can go into portrait mode...

[@shreshthsharma2789]

I'm trying to balance my Sony A73 with 16-35mm with an L bracket for vertical shooting. But it just doesn't balance. It gets heavy on every side. I'm using an RS3 gimbal. Can you tell me what am I doing wrong? Is it because the lens is heavy, or should I get a vertical mount like yours?

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

Hmm not really sure. I definitely do recommend the vertical mount though.

[@jonathanorlando3597]

What’s your turnaround time for videos?

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

Usually next day but I tell people 48 hours for video just in case I can’t finish it in time.

[@Sarahlee52106]

I ordered the L-Bracket for my lens to mount to my gimbal. I have concerns and issues with balancing it. Do you have issues balancing in vertical?

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

No issues. With the one I have it just took some minor adjustments to get it balanced again

[@hybrdcobra]

I’m sure this has been covered before, but what camera are you using?

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

Sony a7siii

[@TheAndrewMedinaTx]

Why do you use the ND Filters for interior shots? Is it for For balance the exposure to get window pulls for video? I hate when the window shots on video are always blown out.

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

It’s a circular polarizer filter to reduce glare, not an ND

[@AroundtheBendPhotos]

​@@InsideRealEstatePhotography Hi, curious if the CP filter impacts the video. I use one for stills and love it. I am just getting into the world of video and was told it could cause some issues..I was planning on taking it off. Are you adjusting it for every shot? Also, are you using an ND filter for your exterior video shots? thanks, Love your channel - it has really been helpful.

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

@@AroundtheBendPhotos I use the polarizer for video as well. It has the same benefits as it does for the photography side of things. I adjust it as needed. I don’t use an ND for exterior shots. You can just stop down your aperture as needed and that is usually fine.

[@AroundtheBendPhotos]

thanks!

[@virtualmetherephotography]

Do you have any good suggestions for outsourcing video editing.

[@InsideRealEstatePhotography]

I don’t really. I haven’t had any good luck with that myself unfortunately.

[@JeepTJWheelin]

I've been shooting real estate since 2018 after I left tv prod. And this "debate" is very simple. It's about the demographic, vertical is for children and they are not buying houses! Real estate demands and furthermore it's common sense that we use a wide angle lens to capture homes correctly. Not to compromise our quality or integrity for childish platforms. I will never shoot real estate like an ignorant tourist to kowtow to some stupid ideology. Tell these simpletons to turn their phones sideways. Enough of this nonsense. 🙄

[@JonahGilmore]

No one with any sense would offer vertical social media videos as a cheaper option.

[@zulazum]

I hate adobe.

[@JeepTJWheelin]

Informative, but find this vertical shooting to be bushleague, like a clueless tourist shooting real estate. 🙄 Maybe tiktok and instagram will join the 21st century one day.

[@totalvisionstudios2419]

I think this could be the future, we might have to be the ones to adapt

[@jw7665]

This is old school thinking. The most used device are phones and will continue to be phones. You have to adapt or get left behind by those that do. I get a majority of my clients from SM, and I spend $0 on marketing there.

[@totalvisionstudios2419]

@@jw7665 facts

[@JeepTJWheelin]

@@totalvisionstudios2419 Good point, unfortunately.

[@JeepTJWheelin]

@@jw7665 Yes intelligent, old school thinking is becoming obsolete. Like common sense not being so common nowadays. How is it that people who own $1,500 phones can't simply turn it "sideways" to maximize their investment??