How I Film My Videos With IPhone Only | Starting a YouTube Channel

[@shilarangarajan]

Your honesty and positive energy is what made this such a successful channel❣️❣️❣️

[@RAM_74]

So great Vika that you are demystifying the process of how you got started, especially for others who may want to start their own channel, or more generally, to inspire anyone who stops before even starting something new. This spirit of sharing as well as the creativity and love that is evident in every video you create is so you Vika!

[@jszocska615]

👍🏻🎯

[@theresathompson5098]

I’ve never thought twice that your videos were not ‘top quality’. I’m put off by Super slick’ content, love how you stress just do it! Great video

[@DebRus56]

It's your personality that makes your videos great, and your adorable family. You have a positive media presence.

[@pomegranateandivy9833]

I will definitely send this video to my husband since we talked about the quality of your videos this week. Actually I told him that I would rather watch someone who doesn't have super nice equipment, but talks about interesting topics that I value, than spending my time on watching content that is less valuable (for me personally) but super nice, excellent quality. Also I told my husband to watch your videos from Uzbekistan. They are good quality in my opinion. IPhone 12 is enough. And you can always upgrade to better equipment later! What I value the most about your content is that you are a minimalist that is choosing to live in alignment with your own healthy boundaries, because that's rare for people in my area and I want to learn. Many "western" minimalists I have watched are like "oh, this sweater has a tiny hole, I'm going to change my entire wardrobe" (and they do it every 6 months or so - which is fine if they want to do it). I value that you actually buy stuff that you can afford and use what you have. Like the plastic toothbrush in one of your early videos. You wanted to switch it to a bamboo one but it was still okay. See, I even remember that today, because I value this statement so much. 😅 I come from a very privileged country and I want to go your direction!! Be content with less, use what you have, because it's enough and also - it's authentic for a young family in their 20s to have iPhone 12 for filming! Have a great weekend!!

[@Scottishgirl78]

That video outside the random apartments, that was the first video I watched. I new then you was headed for bigger things. This Russian girl who's so honest and endearing. People just instantly liked you for all the right reasons.

[@Brat0064]

Vika, you are what has made your channel successful. You’re brilliantly authentic and so relatable. I love your work, your family and you. God bless you all. 💕

[@joannem6878]

Victoria I don't think you give the quality of your filming enough credit. I have been very impressed with the quality, especially when you are outside showing nature and surroundings. You make minimalization not only possible but easy. You don't have to spend your money or break you back carrying all the latest gadgets to produce quality and you set a fine example of that. I love when I get a notification of a new video from you because I know that it will be entertaining, informative and top quality. Save your money and just keep doing what you are doing. ❤❤

[@MothGirl007]

Her editing is fantastic!

[@eddiec4536]

Your filming has been excellent even without all the other expensive equipment. Good job.

[@jilllusey7001]

You are very wise. Your videos are beautiful. Can’t tell at all that you have different equipment than other KZbinrs. ❤️

[@pennywheeler2598]

You definitely proved your point, work with what you have. I personally think your videos are fine. The most important thing to me is content and the beautiful people making the video and you have that. YOUR A WINNER💕💕💕

[@biancaioana5529]

HONESTLY, I love the way you put it with such honesty!

[@jcben]

I agree totally for the iphone, but at least a good microphone. Sound is generally what's painful when watching beginners.

[@ivokouters3415]

Hi Vika, I don't really care what you use to film. I just love you videos! You are so authentic! For me it's about what you want to tell us about you and your family. You do a marvelous job. I can't wait for your next video. Take care and also much love to your family!

[@natatatt]

Totally agree. I honestly couldn't tell that you were filming on your phone - the quality looks great. I also find that sometimes when KZbinrs get all the fancy equipment, their videos can lose some authenticity - seems to be a temptation sometimes to make videos that are too perfect looking, too aesthetically pretty but without the interesting content that people liked in the first place.

[@zaynevanday142]

you’ve come a long way congratulations 🎉

[@houndlover870]

Your positive energy and honesty is what makes you a successful vlogger. Equipment helps but is not a deal breaker. My favorite video so far was your overnight train journey from north to south of Russia. Your plov video is also another favorite of mine. 💗💗💗

[@barrocasonthemove6805]

Amazing advice. I just started a channel after thinking about it for several years. Your channel has certainly inspired me. I have been filming on my computer with a web-camera.

[@safe-keeper1042]

I've been blogging for a long time, and my philosophy has always been that everyone has to start somewhere, and that what really matters is that you don't try to be something you're not and that you genuinely love what you do. Publish something regularly and everything else will follow. Love this vid.

[@kme3894]

I love your creative and down-to-earth setup! The horse is the best 😍 My family emigrated from communist Czechoslovakia to Western Europe during the 80s and we had literally nothing, yet my parents, who were artists, managed to create their art (and never had to work in other fields) using the very little equipment they had. With 3 children. It just grew from there

[@drolllindsay]

It’s obvious how much love and effort you put into your videos. Video idea- a montage of beautiful shots or footage of small details of nature or architecture or anything in your daily world. Loved the beautiful shots of the kitten in the grass and the metal railing on the stairs looks like such a neat piece of art. Your videos always brighten my day ☀️

[@amyschneidhorst1384]

Thank you so much for sharing your equipment and your process! My neighbors encouraged me to start a cooking channel and, like you, I figured I would start with what I had, an iPhone SE and my Macbook Air. Initially, I tried using my iPhone with a variety of wonky set-ups (stacked books, a music stand, a selfie-stick tripod ) and ultimately, I decided that filming with my MacBook Air camera, raised on a stack of books illuminated by my selfie-stick's light, was easier for filming and editing. Was it super sharp, no! Was it the best sound quality, no! But, like you said, if you are passionate about what you are sharing, your audience will hang in there with you. Once you get more subscribers (and presumably monetize) then you can get fancier. But improvising is part of the fun!

[@rayyg786]

Love your creative setup. At least you don't have Lights and huge tripod and other bulky equipment to sore somewhere. The way you have it now, the horse and the chairs go back to Agatha's corner, the books back to the shelf, and you're done. That's an advantage.

[@pebs65]

I don’t have any idea, when I am watching informational KZbin videos, what camera or editing equipment is being used. I just love the content.

[@nordicson2835]

Content is key to success... your personality is what keeps people staying to see how things go for you in your journey. My family and l pray for you and your family. Be safe , be well , stay healthy and see you in your future posts.

[@angelakopecky888]

Many other channels don’t have fancy equipment and they are fine. I think your videos are excellent quality. ❤️

[@adrianstevens656]

Thanks for the complete honesty, Vika. I love that you mix your videos where some are straightforward, and others are rather minimal. It is the story you have to share that is the best part. Please continue to share with us. You are looking like you are doing well, and about ready to have a new addition to your family!

[@katharine5606]

Thanks for some behind the scenes! I'd be interested in what editing programs you use as well as your editing process. You do such a nice job editing, which is particularly evident in your longer day DITL videos. Sharing how you first learned editing as well as your learning process would be nice to hear. :-)

[@privatename8228]

I agree, I also would love to hear about the editing software and process. I don't know anything about this topic but find it fascinating.

[@VictoriaTerekhina]

Hi! I'm editing with Final Cut Pro at the moment - it's a professional editing program. I used to use Adobe Premiere as well in the past, it's a similar one☺️

[@gabriellagirardi4741]

Thank you Victoria for your useful advice about making a video on youtube. Actually I never thought about it, as I prefer to see those of others and yours are always very interesting and beautiful to look at. I think that you can produce beautiful videos even without expensive photographic equipments and you are an example of this. Your videos are very beautiful. Thank you for sharing your daily life with us.

[@mrs.g.9816]

I haven't found a hobby or interest to start my own KZbin channel, but strangely, I got notices three times that a person "subscribed" to me! Maybe it's because I built play-lists of my favorite music (different lists for different genres, such as 1960's rock or jazz/swing) or videos and made them public. Anyhow, Vika, I love your videos, and I love you, Tolya and Agatha!

[@thelmakatherine5396]

Thank you for this encouragement. I wanted to start a channel but was hindered by my own thinking that I had to have the equipment others recommended. You have always done a great job with what you have had.

[@shannonguevara5896]

You are wise beyond your years. I'm much older than you, but find your advice to remain patient so encouraging.

[@DianeC1975]

You've done a great job with the things you have. Your channel reflects that. Also we come back to see you and your family. It's you that we care about not so much your equipment. Everyone should know it's content that brings us back. But if you are able to upgrade and it makes your job easier then great. My best wishes to you and your family. 🤗😘💕

[@thaislifebits]

My husband and I have a travel KZbin channel and since day 1 we’ve been recording with our iPhones. It’s so convenient and the quality is just enough 🙃 I really enjoy your videos, the quality and content is great! ❤️

[@lanatrapp1589]

You have got to be one of the sweetest most genuine person on KZbin. I love watching your videos and now your husbands. You are a lovely family. Can't wait for the new one to come along.

[@Caelariel]

Victoria, love this video. Your words of wisdom can really apply to anything in life - have patience, and don't let what others have stop you. I really needed to hear this today. Thank you! Also, hope you and the baby are doing well

[@bartrebe]

I love making do with what I have. It is something that I find very rewarding. For me personally it has more to do with the contents and the quality of the ' raw materials' ( you, your husband etc) Stay cool for the moment, enjoy what you do, if and when you up grade your equipment, I will also be one of the first to say 'disfrutarlo con salud'😊👍

[@cherylsalinas1548]

It just shows that if you are determined enough you can do anything. Thanks for sharing. I love your videos. Never think about what you use to bring them to us. You are determined and that’s enough. ❤️❤️❤️

[@m.y.o.b.724]

It makes no difference what you use for filming. It's your charming personality and down to earth relatability that will continue to grow your channel..❤

[@SomebodySaid...]

Thank you so much for this video, Vika! Minimalism at its best! You’ve taken the mystery out of what is needed as far as equipment required to acquire 100,000 subscribers! By the way, I want your stair case railing and the door with windows and a lever handle but will have to wait.

[@harleyn3089]

Great video. But for people that don't already have an iphone, a used HD camcorder can be purchased for $75 US or so (depending where someone lives), so for some people buying a camera might be cheaper than buying a better phone.

[@TheNails3]

Good point

[@laradiantrr9357]

Yes, agree! AND the camcorder is yours privately, unlike these tracking and monitoring and spying phones and laptop cameras.👁🤖🙅🤳🕵👁

[@mikesmith2905]

Excellent summary. It is the content of KZbin videos that interests me personally, some grainy footage of something interesting is still footage of something interesting and a presenter who comes across as an authentic human being makes it worth listening to. You are doing well and it is nice to see someone being so encouraging.

[@anabltc]

I'd lie if I said that I even noticed 😂 If you have something to say, if you make good content, as you do, I think 90% of viewers won't notice those nuances. Of course, better equipment makes the process much easier for the creator. But your supportive words are 💪💪💪 I know for a fact that lot of creators start out with less. The content, the authenticity is everything

[@OnelineadaywithLaura]

I didn't notice 😁

[@Beebee7129]

My favorite asmr artist started her channel with her glasses reflecting the phone, that she put on her window, eating simple chocolate bars, with the sounds of the birds singing. No black background, no isolation, no artificial light, no fancy food, just her eating properly and smiling. She got many success now. When its made with heart and not for popularity and quick result, it gives viewers addict quality content

[@dreamscape405]

OMG, that kitten is Just ADORABLE!! 2:27 Reminds me of my little tuxedo kitty, Timothy. Looks just like him when he was a kitten!

[@dawnmarazzi8283]

You are Lovely with your little family! Thatis what drew me in and kept me checking in on you each week! Blessings to all the family!!!xoxo

[@kathyanderson9256]

I love what you said. In the Bible, Paul talked about being content in every situation. You are so wise! 😍

[@SilviaBa]

I think the technical quality is good but the content quality is even better. I enjoy learning about other countries and also you are very real and intelligent.

[@PetiteD]

Thanks for making such an inspirational video. Would've loved to get to see some of your editing process, but glad for the tips and tricks you did share and for videos of the new kitty, too cute!

[@micivalantincic8227]

Vika "I edit my own videos" then we clearly see Agatha hard at work at 7:33;)

[@shellygauvreau399]

I thnk the reason I find your video's so interesting is because ... well, they are interesting. I prefer the simple approach to things and when I watch videos similar to your done by people with so much equipment it is distracting. I have one favorite I watch but they are always getting up to adjust this or that or a microphone or a light .. it is so distracting, makes the video very choppy if they edit it out and just annoying if they don't. I think your picture quality is great for what you do, now if you wanted to do a video that required a lot of close ups or focus on very tiny details it might not be ideal. I tune in to you because of how you present your work. Keep it up, its fantastic.

[@suedireen5808]

You are amazing and inspiring. We need more young people like you.🥰

[@husseinel-sayed64]

Thanks for the inspiring video … it would be nice to also talk about how you edit your videos..

[@marseydotes2415]

Other people with a ‘better set up’ don’t have you. You do a great job🥰

[@human9597]

I subscribed to your channel because of how genuine you are. You just say what you do and do what you say.

[@theworldaccordingtokirsch]

0:11 Is that a Zenith reflex camera? In my youth I had one as a gift from my relatives in GDR (my parents had to smuggle it into FRG...). When it broke I missed it until I had my first digital camera. All parts that I wanted were extremly cheap an worked very good. Today you do not need great skills to make photos. However a good eye remains necessary to choose the right frame.

[@pomegranateandivy9833]

The last sentence! So true. 🙂

[@VictoriaTerekhina]

Yes! It’s my granddad’s Zenit camera☺️ I don’t take photos on it but it’s in a perfect condition✨

[@frankb1]

Thanks for posting. Your videos are very good quality IMO.

[@malgorzatakozlowska5353]

Need is a mother of invention. Great job Vika. You are so creative and all your videos are really good.

[@marosariogarcia5228]

Thanks for sharing, Vika, and demystifying the process of starting one's own KZbin channel... I've liked your videos so far and find them professionally done too!

[@32snowbound60]

Cool! Thanks again Vika!! So glad to see you having a good time making your videos! They are so fun to watch! Take care you guys!!

[@sarahlongstaff5101]

Your simplicity is so inspiring!

[@hibbelers16]

You do so well with your channel. You're one of the top ten I watch and I watch alot of KZbin videos.

[@lorrane2177]

Thank you for sharing. I've seen some KZbin people with rooms full of monitors, computers, and lots of equipment. You are very talented. Your filming, editing quality is right up there with theirs. I enjoy your videos. Who knows, maybe I won't be so fearful filming with just my phone!

[@AppreciatingSimplicity08]

I appreciate this so much. You are so sweet. My channel is so small. I’ve only been at it for about 2months. You are very encouraging. I don’t want to show my face, and where I live isn’t a big town in Alaska. But it is beautiful here. I want to share how to appreciate simplicity. You are lovely! Glowing!!

[@phylliskeeton6695]

So glad you are well. Your videos are a joy.

[@jj-if6it]

That kitten is so cute, can we please see more of it? I love how you don't have an expensive 'proper' camera like most youtubers. Your own phone is just fine and I didn't even notice!

[@jennh7040]

Such wisdom!! Thank you for sharing this. I am going to share this with my teens because this was great info to hear. If you want to do something - start with what you have. Thanks for sharing.

[@rute7]

Hi Vika! I found your chanel in the beginning and I like it so much! I think one of the things that I especially like is that it's not TOO edited and professional.. like sharing normal life but it looks like a movie or something. There is a down to earth kinda feeling that I enjoy so much here, it's about the content and not about editing tricks and such! Of course it's normal that the more you do more you get experienced touch kinda but it's never as important as the content it self or the people on the other side of the screen.. You and your family are so wonderful and lovely sweet people, and your take on life is fresh and curious and wise, that's the thing drawing at least me to your chanel :)

[@stephaniejhdeppe8109]

To be honest, I don't always love videos with all kinds of studio lighting and fancy equipment. I love learning more about how people navigate the world and seeing the real moments. And anyway, fancy equipment doesn't fix your on screen presence, and that presence is why I watch the creators I do in the first place!

[@jj-if6it]

I have a travel vlog channel that I watch and they have all this fancy equipment and all the setups come across fake and scripted now. I much preferred when they just grabbed their camera and filmed a casual vlog.

[@suzianderson4203]

I think the Soviet era apartment was the first video of yours that I watched!

[@farmgirl4958]

It’s you I come for, your authentic personality:)

[@belindahugheslifestyle]

Hey Vika! I love that you use Agatha's furniture, toys and family books to make your equipment work for you. That's something like what I'll have to do, but with just books. I really needed this video right now. I have been procrastinating on starting my own channels for lack of equipment, fear of failure, and other reasons. I have an Android phone and Chromebook that are at least two years old. Hoping to get a newer device suite (phone, laptop and my first tablet), along with YT essentials, like a ringlight that holds the phone in the center, etc. Didn't know about the stabilizer, but for some reason the SteadiCam used by Hollywood has been on my mind for a few weeks now. Maybe this little stick is what my intuition was trying to suggest. I will take your tips and advice into account, because the Universe is driving me to get things done more urgently. Thank you so much for your encouragement and information. Bright blessings.

[@parizadn8691]

I love that you made an effort to try to put things that where is my mind into words at the end of the video❤love you stay safe

[@vickimaddox8711]

Thanks for the encouragement to try something new. I'm glad you and yours are doing so well.

[@Weesc]

Vika, you have a successful channel because of your personality and sincerity, and also the fact that you are a very good communicator. It has little to do with equipment.

[@lavendergooooms]

I'll be honest, I already thought you filmed your videos on a fancy camera. But I still have an iPhone 7 and its picture quality is like filming on a potato so I'm very impressed with your iPhone camera!

[@aaroncurry279]

I’m watching this on my iphony 7, as i call it, and it works great for that! Good to see ya back. Great luck with the baby and God bless!!

[@mazfin]

I love the horse holding your mic! ❤️

[@AskAlikeRussia]

Very helpful, thank you Victoria, great filming using usual phones

[@fairymoon4893]

Thanks vika, I love your content 💖 greetings from Brazil!

[@AHeaven]

I agree! I have always used my phone to film my videos and I don’t edit them! I have a very small channel telling stories to kids but it was never my intention to make money, only one time I wanted to but that’s when eles changed on you tube and because of my health I realized I would not be able to achieve more than what I was doing. Very good video! 👍❤️

[@catcowan]

Your videos are so good and professional I had no idea. I started my channel filming on my phone, a year on and I film on my iPhone mini 12, sometimes my iPad. I use Olivia Content creator tool as my stand as it small, portable with adjustable height and angles as well as lights. Editing is done on iMovie and I use my AirPods for recording during editing. I recently bought a new camera and my husband got me Final Cut Pro but I am learning how to use these just now so still film as normal. Just starting is hard enough and honestly it's better to learn with what you have than go out and buy all the equipment and then hate what you do.

[@kimberlyhayes653]

don't get jealous and upset...your content is all that matters and being genuine is why people watch you. ;)

[@elisabethfallingen7296]

So cool video! My husband want to start KZbin video but did not think he had enough equipment. I showed him your video and he actually saw that it is possible with just you IPhone. Thank you for doing this. I do not comment so often but I like your way of simplefy things. Love your mindset. Hope your pregnancy is going good. Agatha will be a proud big sister! Stange how they suddenly get so big when there is a new baby in the house. 🥰🥰

[@jcbaily5559]

Your videos are fine. I have found that by the time I can afford something better and get it, something new is just around the corner, so you are always facing the challenge to go ahead and get what you want and start saving for the next generation of whatever it is that will improve your work even more. Be happy with taking baby steps instead of a giant one!!!!

[@HeathSpace]

Ohhhh I absolutely ❤️ that Audrey Hepburn wallpaper!

[@Kari_B61ex]

I agree with everything you've said Victoria - You are doing an amazing job, making quality, interesting videos which are watched by many thousands. At the end of the day, people watch and subscribe to your channel, not because of 'fancy equipment' but because you keep your life real - I watch and subscribe to KZbin channels for the personality and person behind the camera - I actually loved the shot of Agatha bashing away at your Laptop with her feet while you were distracted 😅... Good health and happiness to you all. x

[@VictoriaTerekhina]

Agatha is always destroying things🤪

[@answerman9933]

The kitten is the new co-star.

[@AGoddess18]

Thanks for the behind the scene look. Once again, I appreciate your down to earth approach to things. Take care!

[@michelledesjadon1476]

I love the Audrey Hepburn wallpaper in your home❣️. Your videos are so interesting and fun to watch. Thank you for sharing parts of your life with us🥰

[@LasseJulius]

Great video, Victoria! I totally agree with you. It is nice to have good equipment, but as long as the content is great - I don't care about best quality in audio and video and editing! I also I also like it - like back in the old youtube days - when the camera/smartphone is fixed and not zooming in and out and all that fancy stuff lot's of people expecting from modern videos today. (Umm at least, that's what I am thinking). I am a member of a kind of new social network - I won't tell the name here, but the claim is: "… power to the content". So I think you are doing the very right thing!

[@thenewbaguette]

This is so inspiring, as always. I love how determined you are to make videos no matter what, and appreciate your words of encouragement. I've always thought your video quality was excellent and you do an awesome job with your videos :)

[@chrismcpherson1204]

Thank you for showing us how you vidio things 🙂 Greetings from Pennsylvania USA 🇺🇸 Wishing you and your family the very best ❤

[@glomontero6011]

Very good advice. I like ur way of thinking. You have to work for everything or u will not value it, what ever “ it is”.

[@mariacawdron2488]

All good things come to those who wait, I find your mind set very refreshing, well done Vika and I'm looking forward as always to your next video ❤️❤️ xx

[@guadalupeknippen528]

I am amazed at the good quality that you do have on your videos. Keep up the good work and continue to create from your heart. Of course, I fell immediately in love with the black kitten.🌻🐕🇺🇸

[@miszced]

Subscribed. Cheers from sunny Florida! Just fascinating to do what you had to do. BRAVE & much admired!

[@cheyennenuelle6711]

I honestly think the iPhone is more than enough for videos. Your videos look great!

[@maryburke5559]

Thank you for all the tips on filming: Vika . Your sincerity and pregnancy makes you glow. Black kitty is so cute. Blessings for Lena and Nicolay and you. Please take care, my dear Victoria !!

[@angielindsey7390]

I think all your videos have been great Vika. Thanks for sharing. Much love from Iowa USA. ❤️🦋❤️🦋❤️