How to Film High-Quality UGC Videos at Home

 How to Film High-Quality UGC Videos at Home Using Home Depot Tiles + Your iPhone

You do not need a studio, a $3,000 camera, or a Pinterest-perfect apartment to make premium UGC content brands will pay for. Some of the highest-converting ads online were filmed on an iPhone… on a countertop that wasn’t even a countertop.

Here’s the exact setup UGC creators use to make their videos look luxury—with tile samples from Home Depot and a basic iPhone.

Step 1: Grab Tile Samples (Yes, Really)

Head to the flooring section at Home Depot and look for:

• 12x24 or 18x18 tile samples

• Matte finishes (avoid shiny tiles that cause reflection)

• Neutral tones: white, beige, light grey, stone, marble

Why tiles work:

• They look like expensive countertops

• They’re durable and wipeable (perfect for skincare, food, coffee, beauty shots)

• They instantly elevate product aesthetic—no clutter, no distracting backgrounds

Cost? $2–$6 per tile
Result? Looks like a $10,000 kitchen.

Pro tip: Grab 2–3 options so you can switch depending on the brand’s aesthetic.

Step 2: Use Your iPhone the Right Way

Your camera is already good enough—the settings are what matter.

iPhone Settings You Should Always Use

1. Go to Settings → Camera → Record Video

2. Select 4K at 30 FPS

3. Turn on:

   • HDR Video (if available)

   • Grid Lines

   • Lock Exposure & Focus

Why 4K 30FPS?

• 4K keeps footage sharp even after cropping

• 30FPS gives that natural, cinematic look

• Brands prefer this format for paid ads

Avoid 60FPS unless you’re doing slow motion—it looks too “soap-opera” for most UGC.

Step 3: Add a Tripod (Non-Negotiable)

Shaky footage instantly makes content look amateur.

You don’t need anything fancy:

• $15–$25 iPhone tripod from Amazon

• A mini tabletop tripod for overhead or flat-lay shots

• Optional: phone clamp with 360° rotation for vertical filming

Why a Tripod Changes Everything

• Smooth, stable b-roll

• Consistent angles between shots

• Frees your hands for product demos

• Lets you film yourself without asking someone else

Brands notice the difference immediately.

Step 4: Use Natural Light Like a Pro

Lighting matters more than your device.

Best Setup:

• Film near a window (light source facing the product—not behind it)

• Avoid direct sunlight (creates harsh shadows)

• Use white foam boards (99¢ at craft stores) to bounce light

If you film at night, add:

• A softbox light

• Or a ring light with warm, low-intensity settings

Never film under yellow kitchen lighting—it will ruin color accuracy.

Step 5: Shoot Your B-Roll Like a Minimalist

For clean, premium product shots:

• Wipe the tile before filming

• Keep the frame uncluttered (1 product per shot)

• Film close-ups and slow movements

• Capture 6–10 clips:

  • texture swipes

  • opening the cap

  • pumping product

  • pouring / applying

  • flat-lay still shots

Short, simple clips are easier to edit and look more expensive.

Optional Upgrade: Swap Backgrounds Without Moving

Tile + tripod setup means you can:

• Change the entire aesthetic in 5 seconds

• Film multiple brands in one session

• Match branding: marble for beauty, stone for wellness, slate for tech

This is how creators scale content efficiently.

Why This Works for UGC Creators

This setup proves to brands that you can:

• Film clean, ad-ready content

• Create professional product visuals at home

• Make their product the hero without distractions

• Produce consistent, repeatable shots

And you did it with:

• an iPhone

• a $20 tripod

• a $4 tile

No excuses. No fancy studio required.

Inside the UGC Course, You’ll Learn:

• Exact shot lists for skincare, wellness, tech, and beauty products

• How to script voiceovers that convert

• Editing settings for CapCut + color correction

• How to build a portfolio that looks premium even as a beginner

Your environment doesn’t limit you—your technique does.
And now, you’ve got the blueprint. 💛