Lights, Camera, Growth: Best Practices for Filming Reels That Stop the Scroll

2. Mastering the 90-Second Rule for Boosting Reels

Not all Reels are eligible for paid promotion, and failing to plan for this can limit your video’s reach. Instagram and Facebook only allow Reels that are 90 seconds or shorter to be boosted as ads. If your goal is to expand your audience and maximize engagement, you must ensure your social media videos are concise, impactful, and strategically structured to adhere to best practices for filming Reels.

Best Practices for Filming Reels That Are Optimized for Boosting:

• Get straight to the point: Avoid lengthy introductions and open with a compelling hook that grabs attention immediately. For example: “The #1 mistake people make in a divorce? Let’s break it down.”
• Use jump cuts: Editing your video with quick cuts between key points keeps the pacing dynamic and prevents viewers from losing interest.
• Stay focused on one main idea: Overloading a Reel with too much information can cause viewers to disengage. Stick to a single topic per video to keep your message clear and effective.

Example:

If you’re creating a Reel about the benefits of mediation over litigation, avoid cramming all the details into one long video. Instead, break it into a series of short, engaging Reels so that you follow best practices for filming Reels:

• The first video introduces the topic and why mediation is an option.
• The next one answers a frequently asked question, such as “Who is mediation best for?”
• Another could highlight key benefits, like cost savings and reduced conflict.

Following best practices for filming Reels in a series format not only makes content easier to digest, but also encourages viewers to come back to your page for the next installment. This repeat engagement signals to Instagram and Facebook’s algorithms that your content is valuable, increasing the likelihood of broader reach and visibility.

3. Lighting & Sound: The Secret to Professional-Looking Reels

Even the most well-crafted legal insights can go unnoticed if your social media videos suffer from poor lighting and bad audio. Best practices for filming Reels include optimizing your setup to ensure clear visuals and crisp sound, both of which are essential for engaging and professional-looking content. Lawyers and law firms leveraging Reels to attract clients should focus on these simple yet impactful adjustments to enhance video quality.

Lighting Tips for High-Quality Reels:

• Maximize natural light: The best and easiest way to improve video quality is by using natural light. Position yourself near a window so that daylight illuminates your face evenly. Harsh overhead lights can create shadows, while poor lighting can make your video appear dull or grainy. Natural light provides a crisp, professional look—no expensive setup required.
• Avoid backlighting: Though the view from your office might be impressive, the focus of the video should be you. Standing in front of a window will make you appear too dark, as the camera adjusts to the bright background instead of your face. Instead, position yourself facing the light source so it illuminates you properly. No one is watching your video for the view—trust us.
• Use a ring light indoors: If filming in a space without good natural light, a ring light is your best alternative to follow best practices for filming Reels. It provides even, well-balanced illumination, eliminating harsh shadows and making your face appear clear and polished. Without proper lighting, even high-quality cameras can make your video look unprofessional. 

Check out the ring light that we love! 

Audio Tips for Clear, Professional Sound:

• Speak clearly and confidently. The way you deliver your message is just as important as the content itself. Speaking too fast can make you sound rushed or nervous while mumbling or mispronouncing words can cause confusion. Instead, slow down, enunciate each word, and project your voice confidently. A steady, deliberate pace makes you sound more authoritative and helps your audience absorb the information more easily.
• Film in a quiet space. Background noise—whether it’s office chatter, traffic, or even an air conditioner—can be distracting and make your video feel unprofessional. Record in a quiet space where you can control the environment to adhere to best practices for filming Reels. If background noise is unavoidable, consider using noise reduction settings in your editing software to minimize distractions.
• Use captions for accessibility. Many viewers scroll through social media with their sound off, which means they might skip your Reel entirely if they can’t read what you’re saying. Adding captions ensures your message reaches everyone, including those who are hard of hearing or watching in a sound-sensitive environment. Captions also boost engagement by keeping viewers watching longer.
• Invest in a Lavalier microphone. Your insights are valuable, but poor audio can make them impossible to hear. Built-in phone microphones pick up too much background noise and often sound muffled. A lavalier mic clips onto your shirt and significantly improves sound quality, making your voice clear and easy to understand.

Check out the Lavalier microphones that we love! 

4. The Hook Matters: Capturing Attention in the First 3 Seconds

On social media, users make split-second decisions on whether to watch a reel or to keep scrolling. If your Reel doesn’t immediately grab attention, your audience will move on. The key to stopping the scroll is a strong hook in the first three seconds—something that makes viewers pause and engage with your content.

A compelling hook sets the tone for the rest of your social media video and ensures viewers stay long enough to hear your message. Best practices for filming Reels include crafting an opening that sparks curiosity, provides immediate value, or creates an emotional connection.

Effective Hooks to Stop the Scroll:

• Ask a question. People are naturally drawn to questions that relate to their personal experiences. “Thinking about filing for divorce? Here’s what you need to know.”
• Make a bold statement. Strong, direct statements create intrigue and encourage viewers to keep watching. “Divorce without a lawyer? Here’s why that’s risky.”
• Use an eye-catching motion. Quick gestures, a sudden movement, or a pop-up graphic on the screen can capture attention before you say a single word.

This is one of the best practices for filming Reels that directly influences your video’s watch time, and by extension, its reach.

Example:

Instead of opening with “Hi, I’m [Attorney Name], and today I’m going to talk about child custody,” try “Did you know that in some cases, a child can choose which parent to live with?” This approach immediately piques curiosity and encourages viewers to keep watching for the answer.

5. Keep It Authentic: Don’t Overthink It

One of the most effective best practices for filming Reels is to prioritize authenticity. Viewers connect more with genuine, relatable content rather than overly scripted, polished videos. Social media videos that feel too rehearsed can come across as impersonal, making it harder to build trust with potential clients.

Best Practices for Filming Reels That Are Natural and Engaging:

• Speak conversationally. Imagine you’re explaining a legal concept to a client in your office, not giving a formal courtroom speech. A relaxed, confident delivery makes your content more approachable.
• Use storytelling. People remember stories more than facts alone. Share quick case study examples (without revealing confidential details) to make your point more relatable.
• Show personality. A touch of humor, warmth, or personal insight makes you more relatable and engaging. Clients want to work with someone they feel comfortable with.

Example:

If a potential client is worried about co-parenting after divorce, instead of listing legal guidelines, share a brief personal insight like, “Many parents find that structured schedules make transitions easier for kids. Having a set routine helps reduce stress and keeps co-parenting smoother.” This type of real-world advice makes your video feel more natural and engaging.

Social media videos thrive on authenticity and connection. When you follow best practices for filming Reels, your content becomes more engaging, helping build credibility and trust with your audience.

Turn Your Legal Expertise Into Engaging Video Content

Filming social media Reels doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right strategy, your law firm can create compelling Reels that capture attention, build trust, and attract new clients. By implementing best practices for filming Reels, you’ll produce engaging content that resonates with your audience and strengthens your online presence.

At US Legal Marketing Group, we specialize in helping law firms craft social media videos, by following best practices for filming Reels, that engage, educate, and convert. Whether you need guidance on content strategy, video editing, or maximizing your reach, our team is here to help. Contact us today, and let’s turn your Reels into a powerful client-generating tool.