Businesses increasingly rely on pre-recorded video and livestreaming platforms to connect with their target audience. But too often, they struggle with how to record video remotely and instead end up with grainy, choppy or disorganized clips that sink marketing campaigns.
Whether it’s a product demonstration, explainer video, webinar or customer testimonial, your recording quality can make or break a marketing campaign. If your business is serious about B2B video production, you need high-quality remote recordings that help speakers shine, showcase your brand, convey thought leadership and build trust in the B2B space.
Let’s explore the benefits of recording your B2B video virtually. We’ll also provide recommendations for capturing quality video wherever you are, including tips for your post-production needs.
Virtual video recording has revolutionized B2B marketing. We’re now accustomed to thought leaders presenting on video rather than always being in the same room as their audience — or each other. Here are just some of the benefits of virtual video production for businesses.
Remote video production is more financially accessible for most companies. Traditional in-person video production process requires hiring a full production team and finding or renting space for recording sessions. Virtual video recordings are simpler, cheaper and less time-sensitive.
Recording video content virtually allows business leaders to seamlessly communicate with employees, clients and prospects around the globe. Need to set up customer testimonial interviews a few time zones apart? Or capture thought leadership on video from a CEO who’s always on the move? With virtual recording, your studio is anywhere with a solid internet connection, the right equipment and a decent background.
There’s also greater flexibility in who you can include, as remotely located participants aren’t excluded or forced to fit travel into their schedules. Instead of relying solely on locally available experts or waiting weeks or months for a top thought leader, you can recruit anyone from anywhere with ease.
Virtual recording offers a level of flexibility that allows teams to repurpose and publish their content more often. Businesses can create content at their own convenience, without needing to gather at a physical location or secure a recording studio. Virtual recording also allows for easy adjustments and retakes, giving your team the best chance of a professional, polished video in an efficient recording process.
Recording video remotely shouldn’t mean sacrificing quality. When it comes to choosing a platform for remote recording, there are several great options available, each with distinct features and capabilities.
One platform we don’t recommend is Zoom. It’s designed for meetings and videoconferences, so its video and audio capture is often lacking. If you’re wondering how to record a video podcast remotely, here are a few platforms we recommend instead.
Riverside is a powerful platform that offers high-quality audio and video recording capabilities. At Rep Cap, this is our go-to because of its quality and ease of use. Riverside allows for multi-track recording, making it ideal for podcasters and content creators who require separate tracks for editing. Riverside records your video and audio directly from your device, maintaining recording quality regardless of your internet connection. Riverside continues to add and evolve its AI features, making the post-production processing even smoother.
Squadcast is another option for remote recording, particularly for podcasters. It focuses on delivering studio-quality audio by using separate audio tracks for each participant. Squadcast offers automatic backups and a built-in audio editor, making it convenient for post-production tasks. Its integration with Descript is wonderful for making content edits and analyzing your recordings after the fact.
StreamYard is a versatile platform that’s a popular choice for webinars, interviews, and virtual events. Its focus is on live streaming, but also supports virtual recording. Features include screen sharing, custom branding, and the ability to invite guests to join the recording or livestream. For recording video and audio, StreamYard lacks features such as multi-camera support, advanced audio controls or customizable recording settings.
Vimeo is primarily known as a video hosting platform, but it also offers remote recording capabilities. It allows for easy sharing and collaboration post-production. Because Vimeo’s focus is on video sharing, its recording features may not offer the same flexibility and advanced recording options as dedicated video recording platforms.
Ultimately, your choice of platform for remote recording depends on your requirements and preferences. Consider factors such as audio and video quality, financial commitment, ease of use, and any additional functionalities you need.
While virtual recording can be easier and less complicated than in-person video, preparation remains essential for ensuring a smooth and successful production. When production teams and participants are prepared, you get higher-quality video content and create a better audience experience.
The key production elements to consider are your equipment, setting and content. Here are some tips on video recording for speakers and producers alike.
Camera, audio and lighting equipment directly impact video quality and effectiveness. Whether it’s your camera, microphone or computer, make sure to test your equipment and flag potential technical issues or distractions so you can fix them before hitting “record.” Here are tips for which recording equipment to acquire.
The camera captures your visuals, so make sure you have high-quality cameras that generate clear, sharp, and visually appealing footage. Ideally, participants have invested in a high-resolution camera, which significantly elevates the production value of virtual videos.
If you’re looking to invest in a camera separate from whatever’s built into your phone or laptop, there are many options available for different-sized budgets. Here are a few we’d recommend:
One note regarding camera features: Try to avoid face-tracking software. While this effect looks fun, it results in a lower-quality recording that can appear distorted. The same goes for blurring your background or using a virtual green screen. All of these effects are designed to help viewers focus on your face during a livestream, but they can actually distort video quality and distract viewers.
Great video starts with sound quality. Good audio gives your video a professional touch, keeping the audience engaged and focused on the content being presented. Many folks just use their built-in computer microphone, which is OK, but a good microphone is essential for capturing that clear and crisp audio.
Here are our recommendations based on price:
If you decide to go with an external microphone, make sure to position it about 6 inches away from your mouth while speaking. Angle the microphone to the side to avoid plosives and other distorting sounds.
If you decide to use a headset, AirPods, or wired headphones with a built-in microphone, make sure that nothing is rubbing or bumping against that mic.
Lighting equipment helps set the mood, highlight important elements and provide a pleasant experience for viewers.
Use natural, diffused lighting if possible. Recording in a room with a window in front of you or near you usually works well. If you can’t get the perfect natural lighting (because no one can control the weather), use a ring light or other direct light source — ideally located directly behind the camera to create a natural look. A combination of natural light and a good ring light can help you look your best no matter what time of day you’re recording.
Not all ring lights are created equal. Look at reviews, including user feedback, to ensure the product is of high quality. Have backup options, as many such products go out of stock or are discontinued.
Start your search by considering what size you need. Your ring light should be big enough to properly illuminate your face, but not so big that you can’t display it or it washes out your face. If you wear glasses, consider stands or mounts that allow you to display the ring light without the reflection showing up in your lenses.
Other features to consider in ring lights:
Virtual video recordings can occur anywhere, but what locations and environments are best? As you make this decision, consider factors such as lighting, background, internet connection and any potential distractions.
Lighting plays a crucial role in overall video quality. As mentioned, natural light or well-placed artificial lighting can create a clear and visually appealing image. When selecting your recording space, avoid places with harsh shadows or overly bright and spotty lighting.
Avoid sitting where there are bright lights or windows directly behind you, as it can create a silhouette effect on the recording. Similarly, avoid bright light on only one side of your face, as this can distort the view for your audience. The better lit your face is, the more natural it’ll appear to your audience — and the clearer the recording will turn out.
Proper lighting helps eliminate shadows, balance exposure and improve the aesthetics, all of which help make videos more engaging and memorable.
A neutral background is recommended, as it maintains focus on the speaker and the content being presented. A clutter-free and unobtrusive background also ensures the viewer stays focused on the presentation rather than the surroundings. A solid-colored wall or other simple background can provide a clean and professional look without requiring much setup.
Most importantly, make sure to remove any sensitive, confidential or unprofessional content from your background before pressing that record button.
Check, then double-check, your internet connection from wherever you intend to record from. While virtual production offers flexibility in location, a strong Wi-Fi connection is essential to prevent interruptions or lag during the recording. If possible, plugging directly into your internet (usually via Ethernet cable) can provide an even more reliable internet connection.
You don’t want distractions while recording. As you prepare, flag anything that could pop up and create problems during recording. Whether you’re producing video or speaking, you want to maintain a professional atmosphere that allows participants to deliver their messaging without distraction.
For example, speakers should choose a quiet location away from noise or interruptions from people (or pets). They should, whenever possible, ensure that their background doesn’t have activity, such as people walking by. Headphones or AirPods can block out much of the ambient noise.
To prevent electronic distractions, mute or minimize any unneeded browsers. This also frees up internet and computer-processing bandwidth to ensure consistent recording quality.
Once you’ve chosen your camera, make sure to position it properly. Your camera should be positioned at eye level, with a straight-on view of your face. By contrast, positioning your camera above or below your head will create an unnatural perspective for your viewers. If you’re using a laptop’s built-in camera, prop up your computer on books or a computer stand to get the ideal angel.
Virtual video recording offers many advantages over in-person recording, but both approaches require careful attention to making content that’s not just technically sound, but also engaging and interesting. Here are some considerations when producing videos virtually, including pre-recorded video interview tips.
Even the most engaging public speakers benefit from planning their talks, including scripting, to ensure smooth delivery and transitions. Scripting doesn’t mean a word-for-word document; simply outlining key points and structuring the presentation can keep the recording on track without making it feel forced. If you’re hosting a thought leader, prepare interview questions in advance.
When mapping out a video, look to organize your information in a logical and coherent manner that creates flow and helps the audience follow along. This applies whether you’re planning a webinar, a case study interview or even just a promotional social media clip.
Make sure to plan your appearance and presentation, too. Excessive movements or gestures may be distracting. Your clothes can also draw undue attention or, in some cases, even distort the video quality. Avoid clothing with overly bright colors, really bold patterns, large polka dots, etc.
Creating videos virtually can be more convenient, but one disadvantage is that speakers can’t see or feel their audience. That’s why virtual videos need to pay attention to audience engagement.
Start by maintaining eye contact with the camera. Good camera eye contact gives the impression that you’re speaking directly to your viewers, making the content more personal and engaging. This creates a sense of connection and rapport with the viewers, even if the video isn’t live.
While your movement might be more restricted when recording remotely than if you were pacing on a stage, don’t forget about gestures and facial cues. These help convey emotions, emphasize key points and add visual interest to your video.
As with any other speaking engagement, how you show up matters. Sit (or stand) up straight, speak at a reasonable pace, and dress in alignment with your brand — each of these small actions establishes who you are and expresses confidence. Be present with fellow speakers or interviewers, too, as your gestures speak volumes. Chime in where appropriate with words of agreement or follow-up points. These interactions add energy and engagement, helping virtual videos feel more like in-person conversations.
Don’t fret if you get tongue-tied or need to rephrase an answer, especially during a pre-recorded interview. Being nervous is understandable, whether you’re recording virtually or in person. The good news is you can simply stop, rephrase, and move on.
Make sure that you rephrase your answer as a complete sentence, even if your virtual recording is streaming live. That way, the audience is clear on what you meant, and you can easily edit out the flub afterwards.
B2B video marketing is becoming more important for every brand’s content strategy, but you can’t always be on-site. Knowing how to record video remotely — the right way, every time — is a game-changer, empowering organizations and thought leaders to connect, engage, and convert their target audience from anywhere in the world.
Rep Cap can help your business create and execute a B2B video marketing strategy that unlocks your in-house expertise, captures your thought leadership and reaches your audiences where they are. From planning to recording to distribution, Rep Cap offers the support you need.
Check out Off the Cuff, our remote video production service, to learn how you can start capturing your thought leadership with video!