🎥 5 POV Shots That Make Your Videos Instantly More Engaging

🚀 Let’s talk about POVs - the secret ingredient for scroll-stopping content.

If your videos ever feel “flat” or like they’re missing energy, the problem usually isn’t the idea… it’s the variety and angles. POV (point-of-view) shots add dynamics, storytelling, flow, and personality - and the best part? You can film all of them with just your phone. No extra gear. No endless tutorials. Just smart angles!

Here are 5 POV shots you can start using TODAY to instantly level up your UGC 👇

🎥 1. The Creator POV (Your Hand in Frame)

One of the most natural and effective POVs - it makes viewers feel like they are interacting with the product.

How to shoot:

• Hold the product with your non-dominant hand.

• Keep your phone slightly above or in front of your face (there are also some great hacks how to record hands-free).

• Add small movements: turning the product, opening a lid, scooping, spraying, flipping pages.

• Keep it steady by lightly tucking your arms against your ribcage (or even a tripod!)

Why it works:
Feels authentic, immersive, and personal. Perfect for skincare, food, home, and lifestyle UGC. Basically will work in any video!

👀 2. The Viewer POV (What They Would See)

This is when the camera becomes the viewer - e.g. looking into a mirror, placing a drink down, arranging pillows, brushing hair.

How to shoot:

• Chest or head-level camera height.

• Move slightly slower than you would in real life to keep focus sharp.

• Add micro-gestures: tapping, aligning, smoothing, organising.

Why it works:
This POV increases retention because people imagine themselves using the product.

☕️ 3. The Cosy Overhead (Flat Lay or Top-Down)

You’ve seen this in every aesthetic ad ever - and for a good reason. Overhead shots make everything look intentional and styled.

How to shoot:

• Stand above a table, bed, or kitchen counter. Or experiment with creative ways like taping your phone to the ceiling (it always works!) or invest in an affordable tripod that bends for a vertical POV as well.

• For a flatlay - always use a tripod - this will make your shot lovely and stable (no one wants a shaky footage here).

• If you want a subtle movement - hold your phone with both hands with your elbows tucked in for extra stability and use a grid in camera settings to keep your shot straight.

• Place items in a triangle layout (rule of 3) for visual balance. Think candles, floral arrangements, coffee mug etc.

Why it works:
It instantly feels “premium” and breaks the video flow in the best way possible, even when you’re only filming in one location.

🚪 4. “Phone in the Cupboard” POV

This one adds surprise, depth, and a super fun transition. Great for kitchen products, morning routines, supplements, snacks, and unboxing content.

How to shoot:

• Put your phone on a shelf inside a cupboard, a box or fridge. Make sure your surroundings and inside of the object are clean and clutter-free!

• Lean it back against items for stability and lock the exposure by holding your finger on the screen where you want the focus to stay (your face)

• Hit record and close the door.

• Open the door naturally - the reveal is the magic.

• You can also experiment with the 0.5x zoom out - some really cool things can happen when doing that!

• Do 2–3 takes: one slow, one quick, one with a smile or natural grab. This will give you more editing options.

Why it works:
It creates depth and motion — two things that instantly improve watch time.

🔍 6. The Macro / Close-Up POV

This is where those juicy, satisfying product textures and details come alive.

How to shoot:

• Bring your camera 5–10cm from the product. If you don’t want to invest in a small macro lens (you can attach it to your phone) - utilise the 2x zoom on your iPhone - this makes sure all the lenses are engaged (unlike on 1.4, 1.7 zoom etc.)

• Lock focus (hold finger on screen until it locks) and always use a tripod (this POV does not forgive any shakiness).

• Move the product slowly instead of moving the phone.

• Use natural light from a window for crisp clarity.

Why it works:
Great for B-roll fillers, and works for so many industries: beauty, food, jewellery - anything that benefits from detail.

🔧 Practical Tips to Nail POV Shots Every Time

Small tweaks = huge difference.

• Film slower than you think. POVs feel better when movements are smooth.

• Keep your phone clean. POVs expose fingerprints immediately.

• Use gridlines. Helps with alignment, symmetry, and flat lays.

• Shoot more variations. Different speeds, distances, and directions.

• Keep your background intentional. POVs show a LOT of your space.

🔥 Creator Checklist (POV Edition)

Before filming, ask yourself:

✅ Do I have at least 3 different POVs to add variety?

✅ Is my background clean and intentional for each angle?

✅ Am I filming slower and steadier than my natural pace?

✅ Did I include a motion-based shot (opening door, reaching, grabbing)?

✅ Did I add a texture or detail POV?

✅ Do all my POVs support the storytelling - not distract from it?

🎯 You don’t need new gear to make your content more engaging - you need dynamic POVs.

These angles add depth, movement, and personality… the difference is instant.

Try adding 3–4 different POVs in your next video and watch how much more engaging your edit feels.

🎬 Join us on Instagram Live this week!

Wednesday, 19th November at 5:30PM UK time 🎥

💬 Want to learn more? Join us live this Wednesday at 5:30PM (UK time) on Instagram, where we’ll be chatting UGC and answering questions from both brands and creators.

Follow us on IG @useclip and hit that 🔔 so you don’t miss it!

SEE YOU THEN!

🚀 🛠 Ready to test out new POVs?… Log in to Clip, check out the latest briefs, and start applying today!

Happy Creating,

Team Clip