In this episode of The Tap, Wes and Julian unpack one of the most underrated topics in smartphone video: audio quality. They explain why sound makes or breaks your content, how your smartphone “hears” differently than your ears, and what simple tools and tips can make a big difference.

• Why microphones don’t have “selective hearing” like your ears do
• Quiet environment first: The easiest way to improve sound quality
• Microphone placement: Why distance from your mouth matters most
• Recommended mic: RØDE SmartLav and why it’s the best place to start
• Wired vs wireless: Pros, cons and simplicity tips
• TRS vs TRRS: Why some mics don’t “just work” with smartphones
• Bluetooth mics explained: Why we usually avoid them
• Understanding your own voice: Why you sound different on recordings and why that’s normal!

In this episode, we cover:

• 00:00 Introduction and why audio delays often cause filming problems
• 02:00 Why clear sound matters more than perfect video
• 05:00 Your smartphone mic vs your ears: key differences
• 08:00 Why proximity is everything for good sound
• 10:00 How the RØDE SmartLav solves most beginner problems
• 12:00 Common mistakes with adapters, headphone jacks and mic plugs
• 15:00 Wireless mic pros and cons: simplicity vs flexibility
• 17:00 When to use directional mics and lapel mics
• 19:00 TRS vs TRRS: why the right connector matters for smartphones
• 21:00 Why you hate the sound of your own voice—and why you shouldn’t
• 24:00 Final advice: keep it simple, quiet and close—and just start recording

Follow Tap Edit Go:
Instagram: @tapeditgo
Facebook: @tapeditgo
TikTok: @tapeditgo

Contact Wes directly: wes@tapeditgo.com

Visit tapeditgo.com for resources, courses, and community support.

This episode was originally part of the Smartphone Video Podcast with Julian Mather. Julian is now an accomplished motivational speaker — learn more at julianmather.com. He has passed the reins of this podcast to Tap Edit Go to continue the mission, bringing you fresh episodes and new guests.

In this episode of The Tap, Wes and Julian break down one of the most common beginner questions: How should I light my smartphone videos? They explain why you don’t need fancy equipment to look great—and how a simple desk lamp, a window, or clever positioning can make all the difference.

• Why three-point lighting isn’t required for great results
• Natural light tips: The easiest, most affordable lighting source
• Common mistakes: Downlights, backlight silhouettes, and mismatched lighting
• DIY hacks: Coffee cups, desk lamps, and everyday objects as light sources
• Why flat light is flattering: Simple ways to reduce shadows and look younger on camera
• Ring lights explained: Pros, cons, and why they’re often misused

In this episode, we cover:

• 00:00 Introduction and topic overview
• 02:00 The lighting myth: why you don’t need pro kits to look professional
• 04:00 Common beginner mistakes and why lighting is an art not a formula
• 07:00 Natural light strategy: how to face a window for soft, flattering light
• 10:00 Why downlights create “baggy eyes” and harsh shadows
• 12:00 Desk lamps as practical, available lighting sources
• 14:00 Ring lights: what they’re for and why they can look distracting
• 16:00 Smartphone camera limitations vs human eyes: why your phone needs more light than you think
• 18:00 Final advice: start simple, build skills through practice and experience

Follow Tap Edit Go:
Instagram: @tapeditgo
Facebook: @tapeditgo
TikTok: @tapeditgo

Contact Wes directly: wes@tapeditgo.com

Visit tapeditgo.com for resources, courses, and community support.

This episode was originally part of the Smartphone Video Podcast with Julian Mather. Julian is now an accomplished motivational speaker — learn more at julianmather.com. He has passed the reins of this podcast to Tap Edit Go to continue the mission, bringing you fresh episodes and new guests.

In this episode of The Tap, Wes and Julian tackle one of the biggest obstacles to smartphone video success: presenting on camera. They share their personal journeys, practical mindset shifts, and why authenticity—not perfection—is what builds trust and connection with your audience today.

• Mindset shift: Why confidence grows with practice—not talent
• Overcoming playback shock: Why we all dislike our first videos (and why it’s normal)
• Authenticity wins: Why modern audiences prefer natural communication over polished performance
• Low-risk practice ideas: 60-second intro videos, Instagram Stories, and email signature videos
• Energy tips: Amp up just a little for camera presence
• Smiling and connection: The easiest way to build rapport on video
• Imposter syndrome: Why your unique voice matters—even if you think “everyone already knows this”

In this episode, we cover:

• 00:00 Introduction and topic overview
• 01:30 Julian’s journey from hiding behind the camera to presenting on camera
• 04:00 Why playback feels confronting—and how to desensitize yourself
• 06:00 Why your imperfections make you relatable (and trustworthy!)
• 08:30 Low-risk practice suggestions: small daily videos and email signature videos
• 11:00 Wes’s Instagram Stories practice routine and how repetition builds ease
• 14:00 Energy, smiling, and building trust through warmth
• 17:00 The invisible “glass wall”: how to push energy slightly through the lens
• 19:00 Why most barriers are in your head—not in your ability
• 22:00 Imposter syndrome: understanding that *someone* needs to hear your voice
• 24:00 Final advice: practice, repetition, and embracing imperfection

Follow Tap Edit Go:
Instagram: @tapeditgo
Facebook: @tapeditgo
TikTok: @tapeditgo

Contact Wes directly: wes@tapeditgo.com

Visit tapeditgo.com for resources, courses, and community support.

This episode was originally part of the Smartphone Video Podcast with Julian Mather. Julian is now an accomplished motivational speaker — learn more at julianmather.com. He has passed the reins of this podcast to Tap Edit Go to continue the mission, bringing you fresh episodes and new guests.

In this episode of The Tap, Wes and Julian explore a key topic most businesses overlook: Video isn’t just for marketing! They share dozens of creative, useful ways to use video internally, for customer service, support, training, and building authentic human connection—all with your smartphone.

• Internal comms videos: Staff intros, process explanations, team updates
• FAQ videos: Simple, repeatable answers to common customer questions
• Customer onboarding: Walkthroughs, how-to demos, “find us” directions
• Staff training: Recording key procedures and reference videos
• Apology and thank-you videos: Build trust and loyalty with a human touch
• Testimonial capture: Getting great testimonials by asking at the right time

In this episode, we cover:

• 00:00 Introduction and topic overview
• 01:30 Video for customer support: show, don’t just tell
• 04:00 Behind-the-scenes ideas: humanizing your business
• 07:00 Internal team training: documenting tasks for future staff
• 10:00 Screen recordings for demos and walkthroughs
• 12:00 Creative examples: physio clinic walkthrough and ski resort key card training
• 15:00 Video in email signatures, out-of-office replies, and recruitment
• 18:00 Apology and thank-you videos: small effort, huge impact
• 20:00 Testimonial videos: capturing authentic feedback while customers are excited
• 22:00 Show + text = communicate better for all learning styles
• 24:00 Final advice: start simple, experiment, and build connection

Follow Tap Edit Go:
Instagram: @tapeditgo
Facebook: @tapeditgo
TikTok: @tapeditgo

Contact Wes directly: wes@tapeditgo.com

Visit tapeditgo.com for resources, courses, and community support.

This episode was originally part of the Smartphone Video Podcast with Julian Mather. Julian is now an accomplished motivational speaker — learn more at julianmather.com. He has passed the reins of this podcast to Tap Edit Go to continue the mission, bringing you fresh episodes and new guests.

In this episode of The Tap, Wes and Julian explore the power of live video—and why it’s both exciting and risky. They discuss what makes live streaming unique, why it creates urgency and connection, and how you can prepare properly to deliver a successful live experience using just your smartphone.

• What live video really is—and why it feels different to viewers
• Benefits of going live: Urgency, engagement, authenticity
• Risks of live streaming: Technical failures, distractions and more
• Simple preparation tips: Why planning makes live easier (and more respectful)
• Creative ideas: Best business live videos—including a brilliant Bon Jovi giveaway example

In this episode, we cover:

• 00:00 Introduction and topic overview
• 02:00 Why live video feels risky—but is easier than you think
• 04:00 Technical risk stories: Wes’s $10,000 production failure example
• 07:00 The unique urgency of live video: why it matters to audiences
• 10:00 Platform rules: where you can go live easily and where you can’t
• 12:00 Real-time engagement tips: preparing questions, using an assistant to manage comments
• 15:00 Great business examples of live video that work—even with no live audience!
• 17:00 Common pitfalls: internet reliability, dropouts, audio cutouts
• 20:00 How to recover from failures: audience forgiveness and transparency
• 23:00 Final tips: preparation, simplicity, audience respect—and practice
• 25:00 Accountability bonus: why scheduling a live stream helps beat procrastination

Follow Tap Edit Go:
Instagram: @tapeditgo
Facebook: @tapeditgo
TikTok: @tapeditgo

Contact Wes directly: wes@tapeditgo.com

Visit tapeditgo.com for resources, courses, and community support.

This episode was originally part of the Smartphone Video Podcast with Julian Mather. Julian is now an accomplished motivational speaker — learn more at julianmather.com. He has passed the reins of this podcast to Tap Edit Go to continue the mission, bringing you fresh episodes and new guests.

In this episode of The Tap, Wes and Julian dive into one of the most overlooked truths in smartphone video: Simplicity beats perfection. They explore why raw, authentic, unpolished content works best right now—and how business owners can create fast, simple videos that look natural while maintaining professionalism.

• Why audiences prefer authentic, simple videos over polished productions
• Quality vs authenticity: Avoid mixing polish with fake “authenticity”
• Confessional-style videos: Speak directly and sincerely to your audience
• Time-lapse ideas: Easy, creative video anyone can shoot
• Simple workflow tips: Batch filming, minor trims, and minimal editing
• Repurposing old phones: How to use retired devices for creative video ideas

In this episode, we cover:

• 00:00 Introduction and why video use exploded post-COVID
• 02:00 The simplicity mindset: what audiences really want today
• 04:00 Authentic vs overproduced: the Great Northern beer ad example
• 07:00 Confessional video formats and their power for business
• 10:00 Practical workflow: plan, record, trim, post
• 12:00 Time-lapse tips: easy ways to capture a day, an event, or a scene
• 14:00 Using old phones for filming and time-lapse capture
• 16:00 Final advice: balance quality and simplicity—audiences value honesty

Follow Tap Edit Go:
Instagram: @tapeditgo
Facebook: @tapeditgo
TikTok: @tapeditgo

Contact Wes directly: wes@tapeditgo.com

Visit tapeditgo.com for resources, courses, and community support.

This episode was originally part of the Smartphone Video Podcast with Julian Mather. Julian is now an accomplished motivational speaker — learn more at julianmather.com. He has passed the reins of this podcast to Tap Edit Go to continue the mission, bringing you fresh episodes and new guests.

In this episode of The Tap, Wes and Julian explore one of the most common beginner questions: Should I go handheld or use a tripod? They explain why both styles work depending on purpose, energy, and audience—and they share simple, creative ways to stabilise your smartphone without expensive gear.

• Why tripod shots create calm and credibility—and why movement needs purpose
• Handheld tips: Using movement to add energy and immediacy
• Gimbals explained: What they do, when you need one, and when you don’t
• Low-cost hacks: Coffee cups, blue tack, rice bags and other DIY stabilizers
• Walk-Talk-Twist method: A practical, versatile way to make explainer videos

In this episode, we cover:

• 00:00 Introduction and today’s topic overview
• 01:30 Camera movement in classic filmmaking vs modern smartphone style
• 04:00 How movement adds story, energy, or distraction
• 07:00 When walking and talking works—and when it doesn’t
• 09:00 Communication tips: freeing up your hands and using gestures on camera
• 12:00 Recommended accessories: selfie sticks, mini tripods, and flexible legs
• 16:00 What is a gimbal? Pros, cons, and when to use one
• 19:00 Walk-Talk-Twist technique explained
• 21:00 DIY hacks: coffee cups, blue tack, rice bags and creative tripod replacements
• 24:00 Final advice: think before you move your camera and experiment with both styles

Follow Tap Edit Go:
Instagram: @tapeditgo
Facebook: @tapeditgo
TikTok: @tapeditgo

Contact Wes directly: wes@tapeditgo.com

Visit tapeditgo.com for resources, courses, and community support.

This episode was originally part of the Smartphone Video Podcast with Julian Mather. Julian is now an accomplished motivational speaker — learn more at julianmather.com. He has passed the reins of this podcast to Tap Edit Go to continue the mission, bringing you fresh episodes and new guests.

In this episode of The Tap, Wes and Julian tackle the age-old debate: How long should your videos be? Short? Long? 60 seconds? The truth is simpler and far more useful—your video should be as long as it needs to be to deliver value and no longer. We break down myths, metrics, and how your audience’s needs matter most.

• Debunking the 60-second rule: Why this advice is outdated and oversimplified
• Audience-driven decisions: Let your viewers and platform guide your video length
• With Me videos trend: The surprising popularity of ultra-long content
• Metrics that matter: Retention rates, platform context, and behavior patterns
• Practical tips: Deliver your message with sincerity, value, and brevity

In this episode, we cover:

• 00:00 Introduction and topic overview
• 01:00 Debates about attention spans and expert “rules”
• 03:00 Platform differences: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and more
• 05:00 Real-world example: Black & Decker’s video length data
• 08:00 “With Me” video trend and surprising ultra-long engagement
• 11:00 Audience-first thinking: testing, metrics, and feedback loops
• 14:00 Winston Churchill’s famous quote (and its lesson on editing)
• 16:00 Final advice: respect your audience and don’t stress over rules

Follow Tap Edit Go:
Instagram: @tapeditgo
Facebook: @tapeditgo
TikTok: @tapeditgo

Contact Wes directly: wes@tapeditgo.com

Visit tapeditgo.com for resources, courses, and community support.

This episode was originally part of the Smartphone Video Podcast with Julian Mather. Julian is now an accomplished motivational speaker — learn more at julianmather.com. He has passed the reins of this podcast to Tap Edit Go to continue the mission, bringing you fresh episodes and new guests.