A Good Video Can Go A Long Way
As a comic, your first focus should always be your performance—honing not just your joke writing, but also your delivery, timing, and stage presence. Once you feel comfortable (which doesn’t mean perfect—the work is never done; I still tweak jokes I’ve been telling for years), it’s time to start recording your sets.
Why Recording Matters
Short clips are great for social media, but more importantly, bookers want to see that you’re actively performing and consistently funny. When they check out your website or social media, they’re looking for a preview of what you’d bring to their stage—so show them.
Beyond getting booked, posting clips can also grow your audience. A strong online presence can lead to more opportunities, from gigs to festival invites to unexpected career boosts.
Overcoming the Mental Blocks
I’ve kicked myself plenty of times for not recording a great set. Sometimes I psych myself out—this audience won’t like me or if I know I’m recording, I’ll get in my head and mess up. But when the set goes well and I have nothing to show for it, I regret it.
Even when friends record for me, I’ve had shaky, unusable footage or audio ruined by laughter into the mic. The solution? Take control of your own recordings.
Record as Often as You Can
You don’t have to post every video. If a set doesn’t go well or the quality isn’t great, just use it as a learning tool. Watching yourself on tape helps you see what the audience sees—body language, pacing, and moments that need tightening.
Tips for Getting a Good Recording
📱 Know Your Format:
For TikTok & Instagram, film vertically (portrait mode).
For YouTube & festival submissions, film horizontally (landscape mode).
🎥 Invest in a Tripod:
A small, portable tripod makes all the difference. Set it up before your set for a steady, clear shot.
💡 Lighting & Framing Matter:
Make sure your face is well-lit—dark, shadowy footage is hard to watch.
Frame yourself so your stage presence is visible, not just a floating head in a crowd.
🎙 Test Your Audio:
If the venue’s mic isn’t great, consider a small external mic to clip onto your phone.
Make sure the camera is far enough from the crowd to avoid distorted audience laughter overpowering your voice.
Final Thoughts
A great video can open doors in comedy, but don’t stress about perfection. Focus on getting comfortable on stage, recording consistently, and putting your best clips out there. The more you film, the better your chances of capturing that set—the one that helps you land your next big opportunity.
