Feeling camera-shy can be a big hurdle when you’re trying to make your mark on social media. Many people freeze up or feel awkward when it’s time to record themselves. But don’t worry! Lots of successful social media stars once felt shy too. In this article, we’ll explore some helpful tips to overcome being camera-shy and confidently show up on social media, even if you’re just starting.
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Start small and build up
If you’re camera-shy, jumping straight into long videos might feel overwhelming. Instead, start with baby steps. Begin by posting photos of yourself, then move on to short video clips or stories that disappear after 24 hours. This gentle approach can help you get used to seeing yourself on screen without the pressure of creating perfect, permanent content. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually increase the length and complexity of your videos.
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Practice, practice, practice
Like any skill, being comfortable on camera takes practice. Set aside some time each day to record yourself, even if you don’t share the videos. This helps you get used to seeing and hearing yourself on screen. Try different angles, lighting setups, and speaking styles. The more you practice, the less camera-shy you’ll feel when it’s time to post for real.
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Be yourself
One reason people feel camera-shy is the pressure to be “perfect” on social media. But here’s a secret: authenticity is more engaging than perfection. Your audience wants to see the real you, quirks and all. Don’t try to copy other influencers or put on a fake persona. Instead, let your true personality shine through. This not only helps you feel more comfortable but also helps you connect with your audience on a deeper level.
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Prepare, but don’t over-rehearse
Having a general idea of what you want to say can help ease camera shyness. Jot down some key points or create a loose script. But avoid memorizing every word – this can make you sound robotic and increase your anxiety if you forget something. Instead, aim for a natural, conversational tone. Imagine you’re talking to a friend rather than a camera.
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Focus on your message, not your appearance
When you’re camera-shy, it’s easy to fixate on how you look or sound. But remember, your audience is more interested in what you have to say. Focus on delivering value through your content, whether it’s entertainment, education, or inspiration. When you’re passionate about your message, it becomes easier to forget about feeling camera-shy.
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Create a comfortable environment
Your surroundings can have a big impact on how shy you feel. Set up a space where you feel relaxed and at ease. This might be a cosy corner of your home, a favourite restaurant, or even outdoors in nature. Make sure you have good lighting and minimal background noise. The more comfortable you feel in your environment, the less camera-shy you’re likely to be.
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Use props or activities
If looking directly at the camera makes you feel shy, try incorporating props or activities into your videos. For example, you could do a product demonstration, cook a meal, or show a craft project. This gives you something to focus on besides the camera and can help you feel more natural on screen.
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Start with audio-only content
If being on camera feels too daunting at first, consider starting with audio-only content like podcasts or voice-over videos. This can help you get comfortable with creating content and hearing your voice before adding the visual element. As you build confidence, you can gradually introduce video elements.
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Embrace imperfection
Even the most polished social media stars have outtakes and bloopers. Don’t aim for perfection – it’s unattainable and can increase your camera shyness. Instead, embrace the imperfections. If you stumble over your words or something else interferes, laugh it off and keep going. These moments of authenticity often resonate more with viewers than flawless performances.
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Get feedback from trusted friends
Before posting publicly, share your content with friends or family members you trust. Ask for their honest feedback, but also pay attention to how sharing your content makes you feel. Over time, you’ll likely find that your camera shyness decreases as you get used to others seeing you on screen.
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Remember your “why”
When camera shyness strikes, remind yourself why you’re creating content in the first place. Maybe you want to share your passion, help others, or build a business. Focusing on your purpose can help overcome the discomfort of being on camera.
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Use filters and editing tools sparingly
While it might be tempting to heavily filter or edit your videos to feel less camera-shy, this can increase your anxiety in the long run. If you create an unrealistic image online, you may feel more pressure to live up to it. Instead, use minimal editing to enhance your natural appearance and focus on creating genuine connections with your audience.
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Celebrate yourself
Every time you post content despite feeling camera-shy, celebrate it as a win. Whether your video gets one view or one thousand, you’ve overcome a fear and that’s worth acknowledging. Over time, these small victories will build your confidence and reduce your camera shyness.
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Final Thoughts
Everyone starts somewhere. Many of the confident social media personalities you see today once felt just as camera-shy as you do now. The key is to start, even if you’re not feeling 100% ready. With time and practice, you’ll find your camera shyness fading and your confidence growing. Don’t let being camera shy hold you back from sharing your unique voice and perspective on social media. Your audience is waiting to connect with the real you – camera shyness and all. So take a deep breath, press record, and start your social media journey. You’ve got this!
Got a suggestion? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com
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This article was first published on 14th October 2024
chidiogo-akaelu
Chidiogo Shalom Akaelu holds a degree in English and Literary Studies, from the University of Nigeria. She is a freelance writer, editor and founder of Loana Press, a budding online publishing outlet.
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