Stop motion is one of the most charming and effective ways to bring your products to life. But as simple as it is to get started, there are a few common mistakes that can make your video look more homemade than high-impact.
The good news? These mistakes are easy to avoid once you know what to look for.
Whether you’re just getting started or want to take your next video to the next level, here are five things to watch out for:
1. Inconsistent Lighting
Lighting is everything in stop motion.
When your light source changes, even a little, it can cause your frames to flicker, creating a distracting effect that takes away from your final video.
How to fix it:
Use natural light from a window, but avoid filming during times when light changes quickly..
If possible, shoot in a room with steady lighting, or supplement with softbox lights or a ring light.
Avoid turning overhead lights on/off mid-shoot. Any change will show up in your final video.
2. A Shaky Camera Setup
Even the tiniest camera movement can cause your video to look jittery. Smooth animation depends on keeping your camera 100% still from the first frame to the last.
How to fix it:
Use a tripod or prop your phone against something sturdy (books, boxes, or even a mug can work in a pinch).
Turn off any auto-focus or stabilization settings that might cause the camera to shift.
Don’t touch the phone while capturing frames. Use the self-timer or a Bluetooth remote to take each photo so you don’t bump the camera.
3. Moving Too Much Between Shots
When you are starting with stop motion it is best to use tiny, consistent movements. If you move your object too far between frames, your video will look choppy and rushed.
How to fix it:
Keep each movement small and steady.
Use the onion skinning feature in apps like Life Lapse to see your last frame and line things up precisely.
Aim for 15–30 frames for a smooth 1–2 second action.
4. Forgetting to Plan the Sequence
Winging it sounds fun until your animation doesn’t flow, you run out of space, props, or light halfway through the shoot.
How to fix it:
Sketch a quick storyboard or write out the steps of your animation before you start.
Think about your start and end frames: What do you want your product to do? Slide in? Open? Disappear?
Plan your layout and movement direction ahead of time so everything stays consistent.
5. Skipping the Editing Step
Stop motion doesn’t end after you take your photos. Speed, pacing, and trimming can make or break the final result.
How to fix it:
Use the built-in editing tools in your stop motion app to preview your video, adjust speed, and trim out extra frames.
Watch your animation all the way through and make sure it feels natural.
Add music, text, or overlays only if they support the message — don’t distract from the animation itself.
Want to Skip the Guesswork?
If you’re ready to avoid all these mistakes before they happen — and create smooth, attention-grabbing stop motion with just your phone — I’ve got something for you:
Download my free guide: Create Your First Stop Motion Video Using Just Your Phone!
You’ll learn:
How to set up your phone like a pro
How to use natural light effectively
Step-by-step movement tips
How to edit and share your final video
Whether you’re new or just want to simplify your process, this guide will walk you through every step.NO FANCY GEAR NEEDED!
Ready to Create Scroll-Stopping Content?
Avoiding these five mistakes can instantly make your stop motion videos more polished and more effective. And with a little guidance, you’ll be creating beautiful brand animations that grab attention and boost engagement — even if you’re working from home with your phone.
Grab the free guide here and start creating your best content yet!