Great video doesn’t need a big cheque. These 6 small-budget video production ideas for start-ups use minimal kit, fit busy founder schedules, and build a repeatable routine. With a phone, a plan, and six scrappy formats, you can publish sharp videos fast. For London start-ups, lead with founder stories and screen demos, use natural light and captions, and stick to licensed music and clear permissions. When it’s high-stakes, bring in video production services. We’ll flag when DIY is fine, when to hire a professional video production company, and how to stay sensible with compliance.
6 small-budget video production ideas for start-ups
1) Founder selfie pitch (60 seconds)
Stand by a window; answer: who we help, what’s different, what to do next. Shoot vertical for Stories, horizontal for web. Add captions.
2) Customer micro-testimonials (30-45 seconds)
Ask two customers for “problem → why us → result” on selfie video. Stitch into a tight montage. Align talking points with your brand messaging framework.
3) Screen-recorded demo with voiceover
Show the “aha” first; the finished result the viewer wants, like “invoice sent,” “report ready,” or “booking confirmed.” Then show the three clicks that get there. Keep your voice calm, end with one clear call to action, and share it on your site and social channels.
4) B-roll day-in-the-life (1-2 minutes)
Capture everyday moments: stand-ups, hands on product, support wins. Stabilise with a mug-tripod or elbows; shoot near windows.
5) FAQ quick-cuts (3 questions)
Pick the three questions that stall buyers. Answer each in 20 seconds. Batch-shoot; post to your FAQ pre-production checklist and pin on LinkedIn.
6) Event recap on a shoestring
At your next Shoreditch meetup, grab: a wide crowd, reactions, and a 10-second quote. Cut to 30-45 seconds; use licensed or original music.
Handy cheat sheet
| Idea | Typical cost | Time | Ttip |
| Founder selfie | £0–£50 | 1–2 hrs | Window light; avoid rush-hour noise. |
| Micro-testimonials | £0–£150 | 3–4 hrs | Offer a coffee voucher; collect via Drive. |
| Screen demo | £0–£50 | 2–3 hrs | Record after-hours to avoid pings. |
| Day-in-the-life | £0–£100 | 3–5 hrs | Get team consent notes. |
| FAQ quick-cuts | £0–£50 | 2 hrs | Script bullets; batch. |
| Event recap | £0–£150 | 4–6 hrs | Ask the venue about music policy. |
Cost basis: Free editing with DaVinci Resolve Free; optional entry-level lav mic £14 (e.g., BOYA BY-M1); creator music plans from $9.99/month (ex-VAT) pro-rated per video. (Blackmagic Design, Idealo, artlist.io)
London compliance & accessibility nudges (brief)
- Have a lawful basis and tell people when filming; avoid intrusive angles.
- Prefer timed-text captions over burnt-in for accessibility.
- Keep releases/consents for recognisable contributors.
When Not to Use These Approaches
Skip DIY for flagship brand films, multi-mic roundtables, sensitive locations, or anything needing controlled lighting/sound. In those cases, hire video production services for rigging, colour, and broadcast-grade captions.
Conclusion
Start with one idea and post each week. Keep captions on, use music you’re allowed to use, and get consent when you film people. A simple plan and steady pace help you learn fast and spend less; just what early teams need from six small-budget video ideas. When shoots grow, bring in a pro crew for extra cameras, clear sound, neat edits, and subtitles so your story works online and at events.
Lexy Summer is a talented writer with a deep passion for the art of language and storytelling. With a background in editing and content creation, Lexy has honed her skills in crafting clear, engaging, and grammatically flawless writing.
