How to Make a Science Video Yourself (Even With Zero Budget)

Want to turn your research into a story people remember?
Start with our guide on science storytelling for biotech founders—and learn how to explain your science in a way that connects, even on a tight budget.

Many scientists assume a professional science video must cost thousands.
But that’s not always true.

If you’re just getting started—and don’t have budget yet—you can still create a clear, effective video with nothing but your phone and your ideas.

Here’s how to make a science video yourself, in just a few steps.

🎯 Step 1: How to make a science video yourself: Write a Short, Clear Script

Start by writing a script of about 260 words.
Keep it simple. Focus on:

  • The problem you’re solving
  • The solution your science provides
  • How it works (briefly!)
  • Benefits of your technology
  • What makes you unique

Imagine you’re explaining it to someone sitting next to you at a café.

🖼️ Step 2: How to make a science video yourself: Add One Visual

Use a clear illustration of your technology.
It doesn’t have to be fancy—an existing slide, hand sketch, or schematic works.

What matters is giving your audience something to see while you speak.

📱 Step 3: how to make a science video yourself: Record With Your Phone

Find good natural light or use a basic ring light.
Use a $40 wireless mic for better sound (your phone’s audio is usually not enough).
Record in a quiet space, looking into the lens.

💡 Pro tip: Keep it under 2 minutes.

✅ What You Don’t Need (But People Think You Do)

You don’t need a:

  • Director
  • Script doctor
  • Makeup artist
  • Drone
  • Video crew
  • Special effects

Really—you don’t even need a “set.”
Just good content, sound, and lighting.

🧰 The Only Equipment You Really Need to make a science video yourself

A smartphone with a decent camera
A $40 wireless microphone
A $30 ring light with tripod and phone holder

Total? Just $70. And you’re ready to post it on LinkedIn, send it to investors, or add it to your website.

💡 Why This Works

Your audience doesn’t want perfection.
They want to understand.

A short, simple science video builds trust faster than any pitch deck.
It shows clarity, confidence, and that you care about your communication.

👇 Bonus Tip

Still want it to look a bit better?
Record 3 takes. Pick the one where you sound the most natural.
Then trim the start and end in your phone’s video editor.

Simple.

🚀 Final Thought

Making a science video in 2024 doesn’t require a crew, a budget, or even experience.

It just takes a script, a visual, and your voice.

And if you ever want to level up from DIY to studio-level storytelling, we’re here to help.

For a practical example of how to film a video with just your phone, check out Ali Abdaal’s guide on how to film YouTube videos on your phone. He covers everything from lighting and audio to framing, making it a valuable resource for beginners.