You've set up your camera.
You've pressed record.
And then…nothing.
That familiar wave of camera anxiety hits, and suddenly you can't remember a single thing you wanted to say.
Does that sound familiar?
If so, watch my quick video below and discover 5 actionable tips that helped me, as an incurable introvert.
Camera shyness is far more common than most people realise. Whether you're a business owner trying to grow on YouTube, a coach sharing your expertise, or a creator just starting out, feeling camera shy can feel like an insurmountable obstacle.
But I’m here to tell you it really isn't.
I'm a self-confessed introvert who started recording YouTube videos eight years ago with zero video experience and a serious case of camera shyness!
Today, those videos have racked up thousands of views, attracted sponsored deals, and grown a real income through affiliate marketing. More importantly, I now genuinely love being on camera.
Here are my five actionable tips that got me from camera shy to confident (and they can do the same for you).
1. It's Not About You, It's About What You Offer
One of the biggest mental shifts you can make when dealing with camera anxiety is to stop thinking about yourself and start thinking about your audience.
Millions of people are searching YouTube every single day looking for help, advice, and answers.
Thousands of them are probably searching right now for exactly the kind of expertise you can provide.
When they find your video, they are not going to judge you on how you look, whether you stumble over your words, or whether your hair is perfect. They are going to be focused entirely on whether you can solve their problem.
In fact, making a few mistakes here and there makes you more relatable and human, not less credible.
Your audience isn't expecting a polished TV presenter. They're expecting a real person who genuinely understands what they're going through.
2. Practice Really Does Make Perfect (I Promise)
Nobody wants to hear this, but there's no shortcut around it: the more you film yourself, the more comfortable you'll feel on camera.
When I first started in 2018, I couldn't bear to watch myself back.
It made me cringe!
But I kept going, because I was motivated by what I knew consistent video content could do for my business.
Slowly, that cringe faded. I pushed through the discomfort, and eventually it stopped feeling like discomfort at all.
Here’s what I suggest you do:
If you're new to this, start small.
Try recording a few short practice videos on your smartphone every day, not for publishing, just for getting used to seeing and hearing yourself.
The camera anxiety doesn't disappear overnight, but it does get significantly smaller the more you practise.
When the discomfort feels overwhelming, remind yourself why you started. Sharing your knowledge, connecting with your audience, and growing something real from your expertise should always feel bigger than a moment of temporary discomfort.
And it really is temporary.
3. Talk to a Friend, Not a Lens
This is one of the most practical tips I ever received when I was camera shy, and it genuinely changed how I show up on camera.
Instead of staring down the barrel of the lens and feeling like you're delivering a performance, imagine you're having a relaxed conversation with a good friend or a family member. Notice how your language changes, it becomes more natural, less stilted, more like you.
If it helps, print out a photo of someone you love, stick it just behind your camera, and genuinely talk to them. It sounds a little silly, but it works remarkably well.
Your energy shifts, your delivery loosens up, and your camera anxiety drops noticeably.
4. Break It Down: Record in Short, Manageable Chunks
A lot of camera shyness isn't just about being on camera, it's about the pressure of remembering everything you want to say whilst also trying to look natural and relaxed.
That's a lot to ask of yourself, especially at the start.
Here's what I do:
I set up a dedicated folder in Google Drive (or Dropbox or iCloud, whatever works for you) for each video project. I then record in short, bite-sized clips of around one to two minutes each. Each clip covers just one point.
I save each snippet and label the video file clearly, so I know the correct order when it comes to editing.
This approach completely removes the pressure of filming a five-to-eight minute video all in one go. You don't have to hold everything in your head at once. You just focus on one small piece at a time.
To help you stay on track within each chunk, you have two great options:
Bullet point prompts: Jot down the key points you want to cover in each segment as a short bullet list. Keep it visible just out of frame as a reference.
A teleprompter: Write a short script and use a teleprompter. This can be a complete game-changer — especially on days when brain fog or anxiety makes improvising feel impossible.
5. Use the Right Tools to Make It Easier
Technology has come a long way, and some of the tools available now can make the jump from camera shy to confident feel a lot less daunting.
One of the apps that has been a genuine game-changer for me is VEED.
As well as being an all-round brilliant video editing tool, it includes a built-in teleprompter that is completely free to use.
On days when my camera anxiety is running high, or when depression makes scripting and memorising feel impossible, I simply write my script and read it as I record.
The result feels natural and relaxed rather than stiff or overproduced.
What makes VEED particularly clever is its “Eye Contact” feature.
Once you've finished recording, click 'AI Tools' underneath the preview window and toggle the ‘Eye Contact’ button to the ‘on’ position.
It automatically adjusts your gaze so it looks like you're speaking directly into the camera, even if you were reading from a script.
You can try premium features like this once for free before committing to a paid plan.
If you use this link you’ll benefit from a generous discount off annual VEED plans. *
VEED “Eye Correct” tool
Final Thoughts: Going From Camera Shy to Confident Is a Journey
Camera shyness is real, and camera anxiety is genuinely uncomfortable.
But neither of them is permanent, and neither of them has to stop you from building something brilliant with video.
In summary, start by reframing your mindset:
Your audience needs what you have to offer, they’re focused on learning and they're not judging you.
Build your confidence gradually through practice.
Use simple techniques like talking to a friend behind the lens.
Break your recording sessions into manageable pieces.
Find tools and apps, like VEED, that make the whole process easier.
The version of you that loves being on camera is already in there. These five steps are just about helping you find them.
If you have a tip of your own that’s helped you overcome camera shyness, I’d love to hear about it. Drop it in the comments.
If you want to give VEED a try, click here to get up to 30% off any annual VEED plan.
That works out to roughly two and a half months free. It's the tool I use every time I record, and I wouldn't recommend it if I didn't genuinely rely on it myself.
*[Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my link I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — and it helps me keep creating free content like this. Thank you for your support!]
