Social Media Film School: TikTok, Instagram, YouTube & AI Course Syllabus

Overview (80-120 words) describing structure and time commitment.

Module 1: Introduction & Course Setup

Estimated time: 0.3 hours

• Course roadmap and success metrics for your social-media film journey
• Overview of essential gear: smartphones, gimbals, mics, and lighting hacks

Module 2: Storytelling for Short-Form Video

Estimated time: 0.8 hours

• Crafting hooks, narrative arcs, and call-to-action within 15–60 seconds
• Structuring scripts and storyboards for maximum impact

Module 3: Mobile Cinematography Techniques

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Composition, framing, and movement using smartphone cameras
• DIY stabilizers, lens attachments, and lighting setups on a budget

Module 4: On-Location Production & Directing

Estimated time: 0.8 hours

• Blocking scenes, directing talent, and managing time constraints
• Adapting to real-world environments: noise, permissions, and safety

Module 5: Editing for Each Platform

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Using mobile and desktop editors (CapCut, Adobe Premiere Rush, DaVinci Resolve)
• Applying cuts, transitions, text overlays, and music to suit platform norms

Module 6: Sound Design & Music Licensing

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Capturing clean audio with minimal equipment
• Sourcing royalty-free music and using platform-authorized tracks

Module 7: Platform Optimization & Algorithm Hacks

Estimated time: 0.8 hours

• Crafting thumbnails, captions, and hashtags for discoverability
• Best posting times, engagement prompts, and cross-posting strategies

Module 8: Growth Strategies & Analytics

Estimated time: 0.8 hours

• Interpreting insights: watch time, retention, and click-through rates
• A/B testing content formats and iterating based on data

Module 9: Monetization & Brand Partnerships

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Ad revenue, affiliate marketing, and creator funds explained
• Pitching and collaborating with brands for sponsored content

Module 10: Capstone Project & Next Steps

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Produce and publish a complete social-media film from concept to analytics review
• Building a content calendar and scaling your production workflow

Prerequisites

• Basic familiarity with smartphone operation
• Access to a smartphone with video recording capability
• Access to basic filming gear (smartphone, mic, gimbal)

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Develop engaging short-form video content optimized for social platforms (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts)
• Master the end-to-end social media video production process: planning, shooting, editing, and publishing
• Apply cinematic storytelling techniques within tight time constraints
• Leverage mobile filmmaking tools and apps to produce high-quality videos on the go
• Optimize your content for each platform’s algorithm, audience, and discovery features