Short-form video has become one of the most powerful ways to share kendama progression, creativity, and style. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts reward clips that are visually clear, easy to rewatch, and immediately engaging. Filming kendama tricks for these platforms requires a different mindset than long-form edits, where clarity and movement matter more than quick edits an b-roll footage.
This guide breaks down how to improve your short-form kendama clips through better visuals, smarter filming styles, and engagement-driven editing decisions.
The single most important rule of short-form kendama content is simple: always keep the trick in frame. If viewers lose sight of the tama or ken, even briefly, it breaks immersion and reduces replay value. Short-form audiences scroll fast, and losing interest costs view retention.
Lighting plays a major role here. Filming in well-lit environments ideally outdoors, near windows with natural light, or under bright artificial lights if filming at night helps the kendama stand out and keeps the clip visually crisp. Dim or uneven lighting makes tricks harder to see, especially when people are primarily viewing on phone screens.
The background of your shot is equally as important. Busy or cluttered environments compete with the trick for attention. Solid-colored walls, clean floors, or simple outdoor surfaces help isolate movement. If your camera has a tight focal range and can keep just the kendama in focus, background choice becomes less critical, but contrast between the kendama and surroundings is always beneficial.
Static tripod shots are great, but clips where the camera follows the motion of the trick consistently simply perform better. Kendama is dynamic, and the camera should reflect that.
If you have a filmer, encourage them to move with the trick, bending their knees and shifting their body in the same way you do while playing. This creates a natural flow that keeps the kendama centered while adding energy and depth to the clip. Even subtle camera movement dramatically increases watchability.
When using a GoPro, Insta360, or POV setup, think carefully about your environment. POV shots work best when the ground and surrounding colors are simple and uncluttered. Neutral pavement, public parks, tennis courts, gym floors, or single-color surfaces allow the kendama to pop visually and make POV tricks easier to follow.
For short-form platforms, the opening seconds are everything. Do not add b-roll at the beginning of kendama clips. Viewers don’t want introductions, they want to see the action.
The strongest format is straightforward:
start the trick → land the trick → cut.
This structure creates perfect loop potential, encouraging viewers to watch again immediately after the spike. B-roll interrupts that loop and makes clips harder to rewatch. Also refrain from adding a logo at the beginning of your trick if you want to keep eyes on your post. The most engaging kendama tricks are often the simplest ones.
If you don’t have a filmer, that’s not a disadvantage. POV clips often outperform third-person angles, especially on IG, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. Holding your phone in your non-dominant hand while playing with your dominant hand puts the viewer directly inside the trick. On top of being impressed with your trick, viewers will be thinking "how did they even film this?"
GoPro head-mount shots also work extremely well when stabilized and framed correctly. These angles feel immersive and natural, which increases retention.
Some players elevate solo filming further using motion tracking in editing apps. Motion-tracking the ken or tama subtly keeps the trick centered on screen and adds visual polish without distraction.
Certain creators set a strong standard for short-form kendama filming. Alex Mitchell’s Instagram feed is a great example: tricks are always fully in frame, the camera follows the motion naturally, lighting is prime, and background colors contrast clearly with the kendama. He also avoids b-roll entirely, creating clips that loop seamlessly and invite repeat views. Davide Leonardi’s is another player who has mastered the art of filming kendama. His use of motion tracking is a strong example of how technical editing can enhance kendama tricks without overpowering them.
Studying creators who consistently perform well can help you identify patterns worth trying in your own filming.
Music selection plays a major role in engagement. Trending audio increases discoverability, but alignment matters more than popularity. Timing the spike or final catch exactly on a beat drop or musical accent significantly increases replay value.
That said, music isn’t always necessary. Raw clips with natural sound like a tap or spike, subtle movement noises, or even audible breathing can feel authentic and immersive. These clips often perform surprisingly well because they feel unfiltered and personal.
Avoid overpowering the trick with audio. Whether you use music or natural sound, the focus should always remain on the kendama.
In short-form kendama content, less is more. Clips tend to perform better when:
There is no logo overlay
Text is minimal or nonexistent
Edits are clean and purposeful
Branding can be added thoughtfully, but heavy overlays can distract from the trick and reduce watch time.
There is no single formula for success across all platforms. Trial and error is essential. Test different angles, lighting setups, music choices, and clip lengths. Pay attention to your own analytics and adjust based on what resonates with your audience.
The most successful kendama creators aren’t necessarily the most technical, they’re the most observant and willing to adapt. Often trying hundreds of strategies and posting the videos that they love to make.
Short-form kendama filming is about clarity, movement, and emotion. Keep the trick visible, let the camera move naturally, eliminate unnecessary elements, and prioritize rewatchability. When done well, even a single trick can tell a story in under five seconds.
More importantly, filming kendama creatively encourages progression, not just in tricks, but in how the culture is shared. The more players experiment with filming styles, angles, and presentation, the richer short-form kendama content becomes across all platforms.
Create, test, refine, and most importantly have fun doing it.
