Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for video surveillance. The method comprises: receiving a video data transmission request from a mobile device; registering the mobile device as a temporary surveillance device of the video surveillance system in response to the video data transmission request; establishing a wireless connection with the mobile device, receiving video data from the mobile device via the wireless connection; and processing and storing the video data. The methods or apparatuses of the present disclosure enables a mobile device to temporarily join in a video monitoring system as needed so as to supplement and reinforce the existing video monitoring systems, e.g., enhancing the coverage and/or precision of the video surveillance systems.