Whether you’re promoting yourself, a brand, or business on social media, one thing’s for certain: Video content moves the needle. TikTok has turned into a nearly 100 billion dollar industry and Instagram has made it abundantly clear that it’s prioritizing users who create Reels. And then there’s good ol’ YouTube, of course — the pioneer of vlogging with contributors who have amassed millions of followers (and dollars) over the years.
Luckily, it doesn’t take much equipment or money to amp up your video presence across all major platforms. Check out these five essential tools to jump start your foray into capturing the moving image.
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1. A camera or phone
It probably goes without saying, but a device to record video is the single-most important item to own. The beauty of updated iPhone and Android models is that they’re already equipped with high-tech cameras that not only shoot horizontally and vertically (the former is best for traditional YouTube and the latter is best for TikTok and Instagram), but also offer adjustments in image clarity and overall specs. Should you partake in interviews, remember to also invest in an external microphone that can be held, clipped, or part of a boom. This will ensure that dialogue is crystal-clear and not muffled or interrupted.
2. A sturdy tripod
If you plan to speak directly to camera, you’ll want a sturdy tripod that keeps your phone or camera in place. This Amazon collection also comes with a selfie stick for “walk and talks,” as well as a remote control so that you can snap photos or press record without having to step out of frame. Stepping out of frame can also cause your recording device to lose its focus and there’s no fixing a constant blur!
3. A simple backdrop
As you record your first batch of videos, the focus should be on you and you only. A distracting background will divert attention away from whatever you’re trying to promote and may even be the subject of ridicule or jokes (take town that Live, Laugh, Love poster ASAP). While a simple, plain wall and modern, sleek decor will totally suffice, there are many companies that sell green screens under $40 — complete with a supporting stand — so that you can build, use, and take down at a moment’s notice. This will also allow you to superimpose whatever background or graphics you’d like to include during post-production.
4. Decent lighting
While you can certainly rely on natural lighting to keep your recording space bright, it will be inconsistent depending on the time of day and weather. Your best bet is to invest in more professional options, ranging from something as simple as these adjustable illuminators for smaller sets and as large as these oversized kits for more elaborate and intense seating areas. Either way, lighting is crucial and not just for vanity purposes. You don’t want your viewers to have a difficult time seeing you or anything you’re hoping to showcase on camera.
5. A good video editing app
Once your content has been shot (and remember to always film various takes for safety and backup purposes), it’s time to edit it in a way that makes sense for you and your brand. Different apps suit different types of people, but there are a bevy of standard free options to kick off your content creation journey. A personal favorite of mine is InShot — it’s idiot-proof and perfect for base-level editing such as adding text and music, slowing down tracks, as well as cutting and splicing different sections. Remember to also experiment with the editing tools within social media apps — companies tend to favor those who use their platform, which ups your chances of a video going viral.
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