Do you want to know how I make my YouTube videos behind the scenes? You’re going to get a guided tour through my recording studio/office. You’ll learn about my favorite equipment and I’ll share my top tips for creating your home studio… and where you can buy YouTube Subscribers. You can even get started with a guide to free equipment.
Hey, Posse! What’s up? It’s Alex.
Since my YouTube tutorial, where I discussed tips on how to get started with YouTube, many people have asked me about my favorite recording equipment. “We will be discussing that in this blog.” Welcome to our crew, if this is your first time! You’ll find on my blog hundreds of tutorials that cover everything from marketing to copywriting and social media. Subscribe to my Copy Posse Newsletter to receive notifications when I release the next tutorial. Before we begin, let’s take a look at my favorite equipment.
This is what I am currently using. This does not mean that what I am using is the best or only option. Since I started this business, I have had to change my equipment several times. As I grow, I will continue to upgrade and change. Please don’t take my list as the “best” – it is simply what I have used and found to give great results. You don’t have to use my setup to start – at least I didn’t. Just starting is more important than the best equipment. Don’t be held back by this. After that, let’s move on. Here’s my setup.
YouTube Audio and Video
First things first, let’s get started.
All of my videos on YouTube are recorded using the Canon EOSR. This is a very expensive camera. If you are just starting, you do not have to invest this amount. It is highly recommended that you wait until you see some results and progress before you spend money on fancy equipment. Save some money to give your project to a YouTube marketing company. I suggest you Followerzoid.
In the beginning, when I started my YouTube channel I had a Canon Rebel, a basic and affordable SLR. Sony Alpha A6000 is also a less-expensive option. Many options offer excellent video quality at a lower price. Find some great, used models on Facebook Marketplace. If you can’t buy a camera, don’t worry. Start with your Smartphone and upgrade to a DSL camera later.
Here are some tips to help you get the highest quality from your smartphone: The camera at the back is the best option. Most phones have a poor front-facing camera. You can use a tripod such as this to create a video that is steady and at eye level. Trust me you do WANT a tripod. Nothing is worse than having to deal with shaky video or the frustration that comes from a DIY book stack gone wrong.
This will give you footage that looks good on YT. You will get footage that is suitable for YT. You’ll need some room to move. You can then easily crop your video for short vertical form. You won’t have the option to crop the video vertically if you are standing too close to your camcorder.
Next up…
No one wants to watch videos where the audio is not in sync with the speakers… To ensure that my audio and video are synced perfectly, I have taken extra steps. This is how I connected my DSLR camera to the Rode Wireless GO II wireless system with a single channel (Transmitter and Lavalier mic). Here’s what you do: mount your camera to a tripod. Any tripod will do as long as it is stable and flat. Just adjust your tripod’s height so that it is perfectly at eye level with where you will be standing or sitting.
Here’s an insider tip…
Mark the position of your tripod on the ground with masking tape so you can easily find it next time. You should ALSO mark the area where you stand or sit. Try to work with some already great youtubers or do brand promotions with businesses. It’s a quicker way to earn more money. You can create a frame for every video that you make, without having to spend a lot of time setting it up. One last thing about audio… The carpet in my studio means that I do not have to be concerned about echoes. If you are recording at a place with many hard surfaces, such as tile, hardwood flooring, or windows, then sound panels will help to diffuse the echo. Sound panels will absorb the echoes and help diffuse them.
Now that you have audio and video setup, let’s move on to the next step. Let’s talk about what makes a great video.
Are you also got trouble by your opponents due to their higher credibility? I suggest you to invest in negative Google reviews to make them worry.
YouTube Lighting Setup
It is my firm belief that lighting plays a huge role in the quality of your videos. There are many lighting options available that can be affordable, so you shouldn’t miss this step. My studio has a big window that lets in a lot more natural light. It’s also free. If you have the opportunity to film by a window, do so! Two additional Soft box Lights are also used on each side of the windows and pointed towards me.
When I film at night I backlight the walls behind me with an extra set of lights. You can use two lighting kits if you do not have much natural light. They will create nice even backlighting and lighting.
While natural light is GREAT…
You can go a bit too far and get harsh shadows. Do your best to shoot in the early morning or late evening when the light will be softest. You can’t always avoid bright and sunny days. You can use a sheet of white paper to cover the window. You want something thin to diffuse light, and prevent overexposure. The next step in my YouTube set-up is…
Teleprompter Kit
Many people have asked me how I can remember the script I use, or even if I do. Yes, I use scripts when filming. Even for structured and educational content, where there are specific topics I want to cover. For less-structured, freer-flowing content, I may not use word-for-word scripts… But I still read from an outline. It helps me to stay on track and not lose my train of thought if I start to ramble. Comment below if you want to know how I create my YouTube scripts, from the elements that I include to how I organize them and how I optimize them to read. So yes I use scripts…
Here’s a quick guide to know where you can get real Google reviews.
Then I’ll read the scripts from a teleprompter.
The Parrot Teleprompter Kit fits any SLR Camera and is lightweight. This requires a Smartphone and a teleprompter application To add the script to the app, you need to copy and paste it.adjust the speed. Make sure your remote is Bluetooth-connected. You can mirror the text on your Smartphone by sliding it into the teleprompter. You will need to do this a couple of times until you find a speed that is similar to your usual cadence.
OH! Pro tip…
Buy extra batteries for your remote control! The remote will not work well once the batteries start to run out. You don’t want to be without a remote when recording time comes. Okay, that was the equipment part of it…Let’s now talk about how the studio is set up during filming.
YouTube Filming Setup
Background. Everyone’s favorite topic. This is the biggest thing stopping people from creating their own YouTube channel (including me! haha)
The perfect background is important to us.
It’s okay to have a wall in a single color! It’s not necessary to have the perfect shelving unit or mood lighting. A plant can be placed anywhere. No one cares as much about your past as you do.
Seriously! Seriously!
You’ll do fine as long as you avoid a cluttered or messy background. A mirror is another thing that you DON’T WANT in the background. You don’t need to see your awkward self-reflection in the frame. Here’s my setup for recording day. The tripod, teleprompter, and two box lights will be in front of a window. I can stand or sit in the center of the room, and the box lights at either end are pointing toward me. The remote control for my prompter is in my left hand.
That’s all!
I am ready to start recording and send it to my team for editing and publication. Hope you find this very helpful. You can download my YouTube Studio Setup Guide to get all the details. Enjoy your content creation! Until next time, I’m Alex – Ciao for now!
