Best Equipment For YouTubers

What do you need for YouTube?

What Tools Do YouTubers Use? First, it’s really important to stress that equipment is not the key to a winning YouTube channel. However, good equipment can make a good YouTube channel better and a great channel awesome. YouTube is content first platform, however, the right equipment can help give you an edge over Your YouTube competition.

Depending on the niche, YouTubers may need different types of equipment. However, YouTubers need something to record the video to upload to YouTube. Such as device can be a smart phone, screen capture software, small camera with video, dedicated video camera, dslr camera (digital single lens reflex), or a mirrorless camera.

It is often said the most important part of video is audio. As a rule people are willing to put up with poor video quality if the audio is good and delivers the message or story well. Yet, a good quality video with poor audio will lose its audience quickly. Most successful YouTubers have a good audio quality and continue to invest and upgrade their audio over time.

Light is the next step. It is true we have an incredible source of free lighting in the sky. The sun. However, the sun is not always reliable. Depending on where you live you most likely don’t have consistent light from the sun. Cloudy days, the sun changing positions and night time can change the feeling or mood of your video.

I’m never more frustrated on partly cloudy days when the sun fades in and out as I’m recording a video. When you have your own light source to fully light the subject, especially when you record yourself in videos is very beneficial.

Using a tripod is helpful when you create videos. A tripod, stabilizers or hand held gimbal to help keep your camera steady for a more professional look. Even more important is your view will not get seasick watching your videos.

Editing software is helpful. As Casey Neistat says, the story is in the editing. Good editing software can help you tighten up the video for better viewing. There are many programs which can add effects to your videos. However, there are many basic editors available for free or low cost which will get the job done.

The last part of this article is a list of equipment for you to consider for your channel. However, its important to educate yourself first, so keep reading.

YouTube Equipment For Beginners 

The hardest part of YouTube is starting. Having all the right equipment for a YouTube channel should not stop you from starting. The key is to go through the process of recording and uploading your first video. Once you complete the process, you can analyze everything and figure out what you need to improve and fix.

The fact is your first videos will be your worst. So, get them out of the way. We are fortunately to live in a time where your smartphone has good enough video, audio, editing software and access to YouTube. Your first videos may not be ultimately where you want to go with your channel, however, you got past the hardest part.

Now, you can review your videos, listen to your audience for direction and next steps. You may want to upgrade your equipment a piece at a time. Maybe, if you start making a little money with your channel you can reinvest. The most important thing to understand is equipment is helpful to improve a channel, yet its not the reason to not start a YouTube channel.

Vlogging equipment

The story for vloggers is the same. Just do it and use your available camera to start. However, as your vlogging channel progresses it is nice to have some additional support equipment. This can include a good gorillapod to handhold your camera or to set down steady. A drone is another helpful and more expensive piece of equipment which can add new angles and engaging b-roll for your scenes.

Below is a sample list of equipment to consider for your YouTube channel. If you find that your favorite piece of equipment is not listed please share it and your experience in the comment.

YouTube Equipment List

YouTube Audio

There are different types of audio equipment and microphones you can use for your YouTube channel. If you have a have a video camera you might want to consider a boom microphone, for interviews a Lavere mic to clip to your guest’s shirt is a nice choice for clean sound. Although you can get good quality sound from less expensive equipment, the price is a good guide as to the quality of the microphone. Below are examples and options for your consideration.

Blue Snow ball Record vocals, create podcasts, live YouTube or add narration to YouTube videos.

• Add crystal clear audio to recordings for YouTube. Frequency Response: 40 –18 kHz
• Easy plug and play directly to your Mac or PC-no drivers to install
• Snowball iCE is a USB 2.0 device (USB 3.0 compatible as per USB 3.0 backward compatibility specification).Sample/word Rate: 44.1 kHz/16 bit

Blue Yeti Silver is the microphone I use for my YouTube live, interviews and podcasts. Yeti has variety of Microphone options.

• Multiple pattern selection – cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional & stereo.
• Gain control, mute button, zero-latency headphone output.
• Perfect for vocals, musical instruments, podcasting, voiceovers, interviews, field recordings, conference calls.

VideoMicPro Compact Directional On-Camera Microphone with Rycote Lyre Shockmount. Rode is a favorite brand of mine. I have a few Rode Microphones in my case.

• A true shotgun microphone designed for camcorders, DSLR cameras and portable audio recorders as primary and reference audio
• The 1/2″ condenser capsule provides broadcast-quality audio via a 3.5mm connector with an incredibly low self-noise of just 14db

Rode Microphone Cable, Black (SMARTLAVPLUS)

A broadcast-grade wearable microphone designed for use with a portable device like a smartphone or tablet (not a camera).

• Ideal wherever broadcast quality audio is required in a discreet, portable format additional wireless equipment
• Simply mounts on the talent, connects to a smartphone or tablet headset jack, and records via the RØDE Rec app for iOS or any other audio app of your choice

Zoom H5 Four-Track Portable Recorder

An external recorder is helpful as main source or back up audio (experience talking).

• Uses a system of interchangeable input capsules that can be swapped out as easily as the lens of a camera
• Includes detachable X/Y capsule (XYH-5) with extended signal capacity and shock mounted mics for reduced handling noise
• Four-track simultaneous recording
• Two mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors each with selectable phantom power and -20dB pad
• Runs on 2 AA batteries and records directly to SD / SDHC cards up to 32GB

YouTube Cameras

When you are ready to upgrade from your smartphone, below is a list of example options for recording your videos. I use Canon cameras and my smart phone to record. The big advantage of a DSLR is the ability to change and upgrade lenses.

GoPro HERO7 – Black  (also available in white and silver) is designed to capture smooth footage of your sports, action or adventures. The HERO7 Black’s HyperSmooth stabilization produces a gimbal-like flow without the added bulk of a gimbal.

With its Canon flip out screen and smooth auto focus the 80D is a favorite DSLR for vloggers and video creators alike. It features 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor and full HD 1080P60 video. If offers professional looking video for a reasonable price.

YouTubers who live stream or want something better than their computer camera, the Logitech C920 will delivers on your expectations. The camera clips on your screen and offers crisp and detailed Full HD video (1080p at 30fps) as well as clear, stereo sound.

YouTube Lighting

When you are ready to take a step up from depending on the sun and your window as your main light source, take control with the many lighting options available for YouTubers.

I use a ring light for my videos and is popular with many popular YouTubers. Here’s why.

• Soft quality soft light
• It’s flattering for close facial shots
• A pleasing circle eye catch light (light reflected in eyes).
• Ring lights eliminate harsh shadows

LED lights. These lights can be placed on a stand or in come cases to the top of your camera. There is a large variety of LED lighting options and prices.

Softbox for YouTube

The above example is a fluorescent lighting softbox kit. The ideas behind a softbox is to give you a window light look, without the window. A softer light rather than harsh direct light on your face.

There are a few light source options to consider. Tungsten, fluorescent, LED, among many others are available with a softbox kit. Fluorescent and LED are the more common options these days.

Make sure you have room for your lightbox. They come in many sizes and shapes for different effects. Large softboxes can tip over if not anchored to a sturdy stand. If you don’t have a lot of room, you may want to consider the next option, an umbrella.

Umbrellas For Smaller YouTube Spaces.

Umbrellas are designed to bounce and diffuse the light. A softer light on your subject or face tends to be more flattering on camera. Umbrellas are easier to set up and store than softboxes. This makes them a good option for portable studios.

Unlike softboxes, umbrellas reflect the light rather than shooting through them. Although some umbrellas have the option to aim light through them like a softbox, they are mostly used as a reflective surface.

It’s worth noting the larger the umbrella or reflective surface, the softer the light bouncing back to your subject.

YouTubes Should Use Light Stands

Your lights will most likely not be at the same level all the time. You will want to make adjustments and make sure they are steady. A good light stand takes a way the headaches out of holding, balancing lights and adjusting lights. They coming in many sizes, heights and price ranges. Yes, you get what you pay for.

These items are just a starting point. There are many pieces of equipment for you to consider. This article is to give you a sense of the types of equipment YouTubers use. If you have a specific recommendation for this article, put it in the comments. You are helping everyone with your experience.