Thinking about starting a YouTube channel? Then knowing about the right equipment for the same is necessary. YouTube provides an ideal opportunity for earning passive income. Being a content creator on YouTube can help you earn decently and become famous. However, it is not easy. You cannot record a video and share it on YouTube. Without proper planning, nothing will work in your favor.
If you wish to succeed, using the proper method and equipment can help. You cannot create quality content without equipment, so the chances of success are quite low. Sure, great content does not always mean success. But if the production quality is low, there will be no chance. Without further ado, let us look at the basic equipment one needs to start a YouTube channel.
What is a Youtube Channel?
A YouTube channel is a user-created page within the YouTube website where videos may be uploaded, shared, and categorized. It’s a one-stop shop for video makers to reach an international audience. YouTube channels are readily discoverable due to their distinct names, logos, and URLs.
Some Basic YouTube Equipment
Camera
Having a camera is necessary since you are starting to be a video content creator. You cannot shoot a great-quality vlog without a camera. Yes, smartphones can get the job done, but for high-quality videos, cameras are necessary. Also, a few content types require a camera, like shooting a documentary or a small series. Initially, you can start with a portable camera, which is also easy to use. Later, switching to a better-quality camera is ideal.
Read More: The Best Mirrorless Cameras for 2023
Microphone
You want people to hear what you are saying clearly. For this, having an external microphone is essential. Sound is crucial to a channel, as the quality of the video’s audio keeps the audience attentive. Having a microphone is necessary if you want people to pay attention to what you are saying or demonstrating. You will find microphones ranging from cheap to expensive; here are a few you can use. These are the cheaper ones, which you can buy for under $500, but there are also expensive microphones.
- Heil PR-40, the best microphone with better audio quality
- Samson CO1U, a USB mic
- Logitech Clearchat Headset, best for beginners
A Tripod
Using a stack of books to put your smartphone or camera on works fine. But in the long run, this is not a viable option. It is not stable, and your camera or smartphone can fall. It increases the time spent creating a video as well. Therefore, having a tripod for your camera or a smartphone tripod stand is necessary. The quality of video you get with a tripod is amazing. You can create videos with different angles and depths. So, invest in a tripod to ensure your video comes out perfectly. Check Cygnett for the best tripods on the market. A tip to remember when buying a tripod is to choose one heavier than your camera. A lighter one will cause accidents, which you do not want. Without a proper tripod, your video will be blurry or shaky, which you do not want.
Portable Lightning
Lightning isn’t much of an issue when creating content or taking shots outside, especially if you are in sunlight. But when you shoot indoor videos, you will need extra lighting. Even if you have natural light coming in, you still need portable lightning. Otherwise, the videos will be dark. There are different types of lightning that you can use for creating videos. For instance, if you shoot wedding videos or documentaries to share on YouTube, you will use a professional camera.
For this, you can mount lights directly on the camera. Small and convenient, these are perfect. You can also use a ring light to provide extra light in the room while shooting the video. It is best for shooting or recording a video using a phone. Another type of lightning is the softbox, which emulates soft light from the bulb. They usually come mounted on a tripod stand. It does not cast any harsh shadows. An umbrella light is another option that is inexpensive and portable. It doesn’t cast any harsh shadow and is ideal for creating quality content.
Investing in Audio Accessories
While a good external microphone improves audio quality, there are other audio accessories worth considering. Pop filters, for instance, reduce plosive sounds (like “p” and “b” sounds) that can distort your audio. Boom arms or microphone stands can help you position your microphone perfectly, avoiding any unwanted noise from handling the microphone during recording.
Backdrop and Lighting Setup
Enhancing your video’s visual appeal involves more than just a camera and tripod. Investing in proper lighting and backdrops can significantly improve the overall quality of your videos. Softbox lights provide even, diffused lighting that reduces harsh shadows, while backdrops help maintain consistency and a professional look throughout your videos.
Creating Engaging Thumbnails
Thumbnails are the first thing viewers see when browsing through videos. They play a crucial role in attracting clicks and viewership. Invest time in creating eye-catching thumbnails that accurately represent the video’s content. Use bold, readable text and high-quality images to grab viewers’ attention.
Choosing the Right Background
Creating an engaging visual environment is essential for your YouTube videos. A cluttered or distracting background can take away from your presentation content. Consider setting up a dedicated shooting space with a neutral or branded background. This adds professionalism to your videos and enhances the overall viewer experience.
A Camera Remote
When shooting a video, you want shots from different angles. Thus, having a camera remote comes in handy. Otherwise, you must repeatedly stand up to adjust the angle and setting. It can disrupt the video. Therefore, having this inexpensive tool works best.
Final Words:
Carefully Plan when starting a YouTube channel. Be prepared in every aspect to give yourself a chance of surviving, as the competition is massive. Nothing can save a poor-quality video, not even SEO. So, instead of producing bad video after video, work on creating only quality videos. In order to create engaging material that sticks with your viewers, you need high-quality equipment. This includes a camera, microphone, lights, and editing software. Success on YouTube is not instantaneous, so be patient and continuously improve your videos.
