Youtube has become an incredibly popular platform, and because it is so easy to start your own channel, it has quickly become populated with creators. No matter what kind of content you are making on the platform, you will need some essential equipment to get yourself started. Although there is no requirement to have any equipment, it helps make your videos look put together and visually appealing.
Making Youtube videos is not only a fun hobby; it can also be profitable and has allowed many to make a living out of it. One of the primary differences between a good and a bad Youtube video is the filming equipment. Good equipment allows your videos to look well-lit and crisp, your voice can be heard clearly, and the editing is done well. All these features make your video stand out and get traction.
How to Start a Channel on Youtube
One of the best things about Youtube is that anyone can create a channel and post videos. There are various niches within this platform that you can explore and decide to pursue. For example, reaction videos and reviewing products are popular niches with plenty of creators. If you have found a video genre to try out, the first thing you should do is create a Google account.
Once you have created a google account, you will need to either sign in or log in to Youtube. When you have done so, you will need to click the camera icon and set your channel’s name. The next step is to click the Create Channel button, and add a profile image to customize it further.
Once your Youtube account is created, the last step is to film and upload a video, which will get uploaded directly to your channel. In theory, you do not need much to create a video. All you need is a camera that you can set up to record. This can be a DSLR or even your smartphone.
It is important to note that if your account is not verified, you will not be able to post videos longer than 15 minutes. Verified accounts can post videos that are up to 12 hours in length or 256GB in size.
Can you use your phone for Youtube Videos?
With advancements in phone technology, smartphone cameras have improved a lot over the years. This means you can easily use them to make Youtube videos. If you plan on using your phone, you must keep in mind the microphone quality of your phone. Most phones have incredible cameras capable of shooting at 4K, but their inbuilt microphones are subpar, causing your voice to echo.
To solve this issue, you can invest in an external microphone. If you plan to do so, ensure you purchase one that is compatible and not too heavy for your phone to handle. Additionally, having a tripod or gimbal for your phone can help make your videos seem professional.
What do you need to start making Youtube Videos?
If you plan to do Youtube seriously, it is best if you purchase a few pieces of equipment that will help make your videos crisp and clean. There are plenty of equipment pieces that you can buy, but not all of them will be helpful if you are just starting out. It is always best to stick to a few basic ones and then add on as you upgrade your setup.
Here are a few essential equipment pieces that every Youtuber should own before starting their Youtube journey.
A Dedicated Camera
Having a good camera is extremely important when starting out with Youtube. You don’t necessarily need the most expensive camera, but you should have a good camera resolution. Ensure that whichever camera you buy has a 1080p resolution or higher. It should also have zoom capabilities. If you are recording just yourself, you may not need a wide zoom, but in certain situations, having that option can be extremely useful. For example, you want to show off your amazing background or get close to an object. In that case, a wide zoom will be incredibly useful.
Autofocus is another crucial feature that your camera should have. Most cameras have incredible autofocus capabilities. Still, you should check that the camera is able to recognize your face and keep it in focus for extended periods while you are filming.
The kind of camera or digital camera you have also plays a vital role in the type of video you will create.
If you are looking for a compact and cheap camera, then you should skip DSLRs because they are the heaviest and most expensive models. They are used for professional videography and photography but are also popular among YouTubers because of the exceptional video quality they provide. The best thing about DSLRs is that you can change the lens and mount the best one according to the type of video you are shooting. If you are doing product reviews or cooking videos, getting a DSLR is the best option.
Another option are mirrorless cameras. Mirrorless cameras are by far the most versatile camera type that provides the same quality as DSLRs but are much more compact and lightweight than them. Whether you want to do product reviews, cooking videos, vlogging, or anything else, mirrorless cameras are a good fit. However, they are more expensive than DSLRs.
Camcorders do not get much attention from people because they are not like DSLRs or Mirrorless cameras. However, getting one would be a smart decision for new YouTubers because a camcorder’s focus is on video, allowing you to record great-looking videos without paying a premium for photography features you don’t need.
If you will be recording yourself in front of your computer, a webcam is the best option you have got. They are cheap and easy-to-use among all other camera types. Webcams are preferred by streamers and gamers who run them for hours because it doesn’t pose any risk to their internal components, unlike other cameras.
If you are making a YouTube channel for adventure videos, then an action camera is a must. It excels in recording dynamic situations with a moment’s notice. They are rugged, portable, and provide excellent quality without blurring out your videos. You can mount them on your head or wherever you want and shoot amazing action videos on the go.
A Good Microphone
If your video has poor sound, it will automatically decrease its enjoyability, and you will also be unable to get your point across. To avoid such issues, you must purchase a microphone that can record crisp sound.
There are many different microphones available, and you should choose a microphone considering the content you are filming. Some of the most popular types of microphones include handheld microphones, lavalier microphones, shotgun microphones, and USB microphones.
Handheld microphones are the most commonly used. These microphones will be the best fit if you plan to film documentary-style content with interviews. They are usually small and easy to carry, making them popular among Youtubers. Handheld microphones are also relatively inexpensive.
Lavalier microphones are small-sized microphones that you can clip onto your clothing. They are usually small and inconspicuous, which makes them perfect for filming content where you do not want any distractions. They are inexpensive and unobtrusive, which makes them quite popular.
USB microphones work great indoors – they are one of the standard picks of YouTubers because of their versatility and affordability. USB microphones provide good quality sound without breaking the bank. The Logitech USB Headset H390 is a great option as it is convenient to use and provides clear, crisp sound with active noise cancellation. Being a USB headset microphone, you can plug it into your computer and start recording without any setup.
Shotgun microphones are pointed microphones that provide high-quality sound and can be used with even a small, professional camera. They usually have shock mounts to avoid any noise from mechanical vibrations around the mic. Being pointed microphones, they don’t pick up a lot of ambient sounds on the sides even when you are recording outdoors.
A condenser microphone is also a USB microphone that doesn’t need a pre-amp and allows self-monitoring through its headphone jack and built-in volume control. It is an ideal choice for recording podcasts and home recording due to its extended frequency response.
A Lapel microphone, also known as a lavalier mic or a lapel mic, is a compact, wireless microphone that you can easily clip onto your shirt or belt. A high-quality lapel mic comes with a transmitter to which it is connected and a receiver that can pick up the signals from the transmitter even if you are recording far away from the camera.
Here are some common purposes and what microphone suits them best.
| Purpose | Type of Microphone |
| To record voiceovers | A large-diaphragm condenser microphone. |
| To record live vocals and voices. | A dynamic microphone with wireless connectivity |
| For web communications, | A USB microphone. |
Gimbals & Tripods
Gimbals, tripods, and stabilizers are also important when filming Youtube videos. Without a tripod or gimbal, your video may get shaky and blurry, significantly diminishing its quality. To avoid this, you should invest in a gimbal or tripod.
Gimbals are sophisticated devices that use motors to stabilize your phone or camera. Any motion you make, your gimbal will counteract it, causing your phone or camera to remain in one place and record smoothly. Some gimbals also come with extra features such as auto-tracking and an app. If the gimbal you purchase comes with an app, you can change its settings from there so that it suits your needs.
Lighting
If you are filming inside, you will most likely need extra lighting to be visible. If you own a large professional camera, you can mount it directly onto it. If you have a regular camera or film on your phone, various lighting and lighting kit options are available.
One of the most common kinds is the softbox, which can emulate soft light from a bulb. This allows you to add lighting without producing harsh shadows. Another popular kind is a ring light, which is standard among influencers. Ring lights are designed to remove shadows from all directions and make people look attractive.
You can also purchase an umbrella light, which is inexpensive and portable. Using these lights, you will get soft lighting, preferred by most content creators.
The Right Video Editing Software
The right video editing software is also a must when making Youtube videos. Through editing, you can make your video look extremely professional. You can add music, text, and effects and tell a story. There are many different kinds of video editing softwares to choose from. Professionals suggest that starting with simple software at the beginning is best because high-quality editing softwares tend to be quite expensive.
PC
When making Youtube videos, having a good PC makes the whole process much smoother. If you plan on simple editing, you should have a PC with an Intel i5 processor. On the other hand, if you plan to do heavy edits, you should have a much more powerful i7 processor that will be able to keep up with the editing software.
Your monitor should also be of high quality. If you film in 4K, it is essential that you have a full 4K screen that has a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. You should also check the monitor’s IPS, which shows color accuracy. It is crucial that you can see the colors accurately so that the video appears as it is filmed on other screens as well. Color correcting is an essential part of most Youtubers’ editing process. If you cannot see the colors accurately, they may appear too dull or too bright on different screens.
FAQs
1. Do small YouTubers get paid?
If you are a small Youtube creator, you may earn around $0.01 to $0.03 for an ad view. You can make approximately $18 per 1000 ad views as your channel grows. This means that for every 1000 video views, you can earn $3 to $5.
2. What do you need for a gaming Youtube channel?
Suppose you plan to create a channel where you upload gaming videos. In that case, you may need to purchase a good camera, microphone, and software that allows you to screen record so that you can film the game in high quality.
3. What video editing apps do Youtubers use?
Popular video editing apps used by Youtubers include iMovies, Adobe Premiere Pro CC, and Final Cut Pro.
Conclusion
Starting a Youtube video can be daunting, but if you have all the necessary equipment, you will feel ready and much more confident about the task at hand. Making it big on Youtube requires talent, but a good camera, microphone, and a device that can keep your device stable can go a long way. They help ensure that your viewers enjoy your video and keep coming back for more.