5 Essential Pieces of Gear to Start a YouTube Channel

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You want to start a YouTube channel. You’ve got a great idea for your YouTube channel, but you don’t know where to start. Maybe you want to get started filming short videos for your channel and are unsure of what gear you need. 

Or maybe you’re just looking to improve your vlogging skills. Whatever the case may be, starting a YouTube channel can be daunting. That’s why I’ve put together this list of essential pieces of gear that will help kick-start your new YouTube channel. 

From video cameras to editing software, these are the must-have items if you want to start filming and uploading videos as soon as possible.

Essential Gear to Start a YouTube Channel

SmartPhone Camera

When it comes to your most important piece of equipment you don’t have to look any further than the phone in your pocket right now.

That’s all you need to get started. However if you know your current phones camera isn’t that great hen this is the perfect time for an upgrade.

There are a few things to consider when choosing a phone. The camera quality for both video and photos, battery life and the memory size. 

Here are 3 SmartPhone’s I recommend:

Apple iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max

Samsung Galaxy S22 5G

Google Pixel 6

SmartPhone Camera Gear

One of the most important purchases that you’ll make when starting a YouTube channel is your smartphone camera. While many smartphones can shoot high-quality videos, you may want additional features. 

By shopping around, you should be able to find a smartphone that has great shooting capabilities. To enhance the quality of your smartphone camera, you’ll also want to invest in a phone camera lens. 

Phone lenses come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to find one that fits your phone. Phone lenses are a great way to enhance the quality of your smartphone’s camera. This is also a great option if you’re not ready to upgrade your phone but you’re current phone doesn’t have a great quality camera.

Here are 3 Smartphone Lense Kits I Recommend:

Apexel 10 in 1 Phone Camera lens kit

Apexel 6 In 1 Phone Camera Lens Kit

Sevenoak SmartCine by Movo – Complete Universal Smartphone Video Kit

Audio Recorders & Microphones

Audio matters when it comes to video which is why you should invest in a great mic. 

Regardless of the phone you choose, you’ll want to make sure that the device you use is easy to use while you’re recording. 

You want a mic that picks up your voice clearly and depending on where you plan to record your videos, you may want a mic the doesn’t pick up additional noise around you.

Here are 3 Microphones I Recommend For Your YouTube Channel:

Boya BY-M1 Clip-On Microphone for DSLR

Movo WMX-1-DUO 2.4GHz Dual Wireless Lavalier Microphone System

Comica CVM-VM10II Camera Microphone Cardioid Directional Condenser

Editing Software

Once you have your video footage, you’ll want to edit it. For this, you’ll want to invest in good editing software. 

If you’re a complete newbie you want something that is easy to learn and get started with.

While there are hundreds of different programs on the market, many of them are overpriced and difficult to use. 

The best editing software is easy to use, yet provides all of the features you’ll need to create great videos. 

Here some free and low cost editing software I recommend:

Filmora Video Editor

OpenShot Video Editor

LightWorks

HitFilm FX

 Lighting kits

As you begin shooting and editing your own videos, you’ll quickly learn that the lighting in most rooms is subpar for filming videos. If you have a good size window with great sunshine you may get away with using natural light.

However you have to restrict your video recording time to the hours you have great lighting.

To remedy this, you’ll want to invest in a lighting kit. 

Lighting kits usually come with a number of different lights that you can use to enhance the ambient lighting in your room. 

If a full lighting kit is outside your budget or you’re just short on space then you can get ring lights instead.

Here are 3 light kits I recommend:

EMART 1000W Softbox Lighting Kit with Reflectors

RALENO Softbox Photography Lighting

Andoer Studio Lighting Kit

Here are 3 Ring Lights I recommend:

Ring Light with Tripod Stand & Phone Holder Tall

GerTong 12.6” Selfie Ring Light with Tripod Stand & Phone Holder

MOHOO LED Ring Light 10 Inch Selfie Ring Light with 2 Adjustable Tripods

Tripods & Camera Stands

As you begin your journey as a YouTuber, you’ll want to make sure that your videos are professional. 

To do this, you’ll want to invest in good tripod and camera stands. Good tripod and stands allow you to shoot your videos in a way that’s professional and professional-looking.

Here are 3 I recommend:

Amazon Basics 127-cm (50-Inch) Lightweight Tripod with Bag

Ailun Phone Camera Tripod Mount/Stand

Selfie Stick Tripod with Wireless Remote, 4 in 1 Extendable Portable Selfie Stick & Phone Tripod

Final Words

Creating your own YouTube channel can be a great way to begin a new career, and start making a living online. 

However, it can also be daunting, especially if you’ve never created video content before. 

Thankfully, there are a few items that you’ll need to get started. First, you’ll need a smartphone with a high-quality camera and good audio recording capabilities. 

Next, you’ll need a camera lens, phone stand, and tripod. With these items, you’ll be well on your way to starting a successful YouTube channel.