Buzzing Tracks: Ultimate Backdrops for YouTube Shorts

The 10 Best Trending Background Music for YouTube Shorts

Shanoon Cox

Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions

Even though it has only been a while since YouTube Shorts has been released, it has already become quite popular instantly. For instance, each day YouTube Shorts get a view of more than 6 billion the world over. Though, if you also want to make your YouTube Shorts videos more appealing, then consider adding some interesting background music in them.

Here, I will make you familiar with 10 trending YouTube Shorts music options that you can also consider adding to your videos.

Part 1: What are YouTube Shorts All About?

Recently released, YouTube Shorts is a dedicated feature in the app that lets us view or post short videos of 60 seconds or less. To access this feature, you can just go to the “Shorts” option from the bottom panel of your YouTube app. This will automatically load all kinds of short videos that you can browse on YouTube.

A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators

Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?

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• 150+ Countries and Regions
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Part 2: Top 10 Trending Background Music for YouTube Shorts

While there are thousands of options to YouTube Shorts songs, I would recommend going through the following picks for your next videos:

1. Fun Background Mix

This is one of the most popular songs for YouTube Shorts that you might have come across in the past, too. Since it is a copyright-free track, you can use any part of it in your Shorts videos without any issue. In most cases, this YouTube Shorts music is recommended to add a funny or relaxing appeal to your videos.

2. Tropical Mix

If you want to add all kinds of unique music for YouTube Shorts, then you can explore this mix of 15+ different tracks. All these background songs are based on a fun and light tropical feel, letting you add a chill and relaxed appeal to your Shorts videos for sure.

3. Upbeat Music for Shorts

Are you a fitness blogger on YouTube or would like to come up with some motivational content? In this case, you can explore this YouTube Shorts background music that has an upbeat and uplifting appeal. It would be best suited for motivational and fitness videos and can be used for free.

4. Motivational and Uplifting Score

This is another recommended choice of YouTube Shorts BGM for motivational or inspirational videos. The track starts with a soothing appeal and gradually grows to an uplifting rhythm with the help of drums and guitars. You can simply clip its best parts while using it on your YouTube Shorts video.

5. Soothing No Copyright Music

This is one of the best YouTube Shorts songs that can go flawlessly with almost every kind of video. From a romantic to an inspirational charm, the track has different lows and highs that would compliment all kinds of content for sure. After loading it on YouTube Shorts, just make sure you clip out the best segments according to the type of video you are posting

6. Dreamer by Hazy Ambient Music

For all those who post emotional or romantic content on YouTube Shorts, this would be an ideal background score. The ambient music has soft rhythms that would add a soothing appeal to your videos, letting your audience focus on other important things.

7. Ethnic Hip Hop Music

Having a blend of ethnic and retro appeal, this would be an ideal YouTube Shorts copyright music that you can add to your videos. It has tons of musical instruments (both old and new) mixed flawlessly. It will certainly grab the attention of your audience and will make your Shorts stand out.

8. City Calm Track

From fashion bloggers to lifestyle influencers, everyone can take the assistance of these YouTube Shorts songs. It has a calming yet modern appeal that would make your videos sound unique for sure. You can explore this music for YouTube shorts and simply clip out the best segment for your video.

9. Peaceful Piano Music

This is a copyright-free YouTube Shorts music that would let you add a peaceful effect to your videos. The best part is that this is a royalty-free track, which means you can seamlessly add it to your videos without any hassle. It is a highly recommended track for those who create inspirational and emotional content for their audience.

10. Catwalk Funny Music

Lastly, you can also explore these YouTube Shorts trending songs as a background score for funny and cute videos. The track is often used for video content related to pets, slow dances, makeup tutorials, and so on. You can use this royalty-free music directly on YouTube Shorts without any conflicts.

Part 3: How to Add Background Music to YouTube Shorts Videos?

I’m sure that after going through these YouTube Shorts songs, you can easily find the perfect background music for your videos. Though, if you want to add music for YouTube Shorts, then you can do it via its native recording and editing feature. To add or edit YouTube Shorts BGM, you can just follow these steps:

Step 1: Record a Video on YouTube Shorts and Select the Clip

You can start by launching the YouTube application on your device and visiting the Shorts section. Now, tap on the red (recording) icon to shoot a video and let go of it to stop the recording. As the video would be recorded, you can go to its dedicated section from the top and select it.

Step 2: Search for Songs for YouTube Shorts

Great! Once you have selected the video segment, you can just tap on the “Add Music” button from the top panel. This will automatically load all the trending music in different categories that you can preview in advance.

If you want, you can just enter the name of the song, genre, artist, or any other keyword on the search bar to look for anything specific.

Step 3: Add Music to YouTube Shorts

After finding the right track for the video clip, you can tap on it, and it will automatically be loaded on the interface. You can further tap on the “Adjust” button on the side to make changes to the added music.

This will let you clip out the specific part of the song that you want to add to your video on YouTube. Once you have found the right segment of the track, you can preview it, and tap on the “Done” button to clip it.

That’s it! This will automatically add the selected music for YouTube Shorts, letting you post it on the app. If you want to make any changes, then you can tap on the track’s icon from the top. This will let you delete the added track for your video or change it with any other background music.

Bonus Tip: Add Stunning Edits to Your Videos with Filmora

Now, when you know how to add YouTube Shorts music to any video, you can easily come up with some great content for your channel. Though, if you want to make better edits and make your videos even more interesting, then you can use Wondershare Filmora.

The desktop application has tons of editing features to add transitions, captions, filters, overlays, and so much to your videos. There are also inbuilt AI-integrated features to automatically remove the background from your videos and implement other effects.

Besides that, some other features in Filmora are animation keyframing, auto reframing, audio ducking, silence detection, speed controls, and more.

Conclusion

I’m sure that after going through these suggestions, you can pick some of the best YouTube Shorts music tracks for your videos. Since YouTube Shorts has a wide range of music, you can find all kinds of background tracks for your funny, inspirational, romantic, or any other videos.

Besides that, if you want to make better edits to your videos, then you can also try Wondershare Filmora. It is an ultra-smart and user-friendly editing tool that would let you come up with some of the most visually appealing videos in no time.

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox

Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions

Even though it has only been a while since YouTube Shorts has been released, it has already become quite popular instantly. For instance, each day YouTube Shorts get a view of more than 6 billion the world over. Though, if you also want to make your YouTube Shorts videos more appealing, then consider adding some interesting background music in them.

Here, I will make you familiar with 10 trending YouTube Shorts music options that you can also consider adding to your videos.

Part 1: What are YouTube Shorts All About?

Recently released, YouTube Shorts is a dedicated feature in the app that lets us view or post short videos of 60 seconds or less. To access this feature, you can just go to the “Shorts” option from the bottom panel of your YouTube app. This will automatically load all kinds of short videos that you can browse on YouTube.

A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators

Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?

• 100 Million+ Users
• 150+ Countries and Regions
• 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
• 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use

Try It Free Try It Free

Try It Free

Try It Free

* Secure Download

Part 2: Top 10 Trending Background Music for YouTube Shorts

While there are thousands of options to YouTube Shorts songs, I would recommend going through the following picks for your next videos:

1. Fun Background Mix

This is one of the most popular songs for YouTube Shorts that you might have come across in the past, too. Since it is a copyright-free track, you can use any part of it in your Shorts videos without any issue. In most cases, this YouTube Shorts music is recommended to add a funny or relaxing appeal to your videos.

2. Tropical Mix

If you want to add all kinds of unique music for YouTube Shorts, then you can explore this mix of 15+ different tracks. All these background songs are based on a fun and light tropical feel, letting you add a chill and relaxed appeal to your Shorts videos for sure.

3. Upbeat Music for Shorts

Are you a fitness blogger on YouTube or would like to come up with some motivational content? In this case, you can explore this YouTube Shorts background music that has an upbeat and uplifting appeal. It would be best suited for motivational and fitness videos and can be used for free.

4. Motivational and Uplifting Score

This is another recommended choice of YouTube Shorts BGM for motivational or inspirational videos. The track starts with a soothing appeal and gradually grows to an uplifting rhythm with the help of drums and guitars. You can simply clip its best parts while using it on your YouTube Shorts video.

5. Soothing No Copyright Music

This is one of the best YouTube Shorts songs that can go flawlessly with almost every kind of video. From a romantic to an inspirational charm, the track has different lows and highs that would compliment all kinds of content for sure. After loading it on YouTube Shorts, just make sure you clip out the best segments according to the type of video you are posting

6. Dreamer by Hazy Ambient Music

For all those who post emotional or romantic content on YouTube Shorts, this would be an ideal background score. The ambient music has soft rhythms that would add a soothing appeal to your videos, letting your audience focus on other important things.

7. Ethnic Hip Hop Music

Having a blend of ethnic and retro appeal, this would be an ideal YouTube Shorts copyright music that you can add to your videos. It has tons of musical instruments (both old and new) mixed flawlessly. It will certainly grab the attention of your audience and will make your Shorts stand out.

8. City Calm Track

From fashion bloggers to lifestyle influencers, everyone can take the assistance of these YouTube Shorts songs. It has a calming yet modern appeal that would make your videos sound unique for sure. You can explore this music for YouTube shorts and simply clip out the best segment for your video.

9. Peaceful Piano Music

This is a copyright-free YouTube Shorts music that would let you add a peaceful effect to your videos. The best part is that this is a royalty-free track, which means you can seamlessly add it to your videos without any hassle. It is a highly recommended track for those who create inspirational and emotional content for their audience.

10. Catwalk Funny Music

Lastly, you can also explore these YouTube Shorts trending songs as a background score for funny and cute videos. The track is often used for video content related to pets, slow dances, makeup tutorials, and so on. You can use this royalty-free music directly on YouTube Shorts without any conflicts.

Part 3: How to Add Background Music to YouTube Shorts Videos?

I’m sure that after going through these YouTube Shorts songs, you can easily find the perfect background music for your videos. Though, if you want to add music for YouTube Shorts, then you can do it via its native recording and editing feature. To add or edit YouTube Shorts BGM, you can just follow these steps:

Step 1: Record a Video on YouTube Shorts and Select the Clip

You can start by launching the YouTube application on your device and visiting the Shorts section. Now, tap on the red (recording) icon to shoot a video and let go of it to stop the recording. As the video would be recorded, you can go to its dedicated section from the top and select it.

Step 2: Search for Songs for YouTube Shorts

Great! Once you have selected the video segment, you can just tap on the “Add Music” button from the top panel. This will automatically load all the trending music in different categories that you can preview in advance.

If you want, you can just enter the name of the song, genre, artist, or any other keyword on the search bar to look for anything specific.

Step 3: Add Music to YouTube Shorts

After finding the right track for the video clip, you can tap on it, and it will automatically be loaded on the interface. You can further tap on the “Adjust” button on the side to make changes to the added music.

This will let you clip out the specific part of the song that you want to add to your video on YouTube. Once you have found the right segment of the track, you can preview it, and tap on the “Done” button to clip it.

That’s it! This will automatically add the selected music for YouTube Shorts, letting you post it on the app. If you want to make any changes, then you can tap on the track’s icon from the top. This will let you delete the added track for your video or change it with any other background music.

Bonus Tip: Add Stunning Edits to Your Videos with Filmora

Now, when you know how to add YouTube Shorts music to any video, you can easily come up with some great content for your channel. Though, if you want to make better edits and make your videos even more interesting, then you can use Wondershare Filmora.

The desktop application has tons of editing features to add transitions, captions, filters, overlays, and so much to your videos. There are also inbuilt AI-integrated features to automatically remove the background from your videos and implement other effects.

Besides that, some other features in Filmora are animation keyframing, auto reframing, audio ducking, silence detection, speed controls, and more.

Conclusion

I’m sure that after going through these suggestions, you can pick some of the best YouTube Shorts music tracks for your videos. Since YouTube Shorts has a wide range of music, you can find all kinds of background tracks for your funny, inspirational, romantic, or any other videos.

Besides that, if you want to make better edits to your videos, then you can also try Wondershare Filmora. It is an ultra-smart and user-friendly editing tool that would let you come up with some of the most visually appealing videos in no time.

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox

Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions

Even though it has only been a while since YouTube Shorts has been released, it has already become quite popular instantly. For instance, each day YouTube Shorts get a view of more than 6 billion the world over. Though, if you also want to make your YouTube Shorts videos more appealing, then consider adding some interesting background music in them.

Here, I will make you familiar with 10 trending YouTube Shorts music options that you can also consider adding to your videos.

Part 1: What are YouTube Shorts All About?

Recently released, YouTube Shorts is a dedicated feature in the app that lets us view or post short videos of 60 seconds or less. To access this feature, you can just go to the “Shorts” option from the bottom panel of your YouTube app. This will automatically load all kinds of short videos that you can browse on YouTube.

A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators

Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?

• 100 Million+ Users
• 150+ Countries and Regions
• 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
• 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use

Try It Free Try It Free

Try It Free

Try It Free

* Secure Download

Part 2: Top 10 Trending Background Music for YouTube Shorts

While there are thousands of options to YouTube Shorts songs, I would recommend going through the following picks for your next videos:

1. Fun Background Mix

This is one of the most popular songs for YouTube Shorts that you might have come across in the past, too. Since it is a copyright-free track, you can use any part of it in your Shorts videos without any issue. In most cases, this YouTube Shorts music is recommended to add a funny or relaxing appeal to your videos.

2. Tropical Mix

If you want to add all kinds of unique music for YouTube Shorts, then you can explore this mix of 15+ different tracks. All these background songs are based on a fun and light tropical feel, letting you add a chill and relaxed appeal to your Shorts videos for sure.

3. Upbeat Music for Shorts

Are you a fitness blogger on YouTube or would like to come up with some motivational content? In this case, you can explore this YouTube Shorts background music that has an upbeat and uplifting appeal. It would be best suited for motivational and fitness videos and can be used for free.

4. Motivational and Uplifting Score

This is another recommended choice of YouTube Shorts BGM for motivational or inspirational videos. The track starts with a soothing appeal and gradually grows to an uplifting rhythm with the help of drums and guitars. You can simply clip its best parts while using it on your YouTube Shorts video.

5. Soothing No Copyright Music

This is one of the best YouTube Shorts songs that can go flawlessly with almost every kind of video. From a romantic to an inspirational charm, the track has different lows and highs that would compliment all kinds of content for sure. After loading it on YouTube Shorts, just make sure you clip out the best segments according to the type of video you are posting

6. Dreamer by Hazy Ambient Music

For all those who post emotional or romantic content on YouTube Shorts, this would be an ideal background score. The ambient music has soft rhythms that would add a soothing appeal to your videos, letting your audience focus on other important things.

7. Ethnic Hip Hop Music

Having a blend of ethnic and retro appeal, this would be an ideal YouTube Shorts copyright music that you can add to your videos. It has tons of musical instruments (both old and new) mixed flawlessly. It will certainly grab the attention of your audience and will make your Shorts stand out.

8. City Calm Track

From fashion bloggers to lifestyle influencers, everyone can take the assistance of these YouTube Shorts songs. It has a calming yet modern appeal that would make your videos sound unique for sure. You can explore this music for YouTube shorts and simply clip out the best segment for your video.

9. Peaceful Piano Music

This is a copyright-free YouTube Shorts music that would let you add a peaceful effect to your videos. The best part is that this is a royalty-free track, which means you can seamlessly add it to your videos without any hassle. It is a highly recommended track for those who create inspirational and emotional content for their audience.

10. Catwalk Funny Music

Lastly, you can also explore these YouTube Shorts trending songs as a background score for funny and cute videos. The track is often used for video content related to pets, slow dances, makeup tutorials, and so on. You can use this royalty-free music directly on YouTube Shorts without any conflicts.

Part 3: How to Add Background Music to YouTube Shorts Videos?

I’m sure that after going through these YouTube Shorts songs, you can easily find the perfect background music for your videos. Though, if you want to add music for YouTube Shorts, then you can do it via its native recording and editing feature. To add or edit YouTube Shorts BGM, you can just follow these steps:

Step 1: Record a Video on YouTube Shorts and Select the Clip

You can start by launching the YouTube application on your device and visiting the Shorts section. Now, tap on the red (recording) icon to shoot a video and let go of it to stop the recording. As the video would be recorded, you can go to its dedicated section from the top and select it.

Step 2: Search for Songs for YouTube Shorts

Great! Once you have selected the video segment, you can just tap on the “Add Music” button from the top panel. This will automatically load all the trending music in different categories that you can preview in advance.

If you want, you can just enter the name of the song, genre, artist, or any other keyword on the search bar to look for anything specific.

Step 3: Add Music to YouTube Shorts

After finding the right track for the video clip, you can tap on it, and it will automatically be loaded on the interface. You can further tap on the “Adjust” button on the side to make changes to the added music.

This will let you clip out the specific part of the song that you want to add to your video on YouTube. Once you have found the right segment of the track, you can preview it, and tap on the “Done” button to clip it.

That’s it! This will automatically add the selected music for YouTube Shorts, letting you post it on the app. If you want to make any changes, then you can tap on the track’s icon from the top. This will let you delete the added track for your video or change it with any other background music.

Bonus Tip: Add Stunning Edits to Your Videos with Filmora

Now, when you know how to add YouTube Shorts music to any video, you can easily come up with some great content for your channel. Though, if you want to make better edits and make your videos even more interesting, then you can use Wondershare Filmora.

The desktop application has tons of editing features to add transitions, captions, filters, overlays, and so much to your videos. There are also inbuilt AI-integrated features to automatically remove the background from your videos and implement other effects.

Besides that, some other features in Filmora are animation keyframing, auto reframing, audio ducking, silence detection, speed controls, and more.

Conclusion

I’m sure that after going through these suggestions, you can pick some of the best YouTube Shorts music tracks for your videos. Since YouTube Shorts has a wide range of music, you can find all kinds of background tracks for your funny, inspirational, romantic, or any other videos.

Besides that, if you want to make better edits to your videos, then you can also try Wondershare Filmora. It is an ultra-smart and user-friendly editing tool that would let you come up with some of the most visually appealing videos in no time.

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox

Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions

Even though it has only been a while since YouTube Shorts has been released, it has already become quite popular instantly. For instance, each day YouTube Shorts get a view of more than 6 billion the world over. Though, if you also want to make your YouTube Shorts videos more appealing, then consider adding some interesting background music in them.

Here, I will make you familiar with 10 trending YouTube Shorts music options that you can also consider adding to your videos.

Part 1: What are YouTube Shorts All About?

Recently released, YouTube Shorts is a dedicated feature in the app that lets us view or post short videos of 60 seconds or less. To access this feature, you can just go to the “Shorts” option from the bottom panel of your YouTube app. This will automatically load all kinds of short videos that you can browse on YouTube.

A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators

Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?

• 100 Million+ Users
• 150+ Countries and Regions
• 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
• 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use

Try It Free Try It Free

Try It Free

Try It Free

* Secure Download

Part 2: Top 10 Trending Background Music for YouTube Shorts

While there are thousands of options to YouTube Shorts songs, I would recommend going through the following picks for your next videos:

1. Fun Background Mix

This is one of the most popular songs for YouTube Shorts that you might have come across in the past, too. Since it is a copyright-free track, you can use any part of it in your Shorts videos without any issue. In most cases, this YouTube Shorts music is recommended to add a funny or relaxing appeal to your videos.

2. Tropical Mix

If you want to add all kinds of unique music for YouTube Shorts, then you can explore this mix of 15+ different tracks. All these background songs are based on a fun and light tropical feel, letting you add a chill and relaxed appeal to your Shorts videos for sure.

3. Upbeat Music for Shorts

Are you a fitness blogger on YouTube or would like to come up with some motivational content? In this case, you can explore this YouTube Shorts background music that has an upbeat and uplifting appeal. It would be best suited for motivational and fitness videos and can be used for free.

4. Motivational and Uplifting Score

This is another recommended choice of YouTube Shorts BGM for motivational or inspirational videos. The track starts with a soothing appeal and gradually grows to an uplifting rhythm with the help of drums and guitars. You can simply clip its best parts while using it on your YouTube Shorts video.

5. Soothing No Copyright Music

This is one of the best YouTube Shorts songs that can go flawlessly with almost every kind of video. From a romantic to an inspirational charm, the track has different lows and highs that would compliment all kinds of content for sure. After loading it on YouTube Shorts, just make sure you clip out the best segments according to the type of video you are posting

6. Dreamer by Hazy Ambient Music

For all those who post emotional or romantic content on YouTube Shorts, this would be an ideal background score. The ambient music has soft rhythms that would add a soothing appeal to your videos, letting your audience focus on other important things.

7. Ethnic Hip Hop Music

Having a blend of ethnic and retro appeal, this would be an ideal YouTube Shorts copyright music that you can add to your videos. It has tons of musical instruments (both old and new) mixed flawlessly. It will certainly grab the attention of your audience and will make your Shorts stand out.

8. City Calm Track

From fashion bloggers to lifestyle influencers, everyone can take the assistance of these YouTube Shorts songs. It has a calming yet modern appeal that would make your videos sound unique for sure. You can explore this music for YouTube shorts and simply clip out the best segment for your video.

9. Peaceful Piano Music

This is a copyright-free YouTube Shorts music that would let you add a peaceful effect to your videos. The best part is that this is a royalty-free track, which means you can seamlessly add it to your videos without any hassle. It is a highly recommended track for those who create inspirational and emotional content for their audience.

10. Catwalk Funny Music

Lastly, you can also explore these YouTube Shorts trending songs as a background score for funny and cute videos. The track is often used for video content related to pets, slow dances, makeup tutorials, and so on. You can use this royalty-free music directly on YouTube Shorts without any conflicts.

Part 3: How to Add Background Music to YouTube Shorts Videos?

I’m sure that after going through these YouTube Shorts songs, you can easily find the perfect background music for your videos. Though, if you want to add music for YouTube Shorts, then you can do it via its native recording and editing feature. To add or edit YouTube Shorts BGM, you can just follow these steps:

Step 1: Record a Video on YouTube Shorts and Select the Clip

You can start by launching the YouTube application on your device and visiting the Shorts section. Now, tap on the red (recording) icon to shoot a video and let go of it to stop the recording. As the video would be recorded, you can go to its dedicated section from the top and select it.

Step 2: Search for Songs for YouTube Shorts

Great! Once you have selected the video segment, you can just tap on the “Add Music” button from the top panel. This will automatically load all the trending music in different categories that you can preview in advance.

If you want, you can just enter the name of the song, genre, artist, or any other keyword on the search bar to look for anything specific.

Step 3: Add Music to YouTube Shorts

After finding the right track for the video clip, you can tap on it, and it will automatically be loaded on the interface. You can further tap on the “Adjust” button on the side to make changes to the added music.

This will let you clip out the specific part of the song that you want to add to your video on YouTube. Once you have found the right segment of the track, you can preview it, and tap on the “Done” button to clip it.

That’s it! This will automatically add the selected music for YouTube Shorts, letting you post it on the app. If you want to make any changes, then you can tap on the track’s icon from the top. This will let you delete the added track for your video or change it with any other background music.

Bonus Tip: Add Stunning Edits to Your Videos with Filmora

Now, when you know how to add YouTube Shorts music to any video, you can easily come up with some great content for your channel. Though, if you want to make better edits and make your videos even more interesting, then you can use Wondershare Filmora.

The desktop application has tons of editing features to add transitions, captions, filters, overlays, and so much to your videos. There are also inbuilt AI-integrated features to automatically remove the background from your videos and implement other effects.

Besides that, some other features in Filmora are animation keyframing, auto reframing, audio ducking, silence detection, speed controls, and more.

Conclusion

I’m sure that after going through these suggestions, you can pick some of the best YouTube Shorts music tracks for your videos. Since YouTube Shorts has a wide range of music, you can find all kinds of background tracks for your funny, inspirational, romantic, or any other videos.

Besides that, if you want to make better edits to your videos, then you can also try Wondershare Filmora. It is an ultra-smart and user-friendly editing tool that would let you come up with some of the most visually appealing videos in no time.

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox

The Ultimate Checklist of Essential Equipment

Essential YouTube Equipment For Starting Your Channel - What Do You Really Need?

Richard Bennett

Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions

0

Check out our most updated guide on this topic: YouTube Equipment Starter Guide For Beginners .

The first thing to make sure of before starting a YouTube channel is having all that you need to record and upload high-quality videos regularly. That doesn’t mean you have to take out a loan and spend thousands to purchase a brand new camera and all other gadgets that professional filmmakers use.

The smartest way to get started is to go through a list of necessary equipment for YouTube and check whether or not you already own some of it. Once your channel starts growing, you can then start thinking about whether you want to invest in upgraded equipment. Here is a quick overview of all items that you need to start entertaining your online audience and gaining subscribers to your YouTube channel:

• Your YouTube Camera
• Microphones and Audio
• Lighting Gear for YouTube
• Tripods and Camera Stands
• Smartphone Camera Gear

YouTube Cameras

The short version: Use whatever you already have, even if it’s your phone or webcam. It’s nice to have sharp, fine-tuned, 4K footage, but viewers will forgive lower visual quality if your content is good.

The long version: You will need a camera, but there are a lot of different devices you can use including DSLRs, point and shoots, webcams, and your smartphone.

Your choice of camera will have a tremendous impact on the visual quality of your content and might drive your decisions regarding other pieces of equipment. However, you shouldn’t feel obliged to work with a top-notch camera from day one, especially since cheaper options can produce great results if used the right way.

On one end of the spectrum, you have basic smartphone cameras and web cameras, which are easy to come by and simple to operate. These days, high-end phones come equipped with quite powerful cameras that are more than sufficient for the needs of the average YouTuber. Better webcams can also do the job, although high-performance webcam models can get pretty expensive too. It is probably wise to resist the urge to start broadcasting with the built-in camera in your laptop and at least get a webcam or use your phone, but your computer’s camera is still always an option. Not having a better camera should never stop you from making YouTube videos.

If you already have a DSLR camera then it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with it. You have far more freedom to adjust the settings and achieve a professional look for your videos with a DSLR, but that does mean it’ll take some time to become an expert at using it. Ultra-high resolution is not required for YouTube, but it certainly won’t hurt to have additional sharpness and more detail in the scene. If you’re shopping for a DSLR, look for one with a flip screen that allows you to quickly check what your viewers see.

YouTube Microphone and Audio

The short version: Audio quality is extremely important. If you can buy either a new camera or an external microphone, but not both, it might be better to go for the microphone. Click here for advice on upping your audio quality without an external microphone.

The long version: Sound capturing is every bit as important for your success as your video feed. In fact, poor audio can be even more damaging to your subscriber count than grainy video, since people won’t spend their time listening to something they have to put effort into understanding.

Again, most YouTube video makers have a limited budget at their disposal, so professional microphones are mostly off the table. However, investing in a directional microphone (‘shotgun mic’) that can pick up your voice clearly and without background noise is certainly a smart move. Such microphones can be pointed towards you while you speak, and since most YouTubers sit still while doing their shows there won’t be too much need for in-session adjustments.

If you’re not ready to invest in a shotgun mic, you can also find very inexpensive (often under $20) LAV mics. These small microphones can be pinned to your shirt, which allows them to record very clear dialogue because they’re so close to your mouth.

Lights for YouTube

The short version: You need as much light as you can get. Lighting kits can be affordable on Amazon, but you can also achieve a great look using daylight/windows and ‘daylight’ lightbulbs.

The long version: If you’ve ever tried to make a video indoors, you already know that it’s necessary to have additional light. Often just filming with the normal lights in a room will cause your footage to look dark and grainy, and possibly be tinted orange. To overcome these problems you need to increase the amount of light you have available.

Sometimes, it is enough to film near windows and/or bring more household lamps into your filming area. For any household lamps or lighting fixtures you use, make sure to put in white or ‘daylight’ lightbulbs instead of using the orange/tungsten bulbs that you might have for everyday use (this is how you avoid tinting things orange).

If you have the budget available to get some lighting equipment, you can find softbox lights or LED panel lights available fairly inexpensively online. Softbox lights are great because they provide even, diffused, light.

Another useful piece of lighting equipment to have is a reflector. A reflector is usually a piece of white, silver, or gold fabric stretched over a frame. You can use it to bounce light from one light source back towards yourself (this is a great way to fill shadows cast by your main light). Reflectors tend to be inexpensive, but you can also use white cardboard or tinfoil in place of purchasing a reflector.

Tripods and Camera Stands

The short version: You need something to hold your camera. If you mostly film in your own home that can be a desk or a stack of books, but if you make a lot of videos while you’re on the go you probably need a tripod or gimbal. Heavier cameras need heavier tripods.

The long version: While handheld cameras can deliver solid results for vloggers and casual streamers, viewers do expect reasonably stable footage. For many types of videos, the camera needs to be completely still and flatly positioned on a horizontal plane. Tripods and camera stands can cost very little, so it’s a good idea to look into getting some kind of stabilizer.

When you are choosing a tripod, pay attention to how much it weighs. If the camera that needs to be mounted on it is very heavy (like some DSLR models), you want to ensure that the structure itself weighs enough not to be easily tipped over. Too thin tripods can put your camera at risk, and that’s the last thing you want. Smaller cameras such as GoPros are more flexible in this regard and can be placed on a wider range of tripods.

Even if you are using a phone or a webcam to record YouTube videos, you should consider mounting the device on a stable stand. It is possible to find mini tripods ideal for smartphones for as little as $10. These tripods are small enough to carry in your pocket, so you will be prepared to start making a video no matter where your adventures take you. If you are using a web camera, you should attach it to the stand so that it won’t move accidentally after you touch the surface it is placed on.

Smartphone Camera Gear

The short version: There’s a lot of gear out there designed with smartphone photos and videos in mind, including clip-on lenses, tripod mounts, phone-mounted LED lights, and inexpensive microphones that plug into the audio jack.

The long version: Recording your videos with a mobile phone can be a good decision. It all depends on the phone you have and the range of add-ons and apps that you complement it with. Almost every high-end model released in the past five years can shoot videos in 1080p or higher. Some can even produce 4K footage. If you perfect your smartphone filming technique, your YouTube videos could look as if they were made with pro equipment.

On the flip side, smartphone cameras typically perform poorly in low light. It is possible to download an app that lets you play around with settings to overcome this, but a phone-mounted LED light is probably a better solution. An external microphone might also be a necessity, but there are some good (inexpensive) options that can simply be plugged in through the headphone jack.

Another common downside of smartphone cameras is that most of them use digital zoom, which is vastly inferior to optical zoom. If you intend to shoot anything that’s further away than a few feet, you need a clip-on lens that goes on top of the built-in camera. This inexpensive device will give you a lot of freedom to work in space, and allow you to make spectacular shots even without high-end YouTube equipment.

Equipment with Easy-to-Use Video Editor

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions

0

Check out our most updated guide on this topic: YouTube Equipment Starter Guide For Beginners .

The first thing to make sure of before starting a YouTube channel is having all that you need to record and upload high-quality videos regularly. That doesn’t mean you have to take out a loan and spend thousands to purchase a brand new camera and all other gadgets that professional filmmakers use.

The smartest way to get started is to go through a list of necessary equipment for YouTube and check whether or not you already own some of it. Once your channel starts growing, you can then start thinking about whether you want to invest in upgraded equipment. Here is a quick overview of all items that you need to start entertaining your online audience and gaining subscribers to your YouTube channel:

• Your YouTube Camera
• Microphones and Audio
• Lighting Gear for YouTube
• Tripods and Camera Stands
• Smartphone Camera Gear

YouTube Cameras

The short version: Use whatever you already have, even if it’s your phone or webcam. It’s nice to have sharp, fine-tuned, 4K footage, but viewers will forgive lower visual quality if your content is good.

The long version: You will need a camera, but there are a lot of different devices you can use including DSLRs, point and shoots, webcams, and your smartphone.

Your choice of camera will have a tremendous impact on the visual quality of your content and might drive your decisions regarding other pieces of equipment. However, you shouldn’t feel obliged to work with a top-notch camera from day one, especially since cheaper options can produce great results if used the right way.

On one end of the spectrum, you have basic smartphone cameras and web cameras, which are easy to come by and simple to operate. These days, high-end phones come equipped with quite powerful cameras that are more than sufficient for the needs of the average YouTuber. Better webcams can also do the job, although high-performance webcam models can get pretty expensive too. It is probably wise to resist the urge to start broadcasting with the built-in camera in your laptop and at least get a webcam or use your phone, but your computer’s camera is still always an option. Not having a better camera should never stop you from making YouTube videos.

If you already have a DSLR camera then it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with it. You have far more freedom to adjust the settings and achieve a professional look for your videos with a DSLR, but that does mean it’ll take some time to become an expert at using it. Ultra-high resolution is not required for YouTube, but it certainly won’t hurt to have additional sharpness and more detail in the scene. If you’re shopping for a DSLR, look for one with a flip screen that allows you to quickly check what your viewers see.

YouTube Microphone and Audio

The short version: Audio quality is extremely important. If you can buy either a new camera or an external microphone, but not both, it might be better to go for the microphone. Click here for advice on upping your audio quality without an external microphone.

The long version: Sound capturing is every bit as important for your success as your video feed. In fact, poor audio can be even more damaging to your subscriber count than grainy video, since people won’t spend their time listening to something they have to put effort into understanding.

Again, most YouTube video makers have a limited budget at their disposal, so professional microphones are mostly off the table. However, investing in a directional microphone (‘shotgun mic’) that can pick up your voice clearly and without background noise is certainly a smart move. Such microphones can be pointed towards you while you speak, and since most YouTubers sit still while doing their shows there won’t be too much need for in-session adjustments.

If you’re not ready to invest in a shotgun mic, you can also find very inexpensive (often under $20) LAV mics. These small microphones can be pinned to your shirt, which allows them to record very clear dialogue because they’re so close to your mouth.

Lights for YouTube

The short version: You need as much light as you can get. Lighting kits can be affordable on Amazon, but you can also achieve a great look using daylight/windows and ‘daylight’ lightbulbs.

The long version: If you’ve ever tried to make a video indoors, you already know that it’s necessary to have additional light. Often just filming with the normal lights in a room will cause your footage to look dark and grainy, and possibly be tinted orange. To overcome these problems you need to increase the amount of light you have available.

Sometimes, it is enough to film near windows and/or bring more household lamps into your filming area. For any household lamps or lighting fixtures you use, make sure to put in white or ‘daylight’ lightbulbs instead of using the orange/tungsten bulbs that you might have for everyday use (this is how you avoid tinting things orange).

If you have the budget available to get some lighting equipment, you can find softbox lights or LED panel lights available fairly inexpensively online. Softbox lights are great because they provide even, diffused, light.

Another useful piece of lighting equipment to have is a reflector. A reflector is usually a piece of white, silver, or gold fabric stretched over a frame. You can use it to bounce light from one light source back towards yourself (this is a great way to fill shadows cast by your main light). Reflectors tend to be inexpensive, but you can also use white cardboard or tinfoil in place of purchasing a reflector.

Tripods and Camera Stands

The short version: You need something to hold your camera. If you mostly film in your own home that can be a desk or a stack of books, but if you make a lot of videos while you’re on the go you probably need a tripod or gimbal. Heavier cameras need heavier tripods.

The long version: While handheld cameras can deliver solid results for vloggers and casual streamers, viewers do expect reasonably stable footage. For many types of videos, the camera needs to be completely still and flatly positioned on a horizontal plane. Tripods and camera stands can cost very little, so it’s a good idea to look into getting some kind of stabilizer.

When you are choosing a tripod, pay attention to how much it weighs. If the camera that needs to be mounted on it is very heavy (like some DSLR models), you want to ensure that the structure itself weighs enough not to be easily tipped over. Too thin tripods can put your camera at risk, and that’s the last thing you want. Smaller cameras such as GoPros are more flexible in this regard and can be placed on a wider range of tripods.

Even if you are using a phone or a webcam to record YouTube videos, you should consider mounting the device on a stable stand. It is possible to find mini tripods ideal for smartphones for as little as $10. These tripods are small enough to carry in your pocket, so you will be prepared to start making a video no matter where your adventures take you. If you are using a web camera, you should attach it to the stand so that it won’t move accidentally after you touch the surface it is placed on.

Smartphone Camera Gear

The short version: There’s a lot of gear out there designed with smartphone photos and videos in mind, including clip-on lenses, tripod mounts, phone-mounted LED lights, and inexpensive microphones that plug into the audio jack.

The long version: Recording your videos with a mobile phone can be a good decision. It all depends on the phone you have and the range of add-ons and apps that you complement it with. Almost every high-end model released in the past five years can shoot videos in 1080p or higher. Some can even produce 4K footage. If you perfect your smartphone filming technique, your YouTube videos could look as if they were made with pro equipment.

On the flip side, smartphone cameras typically perform poorly in low light. It is possible to download an app that lets you play around with settings to overcome this, but a phone-mounted LED light is probably a better solution. An external microphone might also be a necessity, but there are some good (inexpensive) options that can simply be plugged in through the headphone jack.

Another common downside of smartphone cameras is that most of them use digital zoom, which is vastly inferior to optical zoom. If you intend to shoot anything that’s further away than a few feet, you need a clip-on lens that goes on top of the built-in camera. This inexpensive device will give you a lot of freedom to work in space, and allow you to make spectacular shots even without high-end YouTube equipment.

Equipment with Easy-to-Use Video Editor

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions

0

Check out our most updated guide on this topic: YouTube Equipment Starter Guide For Beginners .

The first thing to make sure of before starting a YouTube channel is having all that you need to record and upload high-quality videos regularly. That doesn’t mean you have to take out a loan and spend thousands to purchase a brand new camera and all other gadgets that professional filmmakers use.

The smartest way to get started is to go through a list of necessary equipment for YouTube and check whether or not you already own some of it. Once your channel starts growing, you can then start thinking about whether you want to invest in upgraded equipment. Here is a quick overview of all items that you need to start entertaining your online audience and gaining subscribers to your YouTube channel:

• Your YouTube Camera
• Microphones and Audio
• Lighting Gear for YouTube
• Tripods and Camera Stands
• Smartphone Camera Gear

YouTube Cameras

The short version: Use whatever you already have, even if it’s your phone or webcam. It’s nice to have sharp, fine-tuned, 4K footage, but viewers will forgive lower visual quality if your content is good.

The long version: You will need a camera, but there are a lot of different devices you can use including DSLRs, point and shoots, webcams, and your smartphone.

Your choice of camera will have a tremendous impact on the visual quality of your content and might drive your decisions regarding other pieces of equipment. However, you shouldn’t feel obliged to work with a top-notch camera from day one, especially since cheaper options can produce great results if used the right way.

On one end of the spectrum, you have basic smartphone cameras and web cameras, which are easy to come by and simple to operate. These days, high-end phones come equipped with quite powerful cameras that are more than sufficient for the needs of the average YouTuber. Better webcams can also do the job, although high-performance webcam models can get pretty expensive too. It is probably wise to resist the urge to start broadcasting with the built-in camera in your laptop and at least get a webcam or use your phone, but your computer’s camera is still always an option. Not having a better camera should never stop you from making YouTube videos.

If you already have a DSLR camera then it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with it. You have far more freedom to adjust the settings and achieve a professional look for your videos with a DSLR, but that does mean it’ll take some time to become an expert at using it. Ultra-high resolution is not required for YouTube, but it certainly won’t hurt to have additional sharpness and more detail in the scene. If you’re shopping for a DSLR, look for one with a flip screen that allows you to quickly check what your viewers see.

YouTube Microphone and Audio

The short version: Audio quality is extremely important. If you can buy either a new camera or an external microphone, but not both, it might be better to go for the microphone. Click here for advice on upping your audio quality without an external microphone.

The long version: Sound capturing is every bit as important for your success as your video feed. In fact, poor audio can be even more damaging to your subscriber count than grainy video, since people won’t spend their time listening to something they have to put effort into understanding.

Again, most YouTube video makers have a limited budget at their disposal, so professional microphones are mostly off the table. However, investing in a directional microphone (‘shotgun mic’) that can pick up your voice clearly and without background noise is certainly a smart move. Such microphones can be pointed towards you while you speak, and since most YouTubers sit still while doing their shows there won’t be too much need for in-session adjustments.

If you’re not ready to invest in a shotgun mic, you can also find very inexpensive (often under $20) LAV mics. These small microphones can be pinned to your shirt, which allows them to record very clear dialogue because they’re so close to your mouth.

Lights for YouTube

The short version: You need as much light as you can get. Lighting kits can be affordable on Amazon, but you can also achieve a great look using daylight/windows and ‘daylight’ lightbulbs.

The long version: If you’ve ever tried to make a video indoors, you already know that it’s necessary to have additional light. Often just filming with the normal lights in a room will cause your footage to look dark and grainy, and possibly be tinted orange. To overcome these problems you need to increase the amount of light you have available.

Sometimes, it is enough to film near windows and/or bring more household lamps into your filming area. For any household lamps or lighting fixtures you use, make sure to put in white or ‘daylight’ lightbulbs instead of using the orange/tungsten bulbs that you might have for everyday use (this is how you avoid tinting things orange).

If you have the budget available to get some lighting equipment, you can find softbox lights or LED panel lights available fairly inexpensively online. Softbox lights are great because they provide even, diffused, light.

Another useful piece of lighting equipment to have is a reflector. A reflector is usually a piece of white, silver, or gold fabric stretched over a frame. You can use it to bounce light from one light source back towards yourself (this is a great way to fill shadows cast by your main light). Reflectors tend to be inexpensive, but you can also use white cardboard or tinfoil in place of purchasing a reflector.

Tripods and Camera Stands

The short version: You need something to hold your camera. If you mostly film in your own home that can be a desk or a stack of books, but if you make a lot of videos while you’re on the go you probably need a tripod or gimbal. Heavier cameras need heavier tripods.

The long version: While handheld cameras can deliver solid results for vloggers and casual streamers, viewers do expect reasonably stable footage. For many types of videos, the camera needs to be completely still and flatly positioned on a horizontal plane. Tripods and camera stands can cost very little, so it’s a good idea to look into getting some kind of stabilizer.

When you are choosing a tripod, pay attention to how much it weighs. If the camera that needs to be mounted on it is very heavy (like some DSLR models), you want to ensure that the structure itself weighs enough not to be easily tipped over. Too thin tripods can put your camera at risk, and that’s the last thing you want. Smaller cameras such as GoPros are more flexible in this regard and can be placed on a wider range of tripods.

Even if you are using a phone or a webcam to record YouTube videos, you should consider mounting the device on a stable stand. It is possible to find mini tripods ideal for smartphones for as little as $10. These tripods are small enough to carry in your pocket, so you will be prepared to start making a video no matter where your adventures take you. If you are using a web camera, you should attach it to the stand so that it won’t move accidentally after you touch the surface it is placed on.

Smartphone Camera Gear

The short version: There’s a lot of gear out there designed with smartphone photos and videos in mind, including clip-on lenses, tripod mounts, phone-mounted LED lights, and inexpensive microphones that plug into the audio jack.

The long version: Recording your videos with a mobile phone can be a good decision. It all depends on the phone you have and the range of add-ons and apps that you complement it with. Almost every high-end model released in the past five years can shoot videos in 1080p or higher. Some can even produce 4K footage. If you perfect your smartphone filming technique, your YouTube videos could look as if they were made with pro equipment.

On the flip side, smartphone cameras typically perform poorly in low light. It is possible to download an app that lets you play around with settings to overcome this, but a phone-mounted LED light is probably a better solution. An external microphone might also be a necessity, but there are some good (inexpensive) options that can simply be plugged in through the headphone jack.

Another common downside of smartphone cameras is that most of them use digital zoom, which is vastly inferior to optical zoom. If you intend to shoot anything that’s further away than a few feet, you need a clip-on lens that goes on top of the built-in camera. This inexpensive device will give you a lot of freedom to work in space, and allow you to make spectacular shots even without high-end YouTube equipment.

Equipment with Easy-to-Use Video Editor

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions

0

Check out our most updated guide on this topic: YouTube Equipment Starter Guide For Beginners .

The first thing to make sure of before starting a YouTube channel is having all that you need to record and upload high-quality videos regularly. That doesn’t mean you have to take out a loan and spend thousands to purchase a brand new camera and all other gadgets that professional filmmakers use.

The smartest way to get started is to go through a list of necessary equipment for YouTube and check whether or not you already own some of it. Once your channel starts growing, you can then start thinking about whether you want to invest in upgraded equipment. Here is a quick overview of all items that you need to start entertaining your online audience and gaining subscribers to your YouTube channel:

• Your YouTube Camera
• Microphones and Audio
• Lighting Gear for YouTube
• Tripods and Camera Stands
• Smartphone Camera Gear

YouTube Cameras

The short version: Use whatever you already have, even if it’s your phone or webcam. It’s nice to have sharp, fine-tuned, 4K footage, but viewers will forgive lower visual quality if your content is good.

The long version: You will need a camera, but there are a lot of different devices you can use including DSLRs, point and shoots, webcams, and your smartphone.

Your choice of camera will have a tremendous impact on the visual quality of your content and might drive your decisions regarding other pieces of equipment. However, you shouldn’t feel obliged to work with a top-notch camera from day one, especially since cheaper options can produce great results if used the right way.

On one end of the spectrum, you have basic smartphone cameras and web cameras, which are easy to come by and simple to operate. These days, high-end phones come equipped with quite powerful cameras that are more than sufficient for the needs of the average YouTuber. Better webcams can also do the job, although high-performance webcam models can get pretty expensive too. It is probably wise to resist the urge to start broadcasting with the built-in camera in your laptop and at least get a webcam or use your phone, but your computer’s camera is still always an option. Not having a better camera should never stop you from making YouTube videos.

If you already have a DSLR camera then it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with it. You have far more freedom to adjust the settings and achieve a professional look for your videos with a DSLR, but that does mean it’ll take some time to become an expert at using it. Ultra-high resolution is not required for YouTube, but it certainly won’t hurt to have additional sharpness and more detail in the scene. If you’re shopping for a DSLR, look for one with a flip screen that allows you to quickly check what your viewers see.

YouTube Microphone and Audio

The short version: Audio quality is extremely important. If you can buy either a new camera or an external microphone, but not both, it might be better to go for the microphone. Click here for advice on upping your audio quality without an external microphone.

The long version: Sound capturing is every bit as important for your success as your video feed. In fact, poor audio can be even more damaging to your subscriber count than grainy video, since people won’t spend their time listening to something they have to put effort into understanding.

Again, most YouTube video makers have a limited budget at their disposal, so professional microphones are mostly off the table. However, investing in a directional microphone (‘shotgun mic’) that can pick up your voice clearly and without background noise is certainly a smart move. Such microphones can be pointed towards you while you speak, and since most YouTubers sit still while doing their shows there won’t be too much need for in-session adjustments.

If you’re not ready to invest in a shotgun mic, you can also find very inexpensive (often under $20) LAV mics. These small microphones can be pinned to your shirt, which allows them to record very clear dialogue because they’re so close to your mouth.

Lights for YouTube

The short version: You need as much light as you can get. Lighting kits can be affordable on Amazon, but you can also achieve a great look using daylight/windows and ‘daylight’ lightbulbs.

The long version: If you’ve ever tried to make a video indoors, you already know that it’s necessary to have additional light. Often just filming with the normal lights in a room will cause your footage to look dark and grainy, and possibly be tinted orange. To overcome these problems you need to increase the amount of light you have available.

Sometimes, it is enough to film near windows and/or bring more household lamps into your filming area. For any household lamps or lighting fixtures you use, make sure to put in white or ‘daylight’ lightbulbs instead of using the orange/tungsten bulbs that you might have for everyday use (this is how you avoid tinting things orange).

If you have the budget available to get some lighting equipment, you can find softbox lights or LED panel lights available fairly inexpensively online. Softbox lights are great because they provide even, diffused, light.

Another useful piece of lighting equipment to have is a reflector. A reflector is usually a piece of white, silver, or gold fabric stretched over a frame. You can use it to bounce light from one light source back towards yourself (this is a great way to fill shadows cast by your main light). Reflectors tend to be inexpensive, but you can also use white cardboard or tinfoil in place of purchasing a reflector.

Tripods and Camera Stands

The short version: You need something to hold your camera. If you mostly film in your own home that can be a desk or a stack of books, but if you make a lot of videos while you’re on the go you probably need a tripod or gimbal. Heavier cameras need heavier tripods.

The long version: While handheld cameras can deliver solid results for vloggers and casual streamers, viewers do expect reasonably stable footage. For many types of videos, the camera needs to be completely still and flatly positioned on a horizontal plane. Tripods and camera stands can cost very little, so it’s a good idea to look into getting some kind of stabilizer.

When you are choosing a tripod, pay attention to how much it weighs. If the camera that needs to be mounted on it is very heavy (like some DSLR models), you want to ensure that the structure itself weighs enough not to be easily tipped over. Too thin tripods can put your camera at risk, and that’s the last thing you want. Smaller cameras such as GoPros are more flexible in this regard and can be placed on a wider range of tripods.

Even if you are using a phone or a webcam to record YouTube videos, you should consider mounting the device on a stable stand. It is possible to find mini tripods ideal for smartphones for as little as $10. These tripods are small enough to carry in your pocket, so you will be prepared to start making a video no matter where your adventures take you. If you are using a web camera, you should attach it to the stand so that it won’t move accidentally after you touch the surface it is placed on.

Smartphone Camera Gear

The short version: There’s a lot of gear out there designed with smartphone photos and videos in mind, including clip-on lenses, tripod mounts, phone-mounted LED lights, and inexpensive microphones that plug into the audio jack.

The long version: Recording your videos with a mobile phone can be a good decision. It all depends on the phone you have and the range of add-ons and apps that you complement it with. Almost every high-end model released in the past five years can shoot videos in 1080p or higher. Some can even produce 4K footage. If you perfect your smartphone filming technique, your YouTube videos could look as if they were made with pro equipment.

On the flip side, smartphone cameras typically perform poorly in low light. It is possible to download an app that lets you play around with settings to overcome this, but a phone-mounted LED light is probably a better solution. An external microphone might also be a necessity, but there are some good (inexpensive) options that can simply be plugged in through the headphone jack.

Another common downside of smartphone cameras is that most of them use digital zoom, which is vastly inferior to optical zoom. If you intend to shoot anything that’s further away than a few feet, you need a clip-on lens that goes on top of the built-in camera. This inexpensive device will give you a lot of freedom to work in space, and allow you to make spectacular shots even without high-end YouTube equipment.

Equipment with Easy-to-Use Video Editor

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

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