YouTube remains one of the most important media platforms online. The content has become a lot more diverse since its early days, moving away from badly edited random content to more well-produced niche videos. Audiences can now find YouTube content creators sharing family recipes, talking about their hometowns, or even discussing true crime stories while putting on makeup.
If you want to keep views up and make passive income from a YouTube channel, you need a few things. The first is a passion for a topic and the second, of course, is the right equipment.
Microphones
As a general rule, using the camera’s internal microphone as a source of audio is not recommended, as it can be very sensitive to unwanted noise like traffic, dogs or even the wind. That’s why most YouTubers prefer to record their audio independently and then sync it with their captured video.
For indoor filming, a simple lavalier microphone attached to a shirt could be enough, but a more advanced USB device with a pop filter will provide a clearer sound. Filming outside requires a microphone with a built-in recorder or at least one that can be attached to your camera. In either case, a microphone windshield, which is a foam or fur-like cover, is necessary to filter out any wind-related noise.
Cameras
Vloggers used to shoot their videos with DSLR cameras, which could get a little bulky thanks to the mirror tech inside the camera. However, in the last decade, digital technology has improved considerably, making mirrors almost obsolete.
Today, mirrorless cameras are the preferred option for YouTube vloggers, as the light goes directly from the lens to a sensor. This makes cameras smaller and lighter. They are also able to provide 4K and even higher resolution videos, provide fast and precise auto-focus, and make it much easier to film high-speed movement. Brands such as Canon and Nikon are popular, with the Canon R6 and the Nikon R 611 both solid options. You could also mix and match lenses, unlike with a webcam, offering different effects and angles.
Lighting
Most YouTubers understand that bad lighting can make even the most beautiful set look horrible. Usually, a three-point set-up is enough to provide quality lighting, reduce shadows, and increase the vlogger’s contrast with the background.
This is achieved by placing two bright lights on the front and sides of the person being filmed at approximately a 45-degree angle, as well as adding light behind and lower than the speaker. LED lights are probably the best choice for this set-up, as many YouTubers have a limited space to film, and other types of lighting tend to heat up considerably. Additional accessories like reflective material and special filters can be added as needed.
Video Editing Software
A powerful, moderately versatile, and intuitive video editing software can probably make the difference between a long, boring video and an engaging story that gets straight to the point. There are many premium, service-based and free-to-try alternatives, but it’s best to look at online tutorials and find the right software for the type of content being produced.
For example, someone trying to create explainer animations has very different needs than someone who’s recording the pros and cons of their life in a new country. People wanting to start a YouTube career should focus on features like easy video and audio editing, as well as access to a rich library of transitions, titles, and basic animations.
