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HOBBY
So you love posting on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, and Snapchat, great! You’ve decided that you might love to do this full time in the future, but you’re not quite there yet. Maybe, you haven’t even started. That’s ok. Here’s a few products you might need to at least begin to capture an audience, test the waters and see if this is something you’d like to do full time in the future, without breaking the bank.
1. Desktop Microphone
As many people nowadays have access to a decent smartphone camera, webcam, or DSLR (like Canon and Sony cameras), the downside of all of these devices is their built-in microphone is often downright terrible.
In order to allow people to willingly spend their time to listen to what you have to say, you have got to make that audio easy to bear through, and not ear-piercing.
Even iPhones don’t have that incredible of built-in mics.
You will need one that’s relatively cheap so that your audience can hear you clearly, and that dampens the background noise of your air conditioner, cars, other people, etc.
AMAZON LINK
Gaming USB Microphone for PC PS5, FIFINE Condenser Mic with Quick Mute, RGB Indicator, Tripod Stand, Pop Filter, Shock Mount, Gain Control for Streaming Discord Twitch Podcasts Videos- AmpliGame
2. Lavalier Microphone
Lavalier mics are known for their ability to clip onto clothing so you can record audio right next to your face, hands-free. This is a type that you can plug right into your phone to record with Voice Memos, and sync up with your video in post-production (iMovie, Adobe Premier, Final Cut Pro X, etc.).
The only downside with these is you have to be aware of clothing brushing up against the microphone, creating a muffling and irritating sound for your viewers that you will need to cut out in post-production. However, if you are aware of this issue when placing your mic, you should be able to place it somewhere (or, just hold it) where the microphone head itself will not be touching anything else.
I often argue that audio quality takes precedence over video quality: and I mostly say this because for years, I stunted my own growth online by not caring about it. This is a major issue that not many Creators consider when beginning a social media account. It is what makes the difference between someone watching your video for 2 seconds, or someone staying around until the video is over (which effects how much social medias promote your accounts)!
AMAZON LINK
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3. iPhone 8, or Newer
Even "older" iPhones, like the iPhone 8, are usable for creating content online. If you already have a phone like this, or newer, then you’re in luck! You’re already on the right path to creating social media content.
You can order an older iPhone at a reduced price online and use it strictly for creating social media content. If you use it in this way, for business only, you may even be able to right it off as a business expense on your taxes (talk with your Accountant about the laws in your location and how you can benefit from this).
4. Ring Light
The next item you will need to make your videos worth watching is good lighting. Here’s one of my favorite ring lights at one the best prices on the market.
It’s lightweight (making it easily portable), and provides multiple color options, so you can choose which lighting effect suits you best.
AMAZON LINK
Kaiess 10.2" Selfie Ring Light with 65" Adjustable Tripod Stand & Phone Holder for Live Stream/Makeup, Upgraded Dimmable LED Ringlight for Tiktok/YouTube/Zoom Meeting/Photography
UPGRADED
Your social media accounts are starting to gain some traction. Congratulations! You may still have a day job, but are getting closer to makeing this a full time gig. Maybe you've earned enough from ads, or sponsors, to start investing in your gear. Here's what I recommend for Creator's in this stage.
1. DSLR
DSLR's can run anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Since you may still be deciding if you can, or want, to do this full-time, I'll provide an option that won't break the bank.
My favorite DSLR brands are Sony and Canon, respectively. My first DSLR I got for YouTube videos was a Nikon D3100, and to be quite frank, I did not like it. Even with super expensive lenses, Nikon is just not cut out for video, like they are in photography. Stick to Sony and Canon, and you should be making a worthwhile investment.
AMAZON LINK
Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens | Built-in Wi-Fi | 24.1 MP CMOS Sensor | DIGIC 4+ Image Processor and Full HD Videos
2. Vlog Camera
Unless you want to pay for a separate monitor, you will want a camera which has a flip-out monitor for vlog style videos, or videos where you will be filming yourself. Trust me, I've made that mistake before, and had to spend too many hours syncing up my monitor with my camera. It's not fun, it's very frustrating, so the investment is definitely worth it.
3. Upgraded Mic
Now you can start really playing with cardioid and condenser mics. These are wonderful in elevating your sound quality: they reduce background noise, enhance vocal timbre, and overall make your voice sound very pleasant to the ears.
4. Extra 64GB SD Card
There is almost nothing more irritating while filming than being stopped in the middle of it, because your SIM card is full. I always recommend having an extra 64GB SD card on hand. That way, you'll be covered if your main card fills up, or breaks.
AMAZON LINK
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Career Gear
A list of the top gear used by social media content Creators. Everything you need in one place, so your filming process is a breeze.
Analytics
Analytics can be really confusing if you don't know how to approach them. Social media content analytics on social media can tell you a wealth of information, and if you can fill in the gaps where the analytics don't provide, then you will have all the answers you need to figure out how to make your content go viral. Here's how to do that.
Marketing
Social media might seem oversaturated, but there are actually endless possibilities in creating your own brand from the ground up. Don't worry if you're new to it. There is still a huge market to tap into.
I'm talking: billions of people all around the world use various social media apps on a daily basis. What if you had only a fraction of their attention? How much would that change your life today? I know it changed mine.
Advertising
Social Media advertising can seem daunting when you're first getting into it. You may be wondering where and how to get started. Have no fear! These days, not only is it easier - it's also cheaper (and in some cases, FREE)! I'll show you how to get started here.