Selecting the Right Equipment for Social Video

Social video — and video production in general — is an element of media that is never going away. Especially when you’re filming for social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube where there are millions of videos competing for attention, having the right social video equipment is key to creating high-quality content that will actually connect with your audiences.

Here are four primary types of social video equipment you’ll want to consider:

1. Visual Recording Devices

The most important piece of equipment you’ll need to get started is a camera or visual recording device. Selecting a device that is capable of filming in focus with a high resolution is key. Here are a few examples:

Smartphones can be easily transported and are user-friendly;
DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) cameras have many features and produce high-quality shots;
Camcorders offer features similar to a DSLR and smartphones, making them an easily transportable way to produce quality videos.

Ensure your device meets your needs by testing out its features. For example, can your device film for long periods without running out of storage? Can you manually adjust your device’s shutter speed, ISO, and aperture settings? Does the device make it easy to film both vertical and horizontal videos?

Asking yourself these questions in advance will save you a lot of time (and money!) once you actually start producing your content.

2. Audio Recording Devices

Although the camera can often cover both visual and audio components of video production, utilizing external audio equipment is beneficial. Here are a few of our favorite pieces of social video equipment to elevate your audio:

Lavalier microphones allow for improved mobility during presentations, speeches, or performances;
On-camera microphones can be plugged directly into the camera, recording audio and video simultaneously;
Boom microphones capture direct audio and help minimize excess surrounding noises;
Wireless microphones are easily transportable and can be concealed;
XLR cables connect various parts of your studio equipment together.

Your location and shot type will determine which equipment you need. For example, if you’re filming near your subject, a boom microphone, a recording device, and an XLR cable will ensure clear audio. However, if you are filming your subject from a further distance, a wireless or lavalier microphone will probably be best.

3. Lighting and Other Equipment

Your visual and audio equipment is essential to a successful shoot, but proper lighting can make all the difference when it comes to producing a professional-quality video.

Here are a few lighting and equipment options to have on hand for your shoot:

LED panels are lightweight and can be easily transported to multiple locations;
Gels allow you to create colors and set certain moods for a shot;
Tungsten lights can produce different effects at different color temperatures;
Gaffer’s tape is easy to remove from carpets, cables, and other surfaces without leaving damage.

Similar to audio, lighting and other equipment needs will be determined by the shots you are trying to achieve. Keeping some form of illumination and backup equipment at your disposal will help to make your shots stand out and ensure the shoot runs smoothly.

4. Editing Software

Along with audio and visual equipment, editing software is an essential element for completing your video. There are many editing options to choose from, whether you prefer to edit via desktop or through social video apps like TikTok and Instagram.

These options will help you get started on your path to finding the editing suite that is right for you:

iMovie is a user-friendly Apple program that can be accessed on a variety of devices;
Adobe Premiere Pro is a part of the Adobe Creative Cloud that is especially useful for color correcting and other advanced editing techniques;
Final Cut Pro can handle other advanced editing tasks, such as creating motion graphics and sound design;
Canva offers video templates, music, and other features that make editing easy and collaborative.