Being a content creator is a lot of fun, but it also involves a lot of work. Aside from your time and creativity, you also need to invest in some equipment. You don’t need super expensive gear, of course, but having the right tools can definitely help you make better content.
Here are just a few gadgets and accessories that you need as a content creator:
Headphones
If you want to focus on live streaming, you’re going to need a good pair of headphones. Philippines’ tech stores have plenty of options to choose from, but the main factors you should consider are sound quality and comfort. You need to be able to hear what’s going on while you play video games or chat with your viewers, without your head and neck feeling stiff after an hour or so.
Aside from live streaming, quality headphones are also important when you’re editing music tracks and videos. This way, you can ensure that your content has the perfect audio before you release it.
Microphone
A good microphone is another crucial gadget or accessory for content creators who record voiceovers, as well as live streamers. Some headphones come with a built-in mic, but they can leave a lot to be desired especially with sound isolation and noise cancellation. In short, if you want your viewers to hear you clearly and prevent crowing roosters in the background from stealing the show, get a mic!
While you’re at it, find a boom or arm that can hold your microphone. This can help with mobility, so that you can adjust closer or farther to you when needed. A boom or arm can also help you save some desk space; just find a boom or arm that you can clamp on the side of your desk or mount onto the wall.
Webcam and Ring Light
If you’re a VTuber—a content creator who uses an avatar instead of showing their real face on-camera—then you don’t have a huge need for a webcam and ring light. However, if you’re the type of content creator who conducts live or prerecorded broadcasts that feature your person, then you’re going to need a high-quality webcam and ring light. These two pieces of equipment will help your face register better on the screen.
These aren’t a requirement, per se, but your audience will likely be more encouraged to interact if they see your face clearly. For the best results, get a ring light with a tripod where you can mount your webcam; better if the tripod’s height is adjustable and the mount can be tilted up or down so you can get a good angle. A good ring light should also give you the option to adjust tone and temperature, so you can get the right balance and prevent yourself from looking washed out or jaundiced.
A Good Camera
Many smartphones nowadays have top-notch cameras but it’s still a good idea to invest in a separate digital camera if you’re a content creator. This is especially true if your content is centered on photo and video, such as if you create travel videos, food reviews, makeup tutorials, and the like. With a good camera, you can capture high-resolution visuals with ease.
For those whose content is focused on sports, motoring, or similar action-heavy activities, an action camera is also a good investment. These types of cameras are perfect for traveling due to their compactness, and have features such as video stabilization that prevents blurry or shaky shots.
Storage Cards and/or External Hard Drives
Taking hundreds or even thousands of high-resolution photos and videos means you’re going to need a lot of space to store them. A RAW file of a single photo can be as big as 20 to 40MB on average, so your camera’s free SD card will get full real quick. If you have the budget to spare, buy multiple storage cards so you can shoot without worry when you’re on the field.
Meanwhile, for photos and footage that you want to keep or still need to process for future content, it’s best to store them in an external hard drive. This way, your computer will have more resources to smoothly run heavier programs such as video editors.
An Extra Monitor
As a content creator, you’ll have multiple computer programs running at the same time when you’re streaming, recording, or editing. Keeping all of these programs open on one screen can be a struggle, so it’s best to get an extra monitor instead. This way, you can easily see all of the details you need without switching from window to window.
If you prefer not to have multiple screens, you can invest in an ultrawide monitor.
Last but not least, another thing that content creators should invest in is software (although they aren’t strictly “gadgets”). These include photo and video editors, streaming or broadcasting software, and recording software to help you produce high-quality content.
Good luck on your content creation journey!