How to Create a Low Cost YouTube Studio: Things You’ll Need
Are your YouTube videos gaining unprecedented popularity? You want to take it to the next level and create a dedicated YouTube channel studio, but there’s a catch…
But should a lack of cash hold you back? And do you really need a YouTube studio? And if it is, does it really need to be charged as much as you think?
We work hard to help you save some cash here at Dz Techs. So, let’s find out how to set up a YouTube studio for little money.
Do you really need a studio for your YouTube channel?
But before continuing, it’s time to take a hard look at the situation. Do you really need a dedicated YouTube studio?
We have already considered that lack of funds may spoil this plan. But what about the lack of space? After all, to create a proper YouTube studio, you need a proper place where you can put your equipment. Without a spare room, corner, or space elsewhere, buying equipment for a YouTube studio seems somewhat pointless.
Meanwhile, if your YouTube channel is about streaming video games, or relies on a slideshow format, with simple voiceover or captions, there really is a YouTube Studio for you.
It’s on your computer or tablet, in the form of a video editing app.
If you are sure you need an actual studio, take some time to think about it. Is it for Vlogs, or for one of the other popular types of videos on YouTube? Are you planning to record a lot of videos? Would it be easier to shoot in a studio or use other rooms in your house?
The type of video you create will affect your YouTube studio choices. Do you create how-to videos, DIY videos, or cookery videos? All of these types of videos usually require some specific space, like a shed or a kitchen. As such, is it practical to convert these areas into a studio?
Perhaps the answer is “no”. So, if you really need a physical studio for YouTube, you’ll want to consider hardware that’s easy to set up. In addition, think about portability and storage.
The basics of setting up an actual YouTube studio
If you’re still sure you want to create a YouTube studio, you’ll need:
- Camera.
- Tripod.
- microphone.
- Mono lighting.
- Audio editing and recording applications.
- video editing applications.
- Usable wallpaper.
Besides all this, you will need a computer with good specs, but you probably already know this. While it is possible to produce videos using an iPad or an Android tablet, a PC or Mac is more efficient.
Let’s take a look at each of the essential elements of setting up a YouTube studio in turn.
1. Camera selection
You have three camera choices for your YouTube studio setup and you can even use two at the same time.
If you have a smartphone, this is the go-to option. Just launch the camera app and start video recording.
Almost any smartphone available since 2015 should be suitable, regardless of manufacturer. Cameras are a major selling point for most manufacturers, so quality and clarity are almost a given.
The second option is to use your DSLR in video mode. If you already own a DSLR, this is the best option. You can take advantage of being able to swap lenses and get better quality than a smartphone, though the difference is getting ever narrower.
Best of all, you can record the footage on multiple cameras. Do you expect the viewer to be a bit distracted by one static shot of you thinking? Just record the video with your smartphone’s camera, positioned to the side (or maybe on top, like a security camera) for a “B-roll.” You will have a good selection of shots when you come to the editing part.
Finally, if you’re streaming games, a webcam should be all you need. Use an external device, rather than the built-in one, as it is easier to place. Make sure you know how to go live on YouTube.
2. Tripod
Most DSLR mounts available under $100 should do the trick. While somewhere in the region of $25-$55 on Amazon will get you a good, sturdy tripod that’s perfect for home use.
Are you planning to use a smartphone? There are many different mounts available for phones. Some DSLR tripods ship with smartphone adapters. But for this kind of scenario, one of these “mount anywhere” tripods will do the trick. These legs are curved, allowing you to attach your smartphone to walls, doors, pipes, etc.
For the secondary camera, this is a great option.
3. Add a microphone to your YouTube studio setup
Built-in microphones are usually not suitable for anything other than Skype calls. We recommend a third-party microphone for live broadcasting, and the same goes for creating YouTube videos.
The microphone you choose must be used with a dedicated audio recording application on your computer. The audio can then be added to the video at the editing stage.
Different types of microphones are available. You can use a USB desktop microphone designed for podcasting or choose a Lavalier microphone with a tie clip. What you are looking for, in the end, is a microphone with good sound quality.
4. YouTube video lighting
If your video is well lit, it will look great. But you don’t necessarily need additional lighting. Large, naturally lit spaces will work well, too. Find out if you need light by recording a test video and judging the outcome.
If you decide it looks a little dark, it’s time to find a lighting solution that suits your requirements.
This isn’t a cheap solution, and it’s likely the most expensive item on your YouTube studio shopping list. A photography softbox — complete with mounts — will set you back $40 to $100 apiece.
One way to save money here is to mount the Bulbs Daylight to the ceiling, but that’s not quite as effective. A better alternative is the ring light, which can give an instant boost to the look of your video.
5. Audio editing and recording applications
In most cases, you will need an audio app for your YouTube studio. You’re managing this project with as little money as possible, so a smart choice would be Audacity, an open source audio editor (alternatives to Audacity are available) for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
We’ve looked at this app in depth over the years, and it’s an excellent app for many different audio tasks.
6. Video editing apps for YouTubers
Many different video editing applications are available at many different price points. Some are even free.
Check out our list of the best YouTube video editing apps if you need some ideas.
Whichever option you choose, make sure that it will be exported to a format that can be uploaded to YouTube. Better yet, find a video editor that will upload your video to Youtube directly!
7. Consider some background ideas for your YouTube studio
Many YouTubers mistake it for background. It doesn’t have to be big or ornate. You don’t build a TV news studio.
But at the same time, the background — anything that can be seen behind you — must be neat. If you live in a modern interior design house, this might work well. If you’re not, you might want to cheat somewhat. Two options are available here:
Screen or wall with a suitable poster.
green screen. You can then find a suitable image to drop as a background while editing.
Incredible backdrops are a great option for shooting your videos outdoors, by the way. The viewer does not even need to see the scene in focus — they will only be aware that it is there.
Create your own virtual YouTube studio on the cheap
With your equipment assembled, and perhaps a small amount of money spent, you’ll be ready to put your studio together. This is the main stage.
Building a studio requires a certain amount of permanence, which means you’ll want your recording equipment lined up perfectly. Here’s a great YouTube video that puts a lot of what we’ve discussed here into action.
To do this, take the time to test out your lighting and camera positions, making sure you get everything recorded. In film and television, these things are done with tape on the floor to mark the position of each device. If this works for you, give it a try. Otherwise, find other ways to keep the recording device’s position and optimal settings for volume, brightness, etc.
Start creating content on YouTube before setting up a studio
For the vast majority of YouTubers, there is no need for Studio. After all, with a smartphone and an internet connection, you can upload your videos to YouTube from anywhere, anytime.
Maybe you’ll need a studio someday. But don’t let the lack of space for content creation stop you — Get started today! By the time you start thinking about needing a studio, you’ll know what you’re doing.