Here are all the tools I use for making a good social media video for marketing.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
How to Make a Good Social Media Video: Complete Set-Up
BEST INEXPENSIVE SETUP: Get an adjustable tripod http://amzn.to/2hFiu8e and rechargeable cell phone ring light http://amzn.to/2zprUit. Use your cell phone headset. ($25 total)
MIDRANGE UPGRADE: Add a backdrop and stand (+$75). Scroll down for my recommendations there.
PROFESSIONAL LEVEL: Add a full ring light (+$140) http://amzn.to/2DopPmF
SUPER PRO: Add a fancy microphone. This is the one we will get when we upgrade (+125). http://amzn.to/2zZ4OgQ
BONUS: Add a great camera. We still use our cell phone and laptop, but friends of ours use ones similar to this: http://amzn.to/2z2QqD0
Tripods and Mounts
This is the BEST for just keeping in your bag on the go. You can bend the legs to mount your phone anywhere. The Joby brand is best quality (these will fall apart), but for $10, I love these imitation versions. http://amzn.to/2hFiu8e
I love these sticky pads. They’re great for gym shots and makeup tutorials. http://amzn.to/2FvKCp3
If you have a place you’re going to shoot regularly, these flat magnetic mounts are great. http://amzn.to/2Dahqp7
This is AWESOME, and I keep this one in my bedroom. If I go live on my balcony, I use this full-size tripod. We also travel with it often because it weighs essentially nothing. http://amzn.to/2zUPx2s
Sound
For sound, we use our regular headphones or apple earbuds/air pods. We also travel with this mic, because it was recommended to us at an event, though we rarely use it anymore. If you need to look professional, it’s great. My niche isn’t “professional”, so it doesn’t matter: http://amzn.to/2B8NFkP
Lighting
Box Soft light (we used to use these all the time- now we use the ring light mostly solo- but these are 1/3 price): http://amzn.to/2zo82du
Ring light: http://amzn.to/2y97BCf
Rechargeable cell phone ring light (best for price and beginners!): http://amzn.to/2zprUit
Two in one cell phone holder + light (great for at a desk): http://amzn.to/2zmf3LH
Backdrops
Photo backdrop stand (just use heavy-duty tape on a wall to tape up a backdrop, if you have a wall you can shoot against. That’s what we did in LA, but we don’t have a blank wall where we currently live): http://amzn.to/2hFbNDf
We LOVE this but don’t yet use them. These are our NEXT uplevel in filming. These and a plant and you have a perfect setting. http://amzn.to/2zXPOzI
Here is our first photo backdrop. Make sure, when you order one, you don’t get a 5×7. It won’t be big enough to allow wiggle room or a second person on camera with you. http://amzn.to/2jHBya8
If you are looking to get a backdrop this site is great and affordable. I recommend getting an 8×8 or 10×10. It’ll be big, but you can fold it if you need it. http://www.buy-backdrop.com/
I hope you’ve found this social media video guide helpful and I can’t wait to see what you’re going to do with it!