Video Gear List- What You Need for Better Social Media Videos

Video content is one of the most powerful tools you can use to market your business, if you’re an aspiring Content Creator or Entrepreneur. But poor quality videos can do more harm than good. If you want to really catapult your video marketing strategy, there is a video gear list you must have to do it.

Whether you’re filming with your phone or a professional camera, having the right tools and knowing how to use them will instantly improve your results. I know because I have taught these techniques in my online courses and through consultations, where I show entrepreneurs how to film, edit and identify their unique selling points for video marketing a business or brand. 

As a former journalist, head of a college Media Department and founder of my own social media brand that produces viral results, this is the gear that I use and recommend, which will take your videos to the next level.

Below I’ve separated this equipment and resources list in to Lighting, Sound, Stability, Editing and Storage, Research and Accessories. You can also view the whole product list quickly on my Amazon shop.

Lighting: The Key to Great Footage

Lighting is the most crucial element of creating near professional-looking videos. I always tell clients during my consultations that even the most expensive camera can’t fix bad lighting. 

You need to ensure your subject is well-lit to avoid grainy footage or harsh shadows. Here’s what I recommend for lighting setups:

• Portable Lights: These compact lights attach to your mobile device, making them ideal for shooting on the go. They’re perfect for restaurant kitchens or capturing quick shots in a dimly lit office.
• Ring Lights: Popular among social media influencers, ring lights provide soft, even lighting and are great for filming yourself. I’ve found these especially useful when teaching video techniques for personal branding during my courses.
• Standalone Lights: For more advanced setups, standalone lights on tripods allow for more lighting control. These are excellent if you want to play with shadows or highlight specific aspects of your products. When I work with clients in their businesses, we often use these for ‘talking head’ style informative videos or to greatly enhance the location if it doesn’t have much available natural light.

Lighting doesn’t have to be expensive, but it’s essential to get it right. In my courses, I also teach how lighting is essential for helping you tell a better story with your business or brand’s video.

Video Gear List: Sound

Poor sound can make viewers switch off, no matter how good your visuals are. In my experience, whether I’m advising clients in one-on-one consultations or teaching an online class, I always stress the importance of good sound. It’s often overlooked but crucial for keeping your audience engaged.

Here are the best options to consider:

• Lavalier Microphones (Lav Mics): These small clip-on mics are perfect for recording dialogue or interviews. I use high-end DJI lav mics, which I recommend to anyone serious about quality. However, for those on a tighter budget, there are more affordable lav mics you’ll often see used on TikTok.
• Desktop Microphones: If you’re recording voiceovers or hosting online tutorials, a desktop mic is a great investment. I personally use a Rode mic for my more commercial content and consultations. The difference in sound quality is noticeable, making it ideal for professional-level recordings.

As part of my tailored consultations I guide business owners through sound recording techniques. This helps them understand how to use different types of microphones based on their video marketing needs and unique selling points they need to show.

Video Gear List: Stability

Shaky footage is an easy way to look unprofessional. I often emphasise during my visits and consultations that stability is key. And thankfully, you don’t need to break the bank to solve this problem.

• Monopods and Simple Stands: These are lightweight and portable, perfect for quick setups. You can also attach both a microphone and a portable light to create a full mobile studio.
• Gorilla Tripods: Flexible and versatile, these tripods can grip onto almost anything, making them ideal for filming in tricky locations. I often recommend these to clients who film a lot outdoors or in unique settings.
• Heavy-Duty Tripods: If you’re using a DSLR, invest in a solid tripod for maximum stability. It’s especially useful for longer shoots or if you want to ensure a completely still frame. However, this is the probably the last piece of video gear you would need if you’re just starting to explore video marketing for your business.

Here’s a tip I always share in my courses: a phone case with a ring attached to the back can prevent drops and give you more control over your device while filming. Plus, it’s a handy anti-theft measure, especially when filming in crowded cities like London.

For buttery smooth shots, I recommend using an Osmo stabiliser. This gadget is excellent for tracking moving subjects or capturing cinematic panning shots. It does require a bit of training and practice. Consider this time investment before you try to use it the first time.

Video Gear List: Editing & Storage

Once you’ve filmed your content, the next step is editing. During my video consultations and online courses, I teach entrepreneurs how editing can drastically enhance their video quality. 

It’s incredibly easy now to produce fun, punchy or sleek edits with apps on mobile devices. This wasn’t the case when I started video editing more than a decade ago on Final Cut Pro X. 

But first, you’ll need to make sure you have enough storage and the right software.

• Memory Cards: Opt for high-powered, fast memory cards, especially when filming in HD or 4K. Slower cards might not be able to keep up with your footage, resulting in lost or corrupted files.
• SSD Drives: SSDs with several terabytes of storage are essential for safely backing up your video projects. They’re faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives, which is crucial when dealing with large video files.

For editing software, I swear by CapCut Pro. It’s been a game-changer for me and many of the content creators you see with viral results on social media. Its user-friendly interface and advanced features—such as automatic caption generation, dynamic titles and eye-catching effects—make it a top choice for business owners. 

I regularly recommend CapCut Pro in my courses as a cost-effective alternative to other high-end editing programs. 

Research: Stay Ahead of the Curve

Staying informed about the latest trends and techniques is critical to improving your video content. In my courses and consultations, I encourage entrepreneurs to continuously seek out new ideas and inspiration. 

Two excellent books I always recommend to those serious about video marketing are Steal Like an Artist and The YouTube Formula. Both provide valuable insights on creativity and the science behind video success.

Video Gear List Accessories

Accessories can make your filming process smoother and more efficient. They’re often overlooked, but I’ve found in both my personal filming and my teaching sessions that these little extras can save time and hassle.

• Stylus: Ideal for editing on mobile devices, especially when fine-tuning clips or adding titles.
• Highlighters: Useful for marking up scripts, notes or storyboards while filming.
• Spray and Cloth: Keep your lenses clean! I can’t count how many times I’ve seen blurry footage caused by a smudged lens.
• Juice Box (Battery Pack): A must-have for longer shoots! However, you need to keep in mind that you can’t use lav microphones that plug in to your mobile device simultaneously.

Ready to Improve Your Videos?

Now that you’ve seen the gear list, you have everything you need to start creating better quality videos. Whether you’re using your phone or more advanced equipment, the right lighting, sound and stability tools will set you up for success. 

If you’re looking for more hands-on guidance, through Sunny Social Media I offer one-on-one consultations and even in-person visits to help entrepreneurs film, edit and craft their video marketing strategies. I can also show you how to highlight your unique selling points on camera to create content that truly resonates with your audience and goes viral. 

Got questions about getting started? Let me help you! Get in touch with the form below if you’d like to work together to level up your video marketing strategy for social media.