Become a Content Creator on Youtube Using your Smartphone

If you’re looking to expand your social media presence, YouTube can be a great way to engage viewers as a content creator. It’s understandable to be a little hesitant jumping in with just your smartphone, but this piece of modern technology is more than capable of producing exceptional video for YouTubers.

No matter how great your mobile phone is, though, you’ll still need a few tools to draw in millions of subscribers. Whether you’ve already started your YouTube journey or are still in research mode, here’s the gear that will help you grow your channel.

How to Start a Youtube Channel

I can spend the next couple sentences trying to inspire you, but at the end of the day, the only tip worth giving is to start recording.

Yes, having all the gear I’m going to go over would be sweet, but it’s not necessary to start your Youtube channel, to post your first video, or even to get 100 subscribers. So, start recording and then buy the gear that you find you need.

Cell Phone Camera Lens

If you want to stand out on Youtube, then you’re going to need to curate a different look. Maybe a cinema-style one with lens flares galore? One of the best ways to do this in videography is by adding an anamorphic lens. These lenses are designed to give you that widescreen look typical of movies too.

Want more information on anamorphic lenses? Check out our guide to smartphone videography.

In short, the perfect iPhone camera lens for social media does exist, and it’s less expensive than you may think. While there are more options for the iPhone, there are some Android offerings too.

There’s a reason that Peter McKinnon, Chris Hau, and Matti Haapoja all have smartphone specific videos – the cameras are getting damn good. All of the options above feature similar overall video looks, so the variation between them occurs in overall picture quality.

Be sure to consider your overall marketing strategy when choosing a lens if you decide to go away from a dedicated videography lens. It’ll set the tone for the type of content that you’ll create.

Phone Tripod

One of the most essential pieces of gear for the new YouTuber is a phone tripod. Even if your content is exciting and engaging, if your videos are shaky and distracting, viewers are likely to move on to another channel.

If you aren’t convinced, then check out our guide to why you need a phone tripod.

Depending on what type of videos you’re producing, you may have different tripod needs. If you’re creating videos from your home studio, you may need a taller tripod, whereas if you’re filming on the go, you’ll want something smaller and more portable.

Most cell phone tripods are made to accommodate a variety of phone models, but be sure to double-check this information, especially if you have a particularly large smartphone.

Yes, there are cheap smartphone photography bundles that you can check out if you’re looking for an introduction. I did have a tripod from one of these bundles though that lasted less than four hours, so buyer’s beware.

Remote Shutter

After you’ve invested in a high-quality tripod, you’ll want to preserve the stability of your phone with a remote camera shutter. These are otherwise known as Bluetooth camera remotes, and they can help grow your channel like no other. Once you use one, you’ll never go back, and here’s why.

To summarize, a remote shutter allows you to film without ever having to leave your position in front of the camera or tap your phone. A remote will allow you to focus more on your content and less on the technical details of producing YouTube videos.

There’s no more running back and forth to start and stop recording, meaning you’ll spend less time editing your videos since you won’t have to trim out the ends of everything you’ve recorded.

Most importantly, remote camera shutters are small enough to hide in the palm of your hand, so viewers won’t even know you don’t have an entire film crew on set. They typically connect to your Android or iPhone via Bluetooth.

Want even more information? Check our complete post about why you need a Bluetooth camera remote.

External Flash

If you’re looking to increase your social media following, you’re going to need good lighting in your YouTube videos. It’s a bad idea to use the flash on your smartphone for this as it can create weird shadows and unflattering lighting. Instead, you’ll need an external light source.

One of the most popular light sources for YouTubers is a ring light. Ring lights provide even, professional lighting that will take your videos to the next level. As with many of the other products on this list, most ring lights will work no matter what type of smartphone you’re shooting with and what kind of content you create.

Cell Phone Microphone

If you’re dreaming of growing your channel, the microphone that comes standard on your smartphone probably isn’t going to cut it. You can produce the most beautiful videos on the internet, but if your audio is bad, you’re going to lose viewers.

Thankfully, external microphones are easy to use and relatively budget-friendly. There are several different varieties to choose from.

One of the most popular choices is a lapel microphone that you simply attach to your clothing, such as this one made by RØDE. You may also be interested in a handheld microphone similar to those used by reporters, but we recommend finding one that mounts like the Deity.

The microphone that works best for you will depend on what type of videos you’re producing. If you’re working in the peace and quiet of your home studio, any type should be fine. However, if you’re shooting outdoors or in a noisy area, you’ll need to look for something that will help reduce wind or background noise. There are different phone microphones for different content creators – deal with it.

Youtube Backdrop

Whether or not you need a backdrop will depend on your target audience. Obviously, if you’re shooting outdoors or in public places, you won’t need one. If you’re planning on filming in your home, a backdrop can be helpful in keeping the viewers’ focus on you rather than your home décor.

Backdrops are available in a huge variety of colors and patterns, so you’ll need to choose something that suits you and your message. Whether you choose a bold color or something softer, be sure that it compliments your video and your topic. You’re the content creator, so think of what that entails when choosing.

Some types of Youtube backdrop are designed to be pinned on your wall, but if you’d prefer not to repair the wall when you’re done filming, you can always choose a freestanding backdrop.

Video Editing App

As always, once you’ve finished filming your videos for YouTube, you’ll want to polish them up with an editing app.

There are a ton of different options available for both Android and iOS smartphones, but here are a few of our favorites.

Different apps do have different features so you may want to try a few of them out on your target audience before committing to one. There are so many options though, you’re sure to find an app that’s ideal for your personal style and your unique YouTube content.

Can You Start a Youtube Channel With Your Phone?

Yes. Undoubtedly, affirmative.

It doesn’t even matter if your smartphone is a few years old – learning the video-making process is more important than the gear you’re doing the capturing with. Eventually, you’re going to upgrade to a newer device, and when that time comes, you’ll be ready.

Keith Richards, the legendary lead guitarist for the Rolling Stones, recommends learning to play the guitar on a cheap, beat-up, and broken down one. He reasons that when you pick up the real deal, you’ll appreciate it more.

I feel pretty good about using the same reasoning when asked can you start a Youtube channel with your phone, because, well, it has a camera.