In this episode of Beauty and the Vlog, I reveal the top ten tools that every YouTube creator needs for their YouTube channel. I am often asked in my mastermind and my Facebook group recommendations for lighting, cameras and other equipment. This list is geared towards people just starting out or looking to enhance their existing, but basic set-up.

Once of the things I constantly harp on here in the blog and on the podcast is the importance of high quality equipment, especially if you are looking to make it as a YouTuber. I am blown away by the number of people that ask me why their channel isn’t growing who have very poor quality. Nothing you will do when it comes to content or SEO will make up for poor quality video. The competition today is fierce and people do not have the patience for bad lighting and sound. To make it, you need to put yourself and your content in the best light. YES, equipment is expensive, but so is your time. There is no point in wasting your time churning out video after video if it doesn’t look good. Even if you invest in one or two new pieces, it will make a difference in your videos.

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Top 10 Tools for YouTubers:

1.) Video Camera

Canon 80d. This is probably the #1 recommended camera for someone looking to be serious about their YouTube channel. Canon’s 80D is a great option for all YouTubers who are looking to start on a solid foot with excellent quality. The newer 80D version has a new headphone jack, faster autofocus, time-lapse mode and lots more. It is the go-to camera for YouTubers.

2.) Vlogging Camera

Sony A5100 This camera is great for beauty because of the mirrored flip up screen. Another great feature is that the camera comes with WiFi so it is easy to take photos and video and send it to your devices. The camera also has a great face perfecting feature that makes your skin look airbrushed. One con is that it lacks an external microphone input. The sound quality is decent, so it’s not a huge issue. However, for the price, the overall camera quality and ease of use is great.

3.) Ring Light

Diva Ring Light With Stand: A ring light is definitely important when you are doing any kind of facial close up or beauty video. I would put it more in the splurge category because you can still get a beautiful effect with soft boxes or natural light, however if makeup tutorials or anything close up is going to be a consistent focus to your channel, a ring light is a must-have.

4.) Soft Boxes

Soft boxes create an absolutely beautiful ambience for not a lot of money. If you are looking for an inexpensive way to upgrade the look of your videos, soft boxes is your answer. This set on Amazon is $60 and works great.

5.) External Microphone

6.) Voice-over microphone

7.) External Hard Drive

If you are creating a lot of video, an external hard drive is a must-have! Not only will it provide you a backup in case something happens to your computer, it frees your computer of space, making it go faster which is crucial for a smooth editing process. This $180 LaCie Rugged Thumderbolt 2TB is the one I use and highly recommend.

8.) Gorilla Pod Tripod

This nifty $40 tripod can be contorted into different angles and shapes. It’s super helpful for camera stabilization while you are vlogging and taking selfies.

9.) Camera Remote

This is a super inexpensive tool to help with your productivity while filming. A camera remote makes it much easier to control your camera while filming so you don’t have to keep getting up and turning it on and off and possibly losing your position or messing with the camera. It’s a must have!

10.) TubeBuddy

TubeBuddy is the first tool I recommend for anyone who has a YouTube channel. You can use the free version and get a lot out of it, but I highly recommend the Pro version (less than $10 a month) to really benefit from the SEO tools. You would be crazy not to use this!

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