Build a YouTube Studio for Less Than $100
Staring at home studio doesn't have be costly.
Building your own YouTube studio doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money, but it will help add a professional and even creative touch to your videos. We'll show you how to build out a set using the room you work in, camera and settings, lighting, and sound, all at affordable prices.
The Set
Building out a set in your workspace doesn't need to be a costly endeavor. With the proper decor, lights, and sound, it can be done for around $100 to $400, when adding in the cost of a microphone and lights.
First, if you plan on having a computer screen in the shot, angle it properly, and make sure the desk is clutter-free.
A few clever YouTubers bought sound panels at an affordable price, painted them, and put them on a wall in the background. This added a nice visual in the background, and also helps get rid of any echo in the sound.
If your videos cover subjects like books, movies, or sports, you can decorate the background accordingly. A bookshelf, some movie posters, or some shelves with a mix of sports memorabilia. Keep things organized, focused, and uncluttered. While the background is not the center of attention, it should add to the overall feel of the video.
Camera and Settings
There are plenty of great cameras available for streaming, including dedicated web cameras, mirrorless, and more. It's recommended to use a quality camera with a lens, which will put the focus you, and will add bokeh to the background.
Ensure the settings aren't on automatic: The shutter should be set between 1/48 and 1/60, depending on the frame rate. Aperture should be open more (e.g., F/2.8), and the ISO can be lowered to below 1000. This helps avoid blown out video, or grain if the ISO is too high.
Lighting
Adding a key and fill light (or reflector) will both illuminate and separate you from the background. It will also give it a more natural feel, versus using an overhead light. In addition, a small light pointing at the background will further separate the background from the foreground.
Sticking to a budget, you can buy some quality, but very affordable lights on Amazon or similar marketplaces for under $65, and up to $200, depending on the brand and number of lights. These include umbrella lights, which give a soft and pleasing light.
Sound
A quality lav mic will go a long towards ensuring the videos are professional, giving you a strong and clear voice. Relying on a camera mic will make you sound distant, and amplify the tone of the room. You don't need to spend a lot of money, and in some cases below $20.
No matter the room or space you're in, there could be an issue of echo, or unwanted noise. Carpeting helps cut down on echo, and you can use blankets, or take advantage of the sound panels as part of the set.
Conclusion
A YouTube studio can be built affordably, and help add a level of professionalism and creativity to your videos. If you don’t have the space, you can put up a green screen, create some backgrounds, and go virtual.
