Budget YouTube and Podcast Streaming Setup Options You Need to See, as a Budding Content Creator

If you’ve just stepped into the YouTube and Podcast scene and are worried that it’s going to burn a hole in your pocket, then don’t sweat! I’ve got you covered in today’s quick piece about budget options (that are totally easy to get your head around) - so you no longer have to spend hours surfing the net for answers, like I once did.?

This article’s actually been inspired by the numerous messages I receive about my kit for the Boostly podcast and videos. Like many of you, I started out with the built-in webcam and microphone on my Apple Macbook; but the quality simply wasn’t cutting it. So, I invested in some professional gear - which raised my game, ten-fold.?

Weeks were spent scouring through Amazon and Google, until I found the most reliable and cost-effective options. I shared a photo (see below) of my newest set-up on Instagram and this attracted an influx of questions from other content creators. So, rather than dropping the same Amazon links over and over again - I thought to document the process a little more. Keep reading for everything you need to know to get going on Youtube and podcasts, without having to spend loads of money.?

Camera?

I’ve opted for the Sony Alpha 660 Premium E-mount APS-C Camera for my Podcast videos.

?It's 24. Mega Pixel 11 FPS camera is packed with top class features such as fast AF, steady image stabilisation, stunning image quality, high capacity battery, and serious 4K HDR (HLG).?Trust me, these are all things you want in a camera.?

The ultra-fast shooting feature helps this particular camera achieve the world-leading 0.02 seconds speed, which is ideal? when recording podcasting videos. The virtual real-time display elevates your shooting action to a whole new level.

The Sony Alpha 660 is also equipped with the silent continuous shooting feature, ensuring videos are free from any shutter noise. This is something I always recommend to look out for when sourcing a camera, as high quality podcasting requires a silent shooting environment (otherwise, it’s just a nuisance to listen to).

What’s more, the true to Life 4K HDR (HLG) movie recording feature allows me to record 4K resolution videos for Boostly.So, my subscribers get a crisp high-res video on my channel - which really boosts their experience; and gives my content even more of an edge.?

Of course, you might find other 4k cameras that hit the mark with your new podcasting channel. However, I can personally vouch for the Sony Alpha 660 - as the results have been great for me.?

Link https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-6600

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?Lens

I bought my Sony Alpha 600 camera without a lens, so had to purchase a mirror lens separately for focusing purposes. After some research, I decided to go for the Sigma 33B965 30mm F1.4 DC; and I’ve got to be honest: I’m amazed by the results. The lens does an incredible job of sharpening images and has epic low light performance. I mounted the lens onto my Sony camera for autofocusing; and the setup also works best as a mirroring lens. There are plenty of quick YouTube tutorials to show you how to do this, so don’t worry about all the geeky terminology. You’ll get the hang of it.?

So, all in all, I’d recommend this lens without any hesitation to anyone looking for the perfect podcasting setup.?

Link to buy https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01C3SCKI6?tag=mus0a-21

Cam Link

I often need to connect my podcasting camera to my computer for video editing purposes - this will probably be the case for you, too.?

I use the Elgato Cam link 4K External Camera Capture card for this. Its ultra-latency technology allows me to go live on my Podcasting channel; and also acts as a plug-and-play design USB Connector.?

Since getting my hands on this Cam Link, I’m amazed by its stunning broadcast (go live) technology which you can set to 1080p or 4K 30 FPS as per your needs.?

If you’re looking for a DSL Connector for your podcasting set up, I recommend buying this cam link by Elgato. I can almost guarantee that you’ll be happy with the results.?

Link to buy https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07K3FN5MR?tag=mus0a-21

Camera Streaming Battery

I tend to go live for many hours for Boostly, for tutorials, coaching and whatnot. So, for this reason, I needed a reliable camera streaming battery - to fuel me while I’m going! I decided to purchase the? Andoer USB NP-FW50 Dummy Battery Adapter for this purpose. This is a very comfortable plug-and-play Dummy Battery adapter. If you own any of the Sony NEX 3, 5, 6, 7 Series, and A33, A37, A35, A55, A7, A7R, A7II, A6000, and A6300 series cameras, you can buy this camera streaming battery as well.

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Andoer USB NP-Fw50 Dummy Battery Adapter is a great fit if you need an extended battery for your podcast shooting setup.

Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B073GQKV6B?tag=mus0a-21

Camera Stand Pole/ Tripod

You may also need a stand pole to mount your DSLR Camera for your podcasting setup. I use TARION Tabletop Light Stand Clip Stand for this purpose. It’s a sturdy stand pole that provides excellent support for my camera - I’ve been happy since the day I bought it.?

It feels solid, and there’s also a good quality clutch on the extension pole, so you can also fit your adapters and other devices onto it. Ideal for any podcasting setup - and one I’d definitely recommend.?

Link to buy https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08MZTSDDG?tag=mus0a-21

Elgato Stream Deck

As you’ll get into the podcasting and YouTube world, you may need a Stream deck when shooting videos for your Podcasting YouTube Channel. I have an Elgato Stream Deck advance controller with 32 macro keys.?

This stream deck is equipped with an enhanced live production feature which allows me to go live while controlling my favourite tools with ease. It really is so simple.?

The best part is, Elgato Stream Deck is easy to set up with an intuitive and stable interface. It becomes nearly effortless? to go live on your YouTube Channel when you have this Stream deck with you.

I can also trigger unlimited actions by using 32 macro keys with this Stream Deck. Not only this, but it lets me? also switch between platforms I want to go live on as well. Overall, a great addition to your shooting setup, especially as your audience and reach grows.?

Link to Buy https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07RL8H55Z?tag=mus0a-21

Rodecaster Pro

More than anything else, podcasting requires a powerful audio solution for smooth and noise-free hearing.?

I lucked out and got the Rode Caster All in One Production Solution for podcasting. It offers top-quality and revolutionary audio features for my setup. This audio production unit is easy to use and reduces any “fuss” (so you can just max out on being creative).?

The four combo inputs allow you to record crystal clear audio, and you can also connect this audio production solution with your smartphone and computer using the USB port. Definitely a strong contender among other options when putting your podcasting setup together.

Link to buy https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B17V8NGX?tag=mus0a-21

Procaster Microphone

Don’t ever underestimate the value of a high-quality microphone to record your voice when building a podcasting setup.?

I own a Rode Procaster Professional Microphone for my podcasting setup. This is a professional broadcast-quality dynamic microphone that is specifically designed for voice applications such as podcasting and live streaming.

It has an integrated internal pop filter which ensures breath noises and plosives are not filtered out with the voice so that you have a sound voice recording, minus the external noise for your podcast videos.

As far as voice recording tools go, this is a must-have for podcasting setups.?

Link to buy https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001IPUJJI?tag=mus0a-21

Lights

Extra lights are always a must when shooting podcast videos. I have Elgato Key light with Professional 2800 lumens studio lights to serve this purpose. I have been more than happy after buying these extra lights for my Podcasting setup.?

Elgato Key Lights save a lot of your space environment too, and you can also control everything from your live streaming panel. An added benefit is that you’ll have a wide range of brightness and warmth to set up with these lights. (It makes such a difference to the overall look of your videos).?

These lights can be conveniently be used with Apple devices, android phones, and computers as well. I’d go as far as saying that this is one of the best additions to my shooting set-up, and I’d happily suggest this to anyone who is up for podcasting.

Link to buy (make sure you order x2) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07L755X9G?tag=mus0a-21

Computer Screen

The computer screen is an essential part of your shooting setup as you’ll need to see your real-time actions on a screen.

I use LG Ultrawide Monitor 38WN95 CW with my podcasting setup. It’s a 38-inch monitor screen with 144 Hz 3840* 1080 pixel quality.

Since getting this, I can seamlessly edit my videos on the monitor screen. Its curved IPS screen allows for a very immersive and clear visual experience.?

My LG Ultra-Wide monitor provides decent and uniform image quality. If you get this, you’ll also find that you’ll be able to scale this to a vertical position to increase your productivity as well. Not only this, but it offers adaptive synchronisation for podcasting.?

Overall, I’m pretty amazed by the experience I’ve had with this monitor. That’s why it makes my list of top budget options for your YouTube and podcast streaming setup.?

Link to Buy https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B089688FQ6?tag=mus0a-21

Conclusion

While the above may seem an exhaustive list, investing in the right gear in the early stages of your Youtube and podcast streaming options will save you a lot of time and money in the long-run. The reality is, there are loads of content creators on the block now. So, in order to give your content the best shot at getting seen, you’ll need to consider the quality of your audio, visuals and streaming options. There’s plenty of other resources out there on the net that'll give you a step-by-step rundown of how to use each of these budget options (and the best part is, they’re likely to last you ages).

As ever, I’m happy to answer any other questions in your journey to becoming a world renowned content creator! Slide into my DMs on Linkedin and I’ll get back to you asap.?

Thank you to Neely Khan for putting this together