LinkedIn Live from a Suitcase: A Digital Nomad's Guide

Here's a funny thing about creating a "home studio" setup—you actually need a home first!

As a digital nomad who lives in corporate apartments and travels across the United States, I've learned that you don't need a fancy home studio to do LinkedIn Lives. In fact, my entire live stream setup fits into a single suitcase that rides in the trunk of my car.

Just in case you're wondering how to be a live stream minimalist like me (or you're just tired of overthinking your setup), I'm going to share exactly what you need—and more importantly, what you don't need—to create quality live streams.

Why Live Streaming Matters

Before we dive into the technical setup, let's address why live streaming is worth considering.

In my experience, going live is actually easier than creating pre-recorded videos. There's no endless cycle of retakes or perfectionism-induced paralysis. You simply hit that "Go Live" button, connect with your audience, and share your message.

The Essentials of a Portable Studio

1. Audio: Your Top Priority

The first and most crucial investment for any live streaming setup is good audio. I use a Blue Yeti USB microphone because:

• It's reliable and durable
• It comes with protective packaging
• It offers direct headphone monitoring (just plug in cheap earbuds)
• It connects via USB without requiring additional interfaces
• It delivers professional-quality sound

Pro Tip: When using the Blue Yeti, speak into the front of the microphone (not the top).

2. Video: Quality Meets Practicality

For my camera, I rely on the Logitech BRIO webcam. Here's why:

• High frame rate capabilities (60 fps)
• Excellent resolution options (720p, 1080p, & 4K)
• Reliable performance across different lighting conditions

Since I use StreamYard's basic plan which streams at 720p, that's what I stream at—and honestly, it works perfectly. While the BRIO can handle 4K, I've found that 720p provides excellent clarity while ensuring reliable streaming on LinkedIn Live, especially when dealing with varying internet connections in different locations.

NOTE: I'm currently testing out streaming at 1080p, will report back later on the pros and cons of moving up from 720p.

3. Lighting: Simple Yet Effective

My lighting setup proves that sometimes simple is best:

• One quality ring light - Sensyne 10'' Ring Light
• A backup ring light bulb for emergencies
• Strategic use of natural light when available

4. The Backdrop Solution

Here's my favorite solution for maintaining a consistent, professional background despite changing locations:

• A portable photography backdrop featuring bookshelves (because I'm a book lover at heart!)
• Easily mounted by hanging from a frame (too much work) or with painter's tape on the wall
• Creates a consistent brand image regardless of location

NOTE: You could also use a virtual background. But with my curly hair, pretty much all virtual backgrounds make me look goofy.

The Backup Strategy: Why Two of Everything Matters

When your studio is your business, having two of every isn't just nice to have—it's essential.

My backup system includes:

• Second webcam
• Smartphone as emergency camera
• Backup lavalier microphone or iPhone earbuds
• Spare computer
• Extra ring light bulb
• Multiple internet connection options

Setting Up Shop: My Weekly Workflow

My setup process is pretty straightforward:

1. Position desk (or table) for best lighting and a blank wall
2. Set up laptop stand for eye-level camera positioning
3. Mount backdrop using painter's tape
4. Position ring light
5. Connect and test all my equipment
6. Run a complete system check 30 minutes before going live

Best Practices for Professional Streaming

Always Test Early

• Check all equipment 30 minutes before going live
• Test backup systems regularly
• Verify internet connection stability (I use Speedtest.net)

Maintain Consistency

• Use the same backdrop for brand recognition
• Keep your show format consistent
• Maintain regular streaming schedule

Stable Internet is Crucial

• Always use a wired connection whenever possible
• Have multiple backup options
• Consider using Speedify for connection bonding

Final Thoughts

The beauty of a portable studio setup is that it forces you to focus on what truly matters—connecting with your audience and delivering value. You don't need a fancy dancy studio to create professional content. What matters most is consistency, reliability, and authenticity.

Whether you're a digital nomad like me or simply someone who wants a reliable streaming setup, your studio should serve your content, not the other way around. Start with the basics, focus on quality audio, and build from there.

The most important step is simply to begin.

Your audience is waiting to hear from you, regardless of whether you're broadcasting from a home studio or setup that fits in a suitcase. Sometimes not having a home studio is the perfect excuse to keep things simple and focused on what really matters.

?? Where This Story Began

Special thanks to Ian Anderson Gray for having me on the Confident Live Marketing Podcast to chat about my suitcase studio setup!

This newsletter article was inspired by our conversation about making live video easy peasy—even when you're living the digital nomad life.

If you want to learn more about confident live video marketing, be sure to check out Ian's podcast.

?? Click the play button below:

?? MEET THE AUTHOR

Gillian Whitney is a Live Video & Author Brand Strategist. I believe that every industry expert has a unique voice that deserves to be heard. My mission is to help you make the journey from expertise to influence as easy peasy as possible. Whether it’s through the power of live video or the pages of a book, I’m here to help you share your knowledge and build your brand.

With over 10 years as a Marketing and Business Coach, I bring a wealth of knowledge to guide you through the complexities of live streaming and book publishing. Whether you’re looking to shine on camera or make your mark in print, I offer practical strategies and proven techniques to help you succeed.

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Video Easy Peasy with Gillian - Inside this LinkedIn Newsletter I share Easy Peasy LinkedIn Live live stream and recorded video tips.