Are you an entrepreneur or aspiring creator who knows you need to create content for social media, but the setup feels like a dreaded task? Well, today, Jaz and I from Awake Abroad Media will show you how we set up our YouTube and social media content creation studio right in the comfort of our own home! Whether you're working with a corner in your living room, your basement, or a spare bedroom, we've got you covered.
Let’s dive in and walk you through how to do it, step by step, so you can start creating content with ease.
Choosing the Right Space for Your Studio
First things first: where will your studio live? If you have a spare bedroom like we do, that’s awesome, but you can set up your studio almost anywhere, including a living room or basement.
What’s most important is understanding the type of content you’ll be creating. For YouTube videos (horizontal), you’ll need a bit more space. If you’re focusing on short-form content for platforms like Instagram and TikTok (vertical), you can make do with a much smaller area.
At Awake Abroad Media, we create both long-form and short-form content, so choosing the right space was crucial. Take a moment to figure out where your setup will feel the most comfortable.
YouTube Setup for Small Rooms: Reels, TikTok’s, and Podcasts
Step by step guide on how to Build your iconic personal brand
​By the end of this guide, you'll have a crystal-clear brand message and a plan to share it, helping you stand out and thrive in the world of social media.
Visualizing and Designing Your Studio
Once you’ve picked your space, it’s time to visualize it. This is where Pinterest, mood boards, and even YouTube can inspire you. We chose to paint our studio wall in a matte gray to create a neutral background, allowing other colors like green, blue, and brown to pop.
Mock-up designed in Canva
Choosing the Best Paint for Your YouTube Studio
A gray backdrop is a fantastic neutral option because it helps your camera interpret white balance. Matte finishes ensure no unwanted reflections from your lighting.
At Awake Abroad Media, we prioritize high-quality video, and this little trick helps us maintain a professional look for both long and short-form content. Trust us, you don’t want to deal with shiny walls messing with your video quality or your white balance.
Keep it sleek, professional, and reflective-free by opting for matte!
Furniture Choices for Versatile Setups
Now for the fun part: furniture! We considered different setups, like armchairs vs. couches, but landed on a mix. We got a custom-made couch and paired it with an accent chair to give us options for different filming setups.
If you’re just podcasting, two chairs might work best, but if you’re doing a variety of content like we do at Awake Abroad Media, think about what will give you the most versatility.
Seb testing out the arm chairs at the local furniture shop.
Lighting Setup for Professional Filming
Lighting can make or break your content.
We use two main lights:
Aputure Amaran 200x S; and the,
Godox SL60IID for softer, balanced lighting
with a SMALLRIG Parabolic Softbox
But don’t feel pressured to get high-end gear right away. If you're just starting, natural light can work wonders.
Set up near a window and let the daylight do its magic!
For a budget-friendly artificial lighting option, check out smaller lights like:
Aputure MC—compact but powerful.
Aputure Amaran 200x with SMALLRIG Parabolic Softbox.
Choosing the Right Camera for Your Content
When it comes to your camera, think about the content you’re creating. Short-form creators can get away with just using their phones for vertical videos. For YouTube or long-form content, you’ll want something that can shoot horizontally, like a DSLR or mirrorless camera.
This Sony ZV-1F is our best recommendation: https://amzn.to/3U121xR (On Sale!)
But again, don’t stress if you’re starting small—your phone can still produce high-quality content, which is something we always recommend at Awake Abroad Media to our clients.
Choosing the Best Microphone for Creating Content & Podcasts
Audio is the unsung hero of video production.
For our setup, we use Hollyland LARK M2 wireless mics—they’re compact, clip-on, and easy to use.
If you want do a podcast the Fifine K688 can give you that professional, podcast-worthy sound but you'll also need:
Mic Stand: https://amzn.to/4h2Wf8Q
XLR Cable: https://amzn.to/4eH1MQM
Podcast Interface: https://amzn.to/3U6oglQ
Podcast Headphones: https://amzn.to/3A6DCA0
Whatever mic you choose, don’t rely on your camera or phone’s built-in mic. External mics will make a huge difference, and we emphasize this with all of our content clients at Awake Abroad Media.
Hollyland Lark M2 Unboxing and Review
Best Time-Saving Practices for Easy Filming Workflow
A huge part of creating content consistently is making the workflow as easy as possible. Here’s how:
- Keep your gear set up: Avoid having to assemble everything from scratch each time you film.
- Optimize your lighting: Control your lighting, either by natural or artificial means, and stick to specific filming times.
- Use good audio practices: Invest in decent mics, and don’t forget headphones for podcasting!
Before having a dedicated filming room, we used our living room!
Sound Treating Your YouTube Studio
Does your room echo? Ours did too! We solved that with some sound panels and rugs to absorb sound. Even simple fixes like adding a couch or hanging curtains can help reduce echo and give you that crisp, professional sound.
For an extra touch, you can build your own sound panels and add some LED lighting like we did at Awake Abroad Media!
BTS: Building our custom sound panel for the YouTube Studio
Cost of Building a YouTube Studio
Let’s talk dollars and cents. Building a content studio doesn’t have to break the bank. We’ve compiled a few budget-friendly setups:
- Under $200: Basic camera and lighting options.
- Under $500: Mid-range gear with better audio and lighting.
- Under $1,100: Professional setup for serious creators.
Here is What Video Equipment You Need to Create Content for Social Media
At Awake Abroad Media, we help our clients optimize their content creation studios without overspending. Remember, it’s not about how much money you spend—it’s about being resourceful with the space and tools you have!
Creating content for social media and YouTube doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By thoughtfully setting up a versatile space—whether it’s a spare bedroom or a corner of your living room—you can streamline your workflow and focus on what really matters: producing great content. From choosing the right lighting and soundproofing to selecting the best camera and microphone for your needs, these steps will help you build a home studio that fits your budget and boosts your creativity.
At Awake Abroad Media, we believe that with the right setup, creating content becomes easier, faster, and much more enjoyable. Now, it's your turn to bring your vision to life! Don't forget to check out our Recommended Gear List Here!
Want to grow your audience, brand, and revenue organically on social media?
Book your free strategy call with us now to learn how we can help you grow your brand with only 5-hours per month and $0 spent on ads.
