My Simple Live Video Setup for Mac
Software – I’m using Ecamm Live. I love this software because it allows me to use multiple cameras, multiple views, links to Facebook Live and YouTube Live AND lets me record a local copy of every video that I can upload to other places like LinkedIn after the fact. Ecamm Live is simple, super affordable, and works smoothly on a Mac. (Note: I’ve had past business dealings with this company and the owners are friends.)
Webcam – I took a chance and bought a no-name brand Chinese webcam and it has worked beautifully for me. I have used it for over a year and I’ve never had a problem. I also picked up this little mini tripod and this sits on my desk.
Microphone – I just picked up the Blue Yeti Nano in Shadow Gray (few other color choices). It’s a smaller and more condensed version of the regular Yeti. I’ve used Blue brand microphones for about ten or more years now and they never cause me an issue. I also picked up this boom stand to go with it. That is clamped onto the side of my desk and works wonders.
Lighting – I’m not super great with lighting, but I purchased two of these lights and also two light stands for those. To do it again, I might consider this kind of light instead.
And that’s my basic setup.
My Process
When I get ready to do a live video, I announce that I will be doing so on both Twitter and Facebook, and then I open up Ecamm Live. I turn on both lights, make sure my mic and camera are plugged into the USB slots on my Mac. I double check that I’ve got the software set to broadcast live to YouTube (and keep a local copy on my machine). I check that the mic is on and not muted. I check that I’m in the camera frame.
I review my notes (usually a list of bullet points I want to hit during the recording), and then I take a big drink of water. I double check that all alarms are off on any devices. I turn my phone to silent. I make sure the AC/heat won’t come on. I stick a “recording” sign on my door so neighbors don’t screw up my recording effort (I live in a factory building).
I then hit broadcast, and start talking.
Make This Your Year of Video
The setup I showed you up top isn’t expensive, particularly. Everything in it is attainable over time. But don’t let that stop you. Even if all you have is your smartphone or a point and shoot camera that shoots video, get started making video. It’s pretty important to create more material for that medium.
Want to See A Sample?
Here’s an example of me using this setup:
And if you get stuck, I’m always here to help.
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