Are you jealous of another creator’s TikTok lighting setup? You don’t need to envy people who have better equipment than you.
As long as you have good TikTok gear and know how to use it, you can make the most of your setup. Soon enough, you’ll be able to create a TikTok or Reel that goes viral and helps you reach your goals as a creator.
Read on to learn more.
Smartphones
One of the most important parts of your TikTok filming setup is a good camera. A lot of newer smartphones have great cameras, so you don’t need to buy a separate device. If your phone is from the past few years, it can handle filming most TikToks and Reels.
You can choose the smartphone you like the best. Then, you can use it to create fantastic videos, and you can enjoy it outside of that.
Consider the following smartphones if you’re looking to upgrade.
Apple iPhone
Whether you invest in an iPhone 13 or another member of that line, you can take great videos for your TikTok and Instagram accounts. However, if you have an iPhone 11 or 12, you don’t need to upgrade since they already have good cameras.
But if your phone is more than a few years old, you may want to get a new one. Some of the older iPhones have good cameras, but an upgrade can do wonders for your video quality. Then, you can continue to make great videos for months to come.
Consider if you want a larger or smaller phone. Either way, make sure to get one with plenty of storage so that you can keep all of your videos in case you need them later.
Pros
- Great camera
- Easy to use
- Plenty of storage
- Multiple sizes
- Lasts a while
Cons
- Somewhat expensive
- Not for Android users
Samsung Galaxy
If you aren’t a fan of iPhones, a Samsung Galaxy can be an excellent choice. The Galaxy S21 is the newest model as of 2021, so you may want to get that one to get the most life out of your new purchase.
However, like with the iPhone, other recent models can be useful as well. They will have good cameras, so you don’t need to upgrade if you bought a Samsung in the past couple of years.
After a few years though, you should consider upgrading to get a better camera. Then, you’ll be able to film the best content possible.
Pros
- Good camera
- Nice upgrade
- Suitable for Android fans
- Multiple options
Cons
- A bit expensive
Google Pixel
The Google Pixel 6 is the newest model from Google’s flagship phone. Like the other new smartphones, it has an excellent camera for you to use with your other TikTok gear. If you like Android phones but don’t want to pay for a Samsung, a Pixel can be nice.
Like other smartphones, this one has multiple models. So if you bought a Pixel a year or two ago, you may not need to upgrade.
But if it’s been longer than that, upgrading can make a huge difference in your video quality. And you can get a phone with a lot of storage to keep all of your old videos.
Pros
- Multiple models
- Great camera
- Easy to use
- Nice quality
- Affordable
Cons
- Not for iPhone users
DSLR Cameras
While your smartphone can be an excellent tool, you may want to get a DSLR camera. A good camera can help you get the best possible footage, and it may even be better than your phone.
Of course, these cameras can be expensive, so they aren’t for everyone. But if you’ve been struggling to get good quality footage, investing in a camera may be worth it. Then, you don’t have to worry about using your phone for everything.
Here are a few of the best DSLRs to consider for filming TikToks and Reels.
Canon EOS 90D
The Canon EOS 90D is a fantastic DSLR with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connections. It can film videos in 4K, so you can get the best quality out there. This camera also features a 32.5-megapixel sensor.
You can use it to shoot up to 10 frames per second (fps), and it won’t lag. It’s an excellent choice for serious TikTok creators. But it’s very expensive, so you may not want to get it as one of your first TikTok accessories.
Still, it can be worth the cost if you plan on filming other videos. You can use the camera for a lot of things on and off of TikTok.
Pros
- Great quality
- WiFi and Bluetooth
- 4K videos
- No lag
Cons
- Very expensive
Canon EOS T7i
Another option from Canon is the EOS T7i. It’s similar to the other camera, but it’s a bit more affordable. That makes it a good choice for anyone who wants a camera and is on a budget. However, it’s still not super cheap.
But the camera does come with memory cards, a case, a filter kit, and plenty of other accessories. That way, you can start to use the camera to film your next TikTok. Soon enough, you’ll learn how to use the camera to film excellent videos.
You’ll receive a wide-angle lens that you can use for your content. If you want to film videos from a distance, this is an amazing camera to use. Whether you want to film just for TikTok or for other platforms, you can’t go wrong with this camera.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about paying extra for more TikTok accessories. Instead, you’ll be able to film videos as soon as you get the camera kit.
Pros
- Comes with accessories
- Easy to use
- Good lens
- Excellent quality
Cons
- Somewhat expensive
Nikon D3500
The Nikon D3500 is yet another amazing DSLR to use as part of your TikTok filming setup. Anyone can use the camera, so you don’t need to be a professional or have training. That can make it an excellent choice for all TikTok creators.
This camera is also nice and portable, so you can take it with you anywhere. If you want to film a TikTok or Reel out in your city, you don’t need to lug a ton of weight with you. Then, you can focus on getting the right shot.
If you’re looking for TikTok outdoor gear, this is a great camera to try. You won’t go wrong with a good, durable camera.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great for taking on the go
- Good quality
- Not too heavy
Cons
- A bit expensive
Lens Attachments
If you decide to use your smartphone to film videos, you can still improve the quality. Lens attachments can help make your videos look better. Then, you don’t have to drop hundreds of dollars on a camera that you might not use outside of filming TikToks.
Be sure to consider a few lens attachments to see which is right for you. That way, you’ll be able to work on the quality of your videos.
Moment Tele Lens
The Moment Tele Lens is our pick for filming on an iPhone or Android. You can take more sharp videos, and it can zoom in two to four times closer than your phone’s camera lens. Plus, it works well with phones that have a single or dual lens.
If your iPhone has the telephoto feature, you can use it with the Moment lens. That can help you zoom in, so you don’t need to be as close to the camera when filming. To keep the lens safe, it comes with a lens cap and a microfiber bag.
While it’s not a cheap lens, it doesn’t cost nearly as much as a DSLR. But you can use this lens to get videos that are about the same quality as those on a fancier camera.
Pro
- Great quality
- Easy to use
- Works with most smartphones
- Nice zoom
Cons
- Somewhat expensive
Xenvo Pro Lens Kit
For iPhone, Samsung, Pixel, Macro and Wide Angle Lens with LED Light and Travel Case
The Xenvo Pro Lens Kit is another option to try to improve your phone’s videos. It comes with a wide-angle lens and a macro lens. Plus, the lens clip makes it easy to add this lens to your phone.
You don’t have to worry about capturing dark corners in your videos. Instead, it can take a wider shot with the wide-angle lens. And you get an LED light to help with your TikTok lighting setup.
The quick-release lanyard and travel case make it easy to take this kit on the go. That way, you can use it in any scenario to film the best possible videos for TikTok or Instagram Reels.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great quality
- Wide view
- Comes with accessories
Cons
- Doesn’t fit every smartphone
Godefa Phone Camera Lens Kit
Lenses with Selfie Ring Light for iPhone, Samsung and Other Andriod Smartphone, Universal Clip-on Wide Angle+Macro+ Zoom Camera Lenses
If you want to get plenty of lenses to experiment with, the Godefa Phone Camera Lens Kit is for you. It comes with 14 different lenses that you can use. The lenses include wide-angle and telephoto lenses, but you also get a lens with a filter.
This kit also contains UV lenses and kaleidoscope lenses. You can use the kit with a variety of iPhones and Androids, including some older models. So if you aren’t ready to upgrade your entire phone yet, you may want to get a better lens.
Plus, it’s compatible with phones that have one, two, or three lenses. Once you do upgrade, you can continue to use this lens kit.
Pros
- A lot of lenses
- Great quality
- Works with different phones
- Easy to use
Cons
- Cuts off part of the view
Tripods
One of the best TikTok accessories is a good tripod. Sure, you can hold your phone or camera in your hand to film a TikTok. This can work well for videos where you’re just speaking to the camera.
However, if you want to do a TikTok dance, or if you need both hands for another reason, you need a tripod. That way, you don’t have to rely on having someone else to hold the camera.
Here are a few tripods to consider when looking to improve your TikTok filming setup.
Fotopro Phone Tripod Stand
40in Lightweight Aluminum Travel Tripod for All Smartphones with Remote Control
The Fotopro Phone Tripod Stand is the best because it’s easy to use, and it’s adjustable. It comes in a bag with a Bluetooth remote and an adapter to hold your phone. In the bag, it’s about a foot tall, and you can use the tripod at that height.
However, you can extend the legs to be about 40 inches tall. That way, you can film while sitting or standing. You don’t need to be by a desk or get a friend to hold the camera. Plus, the Bluetooth remote allows you to stand a bit away from the camera but still control it.
If you need to take it outside or on the go, it won’t take up much room in storage. But it’s of excellent quality for when you want to use it.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Adjustable
- Comes with a Bluetooth remote
- Compatible with many smartphones
Cons
- Some quality control issues
UBeesize Phone Tripod
Portable and Flexible Tripod with Wireless Remote and Universal Clip
If you just need a short tripod, the UBeesize Phone Tripod is great. It stands 10 inches tall, so you can use it on a desk, bed, or another surface. And the legs are flexible, so you can even attach it to a pole.
This tripod lets you film in portrait mode, which is perfect for TikToks and Reels. It also comes with a Bluetooth remote to give you more control over when the video starts and stops. You can control it from up to 30 feet away.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Adjustable
- Small and portable
- Affordable
Cons
- Not as tall as some
PHOPIK Lightweight Phone Tripod
Video Tripod with 360 Panorama and 1/4” Mounting Screw for Mirrorless/Gopro/DSLR Camera and Phone Holder for Smartphone. Carry Bag Included.
The PHOPIK Lightweight Phone Tripod is great for use with your phone or DSLR. It starts off at 16 inches tall, but you can extend it to be 55 inches tall. That way, you can film almost any video you would want to film.
You can fold it up for storage and transportation, so it doesn’t need a ton of space. And you’ll receive a Bluetooth remote to control the camera from afar.
This tripod works for filming in portrait mode to help you create the perfect TikTok. It even has a quick-release feature to help you take the camera off the tripod quickly.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Portable
- Good height range
- Works for portrait videos
Cons
- Not for larger phones
Ring Lights
If you want to up your game on TikTok, you need to compare some TikTok ring lights. Like all types of ring lights, these can help you get better lighting for your videos. That’s super nice if you can’t film when natural light is at its peak.
Using a ring light is great if you need to film indoors on a cloudy day. But it’s also useful if you work during the day and have to film when it’s dark outside.
Consider getting a good ring light to help you figure out how to get the best lighting for TikTok.
QIAYA Selfie Light
The QIAYA Selfie Light fits over the top of your smartphone to work as a small ring light. You can choose from three levels of brightness. So play around with the light to determine how to get good lighting for the video you want to film.
You can recharge the light, so you don’t have to worry about buying new batteries. But you will need to keep it charged to make sure you get the lighting you need.
This light is super small, so it can fit in any bag you might use to tote around your TikTok accessories. It’s also pretty affordable, which is great for new TikTok creators on small budgets.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Compact
- Multiple levels of brightness
Cons
- Can be hard to balance on your phone
Erligpowht Selfie Ring Light
Includes Cell Phone Holder for Live Stream/Makeup, Dimmable LED.
A similar light to compare is the Erligpowht Selfie Ring Light. Like the other one, you charge this with a charging cable. It features different light settings, so you can get the amount of light you need for your TikTok filming setup.
Since it attaches to your phone, it makes for one of the best TikTok lighting hacks. You can use it for videos on a tripod or when you want to move the camera around. Then you can get the lighting you need.
It’s super affordable and compact as well. That makes it perfect for filming videos around your house and on the go.
Pros
- Multiple light settings
- Easy to use
- Portable
- Affordable
Cons
- Charge doesn’t last long
Elitehood LED Ring Light
2-in-1 Design with Heavy Round Base. 57’’ Height Adjustable Standing Ring Lamp with Phone Holder
If you want a bigger ring light, give the Elitehood LED Ring Light a try. This one comes on a tripod, so you don’t need to buy a separate tripod. Plus, it’s big enough to wrap around your entire phone rather than just the camera.
The light can bring out your features and keep you from looking too unnatural. Plus, the gooseneck holder allows you to put your phone at the perfect angle.
This light comes with a remote, so you can control the shot without touching your phone. That way, you can stand or sit where you need to so that you can get the best shot.
Pros
- Light and tripod in one
- Easy to use
- Has a remote
- Nice lighting
Cons
- A bit big
Microphones
Even if most of the videos you film don’t have original sound, you should get a microphone. You never know when you might want to create your own audio for a video.
Sure, you can use the microphone within your phone or camera. But having a separate microphone means you can get the best possible audio quality.
Consider the following microphones to add to your TikTok filming setup.
Shure MV88
Designed for iPhone/iPad/iPod via Lightning Connector, Professional-Quality, Digital Stereo Condenser Mic for Vloggers, Filmmakers, Music Makers and Journalists.
The Shure MV88 is the perfect microphone for iPhone users. It’s a small condenser microphone that connects through the lightning port on your phone. You do need to use one A battery to power the microphone, but that’s it.
It works well with the ShurePlus MOTIV app to help you get good quality audio for your videos. The mic features a multipattern polar pattern, so it can pick up the sounds you want.
Unfortunately, it is quite expensive, especially for a phone mic. But it’s of excellent quality, so the investment is worth it.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great for iPhones
- Works with a special app
- Good quality
Cons
- Not for Android phones
PoP Voice Lavalier Mic
Omnidirectional Condenser Mic for iPhone or Android Smartphones
If you want a mic that works with all smartphones, check out the PoP Voice Lavalier Mic. This mic uses a 3.5 mm jack, so you will need a phone with that connection. Alternatively, you could use an adapter to connect it to the lightning or USB port.
This mic is great if you want to talk and need the mic close to you. All you have to do is connect it to your phone on one end and clip the other end to your shirt. Then, you can have the mic in or out of frame, and you can get excellent audio.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Works with most devices
- Affordable
- Compact
Cons
- Can produce static
Rode VideoMic ME
The RodeVideoMic ME is another excellent part of your TikTok accessories kit. Like the PoP Voice mic, this one uses a 3.5 mm jack. But it works with all devices that have that jack or with an adapter.
It has a unidirectional polar pattern, so it can capture your voice well. You also get a furry windshield to help block out wind and other background noise.
While it’s not the cheapest microphone, it’s not that expensive. It can be an excellent compromise for your TikTok setup.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Not too expensive
- Works with most smartphones
- Furry windshield
Cons
- Can require an adapter
Wireless Earbuds
If you want to make sure your video lines up with the music you choose, consider using wireless earbuds. Then, you can listen to the music as you film the video.
However, you can film from wherever you need to. That way, you can get the best possible TikTok lighting setup for your content.
Here are some earbuds to consider to help you stay in time with the music.
Beats Studio Buds
The Beats Studio Buds fit in your ears, so you don’t have to worry about them showing up on camera. They have a balanced sound to help you hear the music well.
Plus, they’re water-resistant. So if you ever want to incorporate rain or water in your filming, these earbuds can handle that.
However, they are somewhat expensive. They aren’t right for everyone, but they’re worth trying.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Easy to conceal
- Water-resistant
- Good quality
Cons
- A bit expensive
The Everyday Raycon
Stereo Sound in-Ear Bluetooth Headset with 32 Hours of Playtime
Raycon’s earbuds are also great to use for filming and even editing TikToks. You can wear them in your ears to keep them from being obvious in your video footage.
They’re also lightweight, so you can use them on the go or at home. And if you need to film in the rain, these earbuds are water-resistant.
Compared to the Beats earbuds, these are pretty affordable. However, they’re still a bit of an investment.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Fits in your ears
- Good quality
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Cheap feel
What Does Your TikTok Lighting Setup Look Like?
When designing your TikTok lighting setup, you need to consider a few things. Of course, you need to know how to put up TikTok lights for the best lighting.
But you also need to know what gear to get to improve your audio and video quality. That way, you can film the best possible videos to help grow your audience. Give each category of TikTok accessories a try to see which items work for you.
Start the discussion at talk.hearthemusicplay.com