You don’t need a production studio or a full crew to create high‑quality content from home. Today, some of the best‑performing content is filmed in bedrooms, kitchens, or even on the go.
At Sociallyin Studios, we work with brands, creators, and executives who film content remotely every single day. This guide breaks down everything you need to consider to build an at-home studio.
1. Start With the Right Space
The best at‑home studio isn’t the largest room—it’s the most controllable one.
When choosing your filming area, look for:
- Consistent natural light (a window you can film near totally works)
- Minimal background noise (away from traffic, AC vents, or shared walls)
- Enough depth to separate subject from background (6–10 feet is ideal)
👉 Consistency beats perfection.
2. Plan Your Layout Before You Buy Anything
Before purchasing gear, ask these questions:
- Will I be creating talking‑heads, tutorials, or lifestyle content?
- Will I be standing, seated, or both?
- Will the camera be static, handheld, or mounted?
A simple at‑home studio layout includes:
- Camera/phone positioned at eye level
- Key light facing the subject
- Background zone (wall, shelf, curtain, or styled area)
- Clear walking path for setup and teardown
👉 Sketching your layout can help avoid cluttered setups and unnecessary purchases.
3. Camera Setup
You don’t need a DSLR camera to create strong social content.
Camera Recommendations
Good — Smartphone ($0–$50 accessories)
Best for: creators, fast social, UGC-style content
- iPhone or Android (recent models)
- Always use the rear camera
- Shoot vertical for TikTok, Reels, Shorts
- Pair with a simple tripod
Better — Entry-Level Point & Shoot ($500–$900)
Best for: recurring series, YouTube + social
- Point & Shoot camera like the Canon G7x
- Stable professional tripod
This camera offers range. It connects to your devices through wifi. And it has a screen that turns around so you can see what you’re filming!
Best — DSLR / Mirrorless ($1,200–$2,000)
Best for: polished brand content, long-form
- A quality DSLR like the Canon R6 Mark III
- Pair with a 24–70mm or 35mm lens for zoom range
Only worth it if you have repeatable lighting, audio, and someone who knows how to operate it.
👉 If your content is inconsistent or slow to produce, downgrade the camera before upgrading anything else.
4. Lighting
Lighting matters more than your camera.
Core Lighting Setup
- Key light: Main light source (ring light or softbox)
- Fill light or reflector: Softens shadows
- Practical lights (optional): Lamps or accent lights for depth
Lighting Recommendations
Good — Single Key Light ($20–$70)
- Ring light
- Best for phone setups and tight spaces
Better — Key Light ($80–$200)
- LED panels
- Allows better skin tones and shadow control
Best — Soft Key Light ($250–$500)
- Softbox
- Paired with delicate, soft lamp/ light behind the subject for added depth
Best practices:
- Light slightly above eye level
- Turn off overhead room lights
- Match color temperature across all lights
👉 One good light is better than three bad ones.
5. Audio
Recommended Audio Options
- Wireless lavalier mics
- Bluetooth mics (these are my favorite & work with multiple devices)
- Shotgun mic mounted near camera
Audio considerations:
- Rugs, curtains, or wall art help absorb sound
- Record in the quietest part of your home
👉 Always do a 10‑second test recording before filming. There’s nothing worse than filming for 30 minutes only to realize you didn’t capture any audio.
6. Teleprompters
Teleprompters are one of the most overlooked tools—especially for executives and educational content, they’re a game changer.
Teleprompter Recommendations
Good ($0–$10/month)
Best for: phone filming, casual talking‑head content
- CapCut Teleprompter (built into the app)
- Simple script scrolling
- Great for short‑form social
Better Tablet Teleprompter ($80–$150)
Best for: recurring series, longer scripts
- Tablet teleprompter rig (this is what we use at Sociallyin Studios when we’re on the move)
- Works with phones and entry‑level cameras
Best — Professional Teleprompter ($200–$350)
Best for: exec content, polished recurring series
- Elgato Prompter
- Seamless integration with cameras and monitors
👉 Teleprompters don’t make content stiff—overwriting does.
7. Backgrounds: Simple, Styled, and Brand‑Safe
Your background should support the content—not distract from it. Keep it simple, styled to your personality, and brand-safe (if you’re filming content that requires you to stick with particular brand guidelines).
Background Options
- Clean wall (neutral tones work best)
- Bookshelf or styled shelving
- Branded elements (subtle logos, colors)
- Curtains or collapsible backdrops
What to avoid:
- Visual clutter
- Busy patterns
- Distracting personal items
👉Leave space between you and the background to create depth.
8. Furniture & Props That Actually Matter
You don’t need “studio” furniture—you need functional furniture.
Helpful additions:
- Adjustable stool or chair
- Small table for products or notes
- Plant or decor for depth
- Rolling cart for gear storage
👉Keep everything movable and modular so the space can evolve with your content.
9. Workflow: Make Filming Easy
A great at‑home studio removes friction.
We recommend:
- Keeping gear set up
- Saving camera presets
- Having a checklist for filming days
- Filming content in batches
The easier it is to press record, the more content you’ll actually create. You don’t want to have to set everything up again and again each day. The same thing goes for saving your camera settings.
10. Resources I Recommend
While every setup is different, these resources can help you level up quickly:
- YouTube Creator Academy: https://creatoracademy.youtube.com/
Build for Consistency, Not Perfection
An at‑home studio isn’t about recreating a production set—it’s about creating an easy, repeatable environment where you can make content consistently.
Start simple. Optimize over time. If your team is looking to elevate content, Sociallyin Studios provides end‑to‑end production support. Let’s talk!
