Do you often notice that some Instagram Live videos look better than others? For example, the sound and video quality are crisp and clear and easy to follow. This is because they have spent time investing in the right Instagram Live video tools for their business such as lighting and better equipment.
The good news is that you can achieve this same level of quality with your own Instagram Live videos with just a little effort.
On this episode of Social Snacks, you will learn about ten must-have Instagram Live video tools that can quickly improve the quality of your live videos.
Let's take a look at the tools that can help you create better quality Instagram Live videos.
10 Instagram Live Video Tools
 Transcription Services by GMR Transcription
1. Instagram
In order to create Instagram Live videos, you obviously need a mobile device.
You will also need to have the Instagram app (iOS | Android) as well.
This is because if you want to create Instagram Live videos, you'll have to do that from your mobile device.
At the moment, this feature is not available for Instagram on the desktop.
Download Instagram2. An Instagram Business Profile
A second tool you will want to have when creating Instagram Live videos is an Instagram business profile.
If you are planning on using Instagram for business, Instagram business profiles get some neat features.
One is a contact button.
Here is what that looks like on an Instagram business profile.
This is important because if customers tune-in to your Instagram Live videos, they can then contact you from your Instagram account.
A second reason you will want a business profile is so that you can look through insights to see how well your content is performing.
Setup an Instagram business profile3. A Tripod
Now that you have the Instagram app and an Instagram business profile, let's focus on improving the quality of your Instagram Live videos.
If you are filming your own Instagram Live videos, sometimes you want to be in front of the camera.
That can be a challenge if we're trying to hold the camera and film at the same time.
Fortunately, by adding a tripod, you have a quick fix!
When purchasing a tripod, I recommend not skimping on quality.
Most inexpensive tripods aren't sturdy enough to hold your expensive mobile device and end up tipping over.
I personally use the Manfrotto Pixi Evo Tripod.
It is lightweight and small enough that I can also travel with it (it easily fits in a backpack).
Another reason I like this tripod is because the head can rotate between portrait and landscape very easily.
The legs also extend if I need to raise or lower the camera.
Get A Tripod4. Stabilize Your Instagram Live Videos
Do you ever notice when an Instagram Live video is shaky?
This is likely because someone is trying to hold the camera themselves or the camera is not stabilized properly.
An Instagram Live video tool I recommend to help fix this is the R1 Pro by Shoulderpod.
This particular tool is a great investment.
Not only is it made out of high-quality materials (wood and metal), it is also expandable.
For example, right now you may only want to record one Instagram Live video.
As your business grows, you may need to add another camera, a light or a microphone.
This valuable tool can help do that and more!
Stabilize my Instagram Live videos5 A Tripod Mount
If you want to attach your mobile device to a tripod, you will need a tripod mount.
Because I upgrade my mobile device every 1-2 years, whenever I purchase any Instagram Live video tools, I try to get something that will last me a while.
While you can get an inexpensive tripod mount, I've found that they don't expand and they are poorly made.
For this reason, I use the S1 by Shoulderpod.
It is very sturdy and it can expand to fit different mobile devices without needing to purchase different tripod mounts.
If you are looking for a good all-in-one solution, the DJI Osmo Gimbal is a fantastic option to consider.
It also automatically adjusts as you are filming to ensure you get a smooth recording.
Get a Tripod Mount6. Additional Lenses
As you get into shooting more and more videos, another of my favorite Instagram Live video tools to invest in are a set of lenses.
While the lenses that come on most mobile devices are satisfactory, they can be improved.
For example, you can add a fisheye lens to give your video one look.
Alternatively, there are macro lenses and telephoto lenses as well for getting closer to an object.
There are certainly plenty of lenses to pick from.
I'm partial to Olloclip lenses because they are reasonably priced and produce great results.
Get a Lens Kit7. Portable Lighting
When creating Instagram Live videos, you want to make sure you have optimal lighting.
This way viewers can see you.
Because you are also using a mobile device, sometimes your videos can look blurry and too dark.
By adding a portable light, you can significantly take your video quality up a notch.
One of the Instagram Live video tools I recommend having is the Selfie ring light.
It clips onto your smartphone and provides adjustable brightness levels.
If you are looking for a more permanent light, the Diva ring is a great choice as well.
Although it is not as portable, you could use it for recording Instagram Live videos, Facebook Live videos or YouTube videos.
Brighten your Instagram Live videos8. External Microphone
If you had to get just one of the Instagram Live video tools listed, I would start with an external microphone.
Having quality sound is extremely important.
While mobile devices have a microphone, the quality of the audio is often hollow sounding.
As a result, your Instagram Live videos might be difficult to hear.
That's no good if you're trying to talk to your audience.
Two of my favorite external microphones to use are the Blue Raspberry and the Rode Videomic Me.
Each of these microphones are portable.
The difference is that the Blue Raspberry microphone can connect to your mobile device. It also works with your PC or Mac. This way you don't have to purchase two microphones.
If you just need a portable microphone to use when filming your Instagram Live videos on-the-go, the Rode Videomic Me can help you get the job done for less.im
Improve my audio9. Portable Battery Charger
Have you ever recorded any video using your mobile device?
Did you notice how quickly the battery can drain?
You definitely don't want to run out of battery when you're trying to film videos for Instagram or engage with your followers.
Therefore, another one of my must-have Instagram Live video tools is a portable battery charger.
I recently upgraded to an Aukey battery charger.
This battery charger is 30,000 mAh which means you won't run out of battery to keep your devices charged.
In fact, you can charge your phone ten times and your tablet around 2.5 times.
Keep Your Instagram Live Videos Streaming10. Carrying Case
If you want to use live video on Instagram and build a strong presence there, you need to have the right Instagram Live video tools.
This way you are producing high-quality video content.
As you accumulate new tools, you need to a way to protect them and to carry them with you.
There are many types of carrying cases you can use to store your video tools.
Personally, I'm a fan of the Amazon universal carrying case.
It is portable enough and at around $10, won't break the bank, while helping you protect your Instagram Live video tools.
Protect Your Live Video ToolsOver to You
You only get one chance to make a good first impression.
Rather than record Instagram Live video that is difficult to see or hear, make an investment in your business and improve the equipment that you are using.
One other thing to remember about the Instagram Live video tools that we showed you.
These don't just work for Instagram.
They make great Facebook Live video tools too.
You can also use them to record videos for your YouTube channel as well.
If you have additional questions about any of the Instagram Live video tools that I mentioned, please share them with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or in the comments below.
