I get tons of questions on what I use to create my videos for Instagram and Tiktok. Here is my blog post detailing the gear I use whenever I am capturing content.
I try to keep the equipment I carry around to a minimum. It’s best to assess the environment beforehand to decide which gear to bring.
Things I look for typically include the following:
- Adequate Natural Lighting – Think about the time of day and if you’ll need additional lighting. If you’re filming in a dimly lit space or in the evening, you’ll need a light source. This can be a ring light, selfie light, or box light.
- Restaurant Layout – Ask to be seated in a spot that has plenty of light (natural or artificial) and is typically away from paying customers. You do not want to disrupt their dining experience.
- What type of content am I filming? – What I am filming matters! This will help me determine the gear I need to bring with me. My fashion videos are filmed very differently from my food review videos.
Below is a list of items I use to create my food, fashion, and lifestyle reels on both Instagram and TikTok.
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Equipment I Use to Create My Reels and TikTok Videos
#1 An Apple iPhone
I currently use an iPhone 16 Pro to capture all my content. I absolutely LOVE the camera on this phone. It’s sharp and looks professional. I typically update my phone with every other release.
It’s also important to learn how to effectively capture videos and images using your mobile phone.
Check out our guide on how to take amazing mobile phone photography to learn more.
#2 A Phone Case with the MagSafe Feature
Popsockets are my favorite!
A MagSafe is a series of magnets placed around the back of an iPhone (12 and newer). The internal coil allows it to connect with compatible accessories, mainly to charge. The MagSafe can also be compatible with other accessories, such as a tripod or hands-free car dock.
While iPhones (models 12 and newer) have a built-in MagSafe feature, it’s best to also get a phone case that has it too! There are so many gadgets that work with your MagSafe. We’ll share our best finds throughout the article.
The BEST phone cases with MagSafe can be bought at:
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#3 Ulanzi LED Selfie Light
I use this LED selfie light by Ulanzi. It’s lightweight, compact, and keeps a charge for a very long time. I use it for most of my reels and videos in situations where there is very low light.
It has both a clip and a mount for your mobile device and is rechargeable via a USB-C cable.
I keep it in my handbag at all times. You never know when you’ll need to bring out the light! #everythingiscontent
Related: What’s in my Bag?
#4 Ulanzi Foldable Pocket Tripod
I carry this mini Ulanzi foldable pocket tripod with me EVERYWHERE. It’s always in my purse, just in case.
It’s pricey, but WORTH IT!!! Right now it’s on sale for Prime Day!
#5 Tilting Magnetic Tripod
The Ulanzi tilting magnetic tripod is perfect for taking selfies and overhead shots. I travel with this tripod often because it’s so light and useful!
#6 Compact Action Tripod
When I need a larger and much more sturdy tripod for my DSLR, I use this Compact Action Tripod. It’s lightweight enough to travel with and is versatile when it comes to attaching all my gear to it, including my mobile phone!
I love this tripod because it fits in any carry-on suitcase and is great for travel.
Related: BÉIS Carry on Suitcase Review + $15 off!
#7 Extra Power Banks
I don’t know HOW MANY TIMES (it was lots) power banks have saved my ass for content creation. They’re especially helpful when I have 2 to 4 content creation sessions in a day and can’t find the time to juice up my phone!
There are a few options I use:
- MagSafe Power Bank ($30) – This has a MagSafe capability and secures to your iPhone.
- MagSafe Power Bank by Anker ($40)
And if you love going to music festivals or concerts, you’ll definitely need a MagSafe power bank. You can thank me later!
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#8 Suction Wall and Mirror Phone Mount
This puck-sized wall suction phone mount is a lifesaver! When I am without my content creation tools, this one helps me take photos with only a wall and my phone!
It works well on mirrors and flat, smooth, and clean surfaces. It’s worth the investment! It’s also super compact, so you can take it anywhere!
Here are the two styles I highly recommend:
- Flat Suction Wall/Mirror Mount
- Extendable Suction Wall/Mirror Mount – I’ve tested dozens of this style of suction and this one is the BEST! I also use it in my car and the plane to create content.
#9 Mini Lazy Suzan
If you’re a food influencer, you gotta check out this mini lazy Susan. A lazy susan allows you to place ANY plate on it and rotate it.
I have multiple of these lazy Susans so that I can rotate many plates at once!
#10 Skincare + Make Up
As a person who doesn’t wear makeup often, I always have eyeliner, blush, and lipstick in my bag just in case. Before arriving at my collaborations, I also follow a simple skincare routine that produces a dewy and refreshed look with very minimal makeup.
I use just a little bit of makeup to look “alive” on camera.
Here is my makeup kit:
- Eyeliner of choice is Stila
- A neutral matte lipstick from MAC
- Benefit blush
- And I use OSEA and Mixsoon to get dewy and refreshed skin!
Pro Tip: Use your mobile phone camera and tripod as a “mirror” to put on your makeup wherever you are.
Shop My Makeup and Skincare Picks
#11 A Good Travel Backpack!
lululemon City Adventurer Backpack
I LOVE the City Adventurer backpack by lululemon. It has many compartments, is lightweight, and comes in many colors and even two sizes!
As a travel blogger, I find the 20L backpack has more than enough room for my gear and travel essentials. It also has a trolley strap to secure your backpack to your suitcase.
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I hope you found my blog post on the gear I use to create collaboration videos helpful.
As a photographer, I use entirely different equipment. Visit my camera equipment blog post to learn about the equipment I use to professionally capture photos.
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