A business collegue emailed Friday asking what equipment I used for the Facebook Live interviews I’ve been doing at legal and tech conferences over the last year plus.
Video, and Facebook Live in particular, is perfect for a blogger. Publishers are using video more and more. Video is no longer the sole provence of television stations and video crews. Video is engaging and a perfect way to shine a light on influencers in your niche. Your influence grows.
Facebook Live is particularly good because of Facebook’s giving greater weight to video, particularly live. Like Google showcases the influencers in search via its algorithms, you build influence on Facebook via its algorithms which are influenced by live video.
So what do you need? First, it’s what you don’t need.
Don’t buy expensive and fancy equipment. To me, it’s a waste of money. It’s a headache to haul around. You’ll need another person or two to operate the trappings. Perhaps most important, you’ll loose some of the informality that makes Facebook Live video engaging for those being covered as well as viewers.
I did a fair amount of research before buying equipment. So though I am far from an expert I’d suggest going with the below. It’s what I reccomended to my friend on Friday.
- Smartphone with a good video camera. Yep that’s it. I have used the iPhone, 7 Plus and X. Both worked great. I see no need for other video cameras.
- MeFOTO A1350Q1R Aluminium Roadtrip Travel Tripod/Monopod Kit. The tripod is the most expensive item, but worth it. This one has a nice carrying case that holds the below microphones and can fold to a size that fits in many knapsacks and all suitcases. This way you’ll not have a another carry on when traveling.
- MeFOTO MPH200R SideKick 360 Plus Smartphone Adapter For Tripods. Smartphone adaptor that holds phone to iPad. Make sure you get the right one for your phone.
- Polsen HH-IC Handheld Condenser Microphone for iOS and Android Devices, Connection 3.5mm. Nice handheld microphone for doing interviews while standing.
- Movo PM20 Dual-Headed Lavalier Lapel Clip-on Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone for Apple iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android & Windows Smartphones. Dual lavalier microphones that clip on easily. Great to use while sitting down at a table, bench or couch. I am also using the lavalier mic more and more for interviews while standing.
- StarTech.com 2m 3.5mm 4 Position TRRS Headset Extension Cable – M/F – audio Extension Cable for iPhone. Extension cord you’ll need for the dual lavalier microphone that can also be used with hand held microphone
- Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter. You’ll need an adaptor for the connection from the microphone and microphone extension cords to the lightening jack on your iPhone.. You should leave the adaptor attached to one of the microphone cords at all times, including when traveling and in the office. Carry an extra in your tripod bag as you’ll be screwed without one.
In addition to Amazon, B & H Photo Video (everything listed) and MeFOTO (tripods) are good suppliers.
Thsi is just the equipment. I’m not covering style tips, suggested text copy on Facebook, getting the video off Facebook Live and onto YouTiube, getting a transcript and embedding the video on your blog. More to come.
Simple equipment for Facebook Live interviews posted first on http://lawpallp.tumblr.com
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