Common user-generated content FAQs answered by experts

What equipment is needed to make a high-quality UGC video?

To make a high-quality UGC video, you mainly need a solid phone or camera, an external microphone, stable support, and simple lighting that flatters the product and your face.

Most brands care more about clear audio and steady framing than cinematic gear, so a recent iPhone or Android (shooting vertical 1080×1920) is usually enough for a great UGC video. Where creators lose quality is shaky handheld shots, echoey room sound, and mixed lighting that makes skin look off or products look dull.

What we consider “must-have” equipment

Must-have to look professionalNice-to-have upgrades when you want to level up
  • Smartphone with a clean rear camera (use 1x lens, keep it simple)
  • External mic (wired lav or wireless lav) so your voice is crisp
  • Tripod with a phone mount (plus a small tabletop tripod for product shots)
  • Basic lighting (a window works, or a small soft light for consistency)
  • Simple background control (clean wall, tidy room corner, or a backdrop)
  • Gimbal or stabilized grip for walking shots and b-roll
  • Clip-on ND filter (helpful for bright Florida sun so exposure stays natural)
  • Two-light setup (key light + small fill) for fewer shadows
  • Overhead rig for top-down unboxings
  • Teleprompter app or small phone teleprompter for tighter scripts
  • External storage (fast drive) if you shoot a lot of 4K

Why audio gear matters more than you think

Viewers will forgive a slightly “phone-looking” image, but they bounce fast when audio sounds far away, hollow, or noisy. For Orlando businesses filming in clinics, offices, or homes, air vents and A/C hum are common, so a lav mic close to your mouth is the simplest fix. Record in the quietest room you have, close doors, and keep soft surfaces nearby (curtains, rugs) to reduce echo.

Lighting that works in Central Florida

Florida light can be beautiful, but it can also be harsh. If you film near a window, face the window at a slight angle and avoid direct midday sun on your face. Sheer curtains diffuse light cheaply and look more natural than a harsh ring light. When you want repeatable results for weekly content, a small soft light gives you the same look at 9 AM or 9 PM.

Stability and framing for clean, “scroll-stopping” shots

A tripod is your best friend for UGC. Keep the lens at eye level for talking head clips, lock focus/exposure, and give yourself a little headroom. For product demos, switch to a tabletop setup and keep your hands inside the frame. If you’re filming b-roll, do slower movements than you think you need, social platforms exaggerate shake.

If you want us to match a simple gear kit to your budget and the platforms you post on, our UGC content service includes shot planning that keeps production easy without sacrificing quality.

And if the goal is leads (not just views), pairing UGC with consistent posting and community response helps a lot, which is why many clients bundle it with our social media marketing.

One more practical tip: since most UGC is watched on phones, the same “mobile-first” thinking applies to your landing page too, so it’s worth scanning our FAQ on why mobile-first design matters before you run paid traffic.

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