Want to deliver smoother, more professional videos without spending hours memorizing scripts? A teleprompter setup at home is the answer. It allows you to read your lines while looking directly into the camera, making your delivery natural, confident, and engaging.
With just a small setup, you can turn your home office or creative space into a mini broadcast studio and present with the confidence of a seasoned broadcaster. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up a teleprompter at home so you can deliver your message clearly and professionally.
How to do a home teleprompter setup with a ready-made teleprompter?
Before starting the setup, make sure you have these essentials prepared:
- Tripod
- Camera
- Teleprompter
- iPad or tablet
- Optional: Remote control or smartphone for wireless operation
Step 1: Choose a suitable teleprompter for your home studio and camera
Teleprompters come in various types—some tailored for specific cameras, while others are more universal. The key is to pick one that works well with your camera and lens. Unless you’re working in a large TV studio that requires oversized teleprompters, a compact iPad or tablet-based model is the best option for most creators. They’re budget-friendly, simple to use, and compatible with devices like tablets and iPads that many people already own. With just a small investment, you can significantly enhance the quality of your video content.
Step 2: Mount the teleprompter and attach the camera to it
Typically, the teleprompter is placed on a tripod or light stand, and the camera is secured using a quick-release plate or a 1/4" or 3/8" screw.
Ensure that the tripod is sturdy enough to support the combined weight of both the camera and the teleprompter. Aim for a balanced setup to prevent tilting. If the rig feels uneven or unstable, sandbags can be used to add stability and minimize unwanted movement during recording.
Step 3: Prepare the text source for home teleprompter use
Now, launch the teleprompter software on your tablet or computer. Most teleprompters rely on a teleprompter app that displays your script, which is then reflected onto the glass of the teleprompter. These apps are widely available for free on all major platforms (iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac). Many teleprompters also include a Bluetooth remote, allowing you to scroll through the script wirelessly for added convenience.
Step 4: Position the teleprompter for comfortable reading at the home office
Set up the teleprompter so the presenter can easily read the script while maintaining eye contact with the camera. The ideal distance depends on both the screen size and the lens being used, so try out different positions until you find the most comfortable setup.
Avoid standing too close to the home teleprompter, as this can cause noticeable eye movement while reading, making the footage appear unnatural. Always run a few test recordings to fine-tune framing, lighting, and overall setup.
For optimal clarity, use the teleprompter cover to block reflections or glare. This ensures the script is easy to read and helps improve the overall quality of your video.
Step 5: Adjust font and scrolling speed
After setting up the teleprompter, fine-tune the font size, style, and scroll speed of your script. The text should be large enough to read comfortably from your position, but not so oversized that it clutters the screen.
Choose a clean, legible font that doesn’t distract from your delivery. Adjust the scrolling speed to match the presenter’s natural speaking pace and the distance from the teleprompter glass.
Video tutorial: How to set up Moman MT12 teleprompter for home studio
If you’d like a visual walkthrough of the process, here’s a step-by-step video tutorial on setting up the Moman MT12 teleprompter at home. In the video, you’ll see:
- How to mount the MT12 teleprompter on a tripod and attach your camera securely
- A walkthrough of its key features
- How its glass quality is when compared with footage shot without a teleprompter
With the MT12, there’s no steep learning curve—just a straightforward setup that saves you time while improving your content quality. Whether you’re a YouTuber, online teacher, or business professional, this professional teleprompter gives you the confidence to present like a pro right from your home studio.
👉Watch the video now and see how the Moman MT12 can upgrade your video production setup.
Video by YouTuber iConceptPhones
How to make a teleprompter at home?
If you’d rather not buy a ready-made device, the good news is you can still set up a fully functional teleprompter using everyday items you might already have at home. With just a couple of picture frames, a glass panel, and a smartphone or tablet, you can create a setup that works almost as well as professional gear. A homemade teleprompter not only saves money but also lets you customize it to your filming style.
Gather necessary components to DIY a teleprompter at home
You will need:
✨2 wooden picture frames with clear glass: Pick up two wooden picture frames. Ensure the glazing is real glass, not plastic. While a solid wooden backing is ideal, it isn’t strictly necessary. The frames should be large enough to fit the device you plan to use as a display, whether that’s a phone, tablet, or monitor.
✨3 pairs of solid brass butt hinges: Get two or three pairs of sturdy brass butt hinges to join the frames together. For reference, three pairs of 25mm hinges are needed for 24x30 cm (9x11") frames. Double-check that the screws provided aren’t too long, as they could go all the way through the frames.
✨A Dark Cloth: You’ll also need a dark sheet or cloth to block reflections on the teleprompter glass caused by surrounding lights.
✨Additional Items:
- A small wooden stick or piece of scrap wood
- A can of black spray paint
- Your usual camera gear
- A device with a display (tablet, phone, or external monitor connected to a computer)
- A teleprompter app with “mirror” text support
Follow these steps to set up a teleprompter at home
1. Disassemble the frames: Carefully take apart the picture frames. Keep just one glass panel, one backing board, and the two wooden frames. Discard the rest or save them as spares.
2. Prepare the frames and hinges: After removing the glass, set it aside safely for later use. Place the two frames together like a closed book and align the hinges along one side. Position frame a on top of frame b, both facing downward:
- Frame B will hold your tablet or screen on its backing board.
- Frame A will sit above it with the glass angled downward at about 45 degrees, like an open book.
3. Mark and drill: Mark where the hinges will go, then drill small pilot holes for the screws.
4. Attach the hinges: Secure all three hinges tightly to connect the frames.
5. Paint the components: If any parts are white or light-colored, spray them black so everything (except the glass) is dark. This helps absorb stray light.
💡Tip: You can paint both back panels as a backup.
6. Reassemble the frames: Once the paint has dried, reinstall the glass panel into frame A and the backing board into frame B.
7. Tilt the glass: Prop the frame A at a 45-degree angle using a small wooden stick (or anything similar). Adjust the angle to your preference.
8. Reduce reflections: If you notice reflections from lights behind the camera, drape a dark cloth between the camera and the back of the frame A.
9. Add your screen and app: Place your phone, tablet, or monitor inside frame B with the screen facing upward, and increase the brightness. Open a teleprompter app, adjust the text size, and enable “mirror” Mode. Without it, you’d be stuck reading reversed text!
💡Note: Steps 2–4 can be skipped if you buy a picture frame that already has hinges and a glass front.
