How to start vlogging with iPhone? Your iPhone is already a powerful device that can capture impressive, high-quality video. But when you combine it with the right accessories, you can greatly improve your filming experience and boost the overall quality of your content. Below is a simple, beginner-friendly guide to the essential gear you may want to use when vlogging with an iPhone.
Tripod for iPhone vlogging to keep your shots stable
Keeping your phone completely level and stable can be difficult—especially during long shoots. That’s where a tripod becomes essential. Most options feature a small ball-head design that keeps your iPhone steady in a variety of conditions. A tripod also allows you to film from farther away, giving you a wider frame and more of your environment in the shot.
When selecting a tripod for your iPhone, look for one that is:
- Compact and easy to carry.
- Heavy enough to stay upright in windy conditions.
- Strong enough to support your iPhone’s weight.
- Shock-absorbing to reduce vibrations.
- Quick and simple to set up.
- Stiff and secure, so it maintains the angle you set, regardless of tilt.
Microphone to improve the vlog audio quality
Many beginners in vlogging don’t realize how crucial audio quality is. Even if your video looks great, viewers will quickly lose interest if the sound is poor. In fact, clear audio is often considered more important than the visuals themselves.
Depending on where you’re filming, your iPhone’s built-in microphone may struggle with background noise or inconsistent sound. Using an external mic solves this problem by giving you clean, professional-sounding audio regardless of your surroundings.
A wireless mic can be the best vlogging microphone for iPhone. Wireless systems—whether compact clip-on mics or small lavalier setups—deliver crisp, focused sound while minimizing unwanted ambient noise. They also free you from cables, making it easier to move naturally while recording.
Another major advantage is the time saved in post-production: with high-quality audio captured on the spot, you’ll spend far less time fixing sound issues when editing your vlogs.
Vlog screen for iPhone to monitor your shots easily
When vlogging with an iPhone, you may find it challenging to check your framing, focus, or exposure—especially when filming yourself. A phone vlog screen monitor like the Moman XView M4 can make this process much easier by giving you a larger, brighter, and more flexible viewing experience.
The XView M4 works with the latest iPhone 17, pairs easily with your phone, and features a 4-inch high-brightness display that makes it easy to preview your shots clearly, even in bright sunlight.
One big advantage for vloggers is that it allows you to use your iPhone’s rear camera while still being able to see yourself. Since the rear camera delivers noticeably better image quality, dynamic range, and stabilization than the front camera, being able to monitor your shot externally means you can capture more professional-looking footage without guessing your framing.
For beginner vloggers, this monitor helps you:
- Ensure proper framing when shooting solo
- Check exposure and color more accurately
- Reduce retakes caused by misalignment
- Maintain consistent image quality in outdoor environments
- Use the higher-quality rear camera for sharper, cleaner, more cinematic footage
If you want a more professional and reliable setup when vlogging with your iPhone, a compact monitor is a helpful addition that improves both comfort and efficiency.
Lighting equipment for iPhone vlogging to brighten your videos
Proper lighting is crucial for creating visually appealing videos. Whether you're shooting indoors or outdoors, this vlogging equipment for beginners can completely transform the quality of your footage.
A clamp-on LED lamp is a simple way to brighten your scene when natural lighting is insufficient. For indoor vlogging, a ring light offers adjustable brightness and color temperature, ensuring an evenly lit face without harsh shadows.
Good lighting makes your skin tone look better, reduces noise in low-light conditions, and helps your video appear more polished and professional.
Extra options to enhance your vlogging setup
Beyond the core essentials, there are a few extra accessories that can make your iPhone vlogging experience smoother, more efficient, and far more enjoyable.
Power Bank: A power bank is essential for long vlogging sessions or outdoor recording. It extends your battery life so you can keep filming without interruptions.
Additional Memory/Backup: High-resolution video takes up significant storage. Even though iPhones don’t support expandable memory, you can use a Lightning-compatible microSD reader or external storage solution to free up space and back up your footage quickly.
Gimbal: A gimbal stabilizer helps you achieve smooth, cinematic shots while moving. This is useful for travel vlogs, action sequences, or walking shots. Just keep a firm grip and move steadily for the best results.
Waterproof Casing: For travel, sports, or outdoor vloggers, a waterproof case protects your iPhone from rain and splashes. Some cases even allow underwater recording, giving you more creative possibilities.
Video Editing App: Popular options among iPhone vloggers include iMovie for simple free editing, CapCut and VN Video Editor for quick, creative cuts, Adobe Premiere Rush for cross-device workflows, and LumaFusion for more advanced, professional-level editing. Even simple edits can make your video look more refined and engaging.
Tips for starting a vlog with iPhone
You’ve gathered all the essential accessories. Now it’s time for the fun part—recording your vlog. Below are some simplified steps to help you get started with vlogging on an iPhone:
💡Plan Your Content: Decide what story you want to share in your vlog. Jot down the main points so you don’t miss anything while filming. This helps keep your video engaging and well-structured.
💡Enable Video Stabilization: Make sure video stabilization is turned on in your settings. It greatly reduces shakiness, especially when shooting handheld.
💡Switch to Airplane Mode: Activate airplane mode before filming. Unexpected calls and notifications can easily ruin a great take, so this helps ensure a distraction-free recording.
💡Use Landscape Orientation: Hold your iPhone horizontally. This prevents black bars on the sides and allows you to capture a wider, more visually pleasing frame.
💡Start Recording: Open the Camera app, select Video mode, and hit the red Record button to begin. If you want to focus on a specific subject, simply tap the area on your screen.
Once you’ve filmed your first vlog, the final step is editing. This is where your footage comes together and starts to feel polished.
Final thoughts
Starting vlogging with an iPhone is not only accessible but highly effective when supported by the right gear. A good tripod, microphone, lighting setup, and optional accessories like the phone monitor can dramatically enhance the quality of your videos. With these tools, you’ll be able to create stable, well-lit, and professional-looking vlogs from day one.
