The TikTok LIVE setup
Viewers stay when they can see and hear you clearly. Here's what to buy, in the order it makes a difference: sound first, then light, then camera. Each pick has a place to start, a step up, and a pro option.
Product links go to Amazon. If you buy through them, CUE may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we recommend.
Microphone
The biggest upgrade for the least money. Your phone or webcam mic picks up the whole room; a real mic picks up you.
- StartSee on Amazon
FIFINE AmpliGram AM8
USB and XLR in one, so it grows with you. Plug it into your PC and LIVE Studio picks it up.
- Step upSee on Amazon
Elgato Wave:3
Built for streaming, with a clip guard that stops sudden loud moments from distorting.
- ProSee on Amazon
Shure MV7+
Broadcast sound that ignores keyboards and room echo. Works over USB or XLR.
Light
Good light makes any camera look better. Put it in front of you, a little above eye level.
- StartSee on Amazon
Neewer 18" ring light
Even light on your face with a phone holder in the middle, for a few dollars more than a desk lamp.
- Step upSee on Amazon
Neewer 2-pack LED panel lights
Two soft lights, one on each side, so there are no harsh shadows. Adjustable color.
- ProSee on Amazon
Elgato Key Light Air
A soft panel you control from your PC, with no tripod taking up the desk.
Camera
LIVE Studio works with any webcam. Upgrade once your sound and light are sorted.
- StartSee on Amazon
Logitech C922 Pro
The webcam most streamers start with. Sharp in good light, and it just works.
- Step upSee on Amazon
Elgato Facecam MK.2
A clearer picture with manual control of exposure and focus, so it doesn't hunt mid-stream.
- ProSee on Amazon
Sony ZV-E10 with Elgato Cam Link 4K
A real camera with a blurred background. The Cam Link turns it into a webcam for LIVE Studio.
Extras worth having
Small things that make a long LIVE easier.
- DeskSee on Amazon
Rode PSA1+ mic arm
Gets the mic close to your mouth and out of the shot.
- EarsSee on Amazon
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Hear your own LIVE and alerts without them leaking into the mic.
- ControlSee on Amazon
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
Fifteen buttons for scenes, sounds and shortcuts, so you never hunt for the mouse.
- BackdropSee on Amazon
Elgato Green Screen
Pops up in seconds and lets you put anything behind you.
Then make it look like a show
Gear gets you seen and heard. CUE adds the alerts, sounds, timers, prize wheel and song requests that keep people watching, all through one link in LIVE Studio.