So, you’ve decided to up your TikTok game with the best equipment for TikTok? Well, we have some good news – you’ve got plenty of great kit to choose from. Shooting TikToks doesn’t have to be complicated (though of course it can be, if you have lofty ambitions) and there are loads of accessories out there that can make a serious difference to the production value of your videos – and it doesn’t have to cost too much.
We’ve divided our list up into different categories to help you navigate the accessories available. To be clear, we don’t think many (if any) users would or should get everything on this list. We’re simply providing some options to help you think about the gear that might improve your TikToks.
Best smartphone microphones - These are a cheap and efficient way to improve the quality of audio in your TikToks. Bad audio never fails to make a video feel cheap – here’s how to avoid it.
Best camera microphones - If you’re using a camera setup rather than a phone, these are the mics that will work best to deliver superior sound.
Best wireless audio system - Though these tend to be more expensive than simpler mics, these comprehensive wireless systems of microphones and transmitters give you real flexibility in terms of your setup, and enable you to capture clean audio even when you’re a good distance from the camera.
Best video lights - A good inexpensive LED to throw some light on the subject is a time-honoured way to make your video instantly look substantially better.
Best tripods - For doing pieces to camera or other locked-off shots, a good solid tripod will make your life significantly easier.
Best camera lenses - If you’ve already got an interchangeable-lens camera but aren’t sure which lenses to pair with it for best results, we offer a few suggestions.
Whether you use one of the best cameras for TikTok or stick with your smartphone, these accessories should help you up your game. So, let’s get into it. Oh, and don’t forget to follow us on TikTok, of course…
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Best smartphone microphones for TikTok
We’ve said it already, but we’ll say it again – high-quality audio is absolutely critical if you’re taking your content creation seriously. Even if you’re just recording TikToks on your smartphone, a good microphone is essential if you want your content to feel (and sound) professional.
The built-in mics on a phone will get the job done, but no more than that, and in adverse conditions (e.g. you’re trying to film outside on a windy day) you’ll quickly get familiar with their limitations. Smartphone microphones give you more versatility by allowing you to attach windshields to dampen external noise for cleaner audio.
We’ve provided a couple of different options for Android and iPhone users in this section. The mics we’ve picked here are wired, meaning they will work via a 3.5mm audio jack. As many newer phones don’t have these connections, you may want to also pick up an adapter like the Rode AI Micro, which allows you to connect TRS/TRRS microphones to your phone via a USB, USB-C or Lightning port. Alternatively, see our later section on the best wireless audio systems further down the page.
Rode Lavalier II
The Lavalier II stands as a premium lav microphone that is well-suited to demanding audio and visual workflows. This model is quite unique in its low-profile design alongside its discreet flat capsule. The mounting clip is also incredibly comfortable, whilst the key flat frequency response flattens all voice types to allow for an omnidirectional polar pattern to pick up clear, crisp vocal audio.
£89.00 View
Pros:
- Excellent audio quality
- Slim, unobtrusive design
- Easy to set up and clip on
Cons:
- Omnidirectional design may pick up background noise
A lavalier mic is the ideal choice if you want your audio setup to be heard and not seen. Designed to be clipped unobtrusively onto clothing, lav mics are commonly used in television, theatre and public speaking events. The Rode Lavalier II is a textbook example and is an ideal way to improve the audio in your TikToks.
The mic has a low-profile design that’s easy to camouflage in your clothing (though you may want a piece of black tape to put over that white ‘Rode’ logo on the clip). The audio quality is excellent, with plenty of range that delivers a full-sounding vocal response. It works well with wireless systems like the Rode Wireless GO II (more on which in a later section).
Also, the kit includes both a pop filter and a windshield for controlling noise. This is something to watch for with lav mics, as they use an omnidirectional polar pattern that records sound from all directions, unlike shotgun mics, which are highly directional.
Boya Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Boya Cardioid Condenser Microphone is designed to be rugged and lightweight. In having this construction, this microphone will not become a weight burden when filming. The cardioid condenser will record and reproduce high-quality audio, elevating your interview, film or general recording. It's designed for use with smartphones, DSLR or mirrorless cameras, audio recorders and more! It comes with a useful furry windshield that reduces buffeting from the wind and an anti-shock mount that reduces unwanted noise from handling or vibrations.
£27.99 View
Pros:
- Incredible value for money
- Easy to set up
- Quality directional audio
Cons:
- Plastic shock mount
- Newer phones will need adapter
For bumping up the quality of your smartphone audio on a budget, the Boya Cardioid Condenser Microphone will fit the bill. It’s significantly cheaper than most other mics on the market, but still provides a significant upgrade to the quality of the audio you’ll capture with your phone. Unlike the Rode Lavalier II, this is a directional mic, meaning you point it at whatever you want to record. What you lose in clip-on convenience, you make up for with the ability to effectively exclude background noise – neither type is empirically better, it’s just about what works for you.
The Boya Cardioid Condenser Microphone is another plug and play mic – so if you’re using a newer phone that doesn’t have a 3.5mm jack, you’ll need to source an adapter or a wireless transmitter. It comes with a furry windshield and a shockmount to reduce unwanted rumble noise (though it’s plastic rather than metal)
Best Camera Microphones for TikTok
Even though dedicated cameras will typically have a superior built-in mic setup compared to a phone, there’s still no substitute for an external mic when it comes to achieving excellent audio quality. Unlike in the world of smartphones, where physical 3.5mm jacks are becoming somewhat passé (or at least, the manufacturers want them to be), a solid mic input is considered basically obligatory for a camera to be treated as a serious video tool.
Many camera microphones are designed to be mounted onto the hotshoe situated at the top of the camera body. This means they tend to be directional – they’ll record what you point them at, and exclude what you don’t point them at.
Getting a dedicated camera is an excellent first step to take in upping the quality of your TikToks. If this is something you’ve already done, we’d suggest that one of these mics should likely be your next purchase…
Rode VideoMic Pro+
The RODE VideoMic Pro+ sits at the top of RODE's line of DSLR style on-camera shotgun microphones. The VideoMic Pro+ comes with new features such as a switchable highpass filter, a safety channel, for recording in difficult environments, and a new intelligent on/off system, which turns the microphone on and off based on the power coming from your camera.
£239.00 View
Pros:
- Highly effective directional recording
- Long-lasting battery and clever auto power-saving
- Safety channel setting
Cons:
- May not be worth upgrading if you already own VideoMic Pro
- … but that’s about it!
The Rode VideoMic Pro+ is one of the best on-camera shotgun mics ever made. The original VideoMic Pro was pretty popular, but this updated version takes everything that users liked about it – and tweaks the things they didn’t – to make for an absolutely superb camera microphone.
The Rode VideoMic Pro+ uses a super-cardioid directional pattern to pick up the sound from where you’re pointing it, and does an amazing job of cutting out everything else. Also, if you’re worried about clipping (distorting) from an unexpected loud sound, there’s the option to record a separate safety channel with gain at 10dB lower. This means if the primary channel is blown out by a loud noise, you have a clean backup.
With a long-lasting battery and intelligent power-saving feature that powers the mic down when the camera does, the Rode VideoMic Pro+ will keep on recording as long as you need it to. In a pinch, you can also plug in a continuous power source via USB, or even swap out the rechargeable Li-Ion battery for a couple of generic AAs.
Sennheiser MKE 400 Microphone
The Sennheiser MKE 400 Microphone is a highly directional shotgun microphone that features an enhanced super-cardioid polar pattern that will capture clear, crisp and high-quality audio recordings with next-to-no unwanted background noise. It's fitted with built-in wind protection and an internal suspension mount which together reduces wind and handling sounds. To combat poor acoustics, the MKE also features a built-in low-cut filter and 3-step sensitivity switch that provide both flexibility and control in different audio environments. This microphone is designed for use with both DSLR/Mirrorless digital cameras and mobile devices thanks to interchangeable 3.5 mm TRS and TRRS connectivity. The MKE400 is the ideal onboard microphone for vloggers and travel/documentary videographers.
£159.00 View
Pros:
- High-quality directional audio
- Cheaper than VideoMic Go+
- Built-in headphone jack
Cons:
- AAA batteries only
- Only three gain settings
The super-cardioid shotgun Sennheiser MKE 400 does an excellent job of cutting out background noise for clean, directional audio. Its compact build means it fits well on top of even smaller vlogging cameras, and its low-cut filter can be turned on if you need to eliminate low-frequency rumbles or wind noise. There’s also an integrated windscreen, and a built-in headphone jack so you can monitor as you record. The MKE400 does have a gain sensitivity switch, though it only offers three settings (-20dB, 0dB and +20dB).
Unlike the Rode VideoMic Go+ and its rechargeable Li-Ion battery, the Sennheiser MKE 400 relies on standard AAAs. It gets a lot of use out of them – it’s rated to about 100 hours’ worth – but nevertheless you’ll need to factor in the ongoing cost and remember to carry spares.
Best Wireless Audio System for TikTok
Picking up a complete wireless audio system will require more of a cash outlay than buying a simple plug-in mic, however the amount of freedom it gives you in your video creation is tremendous. In contemporary wireless audio systems, the effective range of the transmitters and receivers tends to be quite significant (often more than 200 metres) meaning you no longer have to be tethered to your phone or camera in order for your voice to be audible.
Wireless audio systems are equally effective whether you’re using a phone, a mirrorless camera, a DSLR or an action camera, so you can let your creativity run wild. We’ve picked out two of the most popular wireless mic systems for this section – if you want to hear them for yourself, check out our head-to-head comparison on our YouTube channel.
Rode Wireless GO II
The Rode Wireless GO II is designed for mobile journalists, videographers, vloggers and more! This super-compact and incredibly versatile wireless microphone system build off its predecessor offering a dual-channel receiver and two transmitters. What's new is a range of upgrades including new failsafe precautions such as onboard recording capabilities, universal compatibility (with cameras, smartphones and computers), an extended-range of up to 200m (line of sight) and vastly improved transmission stability. The Rode Wireless GO II kit will provide you with professional-level audio, professional-level ease-of-use and will elevate your production to the next level.
£249.00 View
Pros:
- Beautifully well built
- Excellent sound quality and noise suppression
Cons:
- Some settings can only be adjusted on computer
Rode’s Wireless GO was popular in the content creation world, but the GO II would prove to be the real game-changer. The most significant change was the adding of an extra transmitter and the ability to record two audio channels simultaneously, making the setup much more versatile. DJI would go on to be, ahem, inspired by this design in the creation of its DJI Mic, and it’s not hard to see why. With superb noise control and powerful Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption, the Rode Wireless GO II is the kind of mic you can rely on.
Granted, it doesn’t have the nifty all-in-one charging case of the DJI Mic (see below for more on that), but the Li-Ion batteries in the Rode units will last a good long while, and can actually be powered and charged through your phone if necessary.
DJI Mic
The DJI Mic is an all-in-one wireless microphone system that promises exceptional sound quality across the board. Tailored to vloggers and amateur content creators, it has an approx. 200m range and 6-hour battery life. The DJI Mic consists of 2 Transmitters, 1 Receiver, and a Charging Case, whilst being compatible with a whole host of devices to include cameras, smartphones, laptops, and more!
£219.00 View
Pros:
- Super-useful charging case
- Intuitive touchscreen control
- Long-range, high-quality audio
Cons:
- Case is on the bulky side
DJI’s clever wireless mic system is a great self-contained kit for video content creators. Consisting of two microphone transmitters and a receiver with various accessories, all contained in a single convenient charging case, the DJI Mic makes it easy to get started as soon as you open the box. Setting up and adjusting your mics is simple via the touchscreen interface, and the aforementioned clever charging case allows you to keep on shooting for longer – simply drop in the transmitters whenever you’re not using them and the case will juice them back up.
The transmitters have a stated maximum range of 250m, which practically is a lot more than you’re ever going to need. Sound quality is generally good, suffering a little at long range, but again, how often are you going to need to record at such a significant distance?
Best Video Light for TikTok
A bit of extra light can be just the thing to give your TikToks that professional polish. Whether you want to illuminate yourself, or want a portable light source that can be shone on multiple different subjects, a video light is a sensible and inexpensive thing to add to your kit.
Even highly affordable video lights will generally offer features like brightness dimming and a range of colour temperature settings, meaning you can precisely customise the quality and intensity of your light according to your needs. So if, for instance, you want a soft, even white light in one shot and then a deep, intense red horror in the next, it can be achieved within moments.
Anyone who has spent much time on TikTok is probably aware of the popularity of ring lights (look for the tell-tale ring-shaped catchlights in people’s eyes), these aren’t the only types of light that can be useful for TikTokers. We’ve provided a couple of options in this section to get you thinking.
Kenro Smart Lite 19 Inch RGB Ring Light
Ideal for photo and video shoots, the Kenro Smart Lite 19-inch RGB Ring Light provides flawless and shadowless light. This lightweight kit is designed for travelling photographers, delivering high-quality and accurate light. It can be powered via mains power or batteries and offers up to nine pre-programmed special lighting effects to help unleash your creative side.
£169.00 View
Pros:
- Simple and lightweight
- 3200-7500K colour temperature control
- Can run off mains or batteries
Cons:
- Less raw power than other lights
- Optimised for smartphones rather than cameras
Ring lights are popular on TikTok for good reason. They provide an inexpensive but reasonably customisable source of light that’s ideal for delivering pieces straight to camera. With lights like the Kenro Smart Lite 19 Inch RGB Ring Light, it’s obvious at a glance the extent to which they are oriented towards TikTok users – the fact that it comes pre-packaged with a smartphone clamp in the middle of the ring is probably the clearest indication.
With fine-tuning brightness control, a broad colour temperature range and a palette of customised colours, the Kenro Smart Lite makes it easy to introduce dramatic lighting effects into your videos. The fact that you can run it off mains power or batteries also makes it quite versatile, allowing you to set up and shoot just about anywhere. It comes with its own carry case, and is quite portable with a weight of just 960g.
Godox LEDP120 Flat LED Video Light
Designed for video recording and macrophotography, the Godox LEDP120 Flat LED Video Light emits powerful illumination. Its colour temperature between 3300K and 5600K provides bright and sharp image results while the CRI 95 rating ensures a high colour rendering without flickering effects. This video light features handy knobs at the back for brightness and colour adjustment from 10 to 100%.
£35.00 View
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Flexible mounting options
- Very light and portable
Cons:
- Fairly basic feature-set
- Narrower colour range than other lights
Godox has carved out something of a reputation for producing the cheapest LED panels that are actually worth buying. The Godox LEDP120 Flat LED Video Light will cost you less than a ticket to Alton Towers, and still deliver the basics of what you need from a video light – smooth, even, flicker-free illumination. The light consists of 116 LEDs, and brightness can be adjusted from 10% to 100%. The colour temperature range runs from 3300K to 5600K – not as broad a range as the Kenro ring light, but still offering a decent gamut.
Naturally, the Godox LEDP120 isn’t going to give you the kind of raw brightness and fine control you’d get from a much more expensive video light, but that’s par for the course. As long as you’re aware of its limitations, it could be just the thing you need to give your TikToks a little lift.
Best Tripods for TikTok
A solid tripod is a videographer’s best friend, and TikTokers are no exception – there’s a reason so many ring lights come with built-in stands and phone clamps. A dedicated tripod can give you much more flexibility, the ability to set up your camera (or phone) in pretty much any terrain and get a stable, locked-off shot.
Specialist video tripods tend to be extremely sturdy things, designed to hold up the considerable weight of professional broadcast cameras and lenses. As a TikToker, you probably don’t need kit at that level (you definitely don’t), which is good news as you can get something considerably cheaper. A decent travel tripod will do for most TikTok camera setups, and if you’re using your phone then you may want to consider going even smaller with a pocket-sized tabletop tripod. Tripods may keep your camera still – but they allow your creativity to run wild.
Pros:
- Sturdily built from magnesium alloy
- Excellent value for money
- Folds down well for easy transport
Cons:
- No monopod conversion option
As we said in the introduction to this section, it’s likely that for TikTok videos you don’t need a super-expensive, super-strong, fully featured tripod. You just need something that works. The 3 Legged Thing PUNKS Patti Tripod is one of the best-regarded entry-level tripods – for a two-figure asking price you get a well-made tripod and a versatile head that’ll handily support any camera and lens combination you’re realistically going to be using for TikTok.
The legs use flip locks rather than twist locks, making for easy setup and take-down – and when you want to transport the tripod, it can fold down to just 45cm in length. If you want to get adventurous with your camera positioning, the central column can also be reversed – but realistically, most TikTok users probably just want a simple tripod they can use to quickly and easily set up a shot. This is most certainly that.
JOBY GorillaPod Custom 1K Kit
Joby’s GorillaPod Custom 1K Kit is a flexible and customisable tripod. Ideal for use with camcorders, mirrorless and compact cameras, this GorillaPod can grip onto and wrap around objects whilst securely holding devices weighing up to 1kg. The feet can be removed and replaced with different designs, shapes and colours; or they can act as another mounting option for accessories.
£49.95 View
Best Camera Lens for TikTok
We could be here all day listing the best lenses you could potentially pair with a mirrorless camera for TikTok – but we don’t want to just throw a load of numbers and acronyms at you. So, instead for this section we’ve come up with a list of three quite different optics to get you thinking about the types of lenses you could potentially use for your videos, depending on the kinds of shots you want to get and the kinds of effects you want to create.
There may not be a specific lens in this section for your brand of camera – that’s okay, you should be able to find a rough equivalent in your lens mount of choice. We may put together a more comprehensive guide to the best lenses for TikTok in future, but for now, let’s take a closer look at a few suggestions…
Option #1: A wide zoom
Pros:
- Wide perspective is great for arm's-length self-shooting
- Excellent for separating subject and background
Cons:
- Wide lenses can create pronounced distortion
Many videographers favour wide zoom lenses like the Sony E 10-18mm f4 OSS Lens for a number of reasons. Having a good, wide perspective like this lens offers (its widest setting is equivalent to 15mm in full-frame terms, as this is a lens for Sony’s APS-C cameras) means you can hold the cameras at arm’s length and comfortably get yourself in the frame – useful for travel vlogging, if you want to show off the scenery as well as your own glorious visage.
Wide-angle lenses are also great for separating subject and background, and even with the fairly pedestrian f4 aperture of the Sony E 10-18mm f4 OSS, you should have no problem getting stylish shots with shallow depth of field. Having that zoom range gives you a little extra flexibility too, with the f4 aperture carrying right the way through to 18mm (about 27mm equivalent) in this case.
Option #2: A cheap, fast prime
Canon RF 50mm f1.8 STM Lens
The Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens delivers high-quality images in a compact, light prime lens body. Featuring redesigned optics and an STM motor, the lens is exceptionally quiet, making it great for both photography and videography. The lens offers a fast and wide f1/8 aperture for sharply focused subjects and stunning blurred background effects. The wide aperture and 50mm focal length are great for creating impactful images at lower ISO. Pair it with an EOS R-series camera for everyday photography.
£199.00 View
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Ultra-fast maximum aperture
Cons:
- Fixed perspective
- Field of view may be too narrow
There’s a lot to be said for a good old nifty fifty, and that’s just as true for video as it is for photography. A good 50mm lens with a nice fast aperture like the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM gives you a naturalistic perspective that’s great for day to day shooting that can keep going when the light starts to get low.
This version fits Canon’s EOS R mirrorless cameras, but the format was really crystallised in Canon’s EF mount for DSLRs. Whichever mount you use though, you should be able to find a reasonably priced prime lens with a fast maximum aperture. While having the fixed perspective can be restrictive in some senses, if you’re shooting your TikToks from the same mounted position in most cases, it shouldn’t be a problem.
Option #3: A video-friendly superzoom
Fujifilm XF 18-120mm f4 LM PZ WR Lens
Joining the XF lens range is the Fujifilm XF 18-120mm f4 LM PZ WR. This professional-level power zoom lens is designed to provide broadcast, cinema quality performance while maintaining a compact and portable profile. Ideal for independent filmmakers, this lens offers an array of video-focused features such as automated control, a stepless aperture and its flexible 27-183mm equivalent range.
£808.00 View
FAQs
What are the must-have accessories for TikTok?
The must-have accessories for TikTok include a smartphone tripod or stabiliser for steady shots, a ring light for better lighting, a microphone for improved audio quality and a portable power bank for extended filming sessions. These accessories enhance the overall TikTok experience and help create professional-looking videos.
Which ring light is best for TikTok videos?
When choosing a ring light for TikTok videos, it's important to consider factors such as brightness levels, adjustable colour temperature, and compatibility with smartphones.
What type of microphone should I use for TikTok?
For TikTok videos, a lavalier microphone or a shotgun microphone is often recommended. Lavalier microphones are small, clip-on mics that can be discreetly attached to clothing, while shotgun microphones capture directional audio and are ideal for outdoor or noisy environments.
Can I use a tripod for TikTok videos?
Yes, using a tripod for TikTok videos can greatly improve the stability and quality of your footage. Tripods provide a steady base for your smartphone, allowing you to achieve smoother panning shots and avoid shaky footage. Look for tripods that are lightweight, compact, and compatible with smartphones.
Are there any specific lighting accessories for TikTok?
Yes, there are specific lighting accessories that can enhance your TikTok videos. Apart from ring lights, LED panel lights and clip-on smartphone lights are also popular choices. LED panel lights offer adjustable brightness and colour temperature, while clip-on smartphone lights can be attached to your phone for additional lighting.
How do we decide?
Our in-house photography experts, store staff and partners all work collaboratively to pour over these guides. The cameras and equipment recommended in our guides are based on their personal opinion, empirical experience and of course, feedback from our customers.
We way up price, features, quality and the all-important 'je ne sais quoi' to make sure we recommend products that will delight and inspire.
If you would like more advice on any purchase our contact centre staff are here to help. Alternatively, you can reach us via email or social media.
And don't forget. If you were to purchase anything based on our recommendations you'll be covered by our full returns policy
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