How to Set Up a Teleprompter for YouTube & Online Courses (Studio Guide)

Depending on your budget and studio space, choose one of these two proven configurations: ### Option A: The Direct-Device Setup (Minimalist & Fast) - **Mount**: Phone tripod mount with cold shoe. - **How it works**: Run SADA directly on your iPhone or iPad using the front-facing 4K camera. - **Best for**: Solo YouTube creators, TikTok/Reels/Shorts, Zoom presentations, fast setups. - **SADA Setting**: Standard Mode with text margins set to narrow. ### Option B: The Studio Beam-Splitter Rig (High-End Broadcast) - **Mount**: 70/30 Beam-splitter teleprompter glass hood mounted on 15mm rails in front of a mirrorless/cinema camera (Sony, Canon, Blackmagic). - **How it works**: Place your iPad on the prompter tray facing up into the glass. - **Best for**: Professional courses, executive interviews, multi-camera studios. - **SADA Setting**: **Mirror Mode** (toggled in SADA settings to flip text horizontally).

If you wear glasses or use teleprompter glass, screen reflections can ruin your shot: 1. **Key Light Angle**: Position your key light at 45 degrees to the side and slightly above head height. Never place a ring light directly behind the prompter. 2. **Screen Brightness**: Lower the brightness of your iPad/iPhone to 60-70%. In a dark studio, a screen that is too bright causes your eyes to dilate and reflects off eyeglasses. 3. **Contrast Color**: Use SADA’s high-contrast gold or white text on pure pitch-black background to eliminate backlight bleed.

The camera lens should be positioned at **exact eye level or slightly above (1 to 2 inches)**: - If the camera is too low, the audience feels like you are looking down at them (condescending angle). - If the camera is too high, you have to tilt your chin up, straining your neck. - Position yourself **1.2m to 2.5m (4 to 8 feet)** away from the lens. At this distance, any minor eye movement within the prompter column is optically undetectable on camera.

When people read from a prompter, their vocal energy often drops by 30%. To counter this: - **Over-articulate**: Speak with 10% more physical animation and vocal resonance than you would in casual conversation. - **Physical Gestures**: Use your hands freely. Hand gestures trick your brain into conversational mode rather than reading mode. - **Use SADA Remote**: Have your scrolling speed set slightly faster than your baseline comfort level to keep your pace brisk and engaging.

1. **Load Scripts**: Paste your scripts into SADA or connect via SADA Remote. 2. **Frame & Light**: Check eyeline height, turn on key/fill lights, and verify audio levels. 3. **Set Countdown**: Enable SADA's 3-second or 5-second countdown to prepare your posture before rolling. 4. **Hit Record**: Roll camera and deliver the script in one continuous take. 5. **Auto-Pause & Review**: SADA automatically pauses at the end of the text, giving you a clean concluding smile into the lens.