Creator envy is a real thng. When we see the content of other creators, we often feel, “God, how much did it cost to create good content like that?” Or worse, “They can create such perfect content because they’re rich!”
In a gist, a lot of new content creators believe that it is a rich person’s game.
It is not.
Good content is something that resonates with your audience or makes them laugh, cry, think, or feel. It doesn’t require boatloads of money.
What it does need is:
- Some basic equipment.
- Knowledge of how to create professional content.
We tackle the first in this blog. If you’re looking for tips on creating professional video, swing by here.
How much does it cost to create great content?
As much as a camera, tripod, ring light, backdrop, and editing software cost.
FYI, it is not as much as you are thinking.
A decent camera
The lifeblood of a creator is a decent camera. There was a time when to click professional photos and great videos; you needed a DSLR or an equivalent.
Thankfully, Smartphones have removed that need. As long as you have a decent phone, the camera will be good enough to create kicka$$ content.
Since all of us have phones with excellent cameras, we do not include the cost here. You would buy the phone irrespective of whether you are a creator or not.
Psst: any creator thinking of investing in a good smartphone should do it now. It’ll be a smart decision.
Tripod
A tripod is what takes your content from nice to wow!
How? It keeps that camera absolutely steady and lets you focus. So, while you may think it is not mandatory, we advise you to buy one.
You’ll find plenty of options on amazon starting from INR 500 to INR 3000. If your pockets are not deep, try an affordable option.
Tripod substitutes
A chair. A window ledge. A stack of books. Anything that keeps your camera steady and at the right height will work as a tripod substitute.
Ring Light
The right lighting can really elevate your content. It goes from dark, dingy, and let’s-scroll-past content to wow-that-must-have-been-costly-to-create content.
So, the next equipment you need to create good content is a ring light. Plus, they are portable, which makes them very efficient.
The price of light ranges from INR 400 to INR 1,500. Pick your choice.
Ring light substitute
Waiting for your ring light to be delivered? Can’t invest in one right now? Then shoot in natural light. The sun is the best light you can have. If you can’t go outdoors, shoot near a window.
A backdrop
One feature of great content is a uniform background. That’s why most lifestyle creators and fashion creators use them. But we recommend every creator to use a constant backdrop.
You will need a backdrop stand and a backdrop cloth. The first is a little heavy on your wallet – about INR 1,500 to INR 2,000. The second will cost only INR 200 to INR 1000, i.e., if you pick the simple ones.
Backdrop substitute
The no-cost alternative to backdrops is a wall with a bedsheet stuck on it using nails or Sellotape. For flat lays and other pictures, you can use anything as a backdrop – from chart papers to your wooden floors.
Editing software
If shooting is the first part of creating great content, then editing is the second. Both are equally important, which means every creator should invest in editing software or apps.
If you are new to the field, we say pick any free editing app and hone your skills on it. Then graduate to a paid software. They’ll cost anywhere between INR 700 to INR 2000. You can even use apps like Lightroom and Inshot that charge on a per month basis.
Editing app substitute
There are tons of free versions of editing apps. You’ll just have to put up with watermarks, logos, or limited capacity.
A Gist on Cost of Creating Good Content
| Equipment | Max Cost | Min Cost |
| Tripod | 3000 | 500 |
| Light | 1500 | 400 |
| Backdrop | 2000+1000 | 1500+200 |
| Editing software | 2000 | 700 |
| Total | 9500 | 3300 |
We know that combined the cost can be high. That said, you don’t have to invest in all of it in one go. You can buy the items one by one. You can mix-match – buy a costly ring light but use a free editing app. Or you can simply make do with the free alternatives until you have sufficient funds.
All in all, the cost to create good content is about INR 3,300 to INR 9,500. But we already knew that, didn’t we? There are no free lunches in this world.
There is a caveat. While money will help you produce better content, it is your creativity, your voice, and your style that makes it worthy to your audience. Never forget that!
