Which microphone do you need for TikTok, Reels, or vlogging?

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Welke microfoon heb je nodig voor TikTok, Reels of vloggen?

Your video looks sharp, the lighting is perfect, and your editing is well-executed. But as soon as you start talking, it sounds like you're across the room.

That's a shame. Especially with TikTok, Instagram Reels, and vlogs, where your voice is often an important part of the video.

A good microphone for TikTok or Reels doesn't have to be big or complicated. Which microphone you need mainly depends on how you film. Do you stand still or walk around? Do you film alone or with someone else? And do you record with a smartphone or camera?

In this buying guide, we explain which microphone suits your filming style.


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Ulanzi A200 Mini Mic draadloze microfoon USB-C - Zwart/Wit - Draadloze microfoons

Which microphone do you need for TikTok and Reels?

For most TikToks and Instagram Reels, a compact wireless lavalier microphone is the best choice.

You attach the microphone close to your mouth and connect a small receiver to your smartphone. This ensures your voice remains clearly audible when you are further away from your phone or moving during recording.

Do you primarily record short videos where you speak directly into the camera? Then one transmitter is sufficient.

Are you creating interviews, challenges, or videos with two people? Then choose a set with two transmitters. This way, each speaker gets their own microphone.

For vlogs where you mainly film what is happening in front of the camera, a compact directional microphone might be more practical. You attach this to your camera or smartphone rig and point it at the subject.

7RYMS Rimo S1(LN) 2.4G Dual-channel draadloze microfoon met Lightning aansluiting - Draadloze microfoons

Don't choose by platform, but by your way of shooting

TikTok, Instagram Reels and vlogs don't automatically require different microphones. The right choice primarily depends on four things:

  1. The distance between you and the camera
  2. How much you move while filming
  3. The number of people speaking
  4. The device you're recording with

The overview below will help you choose quickly.

Opnamesituatie Geschikt type microfoon
Je praat alleen voor je smartphone Draadloze speldmicrofoon met één of twee zenders
Je maakt video’s met twee personen Draadloze microfoonset met twee zenders
Je loopt rond tijdens het vloggen Draadloze speldmicrofoon
Je filmt spontane situaties met een camera Compacte richtmicrofoon
Je filmt stilstaand met een klein budget Bedrade speldmicrofoon
Je neemt voice-overs op aan een bureau USB- of studiomicrofoon
Recording situation Suitable microphone type
You speak directly to your smartphone Wireless lavalier microphone with one or two transmitters
You create videos with two people Wireless microphone system with two transmitters
You move around while vlogging Wireless lavalier microphone
You film spontaneous situations with a camera Compact directional microphone
You record stationary videos on a small budget Wired lavalier microphone
You record voice-overs at a desk USB or studio microphone
Aufnahmesituation Geeigneter Mikrofontyp
Du sprichst allein vor deinem Smartphone Kabelloses Lavaliermikrofon mit einem oder zwei Sendern
Du erstellst Videos mit zwei Personen Kabelloses Mikrofonsystem mit zwei Sendern
Du bewegst dich beim Vloggen Kabelloses Lavaliermikrofon
Du filmst spontane Situationen mit einer Kamera Kompaktes Richtmikrofon
Du filmst stationär mit einem kleinen Budget Kabelgebundenes Lavaliermikrofon
Du nimmst Voice-overs am Schreibtisch auf USB- oder Studiomikrofon
Situation d’enregistrement Type de microphone adapté
Vous parlez seul devant votre smartphone Microphone-cravate sans fil avec un ou deux émetteurs
Vous créez des vidéos à deux Système de microphones sans fil avec deux émetteurs
Vous vous déplacez pendant vos vlogs Microphone-cravate sans fil
Vous filmez des situations spontanées avec une caméra Microphone directionnel compact
Vous filmez en position fixe avec un petit budget Microphone-cravate filaire
Vous enregistrez des voix off à un bureau Microphone USB ou microphone de studio

Microphone for TikTok and Reels with your smartphone

When recording short vertical videos, your smartphone is often on a tripod, while you are standing one or more meters away. Your phone's built-in microphone then not only has to record your voice, but also all sounds between you and the phone.

Think of traffic, wind, music, other people, or a fan in the room.

A wireless microphone solves this by recording sound directly from your clothing. This makes your voice clearer, even when you move or are further away from your phone.

  • Ulanzi A200 Mini Mic draadloze microfoon USB-C - Zwart - Draadloze microfoons

    Ulanzi A200: a complete choice for TikTok and Reels

    The Ulanzi A200 Mini Mic is a good all-round choice for creators who record with a USB-C smartphone.

    The set includes two transmitters and a compact USB-C receiver. This allows you to record solo content as well as interviews and videos with two people. The microphones come in a charging case and the black and white version makes it easier to choose a colour that is less noticeable against your clothing.

    The A200 is well suited for:

    • talking-head videos;
    • product demonstrations;
    • tutorials and how-to videos;
    • interviews;
    • duo content;
    • TikToks and Reels on location;
    • travel and lifestyle videos.

    You plug the receiver into your smartphone's USB-C port, attach a transmitter to your clothing, and you can start recording immediately.

  • Ulanzi J12 Draadloze smartphone microfoon USB-C - Draadloze microfoons

    Starting Affordably with the Ulanzi J12

    If you primarily want simple and affordable wireless recording, the Ulanzi J12 with USB-C is a practical alternative.

    The set includes two compact transmitters, a USB-C receiver, and a charging case. This allows you to record both alone and with two people. As soon as you connect the receiver to your smartphone, the microphones automatically connect. You don't need a separate app or complicated settings.

    The Ulanzi J12 is particularly suitable for creators who want to film quickly without carrying a lot of equipment. For devices with Lightning, there is a separate Ulanzi J12 Lightning version.

    The J12 is well-suited for:

    • talking-head videos;
    • simple interviews;
    • product demonstrations;
    • TikToks and Reels;
    • duo content;
    • vlogs and videos on the go;
    • creators who want to start wireless recording affordably.

Which microphone do you need for vlogging?

When vlogging, the recording situation often varies. One moment you're talking directly into the camera. A moment later, you're filming an environment, activity, or person in front of you.

Therefore, you must first determine which sound is most important.

Your own voice is most important

Do you primarily talk to the camera during your vlog? Then use a wireless lavalier microphone.

Because the microphone is attached to your clothing, the distance to your mouth remains virtually constant. This makes your voice sound more consistent when you walk, rotate the camera, or change position.

A set like the Ulanzi A200 is suitable for this when you vlog with a USB-C smartphone. If you're filming with a travel companion or guest, you can use the second transmitter.

You primarily film what's happening in front of the camera

Are you filming with a camera or smartphone rig and want to quickly switch between yourself, other people, and your surroundings? Then a compact shotgun microphone might be more practical.

A shotgun microphone is mounted on the camera or rig and primarily records sound from the direction you are filming. So you don't have to give anyone a separate transmitter.

The 7RYMS MinBo M2 can record sound from both the front and back. This allows you, for example, to film someone in front of the camera while asking questions from behind the camera. You can also switch to front-only recording. For use with a smartphone, the correct cable and possibly an adapter are required.

A shotgun microphone is well suited for:

  • travel vlogs;
  • handheld interviews;
  • events;
  • behind-the-scenes videos;
  • recordings with a mirrorless or DSLR camera;
  • situations where you don't know in advance who will be speaking.

Please note that a shotgun microphone is still at some distance from the speaker. In noisy environments, a lavalier microphone close to the mouth usually provides clearer vocal sound.

Wireless, wired, or shotgun microphone?

  • Wireless lavalier microphone

    A wireless lavalier microphone is usually the best choice for TikTok, Reels, and vlogs where someone is speaking on camera.

    Pros:

    • lots of freedom of movement;
    • microphone stays close to the mouth;
    • no cable between you and the smartphone;
    • suitable for remote recordings;
    • sets available for one or more speakers.

    Cons:

    • transmitters need to be charged;
    • you need to check if the receiver is compatible with your device;
    • wind and contact with clothing can be audible.

  • Wired lavalier microphone

    A wired microphone is suitable if you are sitting still or recording close to your smartphone. Examples include an explanatory video, makeup tutorial, unboxing, or product demonstration at a table.

    The MOJOGEAR lavalier microphone for smartphones is available with various connectors and cable lengths. For the version with a 3.5mm TRRS connector, an adapter may be required if your phone does not have a headphone jack.

    Advantages:

    • affordable way to record your voice up close;
    • no wireless connection needed;
    • no battery in the microphone;
    • easy to use.

    Disadvantages:

    • less freedom of movement;
    • cable may be visible;
    • you need to consider the distance to your phone.

  • Shotgun microphone

    A shotgun microphone is useful when you want to keep the microphone on your camera or rig.

    Advantages:

    • no microphone needed on clothing;
    • quick switching between different subjects;
    • practical for spontaneous vlogs and reports;
    • often suitable for cameras and video rigs.

    Disadvantages:

    • sound quality is more dependent on distance;
    • less suitable when you are far from the camera;
    • connection and cable must fit your camera or smartphone.
7RYMS SR-USB Mini Condensator USB Microfoon - Studiomicrofoons

What connection does your microphone need?

Always check the connection of your recording device before purchasing.

USB-C

USB-C is used on many modern smartphones, tablets, and laptops. A microphone with a USB-C receiver can usually be connected directly to the USB-C port.

For example, the Ulanzi A200 has a USB-C receiver. If you don't have a USB-C port, this version will not fit directly onto your device.

Lightning

Older Apple devices may have a Lightning connector. In that case, choose a microphone that comes specifically with Lightning, such as the Lightning version of the Ulanzi J12.

Don't just use any adapter. An adapter may fit physically, but it may not always support audio input.

3.5mm Jack

Cameras and older smartphones often use a 3.5mm jack. Also, pay attention to the difference between TRS and TRRS.

TRS is usually used for cameras. TRRS is mainly used for smartphones and devices with a combined headphone and microphone jack.

If you use the wrong cable, your device may not recognize the external microphone.

BOYA BY-PM500 USB-microfoon voor streaming, studio en podcast - Studiomicrofoons

How to get better sound on TikTok, Reels, and vlogs

1. Position the microphone close to your mouth

Attach a lavalier microphone about a hand's width below your mouth. Don't place it too low and make sure it doesn't rub against a zipper, necklace, or loose fabric.

2. Use a wind shield outdoors

Even a light breeze can sound harsh in a microphone. Therefore, use an appropriate wind shield outdoors, even if it barely seems windy.

3. Always make a short test recording

Before shooting the actual video, record a few seconds and listen to the clip with headphones.

Check if:

  • the external microphone is actually being used;
  • both transmitters are connected;
  • your voice doesn't sound too soft or distorted;
  • clothing isn't rubbing against the microphone;
  • there are no disturbing background noises.

This check takes less time than re-recording an entire video.

RØDE Wireless ME draadloze microfoon-set - Draadloze microfoons

4. Don't film unnecessarily far away

A wireless microphone gives you freedom of movement, but that doesn't mean you should always stand as far away from the camera as possible. Choose a distance that suits your shot and limit obstacles between the transmitter and receiver.

5. Be aware of reverberant spaces

An empty room with bare walls, windows, and a hard floor can cause a lot of reverberation. Curtains, furniture, rugs, and other soft materials help to reduce reflections.

6. Check the sound in the app you're using

Make a test recording in the same camera or social media app you plan to use for the final video. This way, you can be sure that the app is using the external microphone.

If the microphone doesn't work well in the social media app, record the video with your phone's standard camera app and then upload it to TikTok or Instagram.

7. Choose two transmitters when two people are speaking

Don't try to record two people with one lavalier microphone by placing it somewhere between them. The distance to both voices constantly changes, and ambient noise becomes more audible more quickly.

It's better to use one transmitter per speaker.

Conclusion: which microphone is best for you?

Choose a wireless lavalier microphone when you're speaking to the camera, moving around while filming, or standing further away from your smartphone.

Choose a set with two transmitters when you're conducting interviews, conversations, or creating duo content.

Choose a wired lavalier microphone when you primarily film stationary and want to start affordably.

Choose a shotgun microphone when you're filming with a camera or rig and want to quickly record different people or situations in front of the camera.

For most TikToks, Reels, and smartphone vlogs, a compact wireless set is the most practical solution. The Ulanzi A200 is a complete choice for USB-C devices, especially if you want to be able to record both alone and with two people.

Browse all microphones for smartphones, cameras and content creators

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Frequently asked questions

Do you need an external microphone for TikTok?


Not always. If you are close to your smartphone and filming in a quiet room, the built-in microphone may suffice. An external microphone becomes especially important when you are further away, moving, or recording in a noisy environment.

Which microphone is suitable for Instagram Reels?

For Reels where you're talking or presenting, a compact wireless lavalier microphone is usually the most practical choice. The microphone stays close to your mouth and there's no cable between you and your smartphone.

Is a wireless microphone better than a wired microphone?

Not automatically. A wireless microphone offers more freedom of movement. A wired microphone is cheaper, doesn't need to be charged, and is great for stationary recordings. The best choice depends on how you film.

Do you need one or two microphones?

For solo content, one transmitter is sufficient. Do you regularly record interviews, challenges, or videos with two speakers? Then choose a set with two transmitters.

Does every microphone work with every smartphone?

No. Check if your smartphone has USB-C, Lightning, or a 3.5mm jack. Also, check if the microphone and any adapter support audio input.

Can you use a wireless microphone while vlogging?

Yes. A wireless lavalier microphone is particularly useful for vlogs where you're walking or frequently changing positions. Because the microphone is attached to your clothing, its distance from your mouth remains constant.