Live Shopping Equipment: The Simple Setup That Looks Professional

You don't need a studio to run a great live shopping show. Most of the difference between a show that looks amateur and one that looks professional comes from three things: light, sound and a stable connection. Here's what to focus on.

Start with what you have

A phone from the last few years, a window and a quiet room are enough for your first show. Run one or two shows before buying anything — you'll quickly learn what's actually holding you back.

Camera

• Use your phone's rear camera if you can — it's usually sharper than the front one. Use the front camera when you need to see the chat on screen.
• Mount it. A tripod with a phone clamp keeps the shot steady and frees your hands to hold products. Set it at eye level or slightly above.
• Clean the lens. It sounds obvious, but a smudged lens is the most common cause of a hazy picture.
• Going pro: if you already have a mirrorless camera, a capture card and OBS let you stream over RTMP. LiveShoply supports RTMP on the Starter plan and up.

Lighting

Light is the single biggest upgrade. Products need to look true to colour, and your face needs to be clearly visible.

• Face a window for soft, even daylight. Avoid having a window behind you.
• Add a ring light or a soft LED panel in front of you, slightly above eye level, for consistent light at any time of day.
• Use a second light to the side to reduce shadows when showing products up close.
• Match colour temperatures. Don't mix warm bulbs with cool daylight — colours will look off.

Audio

Viewers forgive a slightly soft picture, but not bad sound.

• Clip-on (lavalier) microphone that plugs into your phone, or a small wireless mic set.
• Soften the room. Rugs, curtains and clothing racks reduce echo.
• Turn off fans and notifications before going live.

Internet connection

• Aim for at least 10 Mbps upload. Test it at the time of day you plan to go live.
• Stay close to your Wi-Fi router, or use a wired connection with an adapter.
• Close other apps and pause cloud backups during the show.

Your set and products

• A clean, uncluttered background that matches your brand. A clothes rail, shelves or a plant work well.
• Lay out products in show order within arm's reach, with sizes and colours ready.
• Keep a printed list of products, prices and key talking points next to the camera.
• Have a full-length mirror for try-ons if you sell clothing.

Pre-show checklist

1. Phone charged (or plugged in) and on Do Not Disturb.
2. Lens clean, tripod steady, framing checked.
3. Lights on, colours checked on a product.
4. Microphone connected and tested.
5. Internet speed tested.
6. Products tagged in the show and in the right order.
7. Live deal or giveaway ready to go.
8. Water within reach.

Once your setup is ready, plan the show itself with our live shopping script template.