Getting the best angle and shot takes more than just holding up the phone. If you want to get into content creation for TikTok, Instagram Reels or YouTube, you need help from devices like tripods to enhance your content.
Tripods support your smartphone or camera when recording content, be it for videography or photography. The best tripods add stability and height to your shots, while still being compact and lightweight so you can take them with you.
I looked at the best tripods video creators are using across platforms today so you can start shooting unique content.
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- Flexible and versatile
- portable
- Complete set for everything you need
- Limited in its maximum height
JOBY GorillaPod Features: Maximum capacity: 11 pounds | Maximum height: 18.7 inch | tripod weight: 1.6 pounds
The Joby GorillaPod is an excellent tripod for any creator, whether you’re starting out in content creation or an established influencer. Its flexible legs allow you to wrap it around almost anything to keep your camera stable, with no restrictions on how high you can position it.
The GripTight Mount PRO is included and offers a professional solution for mounting almost all smartphones, with or without a case. It attaches to the GorillaPod via the ¼-20 inch screw to provide a robust locking and rotating mechanism for mobile content creation
- Affordable
- Universal device compatibility
- Limited height
- Low maximum capacity
Features of the Manfrotto PIXI Mini: Maximum capacity: 2.2 pounds | Maximum height: 10.4 inch | tripod weight: 7.8 ounces
The Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod + MClamp is loved by users and it’s not hard to see why. Its versatile design allows it to be used either as a tripod or as a handle. In addition, the universal smartphone clamp works with almost any smartphone, and the kit even includes an adapter for GoPro devices.
The legs can be extended to various lengths and spread apart for maximum support, or they can be retracted for more traditional mini tripod support.
This phone tripod comes in a classic black color and is lightweight, weighing only 7.8 ounces, but can hold phones and devices weighing up to 2.2 pounds.
- Heavy Payload
- Sturdy aluminum construction
- Varieties with good height
- Can become less stable at maximum altitude
Features of Manfrotto Element M11: Maximum capacity: 17.63 pounds | Maximum height: 62.9 inches | tripod weight: 3.5 pounds
This compact action tripod from Manfrotto has everything a travel tripod should be: portable and versatile. It can reach a maximum height of 62.9 inches but folds down to 16 inches and weighs just over 3 pounds for easy portability.
The aluminum ball head allows for smooth movement for cropping while securing your gear firmly in place. The tripod features a dual-lock design with a large primary knob that controls the ball’s movement and a smaller secondary knob that enables independent 360-degree panning.
Additionally, its 17.63-pound payload makes it ideal for use with heavier zoom lenses.
- Solid construction
- Light
- Head and buttons are smooth
- Maximum weight capacity can be deceiving depending on the device
Features of the Sirui ET-35K: Maximum capacity: 8.8 pounds | Maximum height: 10.7 inch | tripod weight: 15.2 ounces
Although this Sirui tripod weighs less than a pound, it can support up to 8.8 pounds, making it an excellent lightweight tripod option. Despite its light weight, customers have praised this tripod for its sturdy and durable construction.
Its three legs can be folded to be used as a selfie stick or portable video recorder, and its swivel base can be rotated 360 degrees. In addition, developers can adjust the shooting angle with the pan base knob, tilt lock knob and vertical notch adjustment.
- 2-in-1 tripod and support rod
- Ergonomic and lightweight design
- Doesn’t extend
- Ball head not included
Switchpod Features: Maximum capacity: 6.6 pounds | Maximum height: 10.6 inch | tripod weight: 11.1 ounces
If you’re looking for something that you can use as both a tripod and a support stick for your content, the Switchpod is a versatile 2-in-1 tripod. This tripod was designed by two content creators for content creators to simplify a device broadcasting solution.
You can switch between handheld (selfie mode) and tripod mode (and back) in seconds, making it perfect for developers going live. It’s also super easy to wear and hold thanks to the finger grooves along the neck and ergonomic design.
The Joby GorillaPod 5K Mini Tripod is the best tripod for developers – whether you’re just starting out or have millions of followers. Its flexible legs allow you to wrap it around anything, making it the perfect tripod for any location.
|
tripod |
Price |
Maximum capacity |
Maximum height |
|
JOBY GorillaPod 5K Flexible Mini Tripod Kit |
$140 |
11 pounds |
18.7 inches |
|
Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod Kit |
$30 |
2.2 pounds |
10.4 inches |
|
Manfrotto Element M11 |
$119 |
17.6 pounds |
62.9 inches |
|
Sirui ET-35K |
$80 |
8.8 pounds |
10.7 inches |
|
switchpod |
$99 |
6.6 pounds |
10.6 inches |
The best tripod for you depends on what type of content you are creating. So pay attention to specifications such as weight capacity, maximum height and flexibility when making your final choice.
We’ve broken down the best tripods below to help you decide.
|
Choose this tripod… |
If you want… |
|
JOBY GorillaPod 5K Flexible Mini Tripod Kit |
The best overall option. |
|
Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod Kit |
A budget-friendly tripod from a trusted brand. |
|
Manfrotto Element M11 |
A tripod that is easy to take with you when you travel. |
|
Sirui ET-35K |
A lightweight tripod that rotates 360 degrees. |
|
switchpod |
A tripod that quickly converts into a handheld selfie mode. |
We decided on these tripods based on extensive research in the product area. We scoured popular websites, read reviews (both good and bad) and noted the top rated tripods for different categories/needs. We took into account brand, size, price and weight capacity in our final selection.
Content creators and influencers use devices such as tripods, microphones, ring lights, backgrounds, and smartphones to create content. It really all depends on what type of content you’re shooting and what equipment you need, but at some point in your career as a creator, you’ll need a tripod.
Any of these tripods are great for creating TikTok content, but the Joby tripod and switchpod are probably the best options for TikToker due to their versatility.
Tripods provide stability, allow developers to reach specific angles or heights, and free their hands for other tasks. Using a tripod can help creators produce higher quality content – by avoiding shaky footage or blurry photos and freeing them to focus on other aspects of the production process.
There are hundreds of options when it comes to tripods. You don’t necessarily have to afford a high-end tripod when you’re starting out – these options are worth considering as well.
The Vangaurd Alta Pro Tripod adjusts to 25, 50 and 80 degree angles to enable extremely low angle shooting.
The Sensyne 62-inch tripod isn’t as premium as others, but it gets the job done for basic content.
This tripod from Magnus supports point-and-shoot, mirrorless, and DSLR cameras weighing up to 13.2 pounds.
