Vlogging and live streaming have become global trends, with over 65 million creators on YouTube alone. In such a competitive space, video quality matters—and nothing improves it faster than a stable tripod. Shaky footage distracts viewers, while smooth, steady video increases watch time by up to 87%.
Tripods have evolved from simple stands to creator-focused tools, often with ring lights, phone mounts, and Bluetooth remotes. They’re also essential for setups using a teleprompter app, ensuring your script stays aligned and readable. In this guide, we’ll break down why tripods matter, what to look for, which types fit different creators, and our top picks to help you produce steady, polished content.
In short, a tripod is a foundational tool that enhances quality, keeps your setup hands-free, and ensures your visuals stay sharp and steady.
Match your tripod to your shooting style. For example, streamers may prefer full-height tripods with phone mounts, while on-the-go creators might prioritize foldable, lightweight options.
There are countless tripods on the market, but we’ve curated a list of some of the best and most recommended tripods for creators, backed by specs and user-favorite features. These tripods span different styles and budgets – from flexible phone tripods to full-size professional ones – so you can find one that fits your needs.
The Joby GorillaPod is a fan favorite among content creators for good reason. It has flexible legs that can be wrapped around almost anything, allowing you to set up your camera in creative places or uneven surfaces. Whether you’re vlogging on a tabletop, attaching your camera to a tree branch for an outdoor shot, or needing a handheld grip, the GorillaPod’s bendy legs have you covered. The 3K Kit model supports up to 3 kg (about 6.6 lbs), enough for most DSLR or mirrorless cameras with a moderate lens.
Despite its sturdy build, it’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to toss in a bag and take anywhere. The included ball head allows smooth angle adjustments and even panning for video. This tripod shines for travel vloggers and guerrilla-style filmmakers who need versatility. Example use: wrap the GorillaPod around a railing to film a time-lapse, or use it as a selfie stick-like grip while walking, either way, you get much steadier footage than hand-holding your camera.
If you need a super compact tripod for your phone or small camera, the Manfrotto PIXI Mini is a top pick. The PIXI is a small tabletop tripod that’s incredibly easy to use. It’s made of sturdy aluminum and features a built-in ball head – just push a button to adjust the angle, and release to lock it. Despite its small size (it folds to about 7 inches long), it’s quite stable for smartphones, GoPros, and even lightweight mirrorless cameras. Adjustable leg angles let you get the perfect shot framing on a desk or any flat surface.
It’s also often used as a handgrip for vlogging; when legs are closed, it forms a convenient handle for a camera or phone, adding some stabilization for handheld shots. The PIXI is compatible with a wide range of devices (you can screw a phone holder or any standard camera onto it). For live streamers who sit at a desk, or vloggers who do a lot of talking-head shots at home, the Manfrotto PIXI provides a reliable, no-fuss way to keep the camera steady without taking up any space. Plus, its compact design means you can carry it in a pocket or small bag easily.
For creators on a budget – especially those using smartphones – the UBeesize Tripod is a highly popular choice. This is a 50-inch extendable tripod (full-size height) that comes as a kit designed specifically for smartphones, though it can hold small cameras as well. It usually includes a universal phone mount (to clamp your phone in portrait or landscape), a Bluetooth remote shutter, and even a carrying bag – a lot of value at a low price point. The tripod itself is made of lightweight aluminum and has quick flip locks on the legs for easy height adjustment.
It can extend from approx. 16 inches up to 50 inches, giving flexibility to use as a desktop tripod or floor stand. While it’s not as heavy-duty as higher-end tripods, it’s perfectly adequate for phones and compact cameras. The UBeesize’s popularity stems from its affordability and versatility – it’s a great starter tripod for new vloggers and streamers. For example, if you’re streaming with your phone on Instagram Live or TikTok, this tripod can hold your phone steady and the remote lets you start filming without touching the phone (preventing any shake). It’s an all-in-one kit to get you going with stable video, without breaking the bank.
When it comes to travel tripods, the Manfrotto Befree series often tops the list for creators with mirrorless or DSLR cameras. The Befree Advanced is a compact, lightweight tripod designed for travel. It folds down to just 16 inches (by reversing the legs) and weighs only ~3.5 lbs, so it’s easy to carry around on adventures. Despite its portability, it offers excellent stability and a robust build quality. Its robust construction can support heavier cameras, including full-frame DSLRs with decent-sized lenses. This makes it suitable for vloggers who use more substantial gear but still need mobility.
The Befree Advanced comes with a ball head for quick adjustments, and some models even offer a fluid video head option for smoother pans (great for live event streaming or B-roll). It extends to about 59 inches tall, giving you plenty of height for most shots. If you’re a travel vlogger or YouTuber who needs a reliable tripod on the go, the Befree hits a sweet spot between portability and performance. Many creators praise it for being sturdy in windy outdoor conditions yet compact enough to fit in a carry-on. Whether you’re backpacking through scenic locations or just need a high-quality tripod that won’t weigh you down, the Befree Advanced is a proven choice.
For those who want top-of-the-line engineering in a travel-friendly package, the Peak Design Travel Tripod is an award-winning option. Designed with innovative engineering, this tripod manages to be both compact and stable – a combination that’s hard to get right. It features a unique architecture where the legs and center column nest perfectly together, so when folded it’s about the diameter of a water bottle. Despite that, it opens up to a full-size tripod (~60 inches tall) that’s sturdy enough for DSLRs. The carbon fiber version is extremely light (just 2.8 lbs) yet strong; there’s also a slightly heavier aluminum version at lower cost.
For vloggers and streamers, this tripod is all about convenience without compromise. It has thoughtful features like a phone holder tucked inside the center column (so you can easily swap to smartphone shooting), and quick-deploy cam locks on the legs. In use, it’s very rigid – great for long exposure shots or any situation where you can’t afford wobble.
The Peak Design Travel Tripod is certainly an investment (it’s pricier than most on this list), but it’s built to last and perform in any scenario, from studio to mountaintop. If you’re a serious creator who travels or just appreciates top-quality gear, this tripod will serve you brilliantly. It truly exemplifies getting maximum function out of a minimum package.
The Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ is a full-size tripod that’s beloved by many photographers and videographers, and it has features particularly useful for creators who do a mix of shooting styles. It’s very versatile, equally adept for studio filming, outdoor shoots, or creative photography. One standout feature is its Multi-Angle Central Column (MACC) system, which lets you move the center column almost anywhere from 0° to 90° angl.
This means you can set the camera for tricky angles – for instance, pointing straight down for a flatlay or top-down cooking video, or swung out for an overhead shot of a drawing. The Alta Pro 2+ is built solidly (this kit comes with a stable aluminum tripod and a ball head, though there’s also a version with a fluid video head). It provides great stability for DSLR and mirrorless cameras, and the legs have multiple angle stops so you can splay them out for low shots.
Despite being a full-size tripod, it’s not too heavy (~5 lbs) and folds to about 29 inches – not a travel tripod per se, but portable around town. For live streamers who also dabble in photography or more advanced video work, this tripod offers professional features at a reasonable price point. You get smooth pans/tilts, a high load capacity, and that flexible column for creative shooting positions. It’s an ideal all-around tripod when you need one workhorse that can handle many situations – from filming yourself at your desk to shooting an overhead demo or capturing a wide establishing shot in the field.
Each of these tripods has its own strengths, so consider your content style and equipment when choosing. All the options listed above have earned high marks from vloggers, streamers, and creators for helping produce stable, high-quality footage in their respective niches. Whether you prioritize ultra-portability, budget-friendliness, or advanced features, there’s a tripod here that can become a trusty companion in your content creation journey.
A tripod is one of the smartest upgrades for any vlogger or live streamer. It delivers stability, sharp visuals, and a smoother filming experience—key to keeping viewers engaged. In this guide, we’ve covered why it matters, what to look for, and the best tripod types to match your content style.
The right tripod depends on your gear, shooting habits, and goals—but there’s a reliable option for every budget. Invest in one that fits your setup, and you’ll instantly boost your video quality and confidence on camera.
