Production Guide
From streaming gear recommendations to OBS tips & tricks, learn all things production, audio, and video to help your show stand out!
Where should you start with leveling up your production?
Do you go live from the Whatnot app?
Interested in going live from OBS (Open Broadcast Software)?
Need better A/V gear for OBS?
Gear Guide - Leveling Up Your Phone Setup
Want your show to look better straight out of the phone? This gear guide includes all of the essentials for going live, from phone mounting solutions, to best in class lighting. All of the gear in this list has been hand selected by our production team and seller tested through years of trial and error to bring you the best product recommendations.
If pieces of gear have the word “or” between them in the same category, choose between one of those options then combine it with the other pieces of gear in the same category that have the word “with” between them.
Mounting Accessories
A stable video feed is crucial to a successful show. These mounting solutions are tailored to keep your phone locked in place with various ranges of motion, whether you’re a desktop based seller (cards, coins, comics, etc) or a seller with a larger space (fashion, bags, liquidation). Choose the options that work best for your setup!
Desktop phone stands
or
or
Phone Stand 2
Phone Stand 1
Phone Gimbal
Mounted phone setup
with
or
or
with
Desk Clamp
Short Arm
Long Arm
Phone Clamp
Tripod phone/ tablet setup
with
or
Tall Tripod
Phone Clamp
Phone Clamp
Tablet Clamp
Lighting Kits
No matter your setup environment or what you sell, the quality of your show starts with your lighting. A two-point lighting system should be your first real upgrade. Unlike a ring light that creates flat, harsh images, and reflections, two-point lighting balances shadows, reduces glare, and makes colors and details pop, giving your show a polished, professional look that buyers trust.
Lighting Kits for Small Desktop Setups
These desk mount lighting kits are best used if you run a desktop based setup, for categories like cards, coins, or toys. We have provided three options, a starter kit of three panel lights, a mid-tier 60w kit, and a higher powered 100w kit.
Starter Kit ~$140
This starter kit is best for extremely lightweight setups and utilizes a desktop mounted, two point lighting system which will yield much better results than a single ring light or other single point of light.
Panel Lights (2)
Mounting Pole (2)
Intermediate Kit ~$330
This intermediate kit is best for those looking for a refined, two point lighting setup in a small to medium sized desk space. We recommend you purchase the optional, larger ball softboxes if your space permits, but the lights already include small diffusers.
with
with
60w Lights (2)
Ball Softbox (2)
Mounting Pole (2)
Pro Kit ~$570
This pro kit features high-powered, 100w lights for those who want their lights mounted further away from their products for maximum light coverage over a large desk space. Choose between square or ball style softboxes. Square softboxes cast light only in a frontal direction, whereas the ball softboxes cast light to the front, sides, and slightly behind them. The type of diffuser/ softbox you choose for your lights depends entirely on your setup and streaming environment.
with
or
with
Mounting Pole (2)
Lighting Kit for Large Studio Setups ~$500
This large lighting kit is best used if you run a stream while standing further away from the camera, for categories like fashion, bags, and liquidation. 100w lights are the minimum recommended power for a setup like this, but feel free to explore other Bowens mount softbox styles than the one listed here.
with
with
100w Lights (2)
Large Softbox (2)
Light Stands (2)
Ball Softbox (2)
100w Lights (2)
Square Softbox (2)
Audio & Mic Kits
We’ve provided a few different options for your audio setup when streaming from the app. Please make sure the connections and models are compatible with your device. iOS devices* with USB-C connections can make use of tons of external audio solutions. You can even use a two channel audio interface to input an external mic of your choice + a music device input and mix them together for clean background music + your mic audio! Feel free to swap the mic with any XLR mic, and even use other interfaces. We’re recommending budget friendly gear that we have tested and know to work in this scenario.
*At this time there is a current bug with the iOS version of Whatnot that does not allow external mics or audio devices to work. We are looking into this and will provide a resolution shortly! This bug does not affect Android devices
Clip-on Lav Mic Kits
Desktop Mounted Mic + Music Kit
Audio Interface
XLR Mic Cable
XLR Mic
with
1/4 to 3.5mm TRS
or
Hollyland Lav Mics
Budget Lav Mics
with
with
How to Stream with OBS
Looking to take your show to the next level and stream using professional cameras and audio devices? You’re in the right place. As a live seller, you can use OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) to stream connected video and audio devices from a computer to your live stream.
Learn how to connect OBS to Whatnot and upgrade your livestream setup. This video covers first-time setup, required settings, switching to the new vertical canvas, and basic OBS functions like scenes and sources.
For more OBS tips, tricks, and FAQ’s, please visit our OBS Help Center article.
Where do I go next? What gear do I need for OBS?
Now that you’ve decided to take the next step in your live production journey and learned how to use OBS, you’ll need the gear that really makes your show shine! Whether you’re just upgrading from the basics, or ready to go all-in on broadcast-quality production, we’ve put together two recommended gear setups to match your goals.
Limited by budget or not sure if OBS is right for you yet? Start here with affordable gear that makes a big difference. This gear list gives you sharper video, clearer audio, and simple lighting upgrades without breaking the bank.
Ready to take your shows to the highest level? This professional gear list is built for top sellers who want studio-quality production, with advanced cameras, audio, and lighting that make your stream look and feel like a broadcast.
OBS Gear Guide - Starter
Once you’ve learned the basics of OBS, the next step is adding budget-friendly gear that noticeably improves your stream. Entry-level cameras, USB microphones, and simple lighting upgrades give you clearer video, better sound, and a more professional look without a big investment.
If pieces of gear have the word “or” between them in the same category, choose between one of those options then combine it with the other pieces of gear in the same category that have the word “with” between them.
The best product camera for use within OBS is already in your pocket, your phone! Webcams simply cannot stack up to the quality your phone camera provides. We’re providing a small list of the best apps and plugins to turn your phone camera into a “webcam” or OBS specific camera! Looking for an upgrade to your product camera past your phone? Check out Camera Kit 1 in the Advanced Gear Guide section.
Product Camera
OBS Camera
Camo Camera
iOS + Android. Works as a full webcam. Offers camera and exposure controls on desktop app.
iOS app only. Only for usage within OBS. Offers camera and exposure controls on the phone.
DroidCam
iOS + Android. Works as a full webcam on Windows. Only OBS plugin for MacOS.
FaceCam/ Secondary Camera
Want to add a second camera to your Whatnot show? OBS makes it easy to combine as many camera devices as you’d like! Sellers mainly use our secondary camera recommendations here for a “facecam”, but you can make use of a second camera for alternate product angles or to show off a whole secondary area of your setup if a single camera can’t capture all of your product. We’ve included a wide range of rock solid webcam recommendations for this usage.
Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra
Logitech Mevo Start
Logitech MX Brio
Insta360 Link 2
Great for single cam sellers who aren’t desktop based
Top of the line webcam
Well priced PTZ follow-along camera
Great mid range 4k webcam
Lighting Kits
No matter your setup environment or what you sell, the quality of your show starts with your lighting. A two-point lighting system should be your first real investment into better video quality, especially when using your phone camera or a webcam. Unlike a ring light that creates flat, harsh images, and reflections, two-point lighting balances shadows, reduces glare, and makes colors and details pop, giving your show a polished, professional look that buyers trust.
Lighting Kits for Small Desktop Setups
These desk mount lighting kits are best used if you run a desktop based setup, for categories like cards, coins, or toys. We have provided three options, a starter kit of three panel lights, a mid-tier 60w kit, and a higher powered 100w kit.
Starter Kit ~$140
This starter kit is best for extremely lightweight setups and utilizes a desktop mounted, two point lighting system which will yield much better results than a single ring light or other single point of light.
Panel Lights (2)
Mounting Pole (2)
Intermediate Kit ~$330
This intermediate kit is best for those looking for a refined, two point lighting setup in a small to medium sized desk space. We recommend you purchase the optional, larger ball softboxes if your space permits, but the lights already include small diffusers.
with
with
60w Lights (2)
Ball Softbox (2)
Mounting Pole (2)
Pro Kit ~$570
This pro kit features high-powered, 100w lights for those who want their lights mounted further away from their products for maximum light coverage over a large desk space. Choose between square or ball style softboxes. Square softboxes cast light only in a frontal direction, whereas the ball softboxes cast light to the front, sides, and slightly behind them. The type of diffuser/ softbox you choose for your lights depends entirely on your setup and streaming environment.
with
or
with
Mounting Pole (2)
Lighting Kit for Large Studio Setups ~$500
This large lighting kit is best used if you run a stream while standing further away from the camera, for categories like fashion, bags, and liquidation. 100w lights are the minimum recommended power for a setup like this, but feel free to explore other Bowens mount softbox styles than the one listed here.
with
with
100w Lights (2)
Large Softbox (2)
Light Stands (2)
Ball Softbox (2)
100w Lights (2)
Square Softbox (2)
Audio & Mic Kits
We’ve provided a few different options for your audio setup. The first options are clip-on wireless lav mics. These are best if you don’t want to be confined to sitting right in front of your mic, need to mic up two people, or stand further away from your camera than you would at a desktop based setup. The second option is a USB audio interface combined with a budget-friendly, but great sounding XLR mic. Feel free to do your own research on higher-end XLR microphones if your budget allows for it!
Clip-on Lav Mic Kits
4-Channel Lav Mics
2-Channel Lav Mics
Desktop Mounted Mic Kit
Audio Interface
XLR Mic Cable
XLR Mic
with
Mic Arm Mount
or
with
with
OBS Gear Guide - Advanced
Once you’ve mastered the basics of OBS, the next step is upgrading to “prosumer” gear that unlocks its full potential. Mirrorless cameras, studio-grade audio devices, and powerful lighting allow you to take full advantage of OBS features and elevate your production. With the right upgrades, your show gains a polished, broadcast-quality look that sets you apart from the competition.
We’ll soon have some video guides and tutorials here on this page for the best ways to set up and utilize this gear, so be on the lookout!
If pieces of gear have the word “or” between them in the same category, choose between one of those options then combine it with the other pieces of gear in the same category that have the word “with” between them.
Camera Kit 1 (Product Cam, Single Cam, or Face Cam)
This camera kit is best used as a product camera for small, detailed products like cards, coins, and other "desktop based" small products. It's also very versatile for use in a single camera view stream setup, for fashion, bags, and liquidation streams. Many sellers also utilize two of these in dual camera setups, one as a product cam, and one as a face cam. The Sony ZV-1 II excels at crisp focus up close, has a wide angle focal length, and the snappiest autofocus around. You’ll need this entire kit of gear to properly use the camera within OBS.
Capture Card
HDMI Adapter
HDMI Cables
Mounting Cage
Sony ZV-1 II
Dummy Battery
Camera Kit 2 (Single Cam or Face Cam)
This camera is best used in a single camera view stream setup, for fashion, bags, and liquidation streams. Many sellers also use this as a face cam in their dual camera setups alongside the ZV-1 II product cam kit above. A dual camera setup utilizing both Camera Kit 1 and Camera kit 2 would be considered “best-in-class”.
Capture Card
Dummy Battery
HDMI Cables
16-28mm Lens
Sony ZV-E1
Mounting Cage
Audio & Mic Kits
We’ve provided two different mic options to fit different setups. The shotgun mic setup is best if you don’t move around too much, like a stationary desktop based stream. It’s great at capturing audio in the direction it’s pointing, while not needing to be right in your face. If you stand far away from the camera or move around a lot while streaming, the wireless lav mic option is probably best for you.
Clip-on Lav Mic Kit
with
with
Wireless Lav Mics
Single Mic Kit
Audio Interface
Shotgun Mic
XLR Mic Cable
Lighting Kits
Lighting has more impact on how your camera looks than anything else. Great lighting can make even a basic camera look professional, and it’s absolutely essential to making a professional camera shine. To make upgrading easy, we’ve put together two lighting kits that deliver the balanced, polished look of a two-point lighting setup. We’ve provided two kits for different types of streaming setups here, so whether you’re a desktop based seller with smaller items, or a seller who needs a large field of view while standing up on your show, we’ve got you covered.
Lighting Kit 1 (Small Desktop Setup)
This desk mount lighting kit is best used if you run a desktop based setup, for categories like cards, coins, or toys. The 100w lights paired with a softbox of your choice are used for lighting your products. The square softboxes cast light only in a frontal direction, whereas the ball softboxes cast light to the front, sides, and slightly behind them. The Elgato Key Light(s) are best used for lighting your face cam, if you have one.
with
or
100w Lights (2)
Square Softbox (2)
Ball Softbox (2)
with
Mounting Pole (2)
Elgato Key Light
Lighting Kit 2 (Large Standing Setup)
This large lighting kit is best used if you run a stream while standing further away from the camera, for categories like fashion, bags, and liquidation.
100w Lights (2)
Large Softbox (2)
Light Stands (2)
with
with
Mounts & Accessories (To Preference)
Some of our favorite mounting gear and accessories. Most of these are used to mount cameras, mics, or lights to a desktop based setup. We’ve included a photo reference of the optimal way to mount your product camera for a desktop based streaming setup. Also included are some optional cable management and power solutions for your desk, as well as the Elgato Stream Deck for custom OBS control.
or
with
Cable Raceways
Power Strip
Stream Deck
Desk Clamp
Short Arm
Long Arm
