This guide covers best practices and recommended gear for remote recording, so you get a professional, seamless experience regardless of the platform.
Creating high-quality remote video is essential for modern businesses and working professionals. It's easy, it's fun, and it scales. Whether you're recording a podcast, conducting an interview, or presenting a webinar, the right setup makes a huge difference in how your audience engages with you. Many people worry about quality without pro equipment, but if you follow these simple steps, you'll record cleanly every time.
Prerequisites
Use Google Chrome for the best MarketScale experience.
Core features work elsewhere, but Safari, Firefox, and Edge may not deliver the same smooth experience.
Use a high-speed, stable internet connection, ideally a wired Ethernet connection. Test your connection here.
We recommend a minimum of 15 Mbps upload and download for web recording and streaming.
Gear and Technology
Lighting: Your goal is to reduce shadows. Natural light is best, if you're facing a window, you're probably already looking sharp.
If natural light isn't an option, try a two-point lighting setup. Place two lights on either side of your monitor, each angled 45 degrees toward your face, for even, shadow-free coverage. (This also prevents a ring light from reflecting in your irises.)
Microphone (audio input): Laptop microphones rarely deliver quality recordings. Opt for an external audio source like a wireless headset or a USB microphone for clearer sound.
Speaker (audio output): Laptop speakers work fine for hearing others. Just test your setup to make sure you're not creating echo or reverb for your guests.
Video: With good lighting, even a basic webcam (including the one built into your computer) will look great. Shoot for 1080p as a best practice, and 4K if you can swing it.
Best Practices for Remote Recording
Camera Positioning: Align your webcam at eye level to keep direct engagement with your audience. Avoid low angles that emphasize the chin.
Posture and Frame: Sit forward and upright to fill the frame. Maintain a little headroom, stay centered in your window, and avoid leaning in too close or pulling too far back.
Background: A clean, tidy background reads as professional. That said, feel free to have fun with set dressing.
Unless you have a professionally lit home studio with a well-appointed greenscreen, skip the virtual backgrounds.
Attire: Dress for success. Avoid tight patterns like checker or gingham, they don't render well on camera. Solids are the way to go.
