{"id":9865,"date":"2026-05-06T13:48:35","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T13:48:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/licensing.routenote.com\/blog\/?p=9865"},"modified":"2026-05-06T13:48:36","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T13:48:36","slug":"what-teleprompter-should-i-get","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/licensing.routenote.com\/blog\/what-teleprompter-should-i-get\/","title":{"rendered":"A content creators guide to teleprompters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Teleprompting software has become a staple tool in modern content creation. If your content involves speaking directly to camera, a teleprompter can be invaluable for maintaining flow, consistency, and confidence on delivery. However, like most tools in the creator space, there\u2019s no one-size-fits-all solution, so in this guide we will flip the script on all your options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is teleprompting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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image credit: Moman Photogears<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A teleprompter is a tool that displays a scrolling script for a presenter to read while recording video or audio. The text moves at a controlled speed. This can be either manually adjusted or synced to a voice input, allowing the speaker to deliver lines naturally without memorising them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These tools come in several formats, including mobile apps, desktop programs, and browser-based platforms. They can be run on a second screen or tablet or for more professional results used through a dedicated beam-splitter teleprompting rig. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why creators use teleprompting tools<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Creators use teleprompting software primarily to improve delivery and efficiency. They can be used in a variety of ways depending on your presenting style. Some will read scripts word for word, while others use it more loosely as a guide, improvising around a structured framework. It can also be used simply to display bullet points of key facts and figures relating to your subject matter. Whatever the approach, teleprompters help reduce the need for repeated takes keeping your themes accurate and consistent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For solo creators especially, teleprompters are like a virtual producer. They keep you on track with the structure of the video so you can focus on delivering a great performance. Teleprompters are widely used by YouTubers, educators, marketers, and business professionals who are required to communicate in a clear and polished manner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teleprompting solutions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So, we know what teleprompting is, but what tools are needed to actually help you deliver your lines? Creators have a range of options, both in terms of the software used to display scripts and the setups used to present them effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Text dispay software<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

At the most basic level you can use an existing app on your device like google’s sheets or apple’s pages to display the script. Setting the text to white and the background to black helps to make the words stand out. The next step up would be to use a specialist teleprompting app or software solution. These can vary from basic inexpensive options to advanced solutions that include features like voice tracking or remote control. This kind of specialist software offers more control, smoother integration, and better performance features. If you are a professional creator with a high-volume production schedule these tools will make your process much more efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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image credit: Riverside<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Displaying options<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

DIY approach:<\/strong> Once you have your script delivery system sorted, the next step is deciding how to physically display it while recording your piece to camera. For many creators starting out, the simplest option is to use a phone or tablet. These can be mounted just below or directly beside your camera using inexpensive clamps or tripods. Keeping the screen as close to the lens as possible is vital as it helps reduce any noticeable eye direction issues. More on this later<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another approach is using a second laptop or monitor positioned behind or just under the camera. This works well for desk-based setups, such as tutorials or talking-head content, where space isn\u2019t an issue. This approach is best for well when you’re just using the laptop as a reference rather than reading word-for-word. That’s because the larger screen is lightly to sit further from the lens, meaning it’s more obvious that you\u2019re reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are using any of these approaches the goal should always be to minimise the distance between your script and the camera lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Professional setup:<\/strong> For a more Professional setup, creators turn to beam-splitter teleprompters. These devices use a piece of glass set at an angle that reflects your script. The lens sits behind the clear glass allowing the camera to shoot directly through it. The result is true lens alignment. You can read the prompter naturally while maintaining perfect eye contact with the viewer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the television industry have used this method for years, domestic kits are available that typically use a tablet placed below the glass. A hood then covers the setup to prevent reflections. While they may require more investment and setup time, if your content is heavily reliant on reading scripts to camera these devices offer the most polished and natural-looking results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The eye-line mismatch problem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest giveaways when using a teleprompter is eye direction. When the script is not aligned properly with the camera lens, viewers can tell instantly that you’re reading off-screen. This is because you are not looking directly into the lens while you’re reading the teleprompting device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If using a camera or tablet the solution is to always position the device as close to the camera lens as possible. DIY creators often place tablets or phones just below the lens, which works reasonably well. Then give yourself as much distance from the lens as you can while still being able to read the teleprompter. This works because of the following:

Reduced Angle:<\/strong> Further away, the angle of your eye movement is smaller, making it harder for viewers to tell exactly where you are looking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Softened Movement:<\/strong> Increased distance makes the necessary lateral eye movements appear much subtler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ideal Setup:<\/strong> A common recommendation is to stand at least 6 to 10 feet away from the camera, if possible. display large text and use short lines. Also practicing delivery helps to reduce visible eye movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If, after putting all of these techniques into practice it still look as though it’s obvious that you are reading from a teleprompter there is a final line of defence. Some AI tools now offer post-production eye correction, adjusting your gaze to appear more centred. However. These solutions are not perfect and can occasionally introduce unnatural artefacts. They are therefore best used as a last resort rather than something to rely upon.


While these techniques can help to improve the problem with offset eye direction and movement there is only one true solution. To use a beam-splitter teleprompter glass, which reflects the script directly in front of the lens so the presenter appears to always be looking straight into the camera. And with budget beam splitters available now for under \u00a350 it is not a huge investment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pros of using teleprompting software<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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