I am taking this post from a three point perspective, as a YouTuber, Gaming Livestreamer, and as a Video Podcast host. Each is a need of mine, and I have to set up the tools differently for each.

How you record will dramatically change how you create your content, and you want to decrease the barrier to entry as much as you can.

The quicker you can sit down and record something the more you'll end up making in the end on your content journey.

BONUS: Ecamm Live

I do not use Apple products, and I do not think I ever will. However I hear only great things about this tool. I wanted to make sure I mentioned it in the list, as many of my creator friends who do use Apple seem to love it!

2nd BONUS: Podcastle (Async)

I initially had this on the list, but with the rebrand and changes. My experience with what it was, and what it will be won't match. I also had a ton of technical problems with the platform.

While nothing game breaking like losing a video, which I had happen with other tools. I did have some points where the tech issues could have ruined the video. The support tried to be helpful, but the issues brought me back to riverside in the end.

#6 - Your Phone

While iPhones tend to have a better video camera features, there is still a lot to say about the quality of Pixels and Samsungs too.

The point being that you don't always need a new tool to get started, or even have a successful channel. Over the the last decade cameras on phones have gotten phenomenally better.

Don't underestimate it in your recording process!

#5 - Streamlabs

I keep coming back to this tool for a variety of reasons. While the interface is not my favorite, it does have many features other tools don't have.

For recording it is a bit low on this list, HOWEVER I want to note that if we are talking LIVESTREAMING. Then I would say it is #1/top of the list, as it is the only one that has a server side syndication of your livestreams, and it has built in integrations with platforms earlier than other tools. Such as with TikTok.

I would say at least keep this on your computer alongside whatever tool you use primarily.

#4 - OBS

The classic and I want to say "stable" choice, but given how easily it can break too maybe not! OBS has so many features... that you can add to it via plugins. With choices like Stream Elements plugins, or even the newly announced Aitum Stream Suite. I think this is a great choice for Creators and Streamers alike.

#3 - Descript

While not my favorite editing tool, the actual recording aspect behind it is truly unique. Descript started out as a solo tool, such as for YouTubers, and really focused hard on the text based editing.

Now that they added in Descript Rooms (formerly Squadcast), now it fits into the podcasting category as well. Great choice for someone who wants a more all in one solution.

#2 - Riverside FM

While I've had a love/hate relationship with Riverside over the years. They connected with me early on in their own company's journey, as well as my early days of doing interviews.

I've been using them off and on ever since, and because they were the FIRST to do video podcast recording. They've had the longest development time on that.

Thus other tools like Squadcast/Zencaster, that converted from audio only to video, or even tools like Podcastle that came later. They didn't have as much time to refine the video recording process.

I think Riverside is trying to go for a more Descript like approach of being an all in one. Although it still has a ways to go for that.

#1 - Meld Studio

I am a bit mixed on this being the first on the list. It has a much cleaner interface than OBS and Streamlabs, which makes a difference. However the stability can be hit or miss on updates. Currently as of time of this writing (which I'm writing it a month ahead of release of this post), it does not work on my computer. I've reinstalled it thrice.

However for many months it was working mostly just fine. I think it depends on your setup, and personally I've liked the quick access to recording.

Find the right tool for YOU:

The PolyTools Database
The Polymath’s Toolkit for all things Digital Renaissance. From content repurposing to automation and personal knowledge management! This is the database for the PolyTools brand.
Official Website for Dustin Miller PolyInnovator [LLC]Dustin Miller | PolyInnovator

This is a link to a page that has the database within, and you can sort by tag for recording tools if you need to look around!