How to Setup a Hands-Free Voice-Controlled Teleprompter

Do you find yourself struggling to manage scripts while on camera? A hands-free, voice-controlled teleprompter could be your game-changer, saving you hours each week. I’ll show you how easy it is to set up your own hands-free teleprompter. Let’s dive in!

The Power of Hands-Free Teleprompters

Over the years, I’ve tried numerous teleprompters, but none have been as easy or cost-effective as my current setup. The biggest game changer? Voice control. No more interruptions to reset scripts or switch between them. Here’s how to make it happen with the right hardware and software.

Affordable Hardware Options 💻

There are plenty of inexpensive teleprompters available, starting at around $89 on Amazon. If you're using an iPad and not frequently setting up or tearing down, these budget options work fine. My favorite is the Neewer Model X 17, which fits a 15.5-inch flat panel monitor—perfect for Zoom calls. This setup ensures you’re always looking directly into the eyes of your audience, just like now. It also works seamlessly with my iPad for teleprompter software.

Choosing the Right iPad and Software 📱

For teleprompter software, I prefer using a regular-sized iPad because they’re affordable and many of us have an old one lying around. After testing various apps, I settled on PromptSmart Pro, which costs $30. This app offers a hands-free, voice-controlled experience that’s worth every penny. Here’s how I use it:

1.  Script Preparation: I write my scripts on my computer in short segments.
2.  Creating Stories: In PromptSmart Pro, I create a new document (e.g., “YouTube episode”) and add new stories for each segment.
3.  Loading the Teleprompter: I place the iPad on the teleprompter, click the orange button, and the app is ready to scroll the scripts automatically as I read. 

Handling Mistakes with Ease 🖱️

What happens when you make a mistake and need to scroll back? Here’s my simple solution: an old wired mouse! I plug it into the iPad using a $10 adapter from Amazon. This allows me to scroll back to the top of the script or switch between stories without leaving my seat. How cool is that?

Leveraging Social Media Videos for Growth 🌐

If you want to grow your business, social media videos are a fantastic starting point. Publishing daily marketing videos can significantly boost your audience, leads, and sales. Reach out in the comments, and let’s discuss how to get started with social marketing videos.