How to Make Your Own iPad Teleprompter for $20 in 10 minutes

Making KZbin videos for business is very popular but if you've ever tried this you will quickly realise that creating video requires an essential tool which is iPad teleprompter. I did some research and then set about making my own iPad teleprompter. I came up with a very elegant and cheap design that is very easy to make.
You can see a working demo of my design by one of our subscribers who made it here • Telepromter
I got a lot of interest from people wondering how I made it, so here is a video that teaches you how to build your own iPad teleprompter for $20 and only takes about 10 minutes to do.
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To make your own iPad teleprompter you will need these things:
- 10" x 13" or 26cm x 33cm black, thick cardboard gift box
- 8" x 10" or 20cm x 25cm black picture frame
- 2 x picture hooks
- string
- scissors (to cut the string)
- knife (to cut the box)
- skewer (or something to punch holes in the box)
- cup (about the same diameter as your camera lens)
- ruler (optional - for those who want to be precise)
- cheap clamp (for mounting the teleprompter after its built)
One of the biggest problems when making your own iPad teleprompter is how to mount the teleprompter once you've made it. A lot of the other videos I've seen try to tackle this problem by mounting the teleprompter on another camera tripod in front of the camera. Unfortunately with this method you then also have a gap between the camera and the teleprompter and most people try to solve this problem by draping some black cloth over the camera and the teleprompter to stop light seeping in a affecting the quality and readability of the teleprompter text. Also a lot of the other designs I've seen have weird or difficult weight distributions so trying to mount it on another tripod stand proves challenging.
What is great about this DIY iPad teleprompter design is that the box when assembled has a beautiful sense of balance, so it is very easy to mount in front of your camera using the existing tripod stand you have.
Lastly this cheap iPad teleprompter folds up beautifully into the box it is made from so it is very portable.
Hope you enjoy making this and creating great videos.

[@huiAPPOAJ]

when your Zoom school presentation is due in 10 minutes

[@GameJamHD]

It annoys the hell out of me that I had to sit through dozens of ridiculously poor tutorials in order to come across this gem! The best teleprompter tutorial by far! Thanks for the insights mate, you just got yourself a new subscriber! - Will be making this tonight :)

[@C2Solutions]

Haha! Gold. Glad you liked it :-) Send us a photo when you are done. Would be great to see it.

[@MasonicAudiobookLibrary]

We still waiting the the photo

[@tsetendorjee9040]

This is a very good how to make Your Own iPad Teleprompter !

[@dr.terrysegal2484]

This totally seems doable! Thank you so much for the clear instructions.

[@C2Solutions]

Dr. Terry Segal you are welcome! it works a treat.

[@cheesypuff736]

Love ingeniuty ... its what makes the world go around

[@ideacapitalworks9113]

Simple, indeed elegant. Thank You!!

[@David-jv7ot]

OMG this phenomenal.. Why I never thought of this is beyond me.. It is so simple yet fantastic

[@GadgetCrunch]

A 2021 visit and you sir are a genius.

[@deancrabb]

Haha! Thanks :-)

[@kavikluges]

YOU SIR ARE A LIFESAVER. Spent $5 on the picture frame and used random items around the house. THANK YOU for this!

[@awesomeferret]

Why? Was a Dollar Tree not nearby? :)

[@drutgat2]

Absolutely brilliant. Thanks so much for this.

[@bradmacbeth97]

Great solution, followed to the letter and works great, thanks very much.

[@C2Solutions]

Brad MacBeth you're welcome! Good job!

[@Cesar-pq2ck]

Perfect! Going to make one this weekend. Thanks!

[@almostafaalrady]

Simple and amazing

[@melcosta92]

I’ve seen other teleprompter diy vídeos saying they are 0$ to make and they use a lot more shit that this guy used. This one is a real diy video. Awesome

[@BattlestarHamlyn]

Great stuff! Exactly what I was looking for!

[@tsetendorjee9040]

This is a very good show of own make Teleprompter and thank you!

[@TracyCul]

Genius! Absolutely what I was looking for. Thank you SO much.

[@deancrabb]

You're welcome

[@robertikun8935]

Thank you so much. It’s so simple and helpfull👍👍👍

[@MoeDIDDLY13]

Your responses/comments to questions I had that others already asked were so helpful I legit just went through all of them to make sure I was clear on everything. Officially a subscriber for life!!! This is amazing! I make courses online and using power point bullets suck for me because i have terrible vision which makes recording and editing much longer. This is going to save me so much time and money! I will be sure to make a tutorial on my other social platforms showing how this is done and shouting out your KZbin channel and company for this one! Wishing you nothing but success my friend Thank you!

[@PassportKings]

This video is what KZbin was created for.

[@C2Solutions]

Passport Kings thanks! Glad you like it!

[@C2Solutions]

Haha! Thanks. Well just as well ... because I created this for KZbin :-)

[@michellevogelsang3746]

I wish I could like a video twice! thank you so much for this! as you say it is indeed a very elegant solution!

[@raedwulf61]

Excellent! Thank you.

[@jobgomez3684]

Genius 🙏 thank you for sharing

[@bodywise007]

Well done. I had been wondering about teleprompters for brain freeze on camera. This answers the question. How and why to do it.

[@BrunoReisVideo]

this is BRILLIANT! I'll try and make one myself

[@C2Solutions]

Delineando glad you like it. Send me a photo when you have finished

[@Totallysamsays]

Brilliant Idea! Thank you for this. 😎👍🏾

[@KylerGamesT]

this is a very elegant and practical solution. compared to other DIY teleprompter which is not so practical

[@methmarajamuni]

Wow thanks, I'm going to make it right now.

[@robynspersonaltraining3593]

Brilliant! Thanks

[@OdXUK]

Great job Dean...Top Man!

[@rogerg_zapata]

Really clever! Great video, thanks!

[@KurtUhlir]

Great idea with the clamp for mounting it. Will have to try that.

[@Badarnbabar]

thank you, thank you very much. amazing. one of the best tutorial on you tube. Thank you

[@C2Solutions]

Glad you liked it. You're welcome

[@azamats7773]

Nice video mate. Well done. It works. Saved some cash.

[@marcgriffiths]

Really good. Thanks for getting back. I bought all the stuff today. Now adding a mirror as well will now turn my small camera into a huge machine. Lol!

[@C2Solutions]

Haha! Yes in a way. But if you look at any of the serious teleprompters for cameras they are quite elaborate. The key here is to get something functional and very cheap. Hope you have fun!

[@vinnielangdonshow]

Great man! Thanks for sharing!

[@SteammMakers]

Informative, fun and very well done! Brilliant solution!

[@reverendmichaelf.copado8590]

fricken brilliant. One of the best I've seen in my research over the last couple days

[@deancrabb]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@markshina3511]

Fabulous video

[@makingitwork8006]

Nicely done!

[@liberstachel]

You Sir are a f... genius! Love this! Thanks a lot for this tutorial!!

[@WBWiardi]

nice and neat, no more woodworking job for a simple teleprompter diy thank you

[@C2Solutions]

You're welcome. Yes, a design that literally anyone can do!!

[@rommelmt]

Awesome! Will build mine today!

[@C2Solutions]

Awesome. Let us know how you go!!

[@JoannaJadeToday]

Really enjoyed this tutorial

[@cachomanify]

after watching 5 others, you are the only one that nailed it, good work!

[@deancrabb]

Thanks appreciated. Glad you enjoyed it

[@magnettherapy]

Wonderful & Innovative. Keep up the good work

[@andoniskapsalis4063]

awesome thank you

[@MEHDIZOUBDI]

oh it's very good job, I needed for beginning a project in my channel , thank you it is simple and nice

[@C2Solutions]

Glad you liked it. Enjoy!

[@FidelTshivhasa]

What an awesome tutorial. I'm gonna try this!

[@deancrabb]

Awesome good luck with it

[@Marys-Channel]

Interesting. Thanks 👍

[@RadwanAlJbour]

A really great idea!!!. thank you much

[@C2Solutions]

You're welcome. Glad you liked it

[@SCN_Adventure]

Thank you. I have just seen your video and now I know what also to do over the Christmas :-)

[@DJARDSTER]

Thank you so much for this amazing TIP. I needed to custom built one for tomorrow's filing with my boss in the office. He's GONNA appreciate this so much. YOU ROCK! I'm a SUBSCRIBER!

[@C2Solutions]

Thanks DJ for the your kind words. Trying to rock it as much as I can :-) Thanks for subscribing. Hope you boss likes it! :-)

[@reenastips6643]

Very nice ,very good

[@ScottKasprick]

A great way to try out a DIY Teleprompter!

[@C2Solutions]

Scott Kasprick thanks mate. glad you enjoyed it!

[@gioknows]

Wow...that was great, sir!

[@C2Solutions]

gioknows glad you enjoyed it!

[@Badarnbabar]

Thank you

[@thebusinessfirm9862]

Good stuff mate!

[@theharryexperience_]

Thank you for this amazing tutorial.i just join the family

[@truthlifecentre7160]

this is probably the most doable tutorial yet!

[@C2Solutions]

Thanks :-) Enjoy!

[@hishammansari]

I love you so much..... Really good video and easy to do.. Thanks brother

[@C2Solutions]

Haha! Feeling the love! Glad you liked it

[@XboxDIY]

Almost done with mine. I think I spent $13. This is the best tutorial out there.

[@C2Solutions]

Xbox DIY thanks for the positive feedback. Glad you like it! You should send us a photo

[@XboxDIY]

Works great. Going to make some small adjustments and I'll shoot some photos your way in the morning. Thanks again!

[@C2Solutions]

Okay awesome. Look forward to seeing it.

[@twpasang1208]

I tried but all the letters shown opposite

[@ParenderSethi]

Very 👍good idea indeed. I will make one for myself in a couple of days and will send you a photo of my DIY result. I have viewed more than 20 videos in this regard but I like this your idea. Thank you for sharing. Enjoy!

[@kendricklincolin4981]

Thank you for the video. Using a teleprompter has a huge benefit, I experienced the advantage of using a Teleprompter and PPT Mirror software: I speak more freely and, of course, ‘‘get my messages across’’ in self -produced videos.I display my PowerPoint in reverse or flip it and put my tablet in the teleprompter and get started, simple, and easy to use. Which leads my videos to more naturalness. Hope this helps

[@bitcoinhenry]

Awesome video

[@deancrabb]

Thanks appreciated. Glad you liked it.

[@petercorbett1610]

Just found this video and was somewhat sceptical. However considering the cost of a manufactured set up I bought the bits and put it together in no time. Bought Teleprompter for my iPad and voila a pro setup second to none - Thanks C2 simple and cogent!

[@robertbane2163]

Thanks good on ya mate.

[@deancrabb]

You're welcome

[@algrameno2476]

the best solution on the web

[@deancrabb]

Thanks!

[@andrew-isac]

Thank u very much

[@thandikalkop8961]

Great review, thank you for the tutorial. Consider to apps, I prefer to mirror-flip Powerpoint slides with bullet points and present them as my teleprompter software than following word-for-word scripts, to help me look more natural & speak confidently on camera because I always have the whole concept in mind, and I don't read word for word.

[@MagicBiscuitShow]

I've watched several DIY prompter thingies before, and yours is the easiest (and cheapest) to construct for what it does. Well done, mate. Cheers, Chuck : +)

[@abbeyntswana8586]

I happy for the method for the teleprompter. I have made out everything but now the text is not scrolling on the frame as it should. I will figure it out though. Thanks.

[@americandean8083]

Hi Dean, I think displaying Powerpoint slides with bullet points in a teleprompter helps you to look more naturally and speak freely in front of camera than script, because you always have the whole concept in mind and you don't have to read word for word.

[@julycavs6438]

Clever

[@bippie23456]

I made two from picture frame... both have a somewhat blurry image.... bought a manufactured one, crystal clear.

[@rohanrai06]

Wow Dean...Truly Amazing...can u create a DIY for mobile phones...since they don't have a protruding lens?! Will eagerly wait for it!!

[@MichelleLPattersonBE]

Awesome! Thanks heaps for this. I'm going to use my iPhone 11 as the camera though

[@creepycool4871]

The display is back to front?

[@deancrabb]

You can alter that in the teleprompted software

[@samuelalexander321]

this dude can solve global poverty

[@deancrabb]

Haha! Thanks!

[@volkerschunck]

Very inspiring! I especially like the idea with the clamp at the tripod. I would have drilled holes for the rope into the picture frame. Your solution seems a little unstable. But nevertheless: nicely done!

[@lesliearia]

Wow! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@C2Solutions]

Thanks glad you like it!

[@BanjoInKorea]

Excellent. Very well demonstrated and explained. I have one question about it. Can a teleprompter of this type work if the camera you are using is another iPad mounted on an iPad video mount?

[@C2Solutions]

BanjoInKorea thanks for your comments. I have never seen an iPad on iPad mount but I would say it should work. You might just have to cut a smaller hole in the back of the box just to reduce the amount of a light leakage and put the camera up against that whole. If you send me a photo of the iPad and mount I'll give you my thoughts

[@techielady]

This is a great video! My only problem is finding a box this size :(

[@nolannatasha6616]

I'm glad I didn't press order now on that teleprompter in my amazon cart.

[@xeroforhire]

good ideas here, but you gotta remember to secure those hook, or it'll fall on your ipad, and break the screen.

[@svangiesen]

Show how it works... give us a demo. You left out the end result.

[@CharlaMarieBailey]

The words are backwards.... so I'm wondering how to view it so I can read it. Appears that way in the video as well.

[@kendricklincolin4981]

@@CharlaMarieBailey do you know! nowadays you can use your Powerpoint slides as your teleprompter software using any device in every browser? which became a better way to create videos than using word for word scripts.

[@peterdalley7624]

Fantastic! Great video. I use my smartphone in stead of my DSLR camera for videos , do you do a tutorial on making teleprompters fro smartphones? The only issue is, how do to support the teleprompter to the smartphone as smartphones are flat?

[@C2Solutions]

Thanks for your msg. I'm not too clear on your question, a couple typos there. There are smartphone apps you can get so you can use your phone or iPad as a teleprompter if that is what you mean?

[@mylesjarvis7571]

Great design! Thanks! Question…is there any benefit to spray painting the inside of the box flat black?

[@deancrabb]

If you have a black box then only minor I would guess. Flat black would reflect less light but when I did it, it really was easy to see. Try it out first, and if you want it better than take the time to spray it then.

[@LeandroGardini]

Great tutorial. What would be the third dimension (height) of the box?

[@C2Solutions]

Hi, thanks glad you liked it. Height is 13cm

[@LeandroGardini]

Thank you. I thought it would be easy to find a box like this here in LA but it is not the case at all. Do you think I can find this box on amazon? I had no success finding it there.

[@davidjohn9006]

Informative. Thanks... just one thing, just wondering about where to get "some scissors" ... 😉

[@Prem_saud]

It's really nice ideas and cheap as ll, but what kind of glass did you used ?

[@deancrabb]

Just standard glass. Just used a cheap frame from the $2 shop. Very ordinary, nothing special.

[@FrkKristensen]

MacGyver 😄 Thank you!

[@deancrabb]

Just looking for my pocket knife ....

[@katrinaheenanmusic]

Will the glass affect the quality of the image? Thanks for your advice :)

[@C2Solutions]

No. If its clean its completely unnoticeable because the camera is focusing on you in the distance.

[@framedheart]

Is there a way to make this work with a macbook?

[@marcgriffiths]

Thanks for getting back. I tried both those. Whatever way I turn it it doesn't reflect correctly. weird. do you have an email to send you some pics?

[@C2Solutions]

Are you using a teleprompter app? Email to support at c2solutions dot com dot au

[@marcgriffiths]

really great - only problem is that I have a flip up screen on my camera so the teleprompter would block this off and i would not be able to see myself - any tips?

[@C2Solutions]

Hi Marc, I had the same problem with my hand just had to opt to have the about window hidden behind the box. Ultimately all teleprompters suffer from this problem because the camera is behind the teleprompter and you can't have the window inside the box because the light would make it hard to read the teleprompter itself. You could try an alternative of putting a mirror behind the camera and if angled correctly it could bounce the image from your flip out window forwards. Hope that helps.

[@drutgat2]

Couldn't you cut a horizontal 'channel', in the box, just a little bigger than the flip screen, to one side of the camera lens? That should work, shouldn't it?

[@cleokatra.]

Connect your smartphone to the cameras app and see yourself live view

[@outbackeddie]

Very clever. It makes me wonder why I should pay $150 for a commercially made teleprompter when I can make this for less than 10 bucks.

[@deancrabb]

Correct!

[@Av8rThor]

The thumbs down folks musta been the window lickers on the short bus with tinted windows

[@deancrabb]

Haha thanks for the positive feedback 😂🤣

[@TimothyGRyanCHT]

Can I use plastic instead of glass?

[@thatzcheezy]

I'm not sure if I missed it, but how will the camera not pick up the words? And why did you put a light right in front of the camera? Thank you, and will be looking foward to uour responcse.

[@C2Solutions]

Hi Hanine, thanks for your email. The camera doesn't pick up on the words because of the angle of the glass, and because the camera is focusing on you in a distance and not the words. You can read the words, but the words don't come up in the shot. The light right in front of the camera was just accidental. The light was in that position when I was doing filming of me assembling the box, so there was good lighting. But then I turned around to place the lightbox on the camera stand and the lighting was mostly pointing into the camera, which affected your ability to see the words from the 2nd camera angle. For normal studio lighting you want to setup something like this. i.pinimg.com/736x/33/0b/a2/330ba290a3c20f03bb35199553e67bb4--photography-studio-setup-film-photography.jpg