Nowadays, teleprompters are no longer just for television reporters. Thanks to modern technology, even content creators and aspiring videographers can use a teleprompter to significantly boost their production quality. How you may ask? Using their own tablets and smartphones along with one of the following teleprompter apps!
In case you don’t know how teleprompters work, the concept is pretty simple. Each teleprompter system utilizes a glass screen, whose reflective side is mounted at an angle on top of a monitor that displays the prewritten script. But since anything we see in mirrors gets flipped horizontally, the script on the monitor has to be displayed in reverse so what actually gets reflected by the glass screen will be readable. The camera is then placed on the other side of the glass screen. This way, the speaker can look straight at the camera while reading.
Monitors on traditional teleprompters need to be connected to a second screen that feeds the information. But thanks to teleprompter apps that are now available on Apple and Android devices, you can turn your iPhone and iPad, or Android tablets and smartphones, into monitors or standalone teleprompters.
What to Look for in a Teleprompter App
As you’re looking for the best teleprompter app for your work, there are many factors to consider. Add these feature to your consideration list.
Text Display Options
The first thing you want from any teleprompter app is the flexibility of how to display the text. The best programs will allow you to change the text size, formatting, font, mirroring both left to right and top to bottom, as well as margin size. You want to give yourself the flexibility to tailor the experience for the speaker and make the perfect balance between text size and text speed. The larger the text, the faster the text scroll will be. The smaller the text the less scrolling, but at a certain point if will be difficult to read.
You need flexibility to find this balance. The app should also allow you to flip your text every which way so that no matter what teleprompter hardware you use it with, you are guaranteed it will work.
Text Import Options
A teleprompter app needs to have the ability to import from many different locations and in many different formats. If you receive a PDF with text but your app only accepts Windows documents, that is a big problem. Look for formats accepted such as Microsoft Word, Adobe PDF, and txt files at a minimum.
Further, say the speaker has a document saved in their Google Drive and want to share the link with you. You can likely download it and then save it to your laptop, tablet, or phone and then work with it. However, having direct access to all of the major cloud storage sites such as Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, or OneDrive will make your life much easier. Check each app for importing options.
Text Editing Options
Another big need is the ability to edit the text. Many times the script is not yet final and the speaker will need to make changes before they read their text either live or in front of the camera. Almost every app gives you the ability to make edits, but make sure that it is simple and intuitive.
Voice Activation
If you are recording yourself, a potentially useful tool is voice activation. This analyzes your voice against the text and scrolls automatically. Try this with the free version of the app and measure the effectiveness of the app’s voice analysis. While many apps do have this feature, its success may depend on the speaker’s accent, speaking speed, and more.
Timing Options
Finally, a unique but useful feature to look for is the ability to scroll the script to finish speaking in a certain time. Many times speakers need to keep their scripts to precise timings, such as for voice overs during commercials. In this case, having the teleprompter control your speed instead of the other way around makes sure you read at the exact correct speed to reach the precise timing required.
But before you start downloading just any teleprompter app, you may want to learn more about the most popular ones that have been tried and tested by thousands of vloggers and content creators. And to help you build your own teleprompter system, we will also recommend a few teleprompter kits that you can use with your iPad and smartphones.
What is the Best Teleprompter App?
Parrot Teleprompter
Compatible with: iOS & Android
The Parrot Teleprompter is undoubtedly one of the best teleprompter apps for Apple and Android users. This super popular software is easy to use as it allows you to control the text scroll speed, change the text size, change the foreground and background colors, and even flip the script if you want to use it as a monitor for a teleprompter kit.
Other features include the ability to sync all of your .txt scripts via Dropbox and the toggle marker. This orients you on where you are in the script.
PromptSmart
Compatible with: iOS & Android
PromptSmart is considered to be one of the best free teleprompter software programs for iOS and Android. Its biggest win is that it has an intuitive voice-activated feature. Using VoiceTrackTM technology, the app listens to your speech so it knows where you are in the script and adjusts the scroll speed accordingly. This way, you can focus on your delivery instead of worrying about keeping pace with your script.
The free version already offers a lot of useful features. The paid version unlocks video recording (on the same tablet or smartphone), auto capitalization, text mirroring, and adjustment of text and background colors.
Selvi
Compatible with: iOS & Android
Selvi has been around for a while and although it’s not as popular as some of the apps on this list, it offers a lot of intuitive features. For one, it allows you to use the camera on your mobile device so you don’t need any other device to record your speaking video. Scripts can also be typed in manually or imported from your cloud storage.
Easily adjust the size of the teleprompter window so it doesn’t obstruct the view. The text size and scroll speed can also be adjusted with just vertical and horizontal swipes of a finger, even while recording.
Teleprompter Pro Lite
Compatible with: iOS & Android
Teleprompter Pro Lite is another easy-to-use app that can be downloaded for free on your iOS or Android device. It has standard features like font selection, text size control, scroll speed control (even during the run), and script import.
It’s ideal for most applications, although we would still recommend the paid version, which unlocks the mirror mode so you can use the device as a monitor for a teleprompter kit, font and background color selection, Bluetooth control, and the ability to access unlimited scripts.
BIGVU
Compatible with: iOS & Android
If you’ve ever tried looking for (or have been reading about) teleprompter apps, you’ve probably come across BIGVU. This popular app actually doubles as a video editor, which allows you to add subtitles and create HD videos while on teleprompter mode—in portrait or landscape mode and in different aspect ratios.
BIGVU requires an internet connection so you can log in with one of your social media accounts or email. But with its YouTube integration, you can easily upload your videos directly to your YouTube channel. The premium version also allows you to remove the watermark, add background music, and many more.
Video Teleprompter
Compatible with: iOS & Android
What makes the Video Teleprompter app stand out is that it allows you to create a customized presentation with photos, videos, and other elements. This mini portable video studio also lets you adjust the text area so you can move it closer to the camera. It makes you look like you’re directly looking at the lens while reading the script.
With the premium version, you can use the Apple Watch and Bluetooth keyboard to control the speed and recording without touching the iPad or smartphone. Other features include more script formatting and color choices, as well as the ability to import scripts and remove the default watermark, among many others.
Prompster
Compatible with: iOS & Android
Prompster is well-loved for its simple interface and for allowing users to adjust not only the scroll speed but also the size of the text during the run. This is particularly crucial when you need an app that can adapt according to your natural flow and viewing distance. The app also keeps track of the elapsed time and has a mirror mode so you can use it with a teleprompter screen.
While the free version is already pretty efficient, you may want to upgrade to the full version to enjoy its audio-video recording feature minus the disruptive ads.
Teleprompter Mirror
Compatible with: Browser based & Win10, Mac OS, iOS, Android, Linux
This free-to-use software- and browser-based application comes via a teleprompter glass company and is amazing. The browser version allows you to use teleprompter software without having to install anything on a device. This is great for places with high security that do not give their users admin rights.
If you can download the software, it’s available on every platform; Windows 10, Mac OS, Linux, and iOS or Android. It’s best to download the software when possible if you are thinking you might run into a case where you would be using it in a location that might not have an available or reliable internet connection. The software is very intuitive and quick to set up, plus there are tutorials to help you familiarize yourself with the software.
Voice Activated Teleprompter
Compatible with: Chrome Browser
From the same company as Teleprompter Mirror, this is a free voice activated version of the same software above, however this only works within a Chrome browser. Simply go to the link above and check it out. Give the voice-activated feature a test before you need it in real-time or recording. Since there are a lot of unknowns and variables in voice activation, accents and reading speed may affect the technology’s accuracy.
PromptSmart Pro
Compatible with: iOS
With a $19.99 price tag and availability on Apple’s iOS App Store, the PromptSmart Pro App from PromptSmart is definitely a step up in the voice recognition. Its VoiceTrack works exceptionally well and does a good job following your voice. Even with errors, it catches up to your pace. Now that’s impressive.
Recommended Teleprompters for Mobile Devices
With your chosen monitoring device and teleprompter app, you can use any compatible teleprompter system from this list to widen your screen (for reading scripts from a greater distance) and accommodate larger video cameras (like DSLRs and camcorders).
iKan Elite Universal Tablet & iPad Teleprompter for Light Stand
Compatible with: iPad and Android Tablets
If you’re looking for a great portable teleprompter that will work with virtually any tablet on the market, the iKan Elite Universal Tablet & iPad Teleprompter is a versatile choice. This lightweight teleprompter mounts to any photography light stand, eliminating the need for one more dedicated piece of studio equipment.
Between the solid aluminum construction and foldable glass frame, this model looks and feels sturdy and professional while maintaining portability and simplicity of use. The integrated universal tablet holder accommodates any tablet from 7.5×5” to 10.5×8”. Whether you’re using a full size iPad or a Kindle Fire, this teleprompter will perform admirably.
A magnetic hood attaches easily to block stray light and improve text visibility. The hood feature makes it easier to speak directly to a live audience or record new content for your followers with a prepared and professional image.
Pair this equipment with your favorite teleprompter app and you’ll be creating fantastic videos in no time.
Datavideo TP-500
Compatible with: iPad
This Datavideo TP-500B Prompter Kit is ideal for use with iPads (as the monitor) and cameras (as the video recorder). It works seamlessly with the downloadable dV Prompter app (from iTunes) to gain access to a variety of settings and prepared scripts straight from your email.
Its frame can be attached securely to any standard tripod quick release plate. Meanwhile, the dedicated app can be controlled with the separately available remote, making the teleprompter super easy to set up and operate.
Telmax PROIPEX Teleprompter
Compatible with: iPad 1/2/3
The Telmax PROIPEX teleprompter system is ideal for Apple iPads (up to the 3rd Gen). You can read the text from up to 12 feet away, and despite the fact that this teleprompter looks larger and bulkier than others on this list, you can pack the set away just as quickly as you were able to set it up.
Its tripod mount allows it to be secured on top of nearly any tripod stand. Meanwhile, its circular 4-inch hole at the back of the teleprompter mirror frame can fit nearly any type of camera or camcorder lens.
ProPrompter Wing
Compatible with: Tablets and smartphones (up to 10” wide)
The ProPrompter Wing is a super compact and lightweight teleprompter system that doesn’t use a reflective glass screen but serves as a super handy mount that allows you to use any tablet or smartphone as your monitoring device.
Simply mount your portable camcorder, secure your tablet or smartphone using the LCD mount or mobile device clip found on top of the adjustable swinging arm, and you’re good to go!
iKan PT-ELITE-PRO Universal Teleprompter
Compatible with: Large iPad, Android, and Windows Tablets
If you happen to have a bigger tablet, the iKan PT-ELITE-PRO is what you need. Constructed with solid CNC machined aluminum, it can safely support a wide range of Apple, Android, and Windows tablets.
The iKan PT-ELITE-PRO Universal Teleprompter also features an adjustable glass frame, quick release base plate, portable design, and a remote compatible with the Elite Prompter App on the iPad.
The Benefits of Using a Teleprompter App
No matter how prepared you may feel about speaking on camera or in front of a large crowd, it’s common to feel a moment of panic when the camera starts rolling. Whether you’re a content creator talking to your audience about your work, an educator instructing students with video content, or some type of media personality, smooth delivery of memorized lines takes time and practice.
Fortunately, a teleprompter app makes speaking confidently much easier. It lets you focus on recording your message and worry less about remembering every word and detail. Scrolling-script teleprompters let you speak at your own pace, connect with the camera, and eliminate that panic-inducing sense of reaching for a word that isn’t there.
Using a teleprompter does take some practice, especially the voice-activated and scrolling-script varieties. But if you want to appear confident, prepared, and relaxed on camera, there’s no better method for recording scripted video.
Selecting the best teleprompter app or teleprompter software for your purposes may also take some investigation and a bit of product testing. Start with the great teleprompter apps suggested above.
Check out free versions to see what aspects of each teleprompter app you like. Once you’ve had a chance to work with the trial version, you can upgrade to a paid app to take advantage of the full range of features!
Teleprompter – Frequently Asked Questions
Teleprompter software is the industry standard for most news programs, televised awards ceremonies, and public speaking events for a reason. While some people are naturally gifted at getting their point across with minimal vocal pauses or visible signs of nerves, others become understandably frazzled when speaking to a crowd or a camera. Even the most practiced actors can fumble their words in front of an audience. Speaking confidently in front of any group of people takes considerable practice. There’s no need to beat yourself up or get stressed out about an upcoming speaking engagement or video recording session. Using a teleprompter app lets you focus on the words in front of you so you can relax and read the prepared copy in a natural way.
While using a teleprompter app is the first step toward speaking confidently on camera, it’s important to also consider investing in high-quality teleprompter equipment as well. Recording scripted video will never look as natural if the words you’re reading are to the side of the camera.
While using a phone is definitely possible, we suggest using a larger format display. A phone may be too small to read. A phone will do when you are very close to the monitor, but the small screen size means that you either have the text scrolling at a very fast speed with larger text or you must sacrifice some size to reduce the speed. Finding a combination of the ideal speed and text size may be harder to find, if impossible sometimes, on even the larger phones of today. At least, opt for a tablet. This makes it simpler and comfortable for the speaker.
You definitely can use a computer. This is a standard procedure and is still the case with larger productions. By using your computer, be it a laptop or desktop, and a standard video cable, you can send the video signal to an external monitor. This can display the same information as you see on your computer. Just make sure to duplicate the display in the graphics properties settings.
One thing to be careful of is pop-up notifications. Remember to turn them all off and go into “airplane mode” or “do not disturb mode” your computer before the speaker is ready to go as that could distract them. In terms of hardware, there are different requirements as the weight and dimensions of a proper computer display are generally bigger and heavier than a tablet.
For the most engaging feeling of maintaining eye contact with your audience, a voice-activated teleprompter mounted in front of the camera is best. You can speak at your normal pace and feel more connected with your audience than ever before.
With the right teleprompter and app, you can now use your own tablet or smartphone to speak directly to the camera and confidently deliver your lines without having to memorize long scripts, break eye contact with your viewers by glancing down at your notes, or spend a fortune on expensive teleprompter devices. Have fun!
