How to Use Your Phone as a Teleprompter for Camera
Position your smartphone next to or behind your camera lens, load your script into a teleprompter app, and read the scrolling text while recording. This setup lets you deliver lines naturally without memorisation, ideal for video creators, presenters, and content makers.
Choose a Teleprompter App
Download a dedicated teleprompter app like Promptr, which displays your script in large, easy-to-read text. These apps let you adjust font size, scroll speed, and background colour for better visibility in different lighting. Load your script by pasting or importing text, then test the scroll speed before recording. Most teleprompter apps offer mirroring so text reads correctly when you see it reflected in a lens attachment or via a secondary monitor setup.
Position Your Phone Correctly
Mount your phone on a small tripod or stand directly beside your camera lens, or use a beam splitter to place it behind a half-reflective glass in front of your camera. The phone screen should be at eye level and close enough to read comfortably without moving your gaze far from the lens. This positioning helps maintain eye contact with the camera whilst reading. Keep the phone steady and secure to avoid wobbling during recording.
Set Up Lighting and Distance
Ensure your phone screen brightness is high enough to read in your recording environment. If filming outdoors or in bright light, use a phone hood or angle the screen to reduce glare. Position the phone close enough that you can read it without straining, typically 30 - 60 centimetres from your eyes. Test a few seconds of footage to check that your eye line looks natural and you're not visibly looking down or to the side.
Adjust Text Settings for Readability
Use large font sizes (typically 36pt or larger) to read text from distance. Choose a high-contrast colour scheme, such as white text on a black background, for visibility in daylight. Adjust the scroll speed to match your natural speaking pace during rehearsal. Break longer scripts into shorter phrases or sentences so your eyes don't jump too far across the screen. Double-check spelling and punctuation before recording.
Practise and Record
Run through your script several times to get comfortable with the scroll speed and eye line. Record a test clip to see how natural you look on camera. If your gaze drifts noticeably, adjust the phone position or zoom in on the text to make it larger. Once satisfied, record your full take. Teleprompter apps also work well with other video creation tools, so integrate this into your wider production workflow.
Common Setup Tips
Use a remote control or hands-free device to start and stop scrolling if your hands are busy or visible on camera. Rehearse at least once with the actual teleprompter app to avoid surprises during recording. Keep a backup script printed nearby in case of technical issues. If using multiple takes, reset the text to the beginning between recordings. Teleprompter use becomes natural with practice; most creators report improved delivery and fewer retakes after a few sessions.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best phone position for a teleprompter setup?
Position your phone directly beside or slightly in front of your camera lens at eye level, 30 - 60 centimetres away. This keeps your gaze close to the camera lens, maintaining natural eye contact with the viewer.
Can I use any app as a teleprompter?
Any text app can work, but dedicated teleprompter apps like Promptr offer optimised features such as adjustable scroll speed, large fonts, mirroring, and brightness control, making them far more practical for on-camera use.
How do I stop my eyes looking down at the phone?
Position the phone as close to the camera lens as possible and use a larger font size. Rehearse several times to build confidence, and consider using a beam splitter or phone hood to place the screen directly in your line of sight to the camera.
What font size should I use for a teleprompter?
Use at least 36pt font, or larger if filming from further away. Test your setup before recording to ensure you can read the text comfortably without squinting or moving your head.
Do I need special equipment to use my phone as a teleprompter?
A simple phone tripod or stand is helpful, but not essential. You can prop your phone against a small object or book. For professional setups, consider a beam splitter or phone hood to improve visibility and eye line.
How do I adjust scroll speed on a teleprompter app?
Most teleprompter apps let you set scroll speed manually or adjust it in real-time using on-screen controls. Test the speed during rehearsal to match your natural speaking pace, then lock it before recording.