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YouTube Sensation Nicole Rafiee Shares Her Top Tools for Content Creation

At just 25 years old, Nicole Rafiee has already made a name for herself on YouTube, boasting an impressive 1.07 million subscribers. Her popular "Chronically Online Girl explains" series has covered a wide range of topics, from Ariana Grande to the Frenemies lore. We caught up with her at VidCon 2025 to learn more about the tools she uses to streamline her content creation process.

Rafiee’s journey to success hasn’t been without its challenges. She first started creating videos in middle school, but it wasn’t until her sophomore year of college that she began to take it seriously. One of the key lessons she’s learned along the way is the importance of investing in the right equipment. For example, she swears by solid state drives (SSDs) for storing her footage, citing their speed and affordability. "Everybody should get an SSD if they want to content create," she advises. "Not everything needs to live off of your computer or phone."

In addition to SSDs, Rafiee relies on a few other essential tools to create her content. Her Sony ZV-1 camera is a favorite, thanks to its user-friendly interface and versatility. She uses it to film everything from her podcast to vlogs in her car. A great video light is also crucial for setting the right ambiance, and she recommends the key light from GVM for its ease of use and portability.

But Rafiee’s toolkit isn’t just about gadgets and gizmos. She also emphasizes the importance of taking care of her physical and mental health. After experiencing migraines and other health issues while filming her "Chronically Online" series, she realized the need for a strict wellness routine. "I need to be like 10 out of 10 health in order to make a video," she says. This approach may not be unique to content creation, but it’s a valuable reminder that self-care is essential for success in any field.

Other notable mentions in Rafiee’s toolkit include her trusty Bose headphones and acoustic foam for soundproofing. The latter is particularly useful for recording her podcast, "Talk Nasty to Me," which she co-hosts with Jake Thatcher in a rather unconventional location – her bathtub. While it may not be the most traditional recording studio, Rafiee is proof that with the right tools and mindset, anyone can create high-quality content and build a loyal following.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it’s creators like Nicole Rafiee who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. By sharing her expertise and favorite tools, she’s inspiring a new generation of content creators to take their passion to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Rafiee’s story is a reminder that success is within reach – as long as you’re willing to put in the work and invest in the right tools.