The Kids Toy That is Going to Change How I Film Crochet Videos
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A few years ago, I filmed my very first crochet tutorial on YouTube. While it did well, getting a good overhead angle with a tripod was a nightmare. I didn’t have the right gear, and none of my DIY solutions worked well. It always felt like something was missing.
That’s when I came across the WeCool Insta Studio (from Compound Kings), a kids’ toy designed for filming slime videos. It came with a hands-free video station that allows me to film overhead videos, which I knew would be perfect for filming crochet tutorials. But at nearly $45 (CAD), I just couldn’t justify the price for something marketed as a toy.
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Fast forward to today, I spotted it on clearance at Michaels and had to do a double-take when the price check came back at… Let’s just say it was a really good price! Even the employee was shocked. I grabbed one for myself (and a couple of extras, because at that price, why not?).
I had no interest in the slime; my kids gladly took that off my hands. But that stand? That’s what I’ve been waiting for, and it’s exactly what I needed to finally film my crochet projects the way I always imagined.
Why I Wanted It for So Long
What stood out to me about the Insta Studio was how simple and compact it looked. I’d been wanting to film crochet tutorials from a top-down angle, but all my past setups were awkward or limiting.
I tried using a gooseneck phone holder, but it only worked at my desk, and the lighting there is terrible at night (which is when I usually crochet). The neck phone holder blocked my sightline, which made it hard to keep my hands in frame. And tripods? They just don’t give that true overhead shot.
Sure, there are pro tools and DIY rigs out there, but I was always just trying to make do with what I got. The Insta Studio looked like an easy fix, but I just couldn’t justify spending nearly $45 on a kids’ toy.
What is the Insta Studio?
The WeCool Insta Studio is marketed as a hands-free video station for kids who want to make slime videos, but what’s included actually makes it surprisingly useful for creators too! In the box you’ll find:
- An adjustable phone stand (in 3 easy-to-assemble parts)
- Two background placements, plus a frosted overlay
- Three pre-made slimes with mix-ins like glitter and foam beads
- Basic tools for mixing and decorating
It’s clearly designed with kids in mind, but it didn’t take long for me to realize it could be perfect for something else entirely, like filming top-down crochet videos.
How I’m Going to Use it to Film Crochet Videos
Even though I just got the Insta Studio, I can already tell it’s going to be a game changer for how I film my crochet content. I don’t have a permanent place for it, but that’s the beauty of it. I don’t need a permanent place for it. As long as I have a table to work on, I can film pretty much anywhere, which is perfect for a busy schedule and unpredictable lighting.
The phone stand is compact and free-standing, made up of a tripod-style base, a vertical arm, and a phone clamp. It has multiple height settings (perfect if you’re working on bigger crochet projects). The setup is easy to assemble and disassemble, making it easy to tuck away.
I’m planning to use it to film crochet tutorials and POV-style videos. The setup feels like it was originally designed for horizontal filming (great for long-form content on YouTube), but it’s super easy to rotate the entire phone stand and film vertically for short-form videos.
Despite being a kids’ toy, the stand is very stable. My phone (a OnePlus 13R) is quite bulky and heavy, but the holder keeps it firmly in place with no drooping or shaking, even during the longer filming sessions.
The included backgrounds were also a pleasant surprise. They’re colorful and simple enough that I could definitely see myself using them for video backdrops. The backgrounds have a glossy finish, so you might notice some glare if you’re filming under direct overhead lights, but that’s where the frosted plastic mat comes in. It helps diffuse the glare and soften and harsh shadows. As a bonus, the placemats are the perfect size and give me a visual guide to keep my hands centered on the screen while filming.
If you’re a crochet or craft content creator looking for an easy. budget-friendly way to film overhead tutorials, I’d honestly recommend giving this a try, especially if you can find it on clearance like I did.
Is the WeCool Insta Studio Worth It?
Honestly, I wouldn’t pay the original $45 price for this kids’ toy, even though I absolutely love the phone stand. In my research, I’ve found other phone stands that offer similar functionality for a fraction of the price. So, knowing what I know now, I likely still would not have paid full price.
That said, if you can find the WeCool Insta Studio at a clearance price like I did, I’d wholeheartedly recommend it, especially for beginner creators, crafters, or parents looking for a fun, practical gift to stock up on.
I don’t think hunting for used or secondhand versions is worthwhile unless you can confirm it’s in excellent condition. The stand is plastic and may wear down over time, especially with frequent assembling and disassembling. I actually bought a second one just as a backup!
As for the slime and accessories, honestly, I’m not that interested (even though that’s the whole main point of the kit, coming from a slime brand, Compound Kings). But the phone stand itself? That’s where the real value lies.
Final Thoughts
If you can snag it on clearance, the Insta Studio is a versatile tool for content creators. Its portability and stability make it a valuable addition to your filming setup. Just be cautious about paying full price if all you’re after is the phone stand, because alternatives may offer similar features at a lower cost.
Honestly, I think WeCool has something special going on with this phone stand. I’d love to see it released as a standalone product for creators and crafters. It could open up a whole new audience beyond slime fans.
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