Best Auto-Tracking Tripods for Solo Shooters & Content Creators

One of the biggest challenges for solo shooters and content creators is keeping yourself centered in the frame when taking pictures or recording videos of yourself.

Even with a good tripod and a keen eye for detail, it can be quite a hassle to position your camera and your body in the perfect spots, and even if you get the placement right, you usually have to stay in that exact place and aren’t free to move around, which can add a stilted or unnatural feel to your content.

Auto-tracking tripods change all of that. As their name implies, they have the power to automatically track you (or your subject) as you move around, keeping you centered in the frame at all times while filming or taking a series of pictures.

They’re major time and effort-savers for independent videographers and creators, and in this guide, I’ll introduce you to five of my favorite auto-tracking tripods you can order today.

What Are Auto-Tracking Tripods?

Before I get into my list of top-rated auto-tracking tripods, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what these devices actually are, and since they’re still quite new, many people may not yet be familiar with them.

With that in mind, here’s a quick primer: an auto-tracking tripod can be a motorized tripod, gimbal, or tripod-mounted camera system that has the ability to automatically detect and follow a subject as they move around a space.

The goal of the auto-tracking tripod is to keep the subject in frame as they move around.

So, you can position your smartphone or camera on your motorized tripod, point it in the general direction of where you want to be, then take your position. The tripod will automatically reposition to place you in the frame.

You can then move left, right, closer, or further away, and the tripod will adjust accordingly. It’s almost like having your own private cameraperson adjusting your camera for you, making it so much easier to take perfectly framed shots, record vlogs, and so on.

How Do They Work?

Auto-tracking tripods can vary in terms of their exact design and mechanics, but they typically rely on:

• AI and computer vision technology to recognize the subject, which can be a person, animal, or even a vehicle.
• Motors inside the tripod that allow it to move around automatically and keep the subject in frame.
• Sensors or companion apps that can also help the tripod keep track of their subject as they move across the space.

Benefits and Use Cases of Auto-Tracking Tripods for Solo Shooters and Content Creators

More and more independent photographers are investing in auto-tracking tripods, and these are just some of the reasons why:

• Easier Solo Shooting: As a seasoned photographer and solo traveler(opens in new tab), I know how hard it can be to try to take a picture of myself in front of a beautiful landscape or scenic landmark. With an auto-tracking tripod, however, it’s dramatically easier.
• Freedom of Movement: Usually, if you’re trying to photograph or film yourself, you have to stay in one spot or risk moving out of the frame. With a device like this, however, you can easily move about and not need to worry about remaining rigid in one specific place.
• More Natural Poses and Movements: Having worked with auto-tracking tripods, I’ve found that they allow me to feel more natural and relax into poses and movements, rather than constantly wondering if I’m still in the center of the frame or not.
• Ideal for Solo Users: Obviously, solo photographers and videographers tend to get the best usage out of auto-tracking tripods, since they don’t have anyone around to help them perfect their framing.
• Time-Saving: With an auto-tracking tripod, you don’t have to waste time going back and forth to reposition your camera as you move around and take up different positions. You can take many more pictures and longer clips in a significantly shorter span of time.

As far as use cases go, an auto-tracking tripod can help out with the likes of YouTube videos, TikTok and social media reels, fitness and health videos, vlogs, dancing videos, cooking tutorials, video calls, lectures, demonstrations, presentations, coaching, family videos, and more.

The 5 Best Auto-Tracking Tripods You Can Buy

As you can see, auto-tracking tripods can make a huge difference if you tend to do most of your photography or content creation on your own, without someone to help you stay in frame as you go.

However, there are many of these tripods out there, and they can vary quite widely in terms of price and features.

Some rely on companion apps, for example, while others are app-free. Some boast additional bonus features and accessories, like LED ring lights, selfie sticks, and so on.

It’s important, therefore, not to simply dive right in and buy the first product you see, but to compare your options and find a tripod that matches your exact needs and budget.

With that in mind, here are five auto-tracking tripods and camera systems I personally rate among the best. I’ve chosen a selection of items at different price points to suit a wide range of users, so you’re sure to find a good option below.

1. Insta360 Flow 2 Pro Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer AI Tracker Bundle (Best Overall)

I’ll begin with arguably the best value-for-money auto-tracking tripod kit available on the market today: the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro, which comes with all you need to get started, including a magnetic phone clamp, AI tracker, the tripod itself (which is also a selfie stick), a carry bag, and charging cables.

Once you’ve placed your phone in position (the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro works with almost any modern Android or iOS device), the AI takes over, tracking you or your subject with flawless precision as you move around the area.

It can rotate a full 360 degrees, keeping you perfectly in frame at all times, and comes with three-axis stabilization, so even if your subject is moving quickly and erratically, you’ll still be able to capture super smooth video footage, every time.

The Insta360 Flow’s Deep Track 4.0 technology ensures that the focus remains firmly on the subject and is suitable for slow-motion and high frame-rate recording. It’s fully compatible with many popular apps, too, like Teams, Zoom, and FaceTime. Plus, it offers a wide selection of shooting modes.

The only minor downside to this product is that you will need to download and use the Insta360 app to make the most of its many features. While the app is free to download, you will need to pay extra for features like cloud storage.

2. Ulanzi TT23M Magnetic Auto-Tracking Selfie Stick Tripod (Best Value)

Next up, let’s take a look at a great value-for-money auto-tracking tripod, perfect for those who may not want to spend too much on an accessory like this: the ULANZI TT23M.

This auto-tracking tripod and selfie stick features a MagSafe-type smartphone mount at the top, so you can easily attach almost any smartphone to it and start recording or capturing pictures in no time at all.

It has four legs at the base for stability and can handle a maximum load of up to 2.2 pounds. The tripod itself extends to a maximum height of 64 inches and can rotate a full 360 degrees to keep your subject in frame no matter where they go.

Other key features include AI-based face recognition to easily track and center human subjects, and gesture controls, which can be a little tricky to figure out at first but can help you save time when taking pictures or starting and ending recordings.

The one downside I have to mention regarding this particular tripod is that it’s not exactly built for harsh environments. It’s mostly made up of plastic, and some users say it feels a little flimsy, so it has to be handled with care.

3. TELESIN Intelligent Auto-Tracking Tripod (Best Budget)

If you’re looking for a relatively cheap and simple auto-tracking tripod or selfie stick to take on your travels or use while filming vlogs and family videos, you might like to consider the TELESIN Intelligent Auto-tracking Tripod.

It’s the most affordable entry on my list and one of the lightest, too, perfect for packing in your travel bag to take along on your adventures.

This also means it’s not the most durable or stable of tripods, but it’s still surprisingly efficient and remarkably easy to work with; you can simply clamp your phone into place and rely on the AI-powered tracking system to keep you in frame for the full duration of your shoot.

With 360 degrees of rotation, 270 degrees of tilt, and up to 70 inches of extension, this auto-tracking tripod can work well in almost any setting. It even has four-axis stabilization to film dynamic action shots without excessive shaking.

As far as downsides are concerned, it’s worth pointing out that this tripod can only support up to 1.1 pounds of weight at a time. So you may have to take your smartphone out of its carry case before attaching it.

4. XbotGo Chameleon AI Auto-Tracking Camera (Best for Action Shots)

Next up, one of the more advanced auto-tracking camera systems on the market today: the XbotGo Chameleon. Using state-of-the-art AI, this tripod camera system is specifically designed to handle action shots and sports recording.

It can film in 4K and is even capable of live streaming directly to popular content delivery networks. Users can control tilt and pan via a remote or even using their Apple Watch, and XbotGo also offers auto zoom and zone mapping.

It’s easily one of the most advanced auto-tracking camera systems in existence today, capable of capturing exceptionally high-quality content, even when filming fast-moving sports scenes, like soccer games. It can even be programmed to track the ball as it moves from player to player.

All of this means that the XbotGo may be a little too high-powered for some users. It may be overkill if you just want to film simple bedroom vlogs, for example, but if you have a need for a high-end tracking camera that can follow speedy subjects with precision, this is the one to choose.

5. OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite AI-Powered 4K PTZ Webcam Kit

Finally, the last entry on my list is the OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite Webcam Kit. It includes a compact USB-C-powered webcam with 4x digital zoom and built-in stand, a smart remote control, an adapter, and the tripod itself.

This auto-tracking camera features an array of AI-powered functions, including precision tracking, and can record in landscape, portrait, or image flip modes to suit your specific needs. It comes with dual microphones and noise cancelation for crisp audio capture, as well.

The two-axis gimbal helps provide smooth camera movement when tracking subjects, and you can use simple gestures to control the camera, or make use of the helpful smart remote to zoom in and out and start or stop recording on the fly.

It’s particularly well-suited for the likes of live calls, conferences, product demonstrations, and lectures, and the accompanying software works equally well on both Windows and Mac devices. However, you will need to pay quite a high price for this kit, and it may be a little too much for those on tight budgets.

Quick Recommendations

If you want a great all-round auto-tracking tripod, consider the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro.

If you’re seeking an affordable option, check out the TELESIN Intelligent Tripod.

Or, if you’re looking for an AI-powered system to capture fast-moving scenes, opt for the XbotGo Chameleon.

FAQs

What should I look for in an auto-tracking tripod?

It depends on your specific needs. Some users may want a tripod that can capture high-resolution video and crisp audio, with 360-degree tracking and exceptional stabilization. Others may be fine with something a little simpler and more designed for basic bedroom content creation. Consider your usage requirements and budget to make the right choice.

Are auto-tracking tripods worth it?

If you regularly find yourself needing to capture videos or take pictures of yourself, and don’t always have someone around to help you stay in the frame, then yes, auto-tracking tripods are absolutely worthwhile. They can save you a large amount of time and hassle, while also helping you record better quality content.

How do I set up an auto-tracking tripod?

It depends on which product you buy. Most auto-tracking tripods are quite easy to set up and should all come with clear instructions to guide you through the process. Note that you may need to download and install companion apps or desktop software before you begin.

Final Thoughts

Auto-tracking tripods aren’t for everyone. However, if you do a lot of photography or videography on your own, this could easily be one of the most important accessories you ever buy, saving you hours of hassle and hard work on a daily basis. Consider the options listed above and remember to focus on your needs, rather than automatically buying the best-rated or most expensive item.