Introduction to Nicole Rafiee
Nicole Rafiee has been a part of the YouTube community since her middle school days. After creating and deleting her channel a few times, she started posting content seriously during her sophomore year of college. Today, she has gained a massive following of 1.07 million subscribers, thanks to her engaging "Chronically Online Girl explains" series, which covers a wide range of topics from Ariana Grande to the Frenemies lore.
Content Creation Process
We caught up with Nicole at VidCon 2025 to learn more about her content creation process and the tools she uses to streamline her work. One of the interesting things she shared was how she records her podcast, Talk Nasty to Me, with her co-host Jake Thatcher, in her bathtub.
Essential Tools for Content Creation
Nicole shared some of the essential tools she uses for content creation, including:
Portable SSD
When Nicole first started creating videos, she faced some technical issues, including a slow computer and overheating. She solved this problem by using a solid-state drive (SSD) to store her footage. She has collected six SSDs over the years, which has been cheaper than buying a new laptop and has helped reduce tech waste.
Sony Camera
Nicole isn’t a fan of all products catered towards creators, but she loves her Sony ZV-1 camera. She uses it for everything from filming her podcast to vlogging in her car. The camera is user-friendly and versatile, making it her go-to choice for content creation.
Video Light
Nicole cares a lot about lighting in her videos and uses a key light from GVM to set the perfect ambiance. The light is portable, easy to adjust, and can mimic the warmth of the sun.
Bose Headphones
Nicole has been using Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones for years and swears by them. The headphones are her "true ride or die," and she recently replaced the padding to keep them in good condition.
Acoustic Foam
For her podcast setup, Nicole uses acoustic foam to soundproof her recording space. The foam, along with pillows and rugs, helps to reduce echo and improve the overall sound quality.
Honorable Mention: Wellness Routine
Nicole’s final essential tool is a strict wellness routine. She believes that taking care of her physical and mental health is crucial for creating high-quality content. After experiencing health issues while filming her "Chronically Online" series, Nicole realized the importance of getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking breaks.
Conclusion
Nicole Rafiee’s success on YouTube is a testament to her hard work and dedication to creating high-quality content. By using the right tools and taking care of her physical and mental health, Nicole is able to produce engaging videos and podcasts that resonate with her audience. Aspiring creators can learn from Nicole’s experience and incorporate some of her essential tools and habits into their own content creation process.
