What Is a Teleprompter? Meaning, Types and Uses

Camera-mounted rig

A display reflects words through angled glass in front of a camera lens. It needs compatible hardware, a screen and prompting software.

Presidential or conference rig

Glass panels on stands beside a lectern reflect speech text toward the speaker, usually from screens near the floor.

Reading straight from a screen

A phone, tablet or computer shows the words without glass. It can sit near a camera or support rehearsal and narration.

Autocue’s prompting terms describe the components; its hardware explanation shows how glass reflects a monitor. A teleprompter with glass usually needs software to display and scroll the words.

People also use “autocue” to describe prompting. Autocue is a separate equipment brand with its own history. LilPrompter is independent browser software, not that manufacturer’s official product. Check each product's features to see whether it records video, follows your voice or includes hardware.

A script can help when you need to get an announcement right, record a lesson or practise a speech. Make the words easy to read and put the screen near your camera. Try a short recording to check where you're looking, and pause the text when you need a break.

For a conversation, a few headings or notes may be enough. Write full sentences for anything you need to say word for word. Read them aloud before recording so you can change lines that sound awkward.

1. A short script, with the original saved in a separate document.
2. A screen you can read from where you'll be speaking.
3. A tool with usable Play, Pause and position controls.
4. A separate recorder if you need video or audio.
5. A short test recording to check the sound and where you're looking.

LilPrompter provides free browser prompting features, with fixed scrolling, formatting and local script tabs. It does not record or follow speech. Use the beginner walkthrough for the steps, or the visual guide to identify hardware.