5 Best Lights for YouTube Videos

One of the most important aspects of a video is lighting. Good lighting generally results in good video quality. So, if you’re starting off on YouTube, one of the first investments you should make is in the lighting department. If you don’t have a high budget, don’t worry. You can get cheap lighting for YouTube videos that will do the job pretty well.

Depending on the type of videos you make, you can get various types of lighting ranging from soft diffusers to RGB ring lights. You can start by getting one and then gradually pick more as your channel grows for a better effect.

Before we get to the lights, though, here are some similar articles you may be interested in –

• If you’re shooting from your phone and would like to get a dedicated camera, here are some of the best cameras for YouTube for under $500.

With that out of the way, here’re all the best lighting for YouTube we recommend.

1. ULANZI VL49 LED Video Light

Soft lights like this are great for recording headshots of yourself or other people with the camera close to the face. It’s a much better option than using harsh lighting since it creates an even layer of light across the subject. It has a 2000mAh battery built-in which can be charged via a USB-C port on the rear. While the panel isn’t too large, it’s bright enough to light up your subject when the camera is 3-4ft away.

There are controls for brightness on the rear along with a toggle to switch between multiple modes. As for the output, the color temperature is 5500K which is close to natural light. As per the reviews, this is one of the best cheap lights for YouTube that you can get in terms of brightness, portability, and battery life. You can even get multiple units of the same light if you want to cover a larger area.

2. Aputure Amaran AL-M9 Pocket Light

Aputure is an established brand in the lighting space so you can rely on its accessories to perform well. The Amaran AL-M9 comes in the form of a small rectangular slab with 9 extra-bright LEDs. While the number of LEDs may seem paltry, the throw that you get is might impressive. However, the light should be kept 3-4ft away from the subject for best results.

If you’re looking for cheap lighting for YouTube videos that are mainly inclined toward product shots, you should consider this light. The extra color plates to change the temperature of the light are a bonus addition to give your videos a completely new vibe. Despite being tiny, the Aputure Amaran AL-M9 lasts for about 1.5 hours at max brightness which is impressive.

3. ULANZI RGB Handheld Light Wand

The main highlight of this RGB wand light from Ulanzi is its colorful nature. You can get creative and produce some nice-looking videos using this handheld light. Adding colorful lights to your Youtube videos can make them more attractive depending on what you’re trying to depict. If you’re shooting in a dark environment, this light will surely come in handy.

Apart from the RGB capabilities, you can also use this light for a white output in which case you can use it as a key light for your videos to brighten the scene or emphasize your subject. There’s an LCD display on the rear for temperature control and all necessary settings. The 2000mAh battery onboard is rated to last nearly 2 hours at the max brightness.

4. Neewer 2-Pack Video Light with Tripod Stand

These lights from Neewer come in a pair so if you want even lighting from both sides onto your subject, you can pick up this combo and you’re covered. The lights have a diffuser plate attached so you’re getting soft lighting which is always good for videos. The brand is also providing colored filters along with the lights to change the color temperature.

Unlike other lights mentioned so far, though, these lights are USB-powered and do not have a built-in battery. So, you will have to keep them plugged in at all times while using them. The tripod can be extended to a maximum height of 116cm. If you’re looking for cheap lighting for videos that can light up an entire room with equal brightness from both sides, you’ve arrived at the right option.

5. Herrfilk 13″ RGB Ring Light with Tripod and Phone Holder

While this particular ring light from Herrfilk is specially designed to be used with a phone, you can use it while recording videos with your camera too. If you’re someone who uses their phone to record videos for platforms like TikTok or Instagram, you will find this ring light helpful since it has a tripod with a built-in phone mount. In fact, you get 3 phone mounts which is helpful if you want to have another phone for reference.

The ring light for videos is controlled by an IR remote using which you can change the colors and the brightness. Additionally, there’s a Bluetooth remote included in the package that you can use to start or stop recording on your phone. This is a great all-in-one package that includes a nice light, tripod, and phone holders too. As per the reviews, the only con is that the tripod is a bit flimsy and doesn’t seem very durable.

Improve Your Video Quality

Good lighting can go a long way in improving the overall quality of your video. And the best part is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on it. Cheap lighting for YouTube videos is available in various types which you can use to brighten up your videos.