How to Light a YouTube Video

One of the most immediate ways to improve your YouTube video quality is through lighting.

It’s easier than you might think. In this article, I’m going to show you a simple way to set up your lights.

Make sure to check out the video for visuals. I turn off each light to show you the effect it has on the quality of the video.

Three Point Lighting for Your YouTube Videos

If you have a studio space, you can keep your lighting set up all the time. If you don’t have a studio, this lighting technique is easy enough to set up and take down as needed.

Key Light

This is your main source of light. It’s going to light one side of your face and part of the other side of your face.

I use the Neewer 660 LED Light with Remote so I can adjust my lighting on the fly.

This is a light panel consisting of 330 white and 330 yellow LED lights hence the 660.

It’s not a requirement, but I have a soft box over it to soften the light a bit, so it’s not so harsh.

Fill Light

This light goes on the opposite side from the Key Light at an approximate 45-degree angle. You can adjust this however you like.

This lights the other side of your face.

Back Light

This one is a bit more subtle. When I turn it off in the video, you can barely tell.

The goal of this light is to create separation and depth in your scene. It separates your profile from the background.

That’s it. Simple, right?

I use the Neewer 660 lights in all three locations, but there are all kinds of lighting options available on the market at all different price points. I like the Neewer lights because they are really versatile.

Installing Your Lights

How you use and/or mount your lights depends upon the space you have. I film my videos in a very small space, so I have my lights mounted to the ceiling and walls.

That way, there’s no light stands around my desk taking up valuable floor space.

Get links to all of my equipment in the video description.

Lighting Knowledge Achievement Unlocked

That’s it. A super simple lighting strategy that will make your videos look professional and high-quality.

Once your lights are up and running, the change is immediate. Give it a try!