I have been shooting TikTok content for years, but recently I have decided to improve the quality of my videos and purchase a ring light to achieve even lighting.
I wanted to find the best ring light for TikTok for my budget to create engaging videos without any unwanted shadows and gathered all recommended model on Reddit.
My goal was to find a multi-purpose model suitable for shooting professional content.
MY CHOICE
NEEWER Kit – Best Ring Light for TikTok
The 240 LED bulbs allow this model to produce powerful light of excellent brightness. The filters that come with the ring light are suitable for making it warmer or cooler. An easy-to-adjust stand, a carrying case, and a Bluetooth remote make it suitable for content-makers with different levels of experience.
I decided to check how they function in various light and weather conditions. I utilized them for shooting different types of videos, including makeup and DIY guides.
When selecting the best options for this list, I considered their easiness of use, brightness, color temperature, intensity, configuration options, power source, accessories, extra options, size, and design.
Color Temperature: 3200 - 5500K | Dimensions: 20.1 x 4.3 x 24 in | Weight: 11 pounds | Power source: AC/DC
The NEEWER Ring Light 18-inch Kit is an excellent option for my needs, as it does not take up a lot of space and is suitable for many uses. I utilize it to shoot pro-level content of different types. Whether I shoot DIY tutorials or dance videos for TikTok, it helps me cope with any task at a high level.
This 18-inch ring light for iPhone has 240 LEDs, which allows it to produce bright and even light. Using its white and orange filters, I change the color temperature from cool to warm, depending on my needs. With a Bluetooth remote, I can shoot my videos in a hands-free mode.
I quickly figured out how to set it up, as it has a hot shoe adapter compatible with most DSLR cameras and a convenient phone holder. Besides, this ring light for TikTok videos has a well-designed durable stand made of aluminum alloy. However, I wish it were more stable.
Color Temperature: 3000K - 6000K | Dimensions: 21.9 x 17.9 x 1.8 in | Weight: 2 pounds | Power source: 5V/2A USB / 24v DC
What I like the most about this ring light for TikTok is that it enables me to rotate the light head 180 degrees horizontally. This allows me to capture my videos from any angle I want to use without changing my setup. I can extend the tripod stand up to 78 inches to shoot both full-body dance videos and sit-down tutorials with ease.
Another selling point of this lighting for YouTube is that it has a power supply but comes without batteries. Because of this, it’s more suitable for studio shooting, as you won’t be able to utilize it outdoors. I like using it at home as it has a USB port, which allows me to maintain a stable charge of my smartphone when filming for a long time.
The LR150 also stands out for its choice of mounting options. It has a tripod ball head to use with my DSLR and mirrorless cameras. However, the best part about it is that it allows me to mount up to 5 phones. This makes it perfectly suitable for shooting videos from multiple angles and capturing engaging content using different perspectives.
Color Temperature: 3200K - 5500K | Dimensions: 10" D, 0.75" T | Weight: 2.77 lbs | Power source: USB
I discovered that the EMart ring light is suitable for a variety of purposes, including virtual meetings, dance videos for TikTok, and vlogs. I can easily adjust its settings and switch between different lighting options. This kit is best suited for shooting pro-level content without noticeable shadows.
What makes it one of the best ring lights for TikTok is that it allows me to switch between warm, cool, and mixed light modes and choose between 11 brightness levels when using each mode. Thus, I can select the most suitable lighting for my TikTok dance videos, selfies, and other types of content. During my testing, it produces flattering light and allows me to achieve a natural effect when I shoot photos and videos.
This light for streaming is sold with two phone holders. I can easily attach it to the tripod stand to fix it in a horizontal or vertical position.
In addition, if you have a separate tripod, you can mount the ring light on it. Unfortunately, it does not have a single mount for both the phone and the light, but this model is still quite useful despite this minor shortcoming.
Color Temperature: 3000K - 5600K | Dimensions: 12.05"L x 1.18"W x 12.05"H | Weight: 0.7 lbs | Power source: USB
After testing over 20 models, I can confirm that this ring light for photography has the most powerful light output of 590 lux when measured at two feet away.
When I started to use it, I was impressed by the level of brightness it supports. In addition, it produces light of excellent quality and ensures that you will look stunning in the frame.
Another thing that I liked about this model is that it supports a USB power supply. It allows me to use it without any cables or adapters, which makes it more convenient to use it for recording DIY tutorials. I can plug it into my laptop or a USB port and start using it immediately.
In addition, you can purchase extra accessories for the JOBY Beamo, including mounting options that allow you to attach it to a tripod or phone mount. Due to this fact, this model is hardly suitable for novice users looking for an all-in-one solution. However, if you already have some equipment, there is no need to worry about this shortcoming.
Color Temperature: 3200K - 5600K | Dimensions: 21.8 x 21.0 x 4.0 inches | Weight: 11.1 pounds | Power: 15v DC
Users tell that this studio lighting kit boasts impressive color accuracy, and I was pleased to discover that it is true. Thanks to the in-built diffuser, it produces soft light without any noticeable shadows. Besides, I was happy to see catchlights in my eyes, as they made my makeup TikToks more captivating.
Another benefit of this option is that it has many uses. It is shipped with two cold-shoe mounts and a 1⁄4-inch-20 mount. Due to this, I can use it for shooting various types of content, including my dance videos for TikTok and my favorite DIY tutorials.
The kit is shipped with a sturdy stand, which allows me to secure my camera or smartphone in one position. It comes with a variety of mounting options, so I can use it together with digital and action cameras that weigh up to 10 pounds.
I was slightly disappointed that this model does not have a remote. Besides, it’s more expensive than some other options on this list, even though it provides great value for the money.
Color Temperature: 5600K | Dimensions: 3.1 x 3.1 x 1.0 in | Weight: 1.76 oz | Power: Micro USB
This lighting for TikTok is one of the most portable models I have ever used. It is extremely small and lightweight, which allows me to put it in my pocket and take it with me to any outdoor location I want to visit. Besides, I can control it with the help of a wireless remote. Due to this, I do not have to deal with cables, which makes it perfect for my trips.
When testing out this selfie ring light for TikTok, I managed to shoot quite decent videos in my living room even though the lighting was not impressive. I was pleased that it allowed me to choose between three brightness levels. When shooting an interview, I attached it to my laptop. While the lighting conditions in my room are not great, the QIAYA ring light helped me make the light softer.
Unfortunately, the battery life is not as good as I hoped. Besides, I noticed a bluish blur in some videos I captured.
Color Temperature: 3200 - 5600K | Dimensions: 18 in | Weight: 7.98 lbs | Power: Rechargeable battery
This light for green screen is surprisingly portable. Despite it’s 18 inches, for me, it’s the best ring light size for TikTok as it big enough, but I still can put it in a carrying case and take it with me anywhere. It comes with two rechargeable batteries, so there is no need to look for a location with a power outlet.
After using it in different lighting conditions, I was pleased with its overall performance. When shooting videos at the studio, I noticed its powerful light output and extensive control options. The dial controls for adjusting temperature and brightness are quite handy. I was able to adjust the light with high precision to get pro-level makeup TikToks.
Another advantage of this model is that it supports a CRI of up to 97. It allows me to shoot great makeup tutorials and product reviews with improved lighting and capture rich colors. Even though I am mostly happy with this ring light, it is more expensive than some other options in my list. Besides, it takes me too long to charge its batteries.
Color Temperature: 5600K, 4100K, 3200K | Dimensions: 5.1" (outer), 1.5" (inner) | Weight: 1.54 lbs | Power: 3 AA batteries
This kit is best suited for those who are looking for a compact option for indoor and outdoor use. I like this model as it is shipped with a mini tripod that can be used as an extended camera grip, which is quite useful as I shoot content for TikTok both in my studio or taking a walk.
This LED light for photography supports good brightness, even though there are more powerful options on my list. The only shortcoming is that the color temperature can be adjusted only with the help of filters. However, if you need to create content quickly, you don’t need to worry about it much.
What I like about this ring light for TikTok is that it does not obstruct the screen of your phone when you capture footage. It has a convenient design and extensive functionality, which enables users to adjust focus and configure brightness on the go or add TikTok filters.
Brightness. The main benefit of the dimmable ring light is the ability to regulate brightness. Certain video LED lights even boast a stepless dimming system for creating a seamless gradient from dark to bright. Still, in case the selected ring light doesn’t allow for tweaking the brightness, simply place the light slightly further from the camera to make the lighting less intense.
Lumens. Lumens indicate the strength of lighting. It is incredibly simple – the high lumens value implies that the lighting will be bright enough. Looking through the list of characteristics, you may come across the power of the light (measured in W). Don’t let it throw you off the track – the number of lumens is the most significant indicator of the LED light’s intensity.
Size. The best size of ring light for TikTok is determined by the purpose of its use. A big LED ring light with a diameter of 18 inches is a more universal option than a smaller clip-on model.
Although small LED ring lights are quite inexpensive, the lighting produced by them isn’t robust enough. Such small clip-on models are more suitable for chatting by video, taking selfies, or recording TikTok videos.
But if you are going to film vlogs, YouTube videos, makeup tutorials, etc., opt for a more functional video lighting kit, e.g. LED ring light between 8 to 14 inches.
Color control. To figure out how natural and precise the output of light will be compared to external lighting sources, like daylight, pay attention to the color rendering index or CRI value of the ring light. Besides, the ability to tweak the lighting temperature of the ring light helps a lot if you plan to shoot various subjects in different conditions.
Dimming capabilities are important as well since they let you regulate the amount of light thrown on the subject. In this case, you won’t need to change the location of the ring light to achieve optimal brightness.
When shooting professional content, I discovered that it is extremely important to utilize the right gear. While it’s impossible to overestimate the importance of a ring light, I also use other accessories to shoot clips.
Movo Vlogging Kit for TikTok
This all-in-one kit includes a microphone with a shock mount and a convenient windscreen to minimize the noise level. It’s shipped with a tabletop and a full-size tripod, a phone holder for capturing videos, panel light, a Bluetooth shutter remote, and a wide-angle lens, which makes it the perfect choice for novices who have recently started to shoot TikTok videos.
Editing software. TikTok video editing apps allow me to create engaging content by enhancing my footage. Using Adobe Premiere Pro, I add transitions and soundtracks to my videos to create the right atmosphere.
Microphones. Regardless of the type of video I am shooting, be it a makeup tutorial, a clip with DIY tips, or a dancing video, I need to capture professional-quality sound. I prefer to utilize a lavalier mic for YouTube, as it allows me to record videos without holding anything in my hands. I also like using a shotgun mic when I need to record voiceovers or shoot videos without noise.
Memory cards. When I need to shoot videos for hours, I know that I have to take multiple high-capacity memory cards to avoid situations when I have to stop shooting. I utilize high-speed cards to save time. It allows me to create long DIY tutorials and capture more footage for my makeup videos without worrying that I will miss anything.
Gimbals or handheld stabilizers. When shooting dance videos, I need to ensure that they are smooth and perfectly stabilized. As it might be difficult to achieve decent stabilization when I need to move around a lot, I use a gimbal to minimize shake and capture professional content for my TikTok followers.
Tripods. Whether I need to capture static shots when working on my makeup tutorials or record engaging dance videos, I need a good tripod for vlogging. It allows me to achieve perfect video stabilization and give my content a professional feel.
Drone. Even though I do not often use a drone as I do not specialize in this kind of shooting, occasionally I need to utilize it to capture magnificent aerial videos. Regardless of the type of video that I need to capture, DJI Mini 4 Pro allows me to shoot unique scenes from unusual angles.
Smartphone accessories. Even after purchasing a camera setup, I still use a smartphone when shooting specific scenes for my blogs. Using a gimbal, a compact tripod, a professional mic, and reliable lighting, I can record any type of footage in various locations and share clips with my audience.
Ring lights allow you to shoot engaging content without any deep shadows or other noticeable defects. Thanks to the design of a ring light consisting of many small LED lights, you can record a video without distracting shadows. Using even a DIY ring light, you can diffuse light to achieve consistent lighting while avoiding highlights and shadows. It will allow you to capture perfect skin texture.
Your choice depends on the intended purpose of use and the project you work on. Large ring lights produce more light. 10-12-inch lights are perfect for taking selfie photos. 14-18-inch ring lights are more suitable for those who want to capture full-body videos with the light standing several feet away from a model.
If you often shoot videos outdoors, the QIAYA Selfie Ring Light or the Rotolight Ultimate Vlogging Kit might be the solution you are looking for. They are extremely lightweight and portable. Besides, you can purchase them with handy carrying cases and select a suitable battery for your needs.
If you want to choose the most suitable model for your needs, consider ring lights with a CRI above 90, as it will allow you to capture colors with high accuracy. Due to this, you will be able to shoot professional content. A high CRI is crucial for makeup tutorials and other videos that require natural colors.
The prices of ring lights range from $20 to more than $200, depending on their functionality and quality. If you need to shoot TikTok videos, you can buy a decent ring light for $50-$150. Such models are of high quality, allow users to adjust their settings, support CRI, and come with handy accessories, such as tripods or phone mounts.
If you are just getting started, consider buying the EMART 10-inch Selfie Ring Light. It’s best suited for budget-conscious shooters, has intuitive controls, and produces a lot of light. You can adjust its brightness to your liking and select suitable color modes. This option is a great choice for novices who want to improve the quality of their video content.
