Ring Light Settings for Reels, YouTube and Makeup: Warm, Cool or RGB?

Most ring lights give you three looks: warm white, cool white and RGB colour. Picking the right one for each shot is the easiest way to make phone videos look professional. Below are simple settings for Instagram reels, YouTube videos, makeup tutorials, product photos and video calls.

Warm white, cool white and RGB: what each does

The golden rule: match your ring light to the other light in the room. If yellow bulbs are on, use warm white or switch the bulbs off. If daylight comes in through a window, use cool white. Mixed colours make skin look patchy.

Ring light for reels

1. Mode: cool white in the daytime, warm white for evening or cosy reels.
2. Position: centre of the ring at eye level or slightly above, one to two feet away.
3. Brightness: medium to high, but lower it if you see shiny patches on your forehead or nose.
4. Extra: for dance or festive reels, put coloured light on the background (from a second light or a lamp) and keep white light on your face.

YouTube talking videos

1. Mode: the white that matches your room. Keep it the same across videos so your channel looks consistent.
2. Position: straight on for a clean, even look, or 30 to 45 degrees to one side for more depth.
3. Background: switch on a soft lamp behind you so you stand out from the wall.
4. Windows: never sit with a window behind you. Face it, or close the curtain.

Ring light for makeup

1. Mode: cool white, so foundation, lipstick and eyeshadow colours show more accurately.
2. Position: straight in front of your face for even, shadow-free light, with the phone in the centre holder.
3. Check: look at the final result in daylight too, because no lamp shows colour exactly like the sun.

Product photos for sellers

1. Mode: cool white.
2. Background: a white sheet or chart paper curving from the table up the wall.
3. Position: light at 45 degrees to the product so it shows its shape. For shiny products, move the light until the reflection disappears.
4. Consistency: shoot from the same spot each time so your catalogue photos match.

Video calls and online classes

1. Mode: warm or cool, to match your room.
2. Brightness: low. You only need enough light for a clear face.
3. Position: behind your laptop at eye level. The laptop's USB port can power the light.

Creative RGB ideas

1. Light the wall behind you in one colour for a clean, branded look.
2. Use RGB in the background for festival and party reels.
3. Avoid strong coloured light on your face in long talking videos, as it changes your skin tone.

Ring light vs softbox

A softbox is a large square or round light box, usually set at an angle as the main light. It gives more shape and softer shadows, but takes more space and setting up. A ring light sits in front of you, gives even light with very few shadows and a round catchlight in your eyes, and holds your phone in the middle. For phone creators at home, a ring light is the simpler start; many YouTubers add a softbox or LED panel later as a second light.

Phone camera settings that help

1. Record talking videos at 1080p or 4K, at 30 frames per second.
2. Lock focus and exposure on your face so the brightness does not jump while you move.
3. Keep the lens clean and the phone in the centre holder for straight-on shots.

New to ring lights? Start with our step-by-step setup guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is an RGB ring light good for YouTube?

Yes. Use the white modes for your face, and RGB for background colour or special videos.

Warm or cool light for makeup?

Cool white, for accurate colours. Check the final look in daylight as well.

Why do I see a circle in my eyes in videos?

That is the ring's catchlight. It is normal, and many creators like it because it makes eyes look bright.

Can a ring light replace a softbox?

For phone videos at home, a ring light is usually enough on its own. A softbox is useful when you want more shaped, dramatic light or a two-light setup.

Related guides

1. How to choose the best ring light for your phone
2. Ring light sizes explained

Our 10 inch RGB ring light with 7 feet stand and 10 inch RGB ring light with phone holder both switch between warm white, cool white and RGB colour from a controller on the USB cable.