Wondering how to light your live stream so your video doesn’t look like it was filmed in a basement? We’ll show you how to create an affordable, effective lighting setup that does the job, even if you’re just starting out.
You don’t need to be a full-time streamer or have hundreds of thousands of subscribers to look good on camera. Even if your live streams are still casual and home-based, the right lighting can take your production quality to the next level. And it’s not just about looks—good lighting ensures your viewers focus on you, not on weird shadows or overexposed highlights on your face.
In this article, you’ll learn:
Why proper lighting is the key to a professional on-camera look
How to place front, side, and back lighting for a natural appearance
Which lights are worth starting with and which are suited for larger projects
How to avoid shadows and glare that ruin your footage
How to use lighting and your background to create atmosphere
How to build a reliable home lighting setup, step by step
Where to find inspiration and examples of real-world setups
Why lighting matters
Lighting is one of the most important elements of a live stream—often more important than the camera itself. It determines whether your face is clearly visible or lost in shadow, and whether the image is pleasant or hard to watch. Proper lighting can minimize imperfections, enhance facial expressions, and make you look both natural and polished.
If you’re new to this, keep in mind: it’s not just about making things brighter. It’s about how and where the light hits. The difference between “yeah, I’m visible” and “wow, this looks great” often comes down to a single light positioned just right.
Start with direction: Front, side, and back lighting
Good lighting isn’t just about the lamp—it’s about how you position it. One of the most reliable setups, even used in professional productions, is the three-point lighting system, which you can easily replicate at home.
Key light – Your main source of light, placed in front and slightly to one side of your face (typically just to the left or right of the camera). This shapes your features and brings out detail.
Fill light – A softer light placed on the opposite side to reduce shadows and soften contrasts. This can be a separate lamp or even reflected light from a white surface.
Back light – Positioned behind you and slightly above your head, this separates you from the background and adds depth to the frame.
You don’t need three pro-grade lights to get started. What matters is understanding each light’s purpose and replicating it with what you have on hand. Even a single lamp and a well-placed reflector can do wonders.
Mind the color temperature
Not all “white” light is good light. A warm 2700 K light makes you look like you’re sitting by candlelight—cozy, but not natural. On the other hand, a cool 7000 K light resembles harsh office or hospital lighting. Aim for a neutral white between 4000–5000 K to avoid looking ghostly or unnaturally orange.
Avoid overhead lighting
The most common mistake? Lighting from above—like a ceiling light. The result? Harsh shadows under your eyes, making you look tired, gloomy, or even spooky (the dreaded “panda eyes”). This kind of lighting flattens your features rather than shaping them. Instead, position your light slightly to the side, at or just above eye level, angled gently downwards. Your face will look more natural, with softer, more controlled shadows.
Don’t point the light into the camera or reflective surfaces
A light aimed straight into your camera lens is a surefire way to get lens flares, blown highlights, and low-contrast images. Shiny surfaces around you—like glossy furniture, whiteboards, or oily skin—can also reflect light directly into the camera or create distracting hot spots.
Fixes:
Adjust the angle of your lighting—avoid aiming directly at shiny surfaces.
Use diffusers (even something as simple as a sheer curtain can work) or softening filters.
Apply a bit of matte powder to reduce facial shine.
Use a reflector, diffuser or just a white sheet of paper
Sometimes the solution isn’t adding more lights—it’s making better use of the light you already have. If one side of your face is in shadow, you can “fill it in” using reflected light from the opposite side. All you need is a sheet of white paper, foam board, or a photography reflector.
This works because reflected light is soft and doesn’t cast harsh shadows. And because it’s indirect, it doesn’t blind you while you’re streaming. The result? A balanced, evenly lit face without the need for extra equipment.
Your background matters – viewers notice more than just you
You can have perfect lighting, a great camera, and all the confidence in the world—but if your background shows piles of laundry, a random exercise bike, or last night’s dinner, it undermines the entire setup. Your background isn’t just “the wall behind you”—it’s part of the frame. And the frame is what builds the mood and credibility of your live stream.
What makes a good background?
You don’t need a studio or a flawless wall—what matters is order and intentionality. A strong background can be:
A clean, solid-color wall – light or dark, as long as it’s uncluttered
A shelf with books or gear – adds personality and supports your image (e.g., tech-savvy, creative)
A curtain or drape – a cheap, quick solution for hiding a messy or busy space
A background with depth – even one meter between you and the wall gives your setup visual “breathing room”
Lighting the background – an easy way to set the mood
One of the simplest ways to add a “broadcast” feel to your stream—without breaking the bank—is to light the background instead of yourself. An LED light placed low behind your desk and aimed upward at the wall can completely transform the vibe. Options include:
A color RGB lamp, such as the Newell Rangha or Nano Sunset – adds a color accent that makes your stream pop
A soft bedside lamp – adds a touch of warmth and homeliness
An LED strip behind your monitor or furniture – especially popular in gaming setups
You can also use a softbox light aimed at the wall to create a subtle glow. This separates your silhouette from the background and adds depth to the scene.
Which lights and accessories should you choose?
Not everyone needs a studio-grade light worth thousands—but let’s be honest, no one wants to look like they’re on a 2008 webcam call either. The key is choosing gear that fits your actual needs. At Newell, we offer solutions for everyone—from first-time streamers to professional broadcasters and video creators (including vloggers and Reels enthusiasts!).
Starting out: Ring lights for simple setups
Who they’re for: Vloggers, educators, makeup artists, TikTok creators, and beginner streamers.
Best used in: Home offices, desk setups, face-to-camera recordings.
Newell RL-10A Arctic White
A compact ring light ideal for vloggers, streamers, and beauty creators. It delivers even facial lighting, perfect for both filming and makeup. Adjustable brightness and color temperature let you tailor the light to your environment. Comes with a tripod and a mount for your phone or camera.
Newell RL-18A WB Arctic White
A larger, more powerful sibling of the RL-10A, designed for use with cameras, makeup, and live streaming. Offers a color range of 3200–5500 K and adjustable brightness for greater control. Includes a remote, tripod, and smartphone mount—ideal for more advanced home studio setups. A great choice for creators ready to level up from a basic ring light.
High-power LED lights for more demanding setups
Who they’re for: Video creators, streamers, vloggers, green screen users, video professionals, and creative agencies.
Best used in: Studios, film sets, multi-camera productions.
Newell RGB Mitra 180
A compact yet powerful LED light offering full control. Features 36,000 color options, adjustable temperature (2700–6500 K), and a high CRI of 95+ for natural-looking tones. Can be controlled via DMX, app, or remote. Comes with a reflector dish for enhanced light output.
Newell Surja 400
A 330 W powerhouse perfect for studio or on-set use. Adjustable color temperature (2700–6500 K) and CRI 95+ ensure accurate, natural lighting. Supports DMX, app, and remote control, and features 12 special effects for creative flexibility. Includes Bowens mount and a reflector dish for extra versatility—built for serious creators.
Newell RGB Pravaha Max 135
A high-output, mobile LED designed for creators who need adaptable lighting for both studio and outdoor work. Offers 36,000 colors, color temperature adjustment (2700–6500 K), and runs on AC or V-Mount battery power. Compatible with Bowens-mount modifiers. Control via onboard panel, remote, or app. A great all-rounder for dynamic, creative shoots.
Soft, professional lighting – softboxes and ready-to-go kits
Who they’re for: YouTubers, online instructors, video podcasters, portrait and product photographers.
Best used in: Home studios or compact recording spaces.
Newell Sparkle Kit
A complete, portable lighting studio designed for product photography, packshots, and aesthetic visuals for online stores. Includes two LED lights with 50 x 70 cm softboxes, stands, and a carrying bag. Each light offers adjustable color temperature, up to 1650 lx brightness, and can be powered via outlet or battery. A modern, more efficient alternative to traditional bulb kits.
Newell Softboxes (Bowens mount)
For creators looking to take things further. Soft light without harsh shadows is ideal not only for streaming but also for portrait and depth-rich scene work. Compatible with most Newell Bowens-mount lights, these modifiers are easily swappable for flexible setups.
LED panels – color and portability
Who they’re for: Short-form creators, TikTokers, lifestyle content makers, vloggers, photographers.
Best used for: Face lighting, background effects, color accents, and special lighting.
Newell RGB Vividha Effect
A versatile 60 W LED panel offering full control over color, temperature, and brightness. Includes 15 built-in effects and Pixel FX mode with four individually controlled lighting zones. Operated via LCD panel or app. Can be powered by AC or NP-F batteries—ideal for creative shoots anywhere.
Newell RGB Vividha Max
A slim-profile LED light designed for creators who value mobility and total control. Offers adjustable color, temperature, brightness, and nine built-in effects for unique visuals. Equipped with a grip, angle adjustment, diffuser, and barndoors for precise shaping. Perfect for small studios and fast-paced outdoor shooting.
Newell Isztar – for smartphone filmmakers
Newell Isztar is a portable lighting kit built for smartphone creators—ideal for vloggers, TikTokers, and beauty specialists. It includes two flexible LED panels for even lighting, plus a central phone mount for framing stability. Touch controls and a remote make operation easy, while a USB port allows you to charge your device during shoots. An excellent solution for home studios.
A Simple, reliable lighting setup – step by step
If you’re not looking to dive deep into lighting theory and just want a setup that works every time, this layout is for you. It’s great for live streams or video recordings from a desk or home studio, and doesn’t require a lot of gear—just a few lights and a little space.
Position your key light slightly to the side and above eye level—ideally at a 45° angle from the camera. This direction highlights your facial features and avoids the flat, clinical look.
Soften the shadows on the other side of your face using a fill light or reflected light. You can use a weaker light source or bounce light with a white card, foam board, or reflector for a natural, balanced appearance.
Add a back light positioned slightly behind and to the side, aimed at your shoulders or the back of your head. This creates a subtle outline that separates you from the background and adds depth.
Light your background to add atmosphere and spatial context. Aim a secondary light (like an RGB lamp) at the wall, shelf, or decorative element behind you. Color accents look modern and professional, giving your scene character.
Avoid shine and reflections – shiny skin or reflective backgrounds can ruin your visuals. Use blotting paper or matte powder and avoid glossy surfaces behind you.
Test your setup before going live – record a short clip and watch it from your viewer’s perspective. Check for harsh shadows, overexposure, or glare. Sometimes even a few centimeters of light repositioning makes a big difference.
This setup is a solid foundation—whether you’re using a single LED light or a full kit. A little trial and error goes a long way toward achieving a truly professional look.
Lighting that makes a difference
As you can see, setting up proper lighting for live streaming doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Even with basic gear, you can achieve a clean, professional look that’s easy on the eyes. The most important part is understanding why you place each light the way you do. The rest is just testing, tweaking, and trusting your creative instincts.
Want to see real-world setups in action or get ideas for your own layout? Check out our Instagram @newell.pl. We regularly share short videos with tips, comparisons, and inspiration—perfect for beginners and creators who love experimenting with their scene. 📲
