💡 TIP: Low-Cost Video Light for New Vloggers and YouTubers in the Philippines

By Jonathan Orbuda @ilovetansyong
Are you a new vlogger or aspiring YouTuber trying to step up your video quality without spending too much? You're not alone! When I started my own content creation journey, I used to rely on natural light or—let's be honest—my phone’s built-in flash. đŸ˜… It worked okay at first, but I knew I had to improve my lighting setup to really make my content pop.
After doing a bit of research and testing different options, I finally found a budget-friendly video light that works surprisingly well, especially for beginners in the Philippines. Whether you're filming sit-down vlogs, unboxings, makeup tutorials, or even product reviews, proper lighting makes all the difference—and you don’t need to shell out thousands of pesos to get it right.
  đŸŽĽ WATCH THE VLOG

đŸ”Ś Why Lighting Matters

Good lighting:
  • Makes your videos look more professional
  • Helps highlight your facial expressions and products
  • Reduces grain/noise in low-light shots
  • Keeps your viewers more engaged

✅ My Recommendation: Affordable Video Light for Beginners

I personally picked up a USB-powered LED panel light from an online marketplace like Lazada or Shopee for under ₱500. Here’s why it works:
  • Adjustable brightness and color temperature
  • Compact and portable, perfect for micro-living setups
  • Can be mounted on tripods, ring light stands, or even clipped onto a desk
  • Great for indoor filming, even during nighttime or cloudy days

If you’re on a tight budget, you can also repurpose clip-on desk lamps with daylight bulbs as a DIY alternative!

đŸ’Ą Pro Tip: Maximize What You Have

If you can’t invest in multiple lights just yet:
  • Use reflective surfaces (like white foam boards or walls) to bounce light
  • Position your light source in front of you (not behind) to avoid harsh shadows
  • Film during daytime and use natural light by a window whenever possible
Starting your vlogging journey doesn’t have to cost a lot. With just a small investment in lighting, you can instantly elevate your video quality and make your content stand out. Remember, you don’t need the most expensive gear to be a great creator—you just need the right tools, smart tips, and a lot of passion.
✨ If this helped you, check out my vlog where I demonstrate how I use my new lighting setup at home—and don’t forget to like, comment your setup tips, and subscribe for more content creation hacks!