How To Set Up A 3 Light Studio For YouTube Videos: A Beginner’s Guide

Introduction

Good lighting makes a big difference in video quality. If you want better videos, you need better lighting. A 3 light studio setup is a good place to start. It’s simple, clear, and works for most types of YouTube videos. You don’t need to be an expert. With the right setup, your videos can look professional.

In this guide, you will learn how to use three lights in a simple setup. You’ll also learn where to put each light, why they matter, and how to adjust them. This helps your videos look clean, bright, and easy to watch.

What Is a 3 Light Studio Setup?

A 3 light setup uses three lights:

Key Light: The main light that lights up your face or subject.
Fill Light: A second light that removes harsh shadows.
Back Light (Hair/Edge Light): A third light behind you. It helps separate you from the background.

These three lights work together. Each one has a job. When used correctly, they make your video clear and professional.

Why This Setup Works

This setup is simple, but powerful. It creates balance in your shot. The key light shows your face. The fill light makes sure your face doesn’t look too dark. The back light adds depth. Without it, your background may look flat.

If you only use one light, your face will have shadows. With three lights, shadows go away. The result is smooth, even lighting. This helps people focus on what you say.

What You Need

You will need:

One main (key) light
One fill light
One back light
Light stands or tripods
Softboxes or diffusers (to make light soft)

You can use a 3 light studio lightin kit. These kits have everything in one box. If you don’t have a kit yet, see the top 4 light kit options for 2025.

Step 1: Set Up the Key Light

The key light is your most important light. Place it at a 45-degree angle to your face. It should be higher than your eyes and pointing down. This adds a small shadow under your nose and chin. This makes your face look 3D and real.

Use a softbox if the light is too bright. A softbox softens the light. It makes your skin look smoother.

If the light is too strong, move it back. If it’s too weak, move it closer.

Step 2: Add the Fill Light

The fill light goes on the opposite side of your key light. It should not be as bright as your key light. This light fills in the shadows on your face.

Use a softbox here too, or place a white cloth in front of the light.

Place it lower than the key light. This keeps the lighting soft and flat. If it is too strong, your face may look flat and dull. Keep the fill light soft.

Tip: If you don’t have a second light, you can use a white board or reflector to bounce light from the key light.

Step 3: Set Up the Back Light

The back light goes behind you. You can put it to the left or right. This light shines on your hair and shoulders. It adds a light edge. This separates you from the background.

Use a small light for this. It doesn’t need to be strong. You just want a little glow on your outline.

If this light is too bright, your video will look strange. If it’s too soft, it won’t work. Test it until it looks right.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Lights too close: This makes your face too bright and causes hot spots.
Lights too far: Your video may look dark or grainy.
Wrong angles: Shadows may fall the wrong way. Try 45-degree placement.
No softbox: The light will look harsh and unflattering.

Take time to test each light. Small changes can improve the look a lot.

Choosing the Right Lights

To get good results, you need the right lights. Not all lights are the same. Some lights are too warm. Some are too cold. Some are too weak. For YouTube videos, you want lights that are:

Bright enough to light your subject clearly
Adjustable so you can control brightness
Close to natural daylight (around 5500K)
Easy to set up and move

Softbox kits are good for beginners. They give soft light and are easy to control. LED panel lights are great too. They are flat, bright, and often have color settings.

If you want strong light and more options, use an RGBWW panel or a flexible LED mat. These give more control but cost more.

Room Type Affects Your Setup

The room you use will change how the lights work. Each room type has its own issues. Here’s how to fix them:

Small Rooms

Light bounces off the walls. It makes the video look flat or too bright. Use softboxes to control the light. Place your lights close to your subject, not the walls. Use low brightness if the room is white or shiny.

Dark Rooms

Too little light. Video looks grainy or unclear. Use strong LED panels or 70W continuous lights like the Godox SL60IID. Add one more light if needed. Set your key light closer to your face.

Rooms With Sunlight

Light changes during the day. Shadows move. Color tone changes. Block sunlight if you can. Rely on your studio lights for consistent results. Match color temperature to 5500K.

How High and How Far?

Key light: 1.5 to 2 meters away, above eye level, angled down
Fill light: Same level as your face, slightly farther
Back light: Behind and above you, aimed at your shoulders

Test different distances to get the right look.

Color Temperature and White Balance

Use lights with 5500K color temperature. This looks like daylight. Set your camera’s white balance to match. If your lights don’t adjust, set your camera manually or use a preset.

Power Supply Tips

Make sure your lights match your country’s voltage. Some are made for 120v (USA). Others for 220v. Use a converter if needed. Check the plug type and get an adapter if necessary.

App Control and Wireless Options

Some lights work with mobile apps. You can control brightness and color from your phone. This is useful when filming alone. The Aputure Amaran line supports the Sidus Link app.

Importance of Testing

Before filming, test your setup:

Turn on all lights
Record a short video
Watch the clip
Fix any shadows, color problems, or brightness

Repeat until the lighting looks clean.

Filming Tips With a 3 Light Setup

Keep your face centered in the light
Use tape to mark where to sit or stand
Turn off all other lights unless you use them in your setup

Common Problems and Fixes

Shadow behind you → Move farther from the wall
Flat face lighting → Lower the fill light strength
Glare on glasses → Raise the key light and tilt glasses slightly
Skin color issues → Set all lights to 5500K and adjust white balance

Upgrading Your Setup Over Time

Start small. Add better lights as you grow:

Softbox kits (budget)
Godox SL60IID (mid-range)
Aputure Amaran F22X (flexible light)
Aputure Amaran P60C (RGB and app control)

See the full comparison:
👉 Top 4 Best 3 Light Studio Lightin Kit Options for Summer 2025

Final Advice

Practice using your setup
Don’t use camera auto settings
Use a monitor or mirror to check your frame
Adjust one light at a time for better control
Keep the lighting clean, soft, and simple

Final Words

A 3 light studio setup is powerful, easy to use, and great for YouTube. It gives your videos a sharp, professional look. It helps people focus on your message.

Stick to the basics. Start small. Improve as you go. Use what works. Practice and test often.

✅ For the best lighting kits to begin or upgrade your setup, check our full review here:
👉 Top 4 Best 3 Light Studio Lightin Kit Options for Summer 2025

How to Set Up a 3 Light Studio for YouTube Videos: A Beginner’s Guide