What is the Ring Light Challenge?
The Ring Light Challenge, also known as the Infinity Challenge, is a popular TikTok trend where users make creative videos using a ring light. The trend started in late 2020 and went viral in early 2021 (1).
To do the challenge, users set up a ring light and position their phone’s camera directly in the center hole of the ring light. This creates a cool infinity mirror effect in the video, with repeated reflections of the user extending outward in a loop. The visual effect looks like the user is in an endless hallway of mirror reflections.
TikTokers get creative with this trend by showing outfit changes, dance moves, or making transitions as their infinite reflections repeat in the background of the video (1). The trick is to move just enough to show the repeating effect, but not too much that the illusion gets broken.
The hashtag #ringlightchallenge has over 640 million views on TikTok, showing the tremendous popularity of this viral trend (1). People love the mesmerizing optical effect created by the simple setup of a phone in a ring light.
Sources:
(1) https://wegotthiscovered.com/videos/the-ring-light-trend-is-blowing-up-on-tiktok/
Why Try the Ring Light Challenge?
The ring light challenge is a fun and creative new video trend on TikTok. It allows you to play with lighting and shadows to showcase different sides of yourself. According to TikTok’s Infinity Challenge Uses Light and Shadow for Dramatic Effect, trying the challenge is a great way to experiment with moody and aesthetic video styles that highlight your features in an artistic way. The visual effect of the shadows and light contours on your face and body can produce a captivating video. It’s different than typical TikTok challenges and offers a chance to tap into your creative side.
What You Need
The key pieces of equipment you’ll need for the ring light challenge are:
A ring light. This is the signature piece that creates the dramatic lighting effect. Look for one that is adjustable and offers different color temperatures. Popular affordable options are from brands like Neewer and Emart.
A phone or camera. You’ll need a phone or camera to record the video. Make sure it has decent video quality and stabilization for best results.
A tripod. Mount your phone on a tripod to keep the camera steady during filming. Get one with adjustable height and a phone clamp like this kit that includes both a ring light and tripod.
Set Up Your Ring Light
Proper positioning and angle of your ring light is crucial for getting the best lighting in your TikTok video. Here are some tips:
Position the ring light in front of you, about 2-3 feet away. Any closer and the light will be too harsh. Any further and you may not get enough illumination on your face.
Angle the ring light up slightly so it’s pointing at your face. Typically a 10-20 degree angle upwards is ideal. Don’t angle it too far up or you’ll get unflattering shadows under your chin and nose.
Place the ring light off to one side rather than directly in front of your face. Having the light at a 45 degree angle to either side creates better definition on your facial features.1
Experiment with moving the ring light closer or farther, higher or lower, until you achieve the lighting look you desire. The key is evenly illuminating your face without harsh shadows.
Plan Your Video Concept
When planning your video concept for the ring light challenge, think about the overall style, poses, and transitions you want to include. Some ideas:
- Do a cute or funny concept, like pretending to apply makeup or get ready in the morning.
- Show different angles and poses while moving the ring light around your face.
- Use creative transitions like zooming in and out on your eyes or mouth as you move the ring light.
- Switch up facial expressions from smiling to surprised to serious.
- Coordinate outfits and locations to match your video theme or mood.
- Lip sync or dance along to a trending sound or song.
- Collaborate with friends by passing the ring light to each other.
Getting creative with your poses and transitions will help make your video unique and eye-catching. Plan out your concept in advance so you can capture the best content. Watch other popular ring light challenge videos for inspiration.
Film Your Video
When you’re ready to start filming, find a place with good lighting and set up your ring light. Position yourself in the frame and adjust the ring light so it hits your face evenly. Start recording and deliver your script or just speak naturally about your topic. Record several takes, watching playback after each one. Look for bad angles, lighting issues, or parts where you stumbled on your words. Keep filming until you have a few solid takes to choose from.
As you record, get creative with angles and framing. Move the camera around, do close-ups, and utilize different distances. Mix things up so you have options during editing. Also capture some b-roll footage – shots of objects related to your video or other visuals to splice throughout the final edit.
Pay close attention to your on-camera presence too. Make eye contact with the lens, speak clearly and confidently, and inject your personality into the video. Bring plenty of energy and charisma. Remember to have fun! The final video will shine when you’re enjoying the filming process.
Edit Your Video
Once you have recorded all your clips, it’s time to edit them together into a cohesive video using TikTok’s built-in editing tools or a third-party app like InShot or CapCut. Trimming your clips helps keep the video concise by removing any unnecessary footage at the beginning or end of the clip. You can split one long clip into multiple shorter clips to better control the pacing. Add transitions like wipes, dissolves, and splits to smoothly transition between clips.
TikTok’s effects tool allows you to easily add fun effects like filters, text overlays, stickers, and more to enhance your video. Pick effects that match the mood and style of your video concept. Using too many distracting effects can make the video feel cluttered, so choose ones that highlight or complement your content rather than overwhelm it. The CapCut app offers advanced editing options like speed controls, split screens, and green screen effects if you want more editing capabilities.
Once your clips are organized, trimmed, and enhanced with effects and transitions, watch the entire edited video to ensure the pacing and energy aligns with the style you envisioned when planning the video. Make adjustments as needed until you are fully satisfied with the final edited video.
Add Music and Sound
Picking a popular sound can help your video go viral on TikTok. Look at the TikTok Billboard Top 50 chart to find trending sounds that are resonating with users. You could also check out TikTok’s curated playlists like Top TikTok Songs 2024 to find sounds that are getting traction.
After selecting a trending TikTok sound or song, you can record a voiceover to make the video more unique. Speak clearly and energetically in time with the music. Keep voiceovers short and concise. The voiceover will play while you do the lighting transitions for added explanation and entertainment.
Final Touches
Once you have edited your video, it’s time to add the final touches that will make your video stand out on TikTok. Be sure to include relevant text overlays, hashtags, and captions that will help people find your video when searching TikTok.
Text overlays can highlight key moments or quotes from your video. Place them strategically so they don’t cover up too much of the action. Popular hashtags related to the ring light challenge include #ringlightchallenge, #ringlightcheck, and #reflect. Include a mix of broader and more niche hashtags so your video reaches the right audience.
Your caption can provide context and tell people why they should watch the video. Aim for captions between 100-200 characters. End with a call to action for people to try the challenge themselves. Proofread your captions to maximize the chance of ranking in TikTok search.
With eye-catching video content and compelling overlays, captions, and hashtags, your ring light challenge TikTok will be primed for success!
Share on TikTok
Once your video is complete, it’s time to share it on TikTok! Here are some tips for getting the most views and engagement:
Post the video to your TikTok profile. Make sure to use relevant hashtags so your video shows up in searches. Some popular hashtags for the ring light challenge include #ringlightchallenge, #ringlightcheck, and #vibecheck. You can add up to 100 hashtags.
Engage with viewers in the comments. Respond to any questions and thank people for compliments. You can also pin a comment with a call-to-action for more engagement.
Consider promoting your video in the app. You can pay to boost your post to reach more viewers. Tap the promote icon on your video in the app and choose your goal, like more views or profile visits. Refer to TikTok’s promote documentation for step-by-step instructions.
Share the video link to other platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube to reach more of your audience. You can also embed your video on a website or blog.
Keep engaging with your new viewers. Reply to comments, like videos, and follow back users who engaged with your post. This helps build genuine connections on TikTok.
