How to Use Your Screen as a Light for Video Calls
October 31, 2026 · TrimSwap
A bright screen in front of you is a surprisingly good light. It's large and soft, which is flattering, and you already own it. Here's how to make the most of it.
What you need
Any screen works, but a second screen is best: a spare monitor, a tablet or an old phone next to your camera. You keep your call on the main screen and use the spare one as the light. With just one screen, you can open the light in a window beside your call instead.
Set it up in four steps
- Open the video call light on the screen you're using as a light.
- Turn that screen's brightness all the way up. The page can't be brighter than the screen allows.
- Place it in front of you, close to the camera and a little above eye level, angled toward your face.
- Adjust the warmth until your skin looks natural on camera, then go full screen.
Warm or cool light?
Match the light that's already in your room. Under ordinary indoor bulbs, choose a warm setting so you don't look blue. Next to a window in daylight, choose daylight or cool. If you're not sure, start at neutral and nudge the slider while watching your camera preview.
Fixing common problems
- My face looks orange or blue. Move the warmth slider the other way.
- There's glare in my glasses. Raise the light screen and tilt it down, or move it slightly to one side.
- It's not bright enough. Move the screen closer, add a second one on the other side, or turn other lights in the room down a little so the screen does more of the work.
- My face is dark and the background is bright. There's probably a window or lamp behind you. Face the window instead, or close the curtains.
No sliders needed?
A plain white screen or warm white screen works too, and a pink screen gives a soft, flattering glow for selfies.