Heyday Ring Light

How I Transformed My Content Creation Journey with the Perfect Lighting Solution

As I sit in my newly transformed home studio space, bathed in the perfect glow of my Heyday ring light, I can’t help but reflect on how dramatically this simple device has changed my content creation game. Three months ago, I was struggling with shadows, unflattering angles, and that unmistakable “shot on a potato” look that plagued my videos. Today? I’m actually proud of what I’m producing.

If you’re anything like me—constantly on video calls, creating content, or just wanting to look your best on screen—then finding the right lighting solution isn’t just helpful, it’s absolutely essential. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the Heyday ring light, based on my own experience and countless hours of research.

My Lighting Journey: From Shadows to Spotlight

Let me take you back to January. I was trying to launch my side hustle as a part-time content creator while maintaining my day job (hello, endless Zoom meetings). I was using my apartment’s overhead lighting and sometimes a desk lamp awkwardly propped on books. The results were… well, let’s just say they weren’t doing me any favors.

After one particularly disastrous video where I looked like I was filming from a cave, I decided enough was enough. I needed professional lighting, but without the professional price tag. After diving into the world of ring lights, I discovered the Heyday brand at Target, and my content creation journey hasn’t been the same since.

Understanding Ring Lights: Why They’re a Creator’s Best Friend

Before we dive into the specifics of the Heyday ring light, let’s talk about why ring lights have become the go-to lighting solution for creators of all types.

Ring lights create that distinctive, even illumination that eliminates harsh shadows and provides a flattering glow. The circular design disperses light evenly across your face, creating what photographers call “catchlights” in your eyes—those little sparkles that make your eyes pop on camera.

When I first started researching lighting options, I was overwhelmed by the technical jargon and price ranges. Some professional setups cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars! As someone just starting out, I needed something affordable yet effective, and that’s exactly where the Heyday ring light fits in.

The Heyday Ring Light: Features That Stand Out

When I first unboxed my Heyday ring light, I was immediately impressed by its sleek design and solid build quality. This wasn’t some flimsy plastic toy—it felt like a proper piece of equipment.

Size and Design

The Heyday ring light comes in a 10-inch diameter, which I’ve found to be the sweet spot for most content creation needs. It’s large enough to provide ample illumination for your face and upper body, but not so massive that it dominates your workspace.

The ring itself has a clean, minimalist design with a smooth white finish that blends well with most decor. Unlike some other budget options I’d considered, there’s nothing about the Heyday that screams “cheap.” It has a professional appearance that wouldn’t look out of place in a dedicated studio setting.

Brightness Levels and Adjustability

One feature that immediately won me over was the adjustable brightness levels. The Heyday ring light offers 10 different brightness settings, allowing you to fine-tune the illumination based on your environment and needs.

I’ve found this incredibly useful as my lighting needs change throughout the day. In the morning, when natural light streams through my windows, I might only need the ring light at 30-40% brightness. But come evening, I can crank it up to 80-90% to compensate for the darker environment.

Color Temperature Options

If you’re new to lighting, you might not realize how important color temperature is to the overall look of your content. Warmer light (yellower) tends to be more flattering and cozy, while cooler light (bluer) can appear more clinical and bright.

The Heyday ring light offers three color temperature modes: warm (3000K), natural (4500K), and cool (6000K). This versatility has been a game-changer for me. I typically use the warm setting for more personal, conversational content and the cool setting for professional calls or when I need to appear more alert and focused.

Being able to switch between these modes with a simple touch control means I can quickly adapt to different content needs without having to adjust my entire setup.

Portability and Setup

At just under 2 pounds, the Heyday ring light is remarkably lightweight and portable. I’ve transported it between my home office, living room, and even to a friend’s place for a collaborative project without any hassle.

The collapsible tripod stand that comes with the ring light extends from approximately 15 inches to a maximum height of about 50 inches. This range has been more than sufficient for my needs, whether I’m filming seated at my desk or standing for a more dynamic shot.

Setting up the Heyday ring light couldn’t be simpler. The first time took me less than five minutes from unboxing to fully assembled, and now I can have it ready to go in under a minute.

Powering Options: Flexibility for Different Scenarios

The Heyday ring light is USB-powered, which offers tremendous flexibility. I typically have it plugged into a wall adapter, but I’ve also successfully powered it from my laptop USB port and even a portable power bank when filming on location.

This versatility has been invaluable. During a recent power outage, I was able to continue an important video call by powering the ring light from my laptop, which was running on battery. That kind of flexibility simply isn’t possible with many AC-powered lighting options.

The included USB cable is approximately 6 feet long, which provides decent range for positioning. However, I did eventually purchase a longer 10-foot cable to give myself even more placement options.

Smart Attachments and Accessories

Phone Holder

One of my favorite features of the Heyday ring light is the included phone holder attachment. This clever device clamps securely to the ring light and can hold smartphones of various sizes (I’ve tested it with both my iPhone 13 Pro Max and a friend’s smaller Android device).

The phone holder rotates 360 degrees, allowing for both landscape and portrait orientation. This versatility has been particularly useful for creating content for different platforms—horizontal for YouTube, vertical for TikTok and Instagram Stories.

Remote Control Functionality

While the Heyday ring light doesn’t come with a dedicated remote control, I discovered that most Bluetooth camera remotes work perfectly with it. I purchased an inexpensive remote for about $12, and it’s dramatically improved my workflow by allowing me to start and stop recordings without constantly walking to and from the camera.

This might seem like a small detail, but when you’re creating content regularly, these little efficiencies add up to significant time savings.

Price Point: Exceptional Value for the Quality

Let’s talk about what might be the most compelling aspect of the Heyday ring light: its price point. Currently retailing at around $39.99 at Target, it represents extraordinary value compared to similar products on the market.

When I was researching ring lights, I found comparable models from other brands priced anywhere from $50 to $100, with some professional options exceeding $200. The Heyday offers nearly all the same functionality at a fraction of the cost.

This accessible price point makes the Heyday ring light an excellent entry point for beginners or those on a budget. You’re getting professional-quality lighting without the professional-level investment.

Where to Purchase: Availability and Options

As a Target exclusive brand, Heyday products, including the ring light, are primarily available through Target stores and Target.com. This exclusivity has both advantages and disadvantages.

On the positive side, Target often runs sales on Heyday products, and if you have a Target RedCard, you can save an additional 5%. I was able to purchase mine during a promotion and saved about $8 off the regular price.

The downside is more limited availability compared to brands sold through multiple retailers. If your local Target is out of stock, you might need to wait for a restock or order online.

In my experience, the Target website usually shows accurate in-store inventory, so you can check availability before making a trip. When I purchased mine, I ordered online with in-store pickup and had it ready within two hours.

Setup Guide: Getting the Most from Your Heyday Ring Light

Once you’ve purchased your Heyday ring light, proper setup is key to achieving the best results. Here’s the process I follow for optimal lighting:

1. Position the ring light at eye level or slightly above: This provides the most flattering angle and minimizes shadows under your chin and eyes.
2. Place the light 2-3 feet away from your face: Too close, and the light can be harsh and overwhelming; too far, and you lose its effectiveness.
3. Adjust brightness based on your environment: Start at around 60% brightness and adjust up or down based on your room’s ambient lighting.
4. Experiment with color temperatures: Try all three settings to see which is most flattering for your skin tone and complements your background.
5. Use the phone holder for consistent framing: Even if you’re using a separate camera, the phone holder can be useful for monitoring your appearance or as a teleprompter.
6. Consider your background: The ring light will illuminate not just you but also what’s behind you. A simple, uncluttered background usually works best.
7. Test different heights: The adjustable tripod allows you to create different looks by changing the height of the light relative to your position.

Following these steps has dramatically improved the quality of my content, and I regularly receive compliments on how professional my videos look now.

Real-World Performance: My Three-Month Experience

After using the Heyday ring light consistently for over three months, I feel qualified to speak about its durability and long-term performance.

Daily Use and Durability

I use my ring light almost daily—sometimes for quick video calls and other times for hours-long content creation sessions. Despite this heavy usage, it continues to perform flawlessly. The LED lights show no signs of dimming, and the controls remain responsive.

The tripod stand has proven surprisingly sturdy. Initially, I was concerned about stability, especially at its maximum height, but it has remained stable even when I accidentally bumped my desk (which happens more often than I’d like to admit).

The only minor sign of wear is on the USB cable, which has developed a slight bend near the connector from repeated plugging and unplugging. This is common with most cables and doesn’t affect functionality.

Battery Life and Performance

Since the Heyday ring light is USB-powered rather than battery-operated, there’s no battery life to discuss in the traditional sense. However, I have used it with portable power banks on several occasions.

When powered by my 20,000mAh power bank, the ring light lasted approximately 4-5 hours at medium brightness before depleting the bank. This makes it perfectly viable for on-location shoots or outdoor recording sessions where power outlets aren’t available.

The power consumption is efficient enough that I haven’t noticed any significant impact on my electricity bill, even with regular use.

Comparing Heyday to Other Ring Lights

Before purchasing the Heyday, I researched several alternatives at different price points. Here’s how it compares to some popular competitors:

Budget Options ($15-30)

At the lowest end of the market, you’ll find very basic ring lights with limited brightness levels, fixed color temperatures, and flimsy stands. While these might work in a pinch, they typically lack the durability and features of the Heyday.

I briefly tried a $20 model from Amazon before returning it due to inconsistent lighting and a wobbly stand that couldn’t support my phone properly.

Mid-Range Competitors ($40-80)

The Heyday sits at the lower end of what I’d consider the mid-range market. Comparable products include the Lume Cube Ring Light ($49.99) and the UBeesize 10″ Ring Light ($42.99).

While these alternatives offer similar features, I found the Heyday provided better build quality than the UBeesize and matched the Lume Cube’s performance at a lower price point.

Professional Options ($100+)

At the higher end, brands like Elgato and Neewer offer premium ring lights with additional features like WiFi connectivity, app control, or larger diameters.

While these professional options do offer some advantages—particularly in terms of brightness and color accuracy—they represent diminishing returns for most content creators. Unless you’re doing professional photography or have specific technical requirements, the Heyday provides about 80-90% of the functionality at roughly 30-40% of the cost.

Professional Applications: Beyond Basic Content Creation

While marketed primarily to casual content creators, I’ve found the Heyday ring light capable of supporting more professional applications as well.

Photography Applications

Though not designed specifically for professional photography, the Heyday ring light can serve as an excellent fill light or even primary light source for portrait photography. I’ve used it for LinkedIn profile photos and simple product photography with impressive results.

The even illumination is particularly flattering for facial features, and when combined with a decent camera, the results can be indistinguishable from those achieved with more expensive lighting setups.

Video Conferencing and Remote Work

If you’re working remotely, the Heyday ring light can dramatically improve your appearance on video calls. I’ve received numerous comments from colleagues about how much more “professional” and “put together” I look since adding proper lighting to my setup.

In an increasingly video-centric professional world, this kind of positive impression can have tangible benefits for your career and business relationships.

Streaming and Content Creation

For YouTubers, Twitch streamers, and social media content creators, the Heyday ring light provides a professional lighting solution without breaking the bank. I’ve used it for everything from tutorial videos to live streams with consistently excellent results.

The adjustable brightness and color temperature options allow you to create different moods and atmospheres for various types of content, adding a level of production value that simply isn’t possible with standard room lighting.

Potential Drawbacks: Being Honest About Limitations

While I’ve been overwhelmingly positive about the Heyday ring light, no product is perfect. In the interest of providing a balanced perspective, here are some limitations I’ve encountered:

Limited Color Options

Unlike some higher-end ring lights that offer RGB color options or special effects, the Heyday is limited to three color temperatures. For most users, these options are sufficient, but if you’re looking to create dramatic colored lighting effects, you might need to look elsewhere.

Stand Height Limitations

The maximum height of approximately 50 inches works well for seated positions or standing close to the light. However, if you need lighting for full-body shots or have a particularly tall filming setup, you might find the stand insufficient without additional elevation.

No Battery Option

While the USB power is convenient, a built-in rechargeable battery would add even more portability. Currently, if you want to use it away from power outlets, you’ll need to bring a separate power bank.

Target Exclusivity

As mentioned earlier, the limited availability through Target stores and Target.com means you can’t shop around for the best price or use preferred retailers’ reward programs from other stores.

Despite these minor limitations, the overall value proposition of the Heyday ring light remains extremely strong, especially considering its price point.

Warranty and Customer Support

The Heyday ring light comes with a standard one-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects. While I haven’t needed to use the warranty service personally, it’s reassuring to know that support is available if needed.

Target’s general return policy also applies, allowing returns within 90 days if you’re unsatisfied with the product. This generous return window gives you plenty of time to test the ring light in various scenarios to ensure it meets your needs.

Tips and Tricks: Getting the Most from Your Heyday Ring Light

After months of daily use, I’ve discovered several techniques that help maximize the effectiveness of the Heyday ring light:

Finding Your Perfect Angle

Experiment with positioning the light slightly off-center rather than directly in front of you. I’ve found that placing it about 15-20 degrees to one side creates more dimensionality in videos while still providing even illumination.

Combining with Natural Light

Rather than fighting against natural light, try positioning your ring light to complement it. I place my desk perpendicular to my window and use the ring light to fill in shadows created by the natural sidelight. This creates a beautiful, dimensional lighting effect that looks far more professional than either light source alone.

DIY Diffusion

If you find the light too harsh even at lower brightness settings, try creating a simple diffuser. I occasionally use a piece of parchment paper clipped to the front of the ring light to soften the illumination further. This works particularly well for close-up shots or when I want a softer, more flattering glow.

Green Screen Lighting

If you use a green screen for backgrounds, position the Heyday ring light to illuminate both you and the screen evenly. The consistent, shadow-free lighting helps tremendously with clean chroma key effects.

Maximizing Battery Life with Power Banks

When using a power bank, set the brightness to the minimum effective level to extend running time. I’ve found that even at 40-50% brightness, the Heyday ring light provides excellent illumination while significantly extending battery life.

My Final Verdict: Is the Heyday Ring Light Worth It?

After three months of daily use and comparing it to numerous alternatives, my answer is an enthusiastic yes. The Heyday ring light represents exceptional value and delivers professional-quality lighting at an accessible price point.

For beginners, it offers an affordable entry into proper lighting techniques without overwhelming complexity. For more experienced content creators, it provides a reliable, versatile lighting solution that can adapt to various creative needs.

What ultimately sold me on the Heyday ring light was the perfect balance it strikes between quality, features, and affordability. It doesn’t try to be the most feature-packed or technically advanced ring light on the market. Instead, it focuses on doing the essentials exceptionally well at a price point that makes professional lighting accessible to everyone.

Whether you’re taking your first steps into content creation, looking to improve your appearance on video calls, or seeking an affordable addition to your existing photography setup, the Heyday ring light deserves serious consideration.

In a world where creating video content is increasingly important for both personal and professional purposes, investing in proper lighting is one of the most impactful improvements you can make. The Heyday ring light makes that investment remarkably accessible, and the results speak for themselves.

My content has never looked better, and my confidence on camera has grown significantly—all from a simple device that cost less than a nice dinner for two. That’s the kind of value that’s hard to argue with.

So if you’ve been on the fence about improving your lighting setup, consider this your sign to take the plunge. Your future content (and your audience) will thank you.