Heyday Selfie Light

Transform Your Social Media Game with the Perfect Lighting Companion

Let me start by saying this: I was skeptical. Another selfie light? Really? Did I need yet another gadget cluttering my already overflowing tech drawer? But after a week of using the Heyday Selfie Light, I can confidently say — good lighting isn’t just nice to have, it’s absolutely essential for anyone who takes their online presence seriously.

As someone who’s cycled through countless lighting solutions over the years, from precariously balanced desk lamps to expensive ring lights that took up half my apartment, I’m genuinely excited to share my journey with the Heyday Selfie Light. This little device has quietly revolutionized my content creation process, and I think it might just do the same for you.

Finding My Light: How I Discovered Heyday

My lighting saga began like many others — with terrible selfies. Despite having a great smartphone camera, my indoor photos always looked grainy, dull, or had that dreaded yellow tint. Professional content creators always seemed to have this magical glow about them, and I couldn’t figure out their secret.

Then one day, while browsing through Target (dangerous territory for my wallet), I spotted a small display of Heyday Selfie Lights. The clean packaging caught my eye, and the price tag didn’t immediately send me running. Curious, I decided to give it a try — after all, what did I have to lose besides $15-20?

Little did I know this impulse purchase would completely transform my social media aesthetic. From Instagram stories to Zoom meetings, this tiny device has become my not-so-secret weapon for looking polished and professional in any lighting situation.

Breaking Down the Basics: What Exactly Is the Heyday Selfie Light?

Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, let’s cover the basics. The Heyday Selfie Light is a compact, clip-on lighting solution designed specifically for smartphones and other devices. It’s part of Target’s Heyday line of tech accessories, which focuses on affordable yet stylish gadgets.

The design is refreshingly simple: a small, ring-shaped LED light attached to a flexible clip that secures to your device. The minimalist aesthetic means it doesn’t distract from your photos or videos, and the portable size makes it easy to toss in your bag for on-the-go lighting emergencies (and trust me, lighting emergencies are definitely a thing).

The Price Factor: Is It Worth Your Hard-Earned Cash?

Let’s talk money, because that’s often the deciding factor when purchasing tech accessories. The Heyday Selfie Light typically retails between $14.99 and $19.99, depending on the specific model and any ongoing promotions. Compared to other selfie lights on the market, which can range from $10 budget options to $50+ professional models, the Heyday sits comfortably in the mid-range category.

After testing numerous lighting options across different price points, I’ve found that the Heyday offers exceptional value. The build quality surpasses many cheaper alternatives, while the performance rivals more expensive options. For someone just starting out with content creation or looking to upgrade from their phone’s built-in flash, the price point is perfectly reasonable.

Target occasionally runs sales on their Heyday products, so if you’re patient, you might snag one at an even better price. I’ve seen them discounted to as low as $12.99 during certain promotional periods, making them practically a steal for the quality you’re getting.

Where to Find Your New Lighting Companion

As a Target exclusive brand, Heyday products, including their selfie lights, are primarily available through Target’s retail channels. You can find them in physical Target stores, typically in the electronics or mobile accessories section. They’re also readily available on Target’s website if you prefer online shopping.

I’ve noticed that in-store inventory can sometimes be limited, especially for popular colors or newer models. If you have your heart set on a specific version, checking online first might save you a trip. Target’s website usually offers the option to check in-store availability at your local branches.

Additionally, you might occasionally find Heyday products on third-party marketplaces like eBay or Amazon, though I’d recommend sticking to official Target channels to ensure you’re getting an authentic product with the full warranty coverage.

Compatibility: Will It Work With Your Device?

One of my biggest concerns before purchasing was whether the Heyday Selfie Light would work with my specific smartphone model. The good news is that Heyday designed their selfie light to be universally compatible with virtually all smartphones, regardless of brand or operating system.

The clip-on design means it can attach to any smartphone with a thickness of up to approximately 12mm, which covers everything from slim iPhones to bulkier Android devices with protective cases. I’ve successfully used mine with an iPhone 13 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S21, and even an older iPhone 8 without any issues.

Beyond smartphones, the versatility of the clip allows it to attach to tablets, laptops, and even desktop monitors. This multi-device compatibility has made it invaluable for my workflow, seamlessly transitioning from taking selfies to illuminating video calls on my laptop.

The only potential compatibility issue I’ve encountered is with extremely thin devices or those with unusual edge designs. If your device has a particularly unique shape or extremely rounded edges, the clip might not secure as firmly. However, this is a rare exception rather than the rule.

Attachment and Setup: Simple Enough for Anyone

Setting up the Heyday Selfie Light couldn’t be more straightforward. The clip mechanism opens wide enough to accommodate most devices and provides sufficient grip to stay secure during use. I appreciate that the clip is padded, which prevents any scratching or damage to my phone.

To attach it, simply press the clip open, position it on the edge of your device (typically at the top for selfies, though you can experiment with different positions), and release the clip to secure it. The clip has enough tension to hold the light steady without being so tight that it’s difficult to adjust or remove.

The light is designed to sit flush against the front of your device, positioned just above or to the side of your camera lens. This placement ensures even illumination without creating harsh shadows or reflections that can ruin your shot.

Once attached, powering on the light is as simple as pressing the power button. Depending on your specific Heyday model, you’ll either have a single button that cycles through brightness levels or separate buttons for power and brightness adjustment.

Let There Be Light: Brightness and Adjustability

Lighting is highly situational — what works in a dimly lit restaurant won’t necessarily work in bright outdoor conditions. Thankfully, the Heyday Selfie Light offers adjustable brightness levels to accommodate various environments.

Most models feature three distinct brightness settings: low, medium, and high. The low setting provides subtle illumination perfect for already well-lit environments where you just need a bit of fill light to eliminate shadows. The medium setting works well for average indoor lighting, while the high setting can cut through dimmer conditions when you need maximum illumination.

In my experience, even the highest brightness setting isn’t harsh or unflattering. The light diffuses nicely, creating that soft, professional glow that’s so coveted in selfies and video content. I’ve found that cycling through the brightness levels allows me to find the perfect balance for whatever lighting situation I’m facing.

What I particularly appreciate is how the different brightness levels affect battery life. When I only need the lowest setting, I can extend my usage time significantly, which is perfect for long days of content creation or extended video calls.

Power Up: Battery Life and Charging

The Heyday Selfie Light is rechargeable, which I consider a significant advantage over battery-operated alternatives. Not only is this more environmentally friendly, but it also saves money in the long run since you won’t be constantly purchasing replacement batteries.

In terms of battery capacity, the Heyday Selfie Light typically offers between 1-2 hours of continuous use on the highest brightness setting. Lower brightness settings can extend this significantly, with the lowest setting potentially offering up to 3-4 hours of illumination.

For recharging, the light comes with a standard USB charging cable. Depending on your specific model, this will either be a micro-USB or USB-C connection. A full charge usually takes about 1-1.5 hours, which I find reasonable given the device’s size and battery capacity.

One minor drawback is that some models don’t include a wall adapter, only the charging cable. This wasn’t an issue for me since I have plenty of USB adapters around, but it’s worth noting if you’re planning to travel with the light and might not have access to a USB port.

The device typically includes a small LED indicator that shows charging status, turning from red to green (or off, depending on the model) when fully charged. I appreciate this simple visual cue, as it eliminates the guesswork around when charging is complete.

Lighting Modes: Customizing Your Glow

Beyond basic brightness adjustments, many Heyday Selfie Light models offer different lighting temperature modes, allowing you to customize the type of light to match your environment or achieve a specific aesthetic.

The standard configuration includes three color temperature options: warm (yellowish), neutral, and cool (bluish-white). These options might seem subtle at first, but they can make a tremendous difference in how your skin tone appears in photos and videos.

I’ve found the warm setting works beautifully for creating a cozy, golden-hour effect regardless of the actual time of day. The neutral setting provides the most accurate color reproduction, making it ideal for product photography or situations where color accuracy is important. The cool setting can help counteract overly yellow indoor lighting or create a crisp, clean aesthetic for professional content.

Being able to adjust both brightness and color temperature gives you remarkable control over your lighting environment. I’ve been able to achieve consistent lighting across different locations and times of day, which has helped maintain a cohesive look across my social media profiles.

Portability: Your Pocket-Sized Studio

One of the Heyday Selfie Light’s greatest strengths is its portability. Measuring roughly 3 inches in diameter and less than an inch thick, it easily slips into a pocket, purse, or camera bag without adding significant bulk or weight.

This compact size has made it my go-to lighting solution when traveling or creating content on the go. Rather than lugging around a full-sized ring light or relying on unpredictable natural lighting, I can ensure consistent, flattering illumination wherever I am.

The durable construction has held up well to being tossed in bags and pockets. After several months of regular use, my Heyday light shows minimal signs of wear, which speaks to the quality of materials used despite the affordable price point.

Some models come with a small protective pouch, which I highly recommend using if included. If not, investing in a small drawstring bag or protective case might be worthwhile to prevent scratches on the LED surface and protect the clip mechanism.

Beyond Selfies: Versatile Applications

While “selfie light” is in the name, I’ve discovered that the Heyday is surprisingly versatile for other applications. Here are some of the ways I’ve put mine to use beyond basic selfies:

1. Video calls and conferences: Clipped to my laptop, it provides much more flattering lighting than my office overhead lights, making me look more professional and well-rested during work meetings.
2. Streaming and live videos: The consistent lighting helps maintain a professional appearance during longer recording sessions.
3. Product photography: For small items, the ring light provides even illumination that’s perfect for showcasing details.
4. Makeup application: Attached to a mirror, it provides excellent lighting for precise makeup application, especially in rooms with poor overhead lighting.
5. Reading in bed: On the lowest setting, it works as a gentle reading light that doesn’t disturb others.

This versatility has made the Heyday Selfie Light one of my most frequently used tech accessories, well beyond its intended primary function. I’ve found myself reaching for it in surprising situations, from illuminating the inside of a cabinet while searching for something to providing emergency lighting during a power outage.

Comparison Shopping: How Heyday Stacks Up Against Competitors

Before settling on the Heyday Selfie Light, I tried several alternatives across different price points. Here’s how it compares to some popular competitors:

Compared to budget options (under $10): The Heyday offers significantly better build quality and more consistent lighting. Budget lights often have uneven illumination, flimsy clips that break easily, and limited or no adjustability. The slight price increase for the Heyday is well worth it for the improved durability and performance.

Compared to premium options ($30+): While premium selfie lights might offer additional features like Bluetooth connectivity or more lighting modes, the core functionality and quality of illumination are remarkably similar to the Heyday. Unless you need specific advanced features, the Heyday provides excellent value.

Compared to full-sized ring lights: Full-sized ring lights certainly have their place for dedicated content creators, but they lack the portability and convenience of the Heyday. I’ve found that for 80% of my lighting needs, the Heyday is sufficient, while being infinitely more portable and quick to set up.

What sets the Heyday apart is its balance of quality, features, and price. It doesn’t try to be the cheapest option or pack in unnecessary bells and whistles. Instead, it focuses on doing the core functions exceptionally well at a reasonable price point.

Real-World Performance: My Experience After Extensive Use

After using the Heyday Selfie Light extensively for several months, I can confidently speak to its real-world performance. The most noticeable improvement has been in the quality of my indoor photos and videos. Shadows under my eyes have disappeared, the overall image clarity has improved, and my skin tone appears more natural and consistent.

For social media content, the difference has been dramatic. My engagement rates have actually increased since implementing better lighting, which I attribute to the more professional and polished appearance of my photos and videos. Content that looks well-produced naturally attracts more attention and conveys greater credibility.

For video calls, colleagues have commented on how clear and professional I look compared to others in the meeting. In today’s remote work environment, presenting yourself well on video can subtly impact how you’re perceived professionally, making this a worthwhile investment beyond social media applications.

Battery life has proven reliable for my needs. On a typical day of intermittent use, I rarely need to recharge the light. For longer shooting sessions, I’ve learned to keep it on the lowest effective brightness setting to maximize battery life.

The only notable wear after months of use is some minor scratching on the clip mechanism, which doesn’t affect functionality at all. The LEDs remain bright and consistent, with no noticeable dimming or color shifting over time.

User Reviews: What Others Are Saying

While my experience has been overwhelmingly positive, I wanted to provide a balanced perspective by including feedback from other users. Based on Target reviews and discussions in photography forums, here’s what others are saying about the Heyday Selfie Light:

Positive feedback consistently mentions:

• Excellent value for the price point
• Surprising brightness for such a small device
• Ease of use and setup
• Versatility across different devices
• Noticeable improvement in photo and video quality

Critical feedback occasionally notes:

• Some users wish the battery life was longer
• The clip might not fit securely on extremely thin devices
• A few reports of units stopping charging after several months
• Limited color temperature options compared to more expensive models

The overall consensus aligns with my experience: for the price, the Heyday Selfie Light overdelivers on performance and quality. The average rating across platforms consistently falls between 4.3-4.7 out of 5 stars, indicating high satisfaction among most users.

What’s in the Box: Accessories and Extras

When purchasing the Heyday Selfie Light, here’s what you can typically expect to find in the package:

1. The selfie light itself
2. USB charging cable (micro-USB or USB-C depending on model)
3. User manual with basic instructions
4. Some models include a small drawstring storage pouch

It’s worth noting that most models don’t include a wall adapter for the charging cable, assuming you’ll use an existing USB port or adapter. If you don’t already have one, you might want to purchase a basic USB wall adapter separately.

The packaging is minimal and eco-friendly, which I appreciate. There’s no excessive plastic or unnecessary materials, just a simple box with the essential components securely housed inside.

Technical Specifications: The Nitty-Gritty Details

For those who appreciate the technical details, here’s a breakdown of the typical specifications for the Heyday Selfie Light:

• Dimensions: Approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter
• Weight: 1.5-2 ounces (42-56 grams)
• Light source: LED array (typically 36-40 LEDs)
• Color temperature range: 3000K-6500K (warm to cool)
• Brightness levels: 3 adjustable settings
• Battery capacity: 400-500 mAh
• Charging time: 1-1.5 hours
• Operating time: 1-4 hours (depending on brightness setting)
• Clip opening width: Up to approximately 12mm

These specifications may vary slightly between different models and versions, but they provide a general idea of what to expect from most Heyday Selfie Lights currently on the market.

Laptop and Tablet Compatibility: Beyond Smartphones

While primarily marketed for smartphones, the Heyday Selfie Light works exceptionally well with laptops and tablets too. I’ve found this particularly useful for video conferencing, where laptop webcams typically struggle with poor lighting.

The clip can securely attach to most laptop screens, though you’ll want to be careful not to overtighten it on very thin displays. The flexible positioning allows you to angle the light for optimal illumination without creating glare on the screen.

For tablets, the experience is similar to smartphones. The clip works well with most tablet thicknesses, even those in protective cases. I’ve used mine with an iPad Pro during video calls and when filming instructional content, with excellent results.

One creative use I’ve discovered is attaching it to my laptop lid when closed, creating a makeshift directional light for photographing small objects on my desk. This versatility across different devices significantly increases the value proposition of the Heyday Selfie Light.

Durability: Will It Stand the Test of Time?

Any tech accessory that’s designed to be portable needs to withstand the rigors of daily use. After several months of regular use, I can report that the Heyday Selfie Light has proven surprisingly durable.

The plastic housing has withstood multiple accidental drops without cracking or chipping. The clip mechanism remains tight and secure, showing no signs of loosening over time. The button interface continues to work flawlessly, with no sticking or responsiveness issues.

The LED array has maintained consistent brightness and color temperature, with no noticeable dimming or dead spots developing. This is particularly impressive given that lower-quality LED products often show degradation much sooner.

The USB port has held up well to repeated connections and disconnections, which is often a failure point for rechargeable devices in this price range. The cable included with the light is of decent quality, though I recommend being gentle with it to extend its lifespan.

While I can’t speak to years of use yet, the construction quality suggests that the Heyday Selfie Light should last significantly longer than budget alternatives, making it a worthwhile investment despite the slightly higher initial cost.

Additional Features: Bluetooth and Beyond

Some Heyday Selfie Light models include additional features beyond basic lighting. One popular extra is a Bluetooth shutter remote functionality, which allows you to trigger your smartphone camera remotely.

This feature is incredibly useful for group photos or situations where you want to position your phone farther away than arm’s length. The remote function typically works up to about 30 feet (10 meters) away, giving you plenty of flexibility for setting up the perfect shot.

The Bluetooth functionality is simple to set up, usually requiring just a standard Bluetooth pairing process with your smartphone. Once paired, the remote button can trigger your camera’s shutter without needing to touch the phone itself.

Some models also include a small mounting point or tripod thread, allowing you to attach the light to a standard tripod or selfie stick for more flexible positioning options. While I don’t use this feature often, it’s proven handy for certain specific shooting scenarios.

Style Options: Finding Your Perfect Match

The Heyday Selfie Light comes in various colors and designs, allowing you to choose one that matches your personal aesthetic or complements your existing devices.

Standard color options typically include:

• Classic white
• Matte black
• Rose gold
• Mint green
• Lavender

Beyond basic colors, some seasonal or limited edition models feature patterns or textured finishes. These special editions occasionally appear in Target’s seasonal collections or during holiday shopping periods.

While the color doesn’t affect functionality, I appreciate having options that coordinate with my other tech accessories. It’s a small detail, but one that makes the device feel more personalized and less like a utilitarian tool.

Professional Applications: Beyond Casual Content

While the Heyday Selfie Light is marketed primarily for casual social media users, I’ve found it surprisingly capable for certain professional applications as well.

For small business owners creating product photos or videos for e-commerce, the light provides excellent illumination for smaller items. The adjustable color temperature helps accurately represent product colors, which is crucial for online sales.

For remote professionals who regularly participate in video meetings, the improved lighting can subtly enhance your professional presentation. In competitive job markets, looking polished and well-lit on video interviews can make a positive impression.

For content creators just starting out, the Heyday offers professional-looking lighting without requiring a significant investment in studio equipment. It’s an excellent entry point before committing to more expensive lighting setups.

While it won’t replace professional studio lighting for serious photography or videography, the Heyday Selfie Light punches well above its weight class for many semi-professional applications.

Warranty and Customer Support: Peace of Mind

Heyday products, including their selfie lights, typically come with a one-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects. This warranty is handled through Target’s customer service channels, which offers both in-store and online support options.

If you encounter issues with your Heyday Selfie Light within the warranty period, you can return it to any Target store with your receipt for a replacement or refund. For online purchases, Target’s standard return process applies, which is generally straightforward and customer-friendly.

Beyond the warranty period, Target’s electronics department can sometimes provide guidance on common issues, though they typically won’t offer repairs for products in this price range. Given the affordable cost, most users simply replace the device if problems develop after the warranty expires.

I recommend keeping your receipt or order confirmation email to streamline any potential warranty claims. Taking a photo of the receipt or storing the email in a dedicated folder can save headaches if issues arise months after purchase.

Final Verdict: Is the Heyday Selfie Light Worth It?

After extensive use across various situations, my verdict is a resounding yes — the Heyday Selfie Light is absolutely worth the investment for anyone who regularly takes photos, records videos, or participates in video calls.

The combination of affordability, quality construction, versatile functionality, and noticeable improvement in image quality makes it one of the most practical tech accessories I’ve purchased in recent years. The dramatic difference in photo and video quality makes this little light worth every penny.

For social media enthusiasts, content creators, remote workers, or anyone who values looking their best on camera, the Heyday Selfie Light offers exceptional value. The portable design means you’ll actually use it regularly, unlike bulkier lighting setups that often end up collecting dust.

If you’re on the fence about purchasing one, I’d encourage you to give it a try. Target’s return policy means there’s minimal risk, and I suspect you’ll be as pleasantly surprised by the results as I was. Your selfie game will thank you!