Why Do Led Lights Flicker On Video Calls Common Causes And Quick Fixes

In today’s remote-first world, video calls are a daily part of professional and personal communication. A clear image and stable lighting can make the difference between appearing polished or unprofessional. One increasingly common issue: LED lights that appear to flicker only on camera—often invisible to the naked eye. This subtle but distracting problem can undermine your presence during important meetings. Understanding why this happens and how to fix it is essential for anyone relying on video conferencing.

The phenomenon isn’t random. It stems from the interaction between the way LED lights operate and how digital cameras sample light over time. While your eyes may not detect any flicker, your webcam might capture it clearly, especially under certain lighting conditions or settings. The good news is that most causes are easily diagnosable and correctable with simple adjustments.

How LED Lights Work—and Why They Flicker

LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are energy-efficient and long-lasting, making them ideal for home and office use. Unlike incandescent bulbs, which produce light through a continuously glowing filament, LEDs rely on electronic drivers to regulate current. Most household LEDs run on alternating current (AC), but they require direct current (DC) to function. To convert AC to DC, internal drivers use pulse-width modulation (PWM), rapidly switching the current on and off to control brightness.

This rapid pulsing—often thousands of times per second—is typically too fast for the human eye to perceive. However, digital cameras don’t see continuous light; they capture discrete frames at specific intervals (measured in frames per second, or FPS). If the camera’s frame rate doesn’t align with the frequency of the LED’s pulses, it can catch the light mid-off cycle, resulting in visible flicker or banding across the screen.

“Flicker in LED lighting is often imperceptible to humans but becomes glaringly obvious on camera due to mismatched timing between light output and camera shutter speed.” — Dr. Alan Reed, Lighting Systems Engineer, IEEE Member

Tip: Even high-quality LEDs can flicker if their driver circuitry is poorly designed or incompatible with your power supply.

Common Causes of LED Flicker on Video Calls

Flickering isn’t always due to faulty bulbs. Several interrelated factors contribute to this issue, many of which are environmental or technical rather than product defects.

1. Mismatch Between Power Supply Frequency and Camera Frame Rate

In regions using 50Hz AC power (like Europe), lights cycle 100 times per second (due to full-wave rectification). In 60Hz regions (like North America), they cycle 120 times per second. Cameras set to frame rates that don’t sync with these frequencies—such as 30fps in a 50Hz environment—can capture inconsistent light levels across frames, causing flicker.

2. Low-Quality or Dimmable LED Drivers

Cheap LED bulbs often use basic PWM drivers with low switching frequencies (e.g., below 200Hz), increasing the chance of visible flicker. Dimmable LEDs are especially prone, as dimming reduces the duty cycle of the pulses, making gaps more pronounced when captured by a camera.

3. Camera Shutter Speed Settings

Many webcams and laptop cameras automatically adjust shutter speed based on ambient light. In lower light, slower shutter speeds increase exposure time, which can average out flicker. But in bright conditions, faster shutter speeds may \"freeze\" the off-phase of LED pulses, revealing flicker. Manual control over camera settings can help mitigate this.

4. Use of Non-Flicker-Free LEDs

Not all LEDs are created equal. Some manufacturers design bulbs specifically for video production, using constant-current drivers or high-frequency PWM (>10,000Hz) to eliminate perceptible flicker. Standard consumer-grade LEDs often lack these features.

5. Electrical Interference or Voltage Fluctuations

Poor wiring, overloaded circuits, or shared lines with high-draw appliances (like refrigerators or HVAC systems) can cause voltage ripple, leading to inconsistent LED performance. This instability may not be visible to the eye but can manifest as flicker on camera.

Solutions and Quick Fixes

The key to eliminating LED flicker lies in harmonizing your lighting, power source, and camera settings. Below are proven strategies to resolve the issue quickly and effectively.

1. Adjust Your Camera’s Frame Rate

Match your camera’s frame rate to your region’s power frequency:

• 60Hz countries (USA, Canada, etc.): Use 30fps or 60fps
• 50Hz countries (UK, Germany, etc.): Use 25fps or 50fps

Most video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet allow you to manually set camera preferences via system settings or third-party tools. For example, on macOS, you can use Camera Settings apps; on Windows, tools like OBS Studio let you override default camera behavior.

2. Switch to Flicker-Free or High-Frequency LEDs

Look for bulbs labeled “flicker-free,” “video-ready,” or “high-frequency PWM.” Brands like Philips Hue, LIFX, and Nanoleaf often specify flicker performance in technical datasheets. Professional studio LEDs (e.g., from Elgato or Godox) are engineered specifically for consistent output under camera scrutiny.

3. Disable Dimming or Use Analog Dimming Instead of PWM

If you’re dimming LEDs, ensure the dimmer switch supports trailing-edge (ELV) dimming and is compatible with LEDs. Better yet, avoid dimming altogether during calls or use multiple fixed-brightness lights instead. Alternatively, some advanced systems offer analog dimming (reducing current rather than pulsing), which eliminates flicker entirely.

4. Change Your Light Source Temporarily

As a short-term fix, turn off problematic LEDs and use incandescent or halogen bulbs for video calls. These produce continuous light and never flicker on camera. Natural daylight is also an excellent flicker-free option—position yourself near a window with indirect sunlight for soft, even illumination.

5. Stabilize Your Electrical Environment

Plug your lights into a surge protector or dedicated circuit. Avoid sharing outlets with large appliances. If flicker persists, consider installing a line conditioner or using a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) to smooth voltage delivery.

Tip: Test your setup by pointing your phone camera at your lights—if you see rolling dark bands or strobing, the light will likely flicker on video calls.

Step-by-Step Guide to Eliminate LED Flicker

Follow this sequence to diagnose and fix flickering efficiently:

1. Step 1: Identify the Problem
   Turn on your video call setup and observe if flicker appears. Record a short clip using your phone to confirm whether it's visible.
2. Step 2: Check Your Frame Rate
   Determine your camera’s current frame rate. On Zoom, go to Settings > Video > Advanced. Match it to your region’s power frequency (25/50fps for 50Hz; 30/60fps for 60Hz).
3. Step 3: Inspect Your Bulbs
   Check packaging or manufacturer specs for flicker ratings. Replace low-frequency PWM models with flicker-free alternatives.
4. Step 4: Adjust Lighting Setup
   Turn off dimmers, use non-dimmable LEDs, or supplement with natural light. Position lights slightly off-axis to reduce glare and shadow.
5. Step 5: Test and Iterate
   Run a test call. If flicker remains, try a different bulb or camera. Consider using an external webcam with manual controls for better consistency.

Do’s and Don’ts: Lighting for Video Calls

Do	Don’t
Use flicker-free or high-frequency LED bulbs	Use cheap, unbranded LED bulbs without flicker specs
Set camera frame rate to match local power frequency	Assume auto-settings will handle flicker correctly
Position lights at 45-degree angles to avoid shadows	Place lights behind you, creating backlighting and silhouettes
Use daylight-balanced bulbs (5000K–6500K)	Use warm, yellowish lights (<3000K) that distort skin tones
Test your setup with a phone camera before calls	Ignore flicker because “it looks fine to me”

Real-World Example: Remote Worker Resolves Flicker Issue

Sophie, a marketing consultant based in Manchester, UK, began receiving feedback from clients that her face appeared to “pulse” during Zoom calls. She hadn’t noticed any issues herself, but recordings confirmed a subtle flicker under her desk lamp. After testing with her phone camera, she saw distinct rolling bands across the screen.

She first adjusted her Zoom settings to use 25fps (matching the UK’s 50Hz power), which reduced—but didn’t eliminate—the flicker. Next, she checked her LED bulb and found it was a budget model with no flicker specifications. Replacing it with a Philips “flicker-free” LED immediately resolved the issue. She now uses two such bulbs for soft, even lighting and schedules monthly checks to ensure all equipment performs optimally.

“It’s amazing how much a small lighting tweak improved my professionalism,” Sophie said. “Clients now comment on how clear and focused I look.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can LED flicker cause eye strain or headaches?

Yes. Although high-frequency flicker is invisible, prolonged exposure to low-frequency PWM lighting—even at low intensity—can contribute to eye fatigue, migraines, and concentration difficulties in sensitive individuals. Using flicker-free LEDs benefits both visual comfort and camera performance.

Why does flicker only show up on camera and not to my eyes?

Human vision integrates light over time, smoothing out rapid fluctuations. Cameras, however, capture discrete moments. If the camera’s exposure window aligns with the “off” phase of an LED’s pulse cycle, it records darkness, creating the illusion of flicker. This is especially noticeable with fast shutter speeds or mismatched frame rates.

Are smart bulbs more likely to flicker on camera?

Some smart bulbs, particularly older or budget models, use aggressive PWM for color and brightness control, increasing flicker risk. However, newer high-end smart bulbs (e.g., LIFX Pro, Nanoleaf Shapes) include flicker-free modes or high-frequency drivers. Always check technical specifications before purchasing for video use.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your On-Camera Presence

LED flicker on video calls is a solvable problem—not a flaw in your equipment or environment. By understanding the interplay between lighting technology, power systems, and camera mechanics, you can create a stable, professional appearance that reflects your best self. Whether you’re presenting to executives, teaching online, or connecting with family, consistent, flicker-free lighting enhances clarity, credibility, and engagement.

Start with simple fixes: adjust your frame rate, test your lights with a phone, and upgrade critical bulbs to flicker-free models. Small changes yield significant results. Don’t let invisible pulses undermine your visibility.

🚀 Ready to upgrade your video presence? Audit your lighting setup today and share your experience—what worked, what didn’t? Your insights could help others shine brighter on camera.