Elevate-your-video-calls-top -virtual-background-tips-for-a-professional-look

Elevate Your Video Calls: Top Virtual Background Tips for a Professional Look

By Rad Aswani

Elevate your virtual meetings with stunning virtual backgrounds and filters, transforming your calls from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re a professional seeking to maintain a polished appearance or a creative spirit looking to express yourself, this blog post will guide you through the endless possibilities of virtual background and filters, helping you master the art of virtual meetings with the perfect virtual background.

Key takeaways

  • Master the virtual background effect for professional video calls with tips on choosing images, setting up a green screen and optimizing without one.
  • Leverage avatars, stickers and filters to add personalization and flair to meetings.
  • Troubleshoot common challenges for successful virtual meeting experiences.

Mastering the virtual background effect

Mastering-the-virtual-background -effect

Virtual backgrounds offer a distraction-free environment during video calls, keeping the focus on you and your message. Achieving the optimal virtual background effect involves selecting the right background image, effectively using a green screen or even optimizing without one. This enhances the professionalism of your video calls.

Zoom has an array of virtual backgrounds available, tailored to a variety of occasions and moods, such as seasonal and holiday backgrounds, TV show sets, and travel destinations. Alternatively, you can search for “Zoom backgrounds” along with any relevant keywords to find the perfect new zoom background for your next zoom meeting, ensuring a visually appealing experience for your next virtual meeting with a wide selection of zoom background images.

The subsequent sections will cover the optimal practices for picking background images, using a green screen effectively, and improving your setup even without a green screen.

Choosing the right background image

Choosing-the right-background-image

Choosing the right background image is key to creating engaging and professional virtual meetings. Consider factors like the meeting’s purpose, the audience, and the atmosphere you want to create. The recommended dimensions for a Zoom virtual background image are an aspect ratio of 16:9, with cropping to 1280 x 720 pixels or 1920 x 1080 pixels. Free virtual background images can be found online on websites such as Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay.

For a calming, natural virtual meeting background, an image full of lush flora would be ideal. Alternatively, you can match the environment outside your window with a virtual autumn themed background. Don’t be afraid to get creative and personalize your virtual backgrounds to reflect your personality and style, or even use your own image.

Setting up with a green screen

A green screen proves to be the most efficient setup for an appealing virtual background effect. Using a green screen requires:

  • A solid-colored screen, curtain, or wall behind you
  • Proper lighting to ensure the best results
  • Even lighting across the entire area of the green screen without any underexposed areas
  • Separate light sources specifically for the green screen
  • Proper lighting for yourself to ensure you are properly lit for the scene

Several reputable brands offer green screens for virtual backgrounds, including:

Investing in a high-quality green screen can make a significant difference in the professionalism and seamlessness of your virtual backgrounds.

Optimizing without a green screen

You can still achieve the best virtual background effect, even without a green screen. A solid, same color background provides a consistent and uniform backdrop, allowing the virtual background to blend seamlessly with the foreground. This results in a more polished and professional look while minimizing distractions.

If you’re using a virtual background without a green screen, try to avoid dark-colored attire as the color of your virtual background can greatly influence its blending with your outfit. Select lighter or contrasting colors to guarantee a professional appearance and avoid any issues with blending.

Transform your space with Kumospace virtual backgrounds

home.download.virtual-office-app.904x635

Why settle for ordinary when you can transform your virtual space with captivating and realistic virtual backgrounds from Kumospace? Kumospace offers a wide selection of customizable office spaces, public and private rooms, and various virtual background options that are highly popular.

Enhance your virtual meetings by providing the ability to customize your space and create a professional atmosphere, promoting collaboration, and increasing attendee engagement.

Customizing your own Zoom virtual background

Customizing-your-own-Zoom-virtual -background

Get creative by personalizing your own Zoom virtual background using your own photo. Personal photos, stock images, or editing tools like Canva can be used to create a unique and engaging background for your video calls. Canva’s design tools enable you to alter colors, incorporate text, select fonts, and access their media library with millions of photos, videos, and animated stickers to customize your Zoom virtual backgrounds.

To upload your personalized Zoom virtual background, follow these steps:

  1. Download your design as a high-quality PNG file or an MP4 video.
  2. Log into Zoom and navigate to Settings.
  3. Select “Virtual Background”.
  4. Upload your design.

For further information regarding dimensions, file types, and other specifications to consider when utilizing virtual backgrounds, refer to Zoom’s support page.

Using templates for quick customization

Templates are an excellent approach to generating a professional-looking virtual background for your Zoom calls. Templates supply a pre-made design with the appropriate dimensions and design elements, enabling you to swiftly customize your background with your own images, text, or other elements.

The standard dimensions for a Zoom virtual background are 1920 pixels by 1080 pixels, with an aspect ratio of 16:9.

To customize a virtual background template in Zoom, follow these steps:

  1. Open Canva and search for ‘Zoom virtual background’ in the search bar.
  2. Select from the available virtual background templates that appear.
  3. Personalize the template by adding your own images, text, or other elements.
  4. Download the customized virtual background template to your computer.
  5. Open Zoom and access the settings menu.
  6. In the Virtual Background tab, click the ‘+’ button to add a new virtual background.
  7. Select the downloaded customized template as your virtual background.

Video filters: adding flair to your meetings

Video-filters-adding-flair -to-your-meetings

Video filters can provide a range of benefits in online meetings, such as:

Zoom provides filters that can be used to customize one’s experience during a Zoom meeting, ranging from fun to more professional. From professional filters for a polished appearance to seasonal and thematic filters for celebratory calls, video filters allow you to add a touch of personality and creativity to your meetings.

To investigate the preloaded Zoom filter options, simply access your settings by navigating to the “Background & Effects” tab. Experiment with various filters and discover the perfect combination to elevate your virtual meeting experience.

Professional filters for a polished appearance

Enhance your video calls with professional filters, such as company logos or personalized name and title overlays. Zoom offers a range of professional filters like Noir, Boost, Gum, Sepia, Cinnamon, Seafoam, and Cream, which can be used to give your video calls a more polished and professional look.

For instance, you can utilize the custom filter option to upload your company’s logo as an overlay on your video feed. Another useful tool is Warmly, a Zoom-curated Essential App that enables users to generate a personalized filter with their name, job title, location, credentials, and more, which is displayed on their video like a virtual business card.

Seasonal and thematic filters for celebratory calls

Get festive with seasonal and thematic filters, adding a touch of fun and creativity to your virtual meetings. Popular seasonal or thematic Zoom filters may include:

  • Seasonal backgrounds
  • Holiday-themed backgrounds
  • Nature-inspired backgrounds
  • Fun and creative backgrounds

To locate a selection of free seasonal filters for virtual calls, explore websites such as Zoom, Snap Camera, and Canva. Add a unique touch to your next virtual event or casual meeting with engaging and interactive filters that capture the spirit of the occasion.

Navigating Zoom settings for backgrounds and filters

Navigating-Zoom -settings-for -backgrounds-and-filters

To use and manage Zoom’s virtual backgrounds and filters, it’s important to understand the platform’s settings. The settings associated with virtual backgrounds in Zoom include:

  1. Enabling the feature
  2. Accessing the virtual background settings
  3. Adding virtual backgrounds
  4. Changing virtual backgrounds during a meeting

By familiarizing yourself with these settings, you can make the most of Zoom’s virtual background feature.

Applying a filter in Zoom calls is a breeze. Simply follow these steps:

  1. Log in to the Zoom desktop client.
  2. Click on the arrow next to the ‘Stop Video’ button.
  3. Select ‘Choose Video Filter’ from the options available.
  4. Choose the filter you wish to apply from the list.

With a few clicks, you can customize your video call experience and make a lasting impression on your audience.

Enhancing your appearance and lighting

Enhancing-your -appearance-and -lighting

Enhance your look and lighting during video calls using Zoom’s integrated settings. Touch-up features like the ability to select lip color, facial hair, and eyebrow shape can help you feel more confident and presentable during your virtual meetings. To adjust appearance and lighting during a Zoom call, click on the upward arrow next to Start/Stop Video and then select Video Settings.

Zoom’s low light adjustment feature enables users to optimize their video quality in low light situations. To access this feature, navigate to the Video Settings and enable the ‘Adjust for low light’ option. This feature will automatically adjust the video settings to improve visibility and clarity in dimly lit environments.

Leveraging avatars and stickers for creative expression

Leveraging-avatars-and -stickers-for -creative -expression

Show your creativity with avatars and stickers in virtual meetings. Zoom avatars add a level of personalization and fun to your meeting, providing an opportunity to express emotion and body language, such as nodding, without having to be on camera.

Personalize your Zoom avatar with various features and clothing options, reflecting your personality and style. Customize your avatar with different:

  • Hair colors and styles
  • Facial features
  • Clothing
  • Accessories

Have fun and get creative with stickers during calls, perfect for casual meetings and virtual events.

Personalizing your avatar

Customize your Zoom avatar by selecting its:

  • Hair color and style
  • Facial features
  • Clothing
  • Accessories

Let your imagination run wild and make the avatar look as unique as you are! Zoom’s Avatars feature allows users to replace their appearance with a virtual animal that mimics their head movements and facial expressions. By clicking on the profile icon in the top-right corner of the Zoom app and selecting the Avatars tab, users can choose an avatar and customize it with accessories.

To customize clothing options for your Zoom avatar, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Zoom desktop app and click on the “Stop Video” menu in the meeting toolbar.
  2. In the video options, locate the avatar settings and click on it to open the Avatar Builder window.
  3. Inside the Avatar Builder, you can customize your avatar’s clothing options.
  4. Select the clothing option you prefer for each design preference.
  5. Save your changes once you are done.

Fun with stickers during calls

Introduce a fun factor to your calls with stickers, ideal for informal gatherings and virtual events. A graduation cap, sunglasses, or a unicorn could be viable options. Stickers can be instrumental in enhancing video calls, providing non-verbal feedback and reactions during meetings and adding a lighthearted element to the conversation.

Various Zoom Apps offer different types of stickers for Zoom calls. These apps can be used to add entertaining and interactive stickers to your video calls. Experiment with different stickers and discover the perfect combination to elevate your virtual meeting experience.

Downloading and managing your background library

Downloading-and -managing-your-background-library

Maintain a virtual background library by downloading various options to cover different meeting scenarios. To download virtual backgrounds for Zoom, follow these steps:

  1. Log into your Zoom desktop client.
  2. Select ‘Settings’ from the dropdown menu in the top right corner.
  3. Navigate to the ‘Virtual Background’ tab in the left sidebar.
  4. Click choose virtual background from the preloaded options or click on the ‘+’ icon to add your own background image or video.
  5. Select the file from your computer when prompted.

Adding a virtual background to the Zoom library is simple. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Zoom application and navigate to Settings.
  2. Select ‘Background & Filters’ from the menu.
  3. Click on the plus sign (+) to add an image to Zoom.
  4. Select the image you want to use as your virtual background.
  5. The image will be added to your Zoom library and can be chosen during your meetings.

Troubleshooting common virtual background challenges

challenges

Common challenges with virtual backgrounds encompass issues like:

  • malfunctioning
  • invisibility
  • problems with the green screen
  • shadows
  • reflections
  • space limitations

When encountering issues with virtual backgrounds, utilize a green screen or solid background to resolve the problem. Ensure that your computer meets the system requirements for virtual backgrounds and filters, as outlined on Zoom’s support page.

If you’re still experiencing issues, consider reaching out to Zoom’s support team for assistance. With proper troubleshooting and support, you can overcome any challenges and enjoy a seamless virtual meeting experience.

Summary

In conclusion, mastering the art of virtual backgrounds and filters can significantly elevate your virtual meeting experience. From selecting the perfect background image to customizing your own virtual backgrounds, adding flair with video filters, and troubleshooting common challenges, this blog post has covered all aspects of virtual backgrounds and filters. Embrace the endless possibilities and transform your virtual meetings into extraordinary experiences that leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Frequently asked questions

Transform the way your team works from anywhere.

A virtual office in Kumospace lets teams thrive together by doing their best work no matter where they are geographically.

Headshot for Rad Aswani
Rad Aswani

Rad has over 7 years of experience in Marketing. Currently, she is the fun Digital Marketer at Kumospace. She leads initiatives such as influencer marketing, SEO management, and social media to name a few. Outside of work, Rad enjoys traveling, working out, and spending time with her family and friends.

Transform the way your team works.