WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the app’s key features is video calling, allowing users to have face-to-face conversations over the internet. When making a WhatsApp video call, the background behind you is visible to the other person. This has left many users wondering – can I change my background in WhatsApp video call?
Understanding WhatsApp Video Call Background
When you make a WhatsApp video call, your phone’s rear camera is used to capture video of you and your surroundings. This video feed is then transmitted in real-time to the other participant(s) in the call. As such, whatever background is physically behind you will be visible to the other person during the call.
The default WhatsApp video call background is simply whatever environment you are physically in while making the call. This could be your bedroom, office, kitchen, outdoors, etc. Unlike some other video calling apps and platforms, WhatsApp does not provide built-in virtual backgrounds or effects that you can apply to alter your background.
Can I Use a Custom Image or Video as My Background?
Because WhatsApp uses your device’s rear camera feed directly, there is no built-in way to apply a custom image, video or virtual environment as your background. However, there are some creative workarounds and third-party apps that allow you to simulate a custom background:
- Physical backdrop: Put up a poster, fabric, or green screen physically behind you when making the call.
- Photo editing apps: Use an app to edit your image live or in real-time and blend in a custom background.
- Background blur effects: Some apps can artificially blur or replace your background with effects.
The most straightforward and accessible option is to simply hang up some posters, fabric or a green screen behind you to create the desired background effect. This allows you full control over the look of your environment.
Apps to Try for Custom Backgrounds
Here are some popular apps you can try to manipulate your background during WhatsApp video calls:
| App | Platform | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| ChromaCam | Windows, Mac | Replace background with image, video or virtual environment |
| Xpozer | iOS, iPadOS | Cinematic backgrounds and motion effects |
| Banuba | Android, iOS | Background removal and blurring |
Most of these apps work by manipulating your video feed in real-time, applying customized backgrounds while retaining an accurate cutout of you in the foreground. Features like chroma key green screen effects make separating you from the background easy.
WhatsApp’s Development Possibilities
While currently not supported natively, WhatsApp has hinted at plans to add custom backgrounds in future updates. In 2020, certain beta versions of WhatsApp briefly showed a background picker, suggesting the feature was in development. However, it did not roll out to the public.
WhatsApp regularly adds new features and improvements, often taking inspiration from competing messaging apps. For example, when Zoom became hugely popular during the pandemic, WhatsApp quickly added support for larger group video calls. So in the future, custom backgrounds could certainly come to WhatsApp based on popular demand.
Tips for Better Video Call Backgrounds
Until custom backgrounds arrive officially, here are some tips for making your WhatsApp video call environments look better:
- Clean up clutter and mess behind you
- Frame your camera so the background is appealing
- Use natural lighting from windows
- Add some personality like plants, art, bookshelves
- Make sure there is nothing distracting in the background
Proper lighting and an intentional, clean background go a long way towards making your video calls look professional and high quality.
Third-Party App Considerations
When using third-party background apps with WhatsApp, keep a few things in mind:
- Many require a subscription for full functionality
- Performance will depend on your phone hardware
- Effects may drain battery life quicker
- Look for apps that offer free trials first
- Check app reliability and rating in the app store
Not all background manipulator apps work equally well, so read reviews and test out free versions before purchasing a subscription. Also, use discretion when downloading apps to ensure they are legitimate and secure.
Custom Backgrounds on Other Platforms
Though not currently supported on WhatsApp, virtual backgrounds are popular on many other video calling platforms. Here are some examples:
- Zoom allows image and video backgrounds
- Microsoft Teams has customizable background effects
- Skype lets you blur or replace your background
- Google Meet offers background replacement
- Facebook Messenger has AR effects for backgrounds
Hopefully someday WhatsApp joins these platforms in offering official custom background support. But in the meantime, get creative with physical backdrops, third-party apps or switch to a platform with virtual backgrounds.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp does not yet natively support changing your video call background, there are creative solutions like physical backdrops and third-party apps that can manipulate or simulate virtual environments. As video calling continues to grow in popularity, custom backgrounds may be a feature WhatsApp adds in future updates. Until then, you can still take steps to intentionally frame your backdrop and use lighting, props, post-processing apps and more to look great on your WhatsApp video chats.