Video calling has become an essential way for people to communicate, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic made remote interactions more common. Platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Skype allow users to have face-to-face conversations through video chat. One popular feature of many video calling apps is the ability to add fun effects and filters to your video feed.
Video effects can liven up a dull video call and allow you to showcase your personality. For example, you could add a virtual background to make it look like you’re somewhere exotic. Or you could apply a silly hat or glasses to get a laugh out of your call participants. The options are endless!
If you want to take your video calls to the next level with fun effects, here’s how you can add video call effects on some of the most popular platforms:
Adding Effects on Zoom
Zoom has become one of the most widely-used video conferencing platforms. The app makes it simple to add various video effects and virtual backgrounds to your video feed during calls and meetings.
Virtual Backgrounds
One of the most popular Zoom effects is using virtual backgrounds. This replaces your actual background with a digital image, such as an exotic beach or a fancy library. Here’s how to add virtual backgrounds on Zoom:
- Open the Zoom app and start or join a meeting
- In the meeting controls at the bottom, click on the up arrow next to “Stop Video”
- Select “Choose Virtual Background”
- You’ll see a variety of default backgrounds provided by Zoom. You can also upload your own image or video background files
- Select the virtual background you want to display and it will automatically be applied to your video feed
Zoom allows you to add custom backgrounds through images, videos, or even connecting to third-party services like Unsplash. Premium Zoom subscribers can also access a wider library of virtual backgrounds.
Video Effects
In addition to virtual backgrounds, Zoom also has built-in video effects like face filters. Here’s how to use them during a Zoom call:
- In a meeting, click on the up arrow next to “Stop Video”
- Select “Video Effects”
- This will open a menu where you can toggle on or off any effects you want, like bunny ears or glasses
- Click a effect to apply it to your video feed
- To remove the effect, just click the effect again to toggle it off
The available effects include silly hats, glasses, masks, and more. Switching between effects during a meeting can entertain your co-workers or students!
Adding Effects on Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is another leading video conferencing app, especially popular in workplaces. Teams also lets you apply filters and backgrounds to liven up your video feed.
Background Effects
Here are the steps to adding virtual backgrounds to a Teams video call:
- In the Teams app, start or join a meeting
- Click the three-dot More Actions menu and select “Show background effects”
- This will bring up a carousel of different backgrounds you can choose from
- Click on a background image you want to apply to your video feed
Microsoft provides a wide selection of backgrounds – both still images and short video clips. You can also upload your own custom background images to use.
Filters
Microsoft Teams includes some fun filters to alter your look during video calls:
- In a Teams meeting, click More Actions > “Filters”
- This will bring up different filter options like “Unicorn” or “Butterflies”
- Click a filter you want to apply to your video feed
- To remove filters, just click “Filters” again and select “No Filter”
Having a silly filter on can lighten the mood and make meetings more lively. Teams offers whimsical filters, as well as some subtle options like black and white.
Adding Effects on Skype
Skype remains one of the most widely-used video chatting platforms. The app makes it easy to incorporate backgrounds and other fun effects when you video call people.
Background Effects
Here’s how to change your background on Skype video calls:
- In the Skype app, start a new video call or join an existing one
- Once your video feed connects, click the three-dot menu next to “End call”
- Select “Background settings” from the menu
- This will open a menu of different virtual background options, both still and animated
- Choose a background you want to display and it will automatically be applied
Skype provides a gallery of fun backgrounds – like outer space or the beach. You can also use your own photos as custom backgrounds.
Other Effects
In addition to virtual backgrounds, Skype also has some basic video effects you can enable:
- In a video call, click the three-dot menu next to “End call”
- Select “Video Effects”
- Choose an effect you want like blurring your background or adding edge detection
- The selected effect will be applied to your video feed
Skype’s effects are more subtle compared to wackier filters. But they can still enhance your video calling experience!
Adding Effects on Other Platforms
Many other popular video chat apps also let you incorporate virtual backgrounds and fun effects:
- Google Meet – Choose from several provided backgrounds or use your own image
- Zoom – Offers virtual backgrounds and filters like celestials, supernova, and prism
- WhatsApp – Provides a small selection of color filters to use on video calls
- Instagram – Apply filters and AR effects to video chats in Direct messaging
- Snapchat – Offers lenses and filters designed specifically for Snapchat video calls
Most apps make adding video effects simple with built-in menus and options to browse available effects. So spice up your next video chat with a virtual background, fun filter, or other effect!
Tips for Using Video Call Effects
Effects can be a great way to add some excitement and fun to video calls. But there are some tips to use them effectively:
- Make sure effects don’t become too distracting – Silly hats are fun, but could be unprofessional for a serious work meeting.
- Check your internet bandwidth – Virtual backgrounds and some effects require more bandwidth to work well.
- Adjust your lighting – Effects like green screens need proper lighting to look good.
- Be mindful of backgrounds – Ensure your surroundings are appropriate if not using a virtual background.
- Test effects beforehand – Try out effects before an important call to avoid technical issues.
Following these tips will let you take full advantage of video effects while keeping your calls productive and professional.
Popular Video Call Effects
Here are some of the most popular video call effects across leading platforms:
| Effect | Platforms | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual backgrounds | Zoom, Teams, Skype | Replace your actual background with a digital image or video |
| Funny glasses/masks | Zoom, Snapchat | Overlay cartoony glasses, goggles, masks, etc. over your face |
| Silly hats | Zoom, Teams | Add virtual hats like party hats, wizard hats, etc. on top of your head |
| Facial filters | Instagram, Snapchat | Effects like dog ears and snouts, emojis, and other overlaid images |
| Color filters | WhatsApp, Instagram | Tint your video feed different colors like black & white, sepia, etc. |
| Green screen | Zoom, Teams | Replace your background with customizable images, video, etc. |
| AR lenses | Snapchat, Instagram | Animated 3D effects and characters that respond to your face |
These are just a few popular examples – many apps offer their own unique selection of filters, backgrounds, and other effects.
How Can Effects Enhance Video Calls?
Video call effects offer many benefits beyond just plain video chatting:
- Make meetings more engaging and lively – Effects help participants stay attentive and amused.
- Let you showcase your personality – Fun effects and backgrounds reflect your style.
- Help express emotions and reactions – Virtual hats, glasses, etc. replace in-person nonverbal cues.
- Provide privacy and control over environments – Backgrounds allow you to hide messy rooms.
- Improve your on-camera presence – Effects help you look best by enhancing lighting, etc.
Overall, video call effects make virtual interactions more dynamic, entertaining, and personal. They bring energy and emotion that can otherwise be lost during remote video chats. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with effects on your next video call!
Conclusion
Adding video effects is an easy way to take your video calls to the next level. All the leading video chat platforms make it simple to access virtual backgrounds, fun filters, facial effects, and more. Backgrounds let you showcase custom images, while filters and AR effects enable you to alter your on-camera appearance.
Using video call effects appropriately can enhance your remote interactions and videos. But be sure not to become too distracted or unprofessional during serious calls. Test out effects beforehand and adjust your bandwidth and lighting as needed. Overall, video call effects are a great innovation that makes online conversations much more dynamic and expressive!