How do you blur the background in a video call?

Blurring the background on a video call has become increasingly popular as more people work remotely and participate in video conferences. A blurred background helps minimize distractions, maintains privacy, and keeps the focus on you instead of what’s behind you. There are several methods you can use to blur or replace your background on video calls, depending on the platform you’re using.

Why Blur Your Background?

Here are some of the main reasons you may want to blur or replace your background on video calls:

• Privacy – Blurring your background prevents people from seeing private surroundings and information in your home or office.
• Professionalism – A blurred or replaced background looks more professional and prevents distractions during important video meetings.
• Aesthetics – You can select a background that looks nicer or more interesting than what’s actually behind you.
• Minimize distractions – Pets, clutter, lighting issues, and movement can be distracting to others on the call. Blurring hides them.
• Control what people see – You decide exactly what image to display behind you instead of relying on your real environment.

Ways to Blur or Replace Your Background

There are a few main ways you can blur or replace your background on a video call:

Virtual Backgrounds

Many video conferencing apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet have a virtual background feature that lets you select or upload an image to display behind you instead of your real environment. This fully replaces your background with something else. Zoom has a range of default virtual backgrounds you can choose from or you can upload your own image.

Background Blur

Some apps also have a dedicated background blur option that will digitally blur everything behind you into soft focus. Background blur modes are available in Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and other services. The effect is similar to Portrait Mode on a smartphone camera app.

Third-Party Apps

If the platform you’re using doesn’t have built-in background replacement or blurring, there are third-party apps and software you can use like Snap Camera and Xsplit VCam that offer these capabilities. These tools work with most video conferencing platforms.

Blur Your Background in OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a free and open source streaming and recording program that has powerful options for manipulating your video feed. You can use a chroma key filter in OBS to replace your background with anything you want. OBS also has robust blur filters like a Gaussian blur to softly blur your background.

How to Blur Your Background in Zoom

Zoom has two options for changing your background: virtual backgrounds and the Blur Background feature. Here’s how to use them:

Virtual Backgrounds

1. Open the Zoom desktop app and join or start a meeting.
2. In the meeting controls at the bottom, click the up arrow next to Stop Video.
3. Select Choose Virtual Background.
4. Zoom will display the available default backgrounds. Choose one you like.
5. Alternatively, click + at the top to upload your own image to use.
6. Your background will now be replaced with the virtual background during the call.

Blur Background

1. Open your Zoom settings and navigate to the Virtual Background tab.
2. Check the box for Blur to enable the feature.
3. Join a Zoom meeting as usual.
4. Your real background will appear blurred on the call.
5. Fine-tune the blur amount and effects in your Zoom settings.

How to Change Your Background in Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams also lets you choose custom backgrounds or blur your background:

Custom Backgrounds

1. In a Teams meeting, click the three dots More Options button.
2. Select Show Background Effects.
3. Choose Add New Effect to upload your own image or pick one of the available background options.
4. Your background will now change to display the selected image.

Blur Background

1. Open your Teams settings and go to General > Personalization.
2. Toggle on Background blur.
3. Join a meeting as usual for a blurred background effect.
4. Adjust the blur level and intensity in your settings.

Third-Party Apps for Background Blurring

If the platform you use doesn’t have built-in options, use a third-party app:

App	Platforms	Key Features
Snap Camera	Works with Zoom, Skype, Teams, and more	Virtual backgrounds, filters, lenses
XSplit VCam	Compatible with most video platforms	Chroma key background replacement
OBS Studio	Works as webcam input for streaming/recording	Chroma key, blur, and other effects

These tools give you extensive control over manipulating your webcam feed before it gets sent to the video platform. Popular features include chroma key background replacement, custom images, and high quality blur effects.

Tips for Blurring Your Background

Follow these tips to get the best results when blurring or changing your background:

• Use a solid color background for chroma key replacement like a green screen.
• Make sure you have good lighting on your face and body.
• Test different blur intensities to find the right amount.
• Position your camera properly so your head isn’t cut off.
• Check how it looks on a test call before an important meeting.
• Customize virtual backgrounds to match your brand or meeting style.

Conclusion

Blurring or changing your background on a video call is easy to do in just a few clicks. All of the major conferencing platforms offer these capabilities directly or through third-party software. With virtual backgrounds and blur effects, you can maintain privacy, reduce distractions, and present a professional image on your video meetings. Using these tips, you can find the right background manipulations for your specific needs.