Written By:
Table of Contents_
Even the best webcam can’t save you from a messy room unless you know how to create a background for your webcam. Having a virtual background option at your disposal also means having complete control over your online privacy. But no matter why you want one, keep reading to discover how to create your own.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Using a virtual background option for your webcam background is an excellent idea if you value your privacy or just want to have more professional video meetings. There are several ways to create a custom background, depending on your skill level and comfort with tech. We’ll go over the easiest two methods so that you can have a few tools in your box to work with. Either is easy for a beginner, and you shouldn’t have any trouble.
Insider Tip
In a pinch, you can use a blue screen instead of a green screen.
Learning more about your webcam empowers you to have the best video calls experience possible. For example, knowing how to check webcam resolution will help immensely in the future. Knowing how to disable a webcam will come in handy if you’re worried about privacy in general. You should also learn how to check webcam history.
For a spotless background, try investing in a green screen. This actual background you physically set up allows you to cleanly separate from the physical background and insert a virtual one instead. While there are ways to do this digitally, the result will never be as clean as with a green background screen. You’ll also be able to apply special effects more easily and use video sources.
You’ll still need to use a virtual background option, however. This allows your webcam video to display a stock photo or video file instead of just a flat green background.
Instead of using a green screen, you can digitally remove yourself from the background. Many webcams offer this in their settings, so read your manufacturer’s instructions to figure out how to do it with yours. You can choose between a wide range of options, including forest, sky, and beach scenes.
Several conferencing applications or software will allow you to use background removal software to make things easier.
Warning
A virtual background tool will not give you as clean a result as a green screen.
Whether you use a green screen or not, a virtual background option is perfect for hiding your actual background. This is one of the best options for background replacement if you’re a beginner since you don’t need the extra equipment.
STAT: During an April 2020 survey in the United States, 15 percent of respondents aged 18 to 29 stated that they used video conferencing in order to take part in fitness classes during the Covid-19 crisis. (source)
