Three easy ways to look better on your next Zoom call

Now that working from home is the new normal, so too are virtual meetings. In my opinion, the best video calls are no video calls, but if, like me, that simply is not an option here are a few quick and easy ways to improve your appearance. 

Secret ‘touch-up’ filter

You’ll find this magical feature in ‘Video Settings’ at the bottom left-hand corner of the screen. Simply click the ‘Touch Up My Appearance’ button and ta-da. Zoom describes the webcam beauty filter as "a softening effect to skin to minimize the visibility of imperfections.

The book stack hack 

This is crucial for ensuring people don’t have an undisrupted view directly up your nostrils. This issue arises when people assume that appropriate keyboard typing height is the proper video camera angle, which sadly, is not the case. 

You can quickly avoid this by having a few books stacked nearby, I recommend five or six that you can place underneath your laptop so that your camera lens meets you at eye level. 

Get a custom Zoom background

For those meetings that aren’t all business, Zoom has an unreal virtual background feature.  You can upload your own images if your computer is up-to-date. All you have to do: When you're in your next Zoom meeting, click the "^" arrow next to Start/Stop Video and then click choose a virtual background. It’s also great for avoiding awkward Zoom bombs from your housemates, or ya know, if you haven’t gotten around to making your bed yet.