Skype virtual backgrounds

Virtual Backgrounds for Skype: How to Use Them to Enhance Your Video Calls

If you’re tired of having the same background during your Skype video calls, these virtual backgrounds can be a game-changer. With the ability to replace your background with a pre-existing or custom image, virtual backgrounds can create a more visually appealing and engaging environment for your video calls. Find here how to use virtual backgrounds on Skype and discover tips on how to make the most of them.

Why Use Virtual Backgrounds on Skype?

Virtual backgrounds are more than just a fun novelty feature; they can also serve practical purposes. Here are some reasons why you may want to use virtual backgrounds on Skype:

  1. Create a professional environment: If you’re taking a work-related video call from a messy or unprofessional space, virtual backgrounds can create a more polished and presentable environment.
  2. Hide distracting backgrounds: If you’re taking a call from a noisy or visually distracting environment, virtual backgrounds can help you stay focused on the call by replacing the background with a calming or neutral image.
  3. Add visual interest: If you’re taking a call with friends or family, virtual backgrounds can add a fun or creative element to the call by using a themed or personalized background. ¡So you can make it fun as well!

3 tips for best Virtual Call results:

Tip #1

Leave the “Mirror my video” option checked. Words in your background will look backwards to you but will appear normally to the other meeting participants.

Tip #2

For a better result, have a solid color in your background – or even better yet, a green screen – so that your virtual background shows up in a clear and sharp way.

Tip #3

Finally: Plan ahead and don’t wear clothing the same color as your virtual background. Colors will merge and no one wants to see you as a floating head!

Funny Backgrounds for Zoom, Teams & Webex

Visit our Collection!

How to Apply Virtual Backgrounds on Skype Video Calls

Now that you’ve downloaded a bunch of virtual backgrounds for Skype, it’s time to start using them on your video calls. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply virtual backgrounds during a Skype video call:

  1. Join or start a video call: Open Skype and join an existing video call or start a new one.
  2. Access virtual backgrounds: During the call, click on the “Background effects” button, which looks like a wand with stars.
  3. Select a pre-existing background or upload your own: You can choose from a selection of pre-existing backgrounds or upload your own image by clicking on the “Add image” button. If you choose to upload your own image, make sure it’s the right size and format (e.g., JPEG, PNG) and click “Open” to upload it.
  4. Adjust background settings: After selecting a background, you can adjust the blur, brightness, and contrast settings to make it look more natural and seamless. You can also choose to apply the background to your entire video or just your own video by clicking on the “Apply to” dropdown menu.

How to install Skype on your Windows, MAC, or Linux PC

If you’re new to Skype and need help installing it on your device, this guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to install Skype on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

How to Install Skype on Windows

Installing Skype on Windows is a straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Go to the Skype website: Open your web browser and go to the official Skype website (www.skype.com).
  2. Click “Get Skype”: On the Skype homepage, click on the “Get Skype” button located at the top of the page.
  3. Choose your platform: On the next page, select “Windows” as your platform.
  4. Download the installer: Click the “Download Skype” button to download the Skype installer.
  5. Run the installer: Once the installer is downloaded, run it and follow the on-screen instructions to install Skype on your Windows device.
  6. Log in to Skype: After the installation is complete, open Skype and log in with your Microsoft account or create a new account if you don’t have one.

How to Install Skype on Mac

Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Go to the Skype website: Open your web browser and go to the official Skype website (www.skype.com).
  2. Click “Get Skype”: On the Skype homepage, click on the “Get Skype” button located at the top of the page.
  3. Choose your platform: On the next page, select “Mac” as your platform.
  4. Download the installer: Click the “Download Skype” button to download the Skype installer.
  5. Install Skype: Once the installer is downloaded, open it and drag the Skype icon to the Applications folder.
  6. Log in to Skype: After the installation is complete, open Skype and log in with your Microsoft account or create a new account if you don’t have one.

How to Install Skype on Linux

Installing Skype on Linux requires a few more steps than on Windows or Mac. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Go to the Skype website: Open your web browser and go to the official Skype website (www.skype.com).
  2. Click “Get Skype”: On the Skype homepage, click on the “Get Skype” button located at the top of the page.
  3. Choose your platform: On the next page, select “Linux” as your platform.
  4. Download the installer: Select the version of Linux you’re using (e.g., Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora) and download the appropriate installer.
  5. Install Skype: Depending on your Linux distribution, the installation process may vary. Generally, you’ll need to open a terminal window and run the installer using the appropriate command.
  6. Log in to Skype: After the installation is complete, open Skype and log in with your Microsoft account or create a new account if you don’t have one.

Follow these instructions to install Skype on Linux distributions, such as Debian, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Arch. You can also use these instructions to upgrade an existing Skype installation on Linux.