In fact, according to SkillScouter, by 2022 internet video traffic and worldwide IP video traffic are expected to increase by 4X from 2017.
While businesses are using this type of technology to conduct business, they’re also using these platforms for team-building opportunities to keep their employees engaged from afar. During your next conference call, or office happy hour, try one of these fun functions!
Video Enhancements
Let’s be serious – every corner of your home isn’t set up to deliver the best lighting or meant to be seen by your entire office. A lot of the time you’re often limited in where you can conduct a video conference call – especially if you’re sharing a space with someone else who’s working remotely. Luckily, video conferencing platforms have built-in features that can improve your video and picture quality in addition to offering virtual backgrounds and filters.
According to the Zoom site, the Touch Up My Appearance capability retouches your video display with a soft-focus which smoothes out the skin tone on your face. So, when you accidentally snooze your alarm one too many times, you’ll still roll out of bed looking polished!
A lot of people working remotely don’t have the greatest lighting in their work area. Zoom recommends finding a table lamp positioned directly by your face or sitting in front of a window that emits natural light, if you can. If not, Zoom’s Adjust For Low Light capability can help out a bit. Just enable the Adjust for Low Light function and select “Manual” from the dropdown menu where you’ll be able to adjust the setting for your individual lighting preferences.
Don’t want the entire office seeing your bedroom? Or, have you not had the chance to fold the laundry on the sofa? We’ve all been there.
Instead of your co-workers seeing your home, on Zoom & Microsoft Teams, you have the ability to display an image or even a video as your background. Both platforms have ready-to-use image background libraries or give the user the ability to upload their own photos (if you’re really wanting to tout how great the views from your last vacation were – RIP traveling ��). Virtual backgrounds can be used in a more formal work setting in addition to a team-building experience, as they can be professional or fun, depending on what your use is!
If you’re not one for completely changing your background, Microsft Teams allows the ability to simply “blur” your background, so the emphasis is on you and not any potential distractions that may lurk behind.
Similar to Facebook, Instagram & Snapchat, video conferencing platforms either have their own video filters (Zoom) or they allow you to add and apply filters from your Snap Camera (Microsoft Teams). These filters would be best used in a more relaxed setting, after all it can’t be ALL work and no play – right?
Whatever enhancement(s) you choose, just be sure to remember that video conferencing platforms save your preferences. So always be sure to preview your video before joining your next virtual meeting to make sure you have the appropriate settings!
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