12 zoom video calling tips you should know
Despite some confidentiality issues which led the company to stop developing new features to focus on improving the security of the platform, Zoom has become the most used video calling app during the lockdown period when much of the world's population is overwhelmed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many people and organizations have opted for this platform to organize videoconferences, business meetings and even online courses. At the time, we had already explained how to use the platform to make group video calls, and now we've decided to go over some of the functions and tips the most interesting of Zoom to get the most out of the tool.
Put any image as a virtual background
This is probably the favorite feature of most people who use Zoom. When you make a video call, you can change your background to a virtual image. By default, Zoom gives you the possibility to choose between several predefined backgrounds ?? some of which are animated ??, although at any time you can select your own image to use as a background.
To do this, within a video call, simply press the up arrow icon next to the "Stop video" button and select the "Choose virtual background" option. . Next, tap the "+" icon and select the image you want to use.
Zoom in on the image for a closer look
It's a trick that only works in the Zoom mobile app. To enlarge the image and appear closer in the viewing window of other people, simply zoom the image with two fingers as you would zoom a photo.
Activate the "beauty mode"
Another curious feature that includes zooming is the ability to add a "beauty filter" to the image which softens facial features and eliminates blemishes. To activate it, go to the video settings and check the option "Activate the video filter".
Use the "Gallery" mode to see all the participants
By default, during a Zoom video call, the people talking will appear on the screen anytime. However, when you teach online classes or organize meetings, it can be worthwhile to activate gallery mode which displays up to 49 participants on the screen. You can activate this mode in the upper right part of the call screen.
Share a single area of your screen
Sometimes you may need to share your screen content to show what you see to the rest of the participants. But you might not want to share everything that pops up on your screen.
Fortunately, Zoom includes an option that offers the possibility of only share part of the screen. To do this, click on "Share screen", and go to the "Advanced" tab where you will find the function "Part of the screen", which will allow you to choose which area to show to the rest of the meeting participants.
Make video calls with the camera and microphone turned off by default
If you need to prepare before entering a meeting, but don't want to be late, Zoom gives you the option of entering with the camera and microphone turned off, and activate them once you're inside.
To do this, you just need to access the Zoom parameters, and in the "Video" section, to check the option "Disable my video when I join a meeting". You must do the same with the audio in its corresponding section, unchecking the option "Mute the microphone when I join a meeting *".
Asking permission to speak
Another curious feature included in Zoom is the ability to ask permission to speak: during a meeting, open the “Participants” menu and press the “Raise your hand” option. This way the person speaking will know you want to say something, and you will avoid that several participants speak simultaneously.
Record your video calls to watch them later
Sometimes it can be interesting to record a video call or meeting to watch it later, or share it with team members who couldn't attend. For record a meeting, use the combination of "Alt + R" keys on Windows, or Command + Shift + R on Mac **.
Try the "driving mode"
I'm afraid it's not a very useful feature during the quarantine period, but it never hurts to know it's there. If you use Zoom on your mobile, you can use the Driving View, which turns off the camera and requires you to touch the screen in order to speak and thus avoid distracted driving. If you need to use it, you just need to access a meeting with your mobile, and swipe right on the screen.
Hide participants with the camera off
If you do not want people who do not have a camera or who have decided not to activate it appear in the meeting window, you can hide them from the Zoom settings, in the "Video" section, by checking the option "Hide participants without video".
Create anonymous surveys
When making a joint decision, it may be wise to turn to one of the anonymous surveys integrated with Zoom. This tool should be available in the meeting toolbar, but if not, the meeting administrator can enable it through the “Account Settings” section in the “Account Administration” menu. The company itself shows us how this option works in a video, available on these lines.
Mute all participants quickly
Are all participants talking at the same time? You can quickly silence everyone with the key combination "Alt + M" in Windows or "Cmd + Ctrl + M" under MacOS.
