Home WhatsApp to roll out filters and backgrounds for video calls

WhatsApp to roll out filters and backgrounds for video calls

TLDR

  • WhatsApp will introduce filters and backgrounds for video calls, enhancing user experience.
  • Users can choose from 10 filters and backgrounds, including Touch up and Low Light options.
  • The update will roll out in the coming weeks, enabling users to select effects during calls.

In the coming weeks, WhatsApp users will soon be able to fake their backgrounds in video calls as the instant messaging company announces filters and background features.

The news was shared through a company blog post on Tuesday (October 1) and will be the first time video calls on WhatsApp will see new additions since its screen-sharing capabilities were added.

There will be 10 filters and 10 backgrounds to choose from, with the addition of ‘Touch up’ and ‘Low Light’ options to help people “feel more confident and comfortable.”

The latter two will naturally enhance “the look and brightness of your environment, making your video calls more vibrant and enjoyable.”

There are options to get rid of your current background entirely, as a faux ‘Living room’ setting or even an ‘Office’ can be added. The team says this can “keep your surroundings private and transport yourself to a cozy coffee shop or comfortable living room for a more clean and polished look.”

Other companies that run video call capabilities have similar features like Microsoft Teams that allows users to blur their background or upload their own. Zoom is the same.

How do you use WhatsApps’ new video call filters and backgrounds?

While the news has already been shared, an exact date for the launch isn’t yet known as the company simply says the effects will “be available to everyone in the coming weeks.”

When you do see the update on the app, you have to select the effects icon which will be on the top right-hand corner of the screen when you’re in a video call.

From there, you’ll see a selection of filters and backgrounds and you can choose the one that you wish to go with. Once chosen, you should be able to easily flip between them all to try them out.

The filter options will include Warm, Cool, Black & White, Light leak, Dreamy, Prism light, Fisheye, Vintage TV, Frosted glass, and Duo tone.

Background options will be: Blur, Living room, Office, Cafe, Pebbles, Foodie, Smoosh, Beach, Sunset, Celebration, and Forest.

Featured Image: Via WhatsApp Blog

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Sophie Atkinson
Tech Journalist

Sophie Atkinson is a UK-based journalist and content writer, as well as a founder of a content agency which focuses on storytelling through social media marketing. She kicked off her career with a Print Futures Award which champions young talent working in print, paper and publishing. Heading straight into a regional newsroom, after graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in Journalism, Sophie started by working for Reach PLC. Now, with five years experience in journalism and many more in content marketing, Sophie works as a freelance writer and marketer. Her areas of specialty span a wide range, including technology, business,…

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