Video calls are now a regular part of work, interviews, and catching up with friends. How you present yourself on camera can impact the way you're perceived, which makes lighting, camera angles, and background setup important. With a few simple adjustments, you can appear more natural and confident on screen.
In this article, we'll share five simple tips on how to look good in a video call and feel more confident on camera.
The best equipment to improve your video appearance
Having the right equipment can make a big difference in how you look and sound on a video call. Good lighting, a clear camera, and quality audio help create a more professional presence. Here are some of the best tools to enhance your video appearance:
Ring light
A ring light provides even and balanced lighting, reducing harsh shadows and making your face appear clearer. It enhances visibility in dim settings to ensure a professional look. Many models provide adjustable brightness and color temperature for the best lighting conditions.
HD webcam
An HD webcam captures high-resolution video, delivering sharper details and better color accuracy than built-in laptop cameras. It helps reduce blurriness and ensures a refined and natural appearance. Many webcams also have autofocus and low-light correction for improved quality.
Lavalier microphone
A lavalier microphone improves sound quality by capturing clear audio while minimizing background noise. It clips easily onto clothing and enables hands-free communication with a consistent sound level. This ensures your voice remains crisp and professional throughout the call.
Adjustable tripod
An adjustable tripod helps stabilize your camera, preventing shaky or uneven video. It enables you to set the perfect height and angle for a flattering frame. Many tripods come with flexible mounts, which make them compatible with both webcams and smartphones.
Green screen
A green screen enables you to replace your background with a clean, distraction-free virtual setting. It creates a more professional appearance, especially for work calls or presentations. Many green screens are foldable and easy to set up for convenience.
How to look better in video calls: 5 proven tips
Looking professional in video calls isn't just about appearance—it's also about lighting, camera angles, and a distraction-free environment. Small adjustments can make a big difference in how you present yourself. If you want to know how to look good in a video call, follow these strategies:
Light your face
Proper lighting enhances your features and prevents shadows that can make you look dull. Position a light source in front of you, preferably a ring light or a natural light source, to create a balanced and flattering effect. Avoid overhead or backlighting, as they can cause unflattering shadows or silhouette effects.
Raise your camera
A low-angle camera can distort your face and make it appear unflattering. Place the camera at your eye level to maintain a natural and engaging appearance. You can also use a tripod or stack books under your laptop to achieve the right height. This setup also improves posture and prevents neck strain.
Test your video before the call
Checking your video settings before a meeting helps you adjust lighting, framing, and focus. Open your webcam application or meeting software to preview how you look. Make necessary tweaks to ensure a clean, well-lit, and centered frame before joining the call.
Find a quiet place
Background noise can be distracting and unprofessional. Select a quiet space where interruptions are minimal, and use noise-canceling headphones or a Lavalier microphone for clear audio. Muting yourself when not speaking also helps maintain call quality and focus.
Ensure a stable connection
A poor internet connection can cause lagging, pixelation, and dropped calls. If possible, use a wired connection or position yourself near the Wi-Fi router for a stronger signal. Closing unnecessary applications can also help improve video call stability.
How to look better in video calls: Virtual etiquette
Your behavior during a video call affects how others perceive you just as much as your appearance. Practicing good virtual etiquette ensures smooth and professional interaction to help you leave a positive impression. Here are some essential etiquette tips to follow for respectful video calls:
- Greet politely
A friendly greeting helps create a positive atmosphere for the conversation. Start with a smile and acknowledge participants by name if possible. This small gesture makes interactions feel more personal and engaging.
- Sit up straight
Your posture speaks a lot about your confidence and attentiveness. Sitting upright with a relaxed yet professional posture helps you appear focused and engaged. Avoid leaning too far back or resting your chin on your hand.
- Avoid interrupting
Respectful communication is key in video calls. Let others complete their thoughts before speaking, and use pauses to ensure a smooth conversation flow. If necessary, use the chat function to add comments without disrupting the discussion.
- Listen actively
Engagement goes beyond just hearing words—it’s about showing that you value the conversation. Maintain eye contact with the camera, nod occasionally, and respond thoughtfully to demonstrate that you’re fully present.
- Speak clearly
Clear and well-paced speech helps avoid misunderstandings. Articulate your words, avoid speaking too fast, and use a steady volume. If needed, check your microphone settings to ensure your voice is crisp and audible.
Bonus tip: Record video calls & enhance your look with CapCut
CapCut's built-in screen recorder lets you capture high-quality video while keeping facial details sharp and well-lit. After recording, the CapCut desktop video editor analyzes portrait recordings and recommends tools like auto-captions, face retouching, and voice enhancement, streamlining editing and enhancing the user experience. Whether for vlogs, tutorials, or professional content, CapCut makes it easy to record and refine stunning videos effortlessly.
Note: We respect the copyrights of all creators. Please record and edit content only through legal means and refrain from using it for commercial purposes without permission or any illegal activities.
Key features
- Sophisticated screen and audio recording
CapCut’s built-in screen and audio recorder allow you to capture high-quality visuals and crisp sound, making it perfect for creating tutorials, gaming videos, and professional content.
- Access vast beauty filters
CapCut desktop video editor provides a wide range of video effects and filters to enhance facial features, refine skin tone, and create a professional look.
- AI-powered color correction
With AI-powered color correction, CapCut automatically adjusts brightness, contrast, and saturation to ensure natural and vibrant visuals.
- Apply motion tracking smoothly
The motion tracking feature aligns effects, filters, and text with moving objects in videos to maintain a professional and dynamic appearance.
- Stylize videos with AI
CapCut’s AI stylize tool transforms videos with artistic effects by providing unique styles that add creativity and depth to recordings.
- Quick facial retouching
The face retouching tool smoothes skin, removes blemishes, and enhances facial details to ensure a flawless on-screen appearance.
How to record and enhance your appearance with CapCut
Ensure your CapCut is up to date on your PC before recording and editing your videos. If you haven’t installed it yet, click the button below to download it. Once installed, sign in using your Facebook, Google, or TikTok account.
- STEP 1
- Capture your video call
Open CapCut and select "Record Screen" from the main interface or within your project. Choose a specific area, like a video call, and disable CapCut’s built-in camera if needed. Adjust audio settings for optimal sound, then click "Start Recording" and "Stop Recording" when done. Your recording will be ready for seamless editing.
- STEP 2
- Edit and apply beauty effects
Place the video on the timeline and go to "Effects" > "Body effects" in the top left panel. Browse and apply effects that suit your video. Next, navigate to the "Retouch" tool under the "Video" section to enhance facial details. You can also apply the "Auto color correction" tool to adjust colors automatically without manual editing. Additionally, explore advanced tools like AI video upscaling and video flicker removal to refine your recording further.
- STEP 3
- Export and share
Once your edits are complete, click "Export" to adjust settings like resolution, bitrate, and codec for optimal quality. Then, hit "Export" again to save the video to your device or share it directly on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to look good in a video call is all about proper lighting, camera angles, and a professional setup. By making small adjustments, you can present yourself more confidently and create a strong impression. Testing your setup beforehand and ensuring a distraction-free environment further enhances your on-screen presence.
To refine your video recordings even more, use the CapCut desktop video editor to refine your video recordings. With its advanced editing tools, you can enhance lighting, apply beauty filters, and fine-tune your footage for a professional, high-quality result.
FAQs
- 1
- How to look better on video calls using a virtual background properly?
If you want to know how to make yourself look better on video calls, use a well-lit setup and avoid wearing colors similar to your backdrop. A solid-colored background works best, and positioning yourself at a reasonable distance from the camera helps prevent distortion. Adjusting background blur or choosing a subtle, professional image can also enhance your appearance. For refining recorded video calls, use the CapCut desktop video editor, which lets you fine-tune the visuals with its advanced tools for a more professional look.
- 2
- Why do I look so different on video calls compared to real life?
Video calls can distort your appearance due to lighting, camera angles, and lens quality. Harsh lighting can create unflattering shadows, while wide-angle webcams may slightly alter facial proportions. Additionally, low-resolution cameras may not capture details accurately. If you're editing a recorded video call, consider using the CapCut desktop video editor. It provides AI-powered tools to enhance video clarity, adjust brightness, and fine-tune colors for a more natural look.
- 3
- How to look better on video calls without changing your outfit?
Improving your appearance on video calls without changing outfits is all about lighting, camera positioning, and facial grooming. Position yourself in front of a soft light source, keep the camera at eye level, and apply minimal facial adjustments to look fresh. Additionally, to enhance your recorded video calls, the CapCut desktop video editor provides beauty filters and facial retouching features for a more professional look.
