How to use Zoom in 2024 – 8 Zoom Tips To Improve Your Video Calls

Introduction

Are you tired of boring Zoom meetings? What if I told you that there's a secret filter that enhances your beauty and an AI notetaker that you can use for free to make your meetings more productive and fun? In this article, I'll go through my top eight tips and tricks that I use to enhance my Zoom meetings, and trust me, trick number four saves me multiple hours each week. Let's dive right in!

1. Improve Your Lighting and Audio

The first step to elevating your video calls is to invest in better lighting and a good microphone. A simple microphone can be purchased for $ 30-40, and a semi-professional lighting setup can work wonders. Here's how drastic the difference can be: with quality lighting, you'll appear clearer, and with a decent microphone, you'll sound better too. You don't need to break the bank; one good light and one good microphone can greatly enhance your appearance in every Zoom meeting. There are many affordable options available on Amazon.

2. Optimize Your Camera Settings

You can easily improve your camera quality without purchasing new gear. Follow these quick steps in Zoom: click the settings gear, select "Video," and enable "Portrait Mode." Adjust the blur level to your preference. Another key setting is "Studio Light," which brightens your face while dimming the background, creating a more focused image.

3. Utilize Zoom's Notetaking Features

Zoom offers built-in tools for taking notes and collaborating via whiteboards. When in a meeting, click on the bottom right to access "Notes" or "Whiteboard." This allows you to jot down notes for later sharing. The whiteboard feature is excellent for visual collaboration, enabling you to create diagrams and text files that all participants can access.

4. Leverage AI Notetaking Tools

One of my favorite tricks is using an AI notetaker called Fathom. This free tool records your meetings, transcribes them, and summarizes the key points. You can extract action items, share excerpts with team members, and effectively keep track of your meetings without manual note-taking. (Disclosure: Fathom reached out to sponsor this segment, but my appreciation for the tool remains genuine.)

5. Master Keyboard Shortcuts

To turbocharge your productivity, learn Zoom's keyboard shortcuts. For instance, Command + Shift + A mutes/unmutes video, Command + Shift + S initiates screen sharing, and Command + Shift + V toggles your video on and off. You can access a full list of shortcuts by clicking Command + Comma to customize them further.

6. Have Fun with Custom Video Backgrounds

Add some fun to your meetings with custom video backgrounds. Go to "Choose Virtual Background" and either upload your images or choose from the pre-existing options. Did you know you can also upload videos as backgrounds? This feature brings some excitement and promotes engagement.

7. Use Video Filters for Entertainment

Zoom allows users to apply various video filters that can add some flair to your calls. Play around with these effects during informal meetings to entertain your colleagues and lighten the mood. Just be cautious, as too much fun can sometimes appear unprofessional.

8. Experiment with Custom Avatars

For virtual happy hours or unique events, try using custom avatars. By selecting an avatar from the options, you can invoke laughter among your colleagues as they see you transform into something unexpected, like a dog or a giraffe!

Conclusion

I hope you found these tips helpful in enhancing your Zoom meetings. From improving your appearance to leveraging innovative tools, these actionable insights will save you time and make your calls more enjoyable. Let me know in the comments which tip you liked best!

Keywords

Zoom meetings, productivity tips, video calls, lighting, microphone, camera settings, AI notetaking, keyboard shortcuts, video backgrounds, avatars.

FAQ

1. How can I improve my video quality in Zoom?
You can enhance your video quality by investing in good lighting and a quality microphone and adjusting your camera settings in Zoom to use portrait mode and studio light.

2. What tools can I use for notetaking in Zoom?
Zoom has built-in notetaking and whiteboard features, but you can also use AI tools like Fathom for automated meeting transcripts and summaries.

3. Are there shortcuts for Zoom?
Yes, you can use several keyboard shortcuts such as Command + Shift + A to mute/unmute video, and Command + Shift + S to share your screen.

4. How can I personalize my Zoom background?
You can personalize your background by uploading custom images or videos through the "Choose Virtual Background" option in Zoom settings.

5. What are some fun features I can use in Zoom?
You can use video filters and custom avatars for entertainment purposes during meetings, bringing a light-hearted feel to your calls.