20 Amazing Tips to Look Good on Zoom and Webcam Videos

Remember when we all thought video calls would be a temporary pandemic thing? Yeah, about that. It’s 2025, and I’m still staring at my own face in the corner of my screen during meetings more than I’d care to admit. The digital window into our lives has become a permanent fixture in our work culture, and the days of rolling out of bed five minutes before a meeting aren’t exactly behind us—but they probably should be.

After spending the last few years refining my own setup through countless iterations (and some admittedly embarrassing screenshots), I’ve compiled these tips that balance analog solutions with digital enhancements. No need to look like you’re broadcasting from a NASA control center, but a few intentional tweaks can transform how you come across to colleagues, clients, and that one person who always forgets to unmute.

The goal here isn’t to look like you’re trying too hard—nothing worse than that uncanny, over-produced vibe—but rather to present yourself authentically while respecting the medium and your audience. Let’s dive in.

Part 1: The Setup – Hardware Essentials

1. Camera Selection: Beyond the Built-in

Your laptop’s integrated camera is almost certainly garbage. I don’t care if you dropped three grand on that machine last month—the manufacturers are still cutting corners on webcams, and it shows. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to fix this.

Mid-range options like the Logitech C920s (or whatever has replaced it by the time you’re reading this) deliver substantially better quality for around $70. What actually matters in a webcam isn’t necessarily the megapixel count—it’s the sensor size and low-light performance. If your home office resembles a cave (no judgment), prioritize a camera that handles dim lighting well.

For those who’ve gotten deep into content creation alongside their work calls, the DSLR or mirrorless camera route might make sense. But let’s be real—it’s overkill for most of us. If you’re just hopping on standup meetings and the occasional client call, save your money for better lighting instead.

2. Lighting: The Analog Secret Weapon

Speaking of lighting—this is where the real magic happens. You can have a mediocre camera with great lighting and look infinitely better than someone with an expensive camera in poor lighting. It’s just physics.

Natural light is your friend, but it’s a fickle one. Position yourself facing a window (not with the window behind you unless you’re going for the anonymous source aesthetic). If your calls happen at consistent times, you’ll learn quickly how the light shifts throughout the day in your space.

Ring lights had their moment, and they’re still useful, but they’re a bit played out. If you go this route, get one with adjustable temperature settings—that blue-white light does nobody any favors. I found a better solution was investing in a couple of small LED panels that can be positioned off-camera for more dimensional lighting.

My favorite hack? A $15 clamp light from the hardware store with a decent bulb and a piece of parchment paper as a diffuser. Works better than equipment costing ten times as much.

3. Audio Quality: The Overlooked Element

Here’s the truth that video lighting enthusiasts don’t want to admit: your audio quality matters more than how you look. People will forgive video glitches long before they’ll tolerate poor audio.

You don’t need a $400 microphone setup (though if audio is your thing, I get it). A solid USB mic like the Blue Yeti has become standard for a reason, but even a decent pair of earbuds with an integrated mic will outperform your laptop’s built-in system.

The real game-changer is treating your space. You don’t need to transform your home office into a recording booth, but adding some soft surfaces can dramatically reduce echo. Bookshelves (filled with actual books), canvas art, or even a strategically placed throw blanket can make a difference. Your colleagues may not consciously notice the improvement, but they’ll feel it.

4. Internet Connection: The Foundation

All the fancy equipment in the world can’t save you from a flaky connection. If you’re serious about your video presence, hardwire your computer with an ethernet cable when possible. Yes, it’s very 2010, and yes, it still matters.

If you’re sharing bandwidth with housemates or family, consider setting up QoS (Quality of Service) rules on your router to prioritize video call traffic during important meetings. Most modern routers support this, and it takes about five minutes to configure.

Always have a backup plan. Know how to hotspot from your phone if your primary connection drops. Have the dial-in number handy. The most professional-looking move during technical difficulties is handling them smoothly without making them everyone else’s problem.

5. Background Considerations

Your background speaks volumes before you say a word. The goal is to create a space that feels authentic to you without being distracting. The plant-art-books trinity has become somewhat of a cliché, but there’s a reason for that—it works. Just make it actually reflect your taste rather than looking like you ordered the “Zoom Background Starter Kit” from Amazon.

Virtual backgrounds have their place, but unless you have a proper green screen setup, the edge detection can be distracting. If you must use one, go for something subtle—not the Golden Gate Bridge or a tropical beach that screams “I wish I wasn’t here.”

For those regularly on camera, investing in a proper collapsible green screen might be worth it. They’ve come down in price significantly and make virtual backgrounds much more convincing.

Part 2: Software & Digital Enhancement

6. Camera Settings Beyond the Defaults

Most people never touch their webcam settings, and that’s a mistake. Dig into the software that came with your camera (or download it if you haven’t already). You’d be surprised how much control you actually have.

On many cameras, you can manually adjust focus, white balance, exposure, and contrast. Create presets for different lighting conditions—your morning calls likely need different settings than your afternoon sessions as the natural light changes.

One often overlooked setting: frame rate. For most calls, you’re better off with a steady 30fps at a lower resolution than struggling to push 4K at 15fps. Smooth motion trumps crystal clarity in most video call scenarios.

7. Virtual Camera Software

For the power users among us, software like OBS Studio opens up a world of possibilities. Yes, it’s primarily built for streamers, but its virtual camera function works perfectly for Zoom calls too. This lets you apply LUTs (color grading presets), add subtle overlays, and generally take full control of your video feed.

Newer tools like Mmhmm and Riverside have streamlined this process further, offering presentation-focused features without requiring a deep technical dive. They’re worth the subscription if you regularly present to clients or lead team meetings.

As for AI-enhanced video apps—use them sparingly. Nothing says “I’m trying too hard” like artificially smoothed skin and enlarged eyes. The subtle approach is always more professional.

8. Custom Video Overlays

If you’re regularly hosting sessions or representing your brand, subtle custom overlays can add a professional touch. I’m not talking about your logo plastered across the screen—more like tasteful lower-thirds with your name and title that appear briefly at the start of a call.

Tools like Streamyard and even Canva make creating these elements surprisingly simple. The key is restraint—they should add value, not distraction.

9. Background Blur Done Right

Background blur has become ubiquitous across video platforms, and for good reason—it’s a quick fix for a cluttered environment. But the default settings rarely nail it.

If you’re using this feature regularly, it’s worth exploring third-party options that give you more control over the blur intensity and edge detection. Windows users might check out XSplit VCam, while Mac users can leverage the Portrait Mode API with various apps.

For the best results, consider devices with depth sensors (like newer iPhones when used as webcams) that can accurately distinguish between you and your background without the guesswork of software-only solutions.

10. Recording and Streaming Setup

If you’re regularly recording meetings or creating content alongside your live calls, setting up a dual-purpose system makes sense. OBS Studio allows you to record locally while streaming to your video call, ensuring you have a clean copy regardless of internet hiccups.

For system resource management, close unnecessary applications during important calls—browsers with 30 tabs open are the number one culprit for poor video performance. Consider using a separate user account on your computer dedicated to video calls if you tend to run resource-intensive applications.

Part 3: Personal Presentation

11. Clothing Choices for Camera

Digital video compresses and processes color in ways that can make certain patterns and textures problematic. Fine stripes or detailed patterns can create a moiré effect—that strange wavering that’s distracting to viewers.

Solid colors generally work best, but avoid bright white (tends to blow out) and solid black (loses detail). Rich mid-tones and muted colors typically translate well to digital video without requiring your camera to work overtime on exposure.

Consider what’s actually visible in your framing. I’ve definitely joined calls wearing a presentable shirt paired with basketball shorts—the mullet of video call fashion. Just remember to check what’s visible if you need to stand up unexpectedly.

12. Posture and Positioning

Camera height is non-negotiable: it should be at or slightly above eye level. Looking down at your camera creates the infamous “nostril view” that nobody needs to see, while too high creates an awkward, diminishing angle.

The “news anchor” position exists for a reason—sitting slightly forward, back straight but not rigid, with a slight lean toward the camera. It projects engagement without looking uncomfortably close to the camera.

Movement is natural and should be embraced rather than trying to sit statue-still. Just keep it moderate—wild gesticulation can look frantic when compressed into a small video feed.

13. Facial Presentation

For glasses wearers like me, the struggle with glare is real. Adjust your lighting angles to minimize reflection, and consider glasses with anti-reflective coating if you’re on camera frequently.

Regardless of gender, a bit of strategic powder can eliminate distracting shine on foreheads and noses under bright lights. Nothing elaborate needed—just enough to cut the reflection hotspots.

Facial hair requires more attention on camera than you might expect. What looks fine in the mirror can appear unkempt on video, so regular trimming becomes more important if you’re frequently on camera.

14. Eye Contact Techniques

The eternal video call dilemma: look at the camera to appear engaged, or look at the screen to see reactions? The best approach is a hybrid—position your camera as close as possible to the faces on your screen to minimize the angle difference.

For important presentations, I’ve found it helpful to use speaker notes positioned directly below my camera, allowing me to reference points while maintaining apparent eye contact.

Some newer video platforms are introducing eye contact correction features that digitally adjust your gaze to appear directed at the camera. These can be helpful but sometimes venture into uncanny valley territory—test before using in important meetings.

15. Hand Gestures and Body Language

Hand gestures add energy and emphasis to your communication, but they need to be appropriately scaled for your frame. Wild movements that go in and out of frame are distracting.

Keep your primary gestures within the “box” of your video frame—from about chest height to just above your head. This ensures they register without disappearing off-screen.

Be conscious of unconscious habits—pen clicking, hair twirling, excessive swaying. These movements get amplified on video and can undermine an otherwise professional presentation.

Part 4: Advanced Techniques

16. Multi-Camera Setups

Once you’ve mastered the basics, multiple camera angles can add dimension and interest to your presentations. This isn’t just for content creators—switching to a wider shot when demonstrating something physical or a closer shot for emotional emphasis can be effective in professional contexts too.

HDMI capture cards have come down in price dramatically, making it feasible to incorporate a second camera without extensive technical knowledge. Software like OBS makes switching between sources relatively straightforward once configured.

17. Lighting Techniques Beyond the Basics

Three-point lighting is the classic setup for a reason—it provides dimension and control. A key light (primary source, typically at a 45° angle to your face), fill light (softer light opposite the key to reduce shadows), and back light (creating separation between you and the background).

Color temperature management becomes increasingly important as you refine your setup. Mixing daylight (blue) and tungsten (orange) lighting creates an unpleasant effect on camera. Invest in lights with adjustable temperature, or use gels on fixed-temperature sources to create consistency.

18. Green Screen Mastery

If virtual backgrounds are a regular part of your workflow, a proper green screen setup is worth the investment. The material matters—look for fabric specifically designed for chroma key that’s non-reflective and has consistent color.

The key to clean keying is even lighting on the green screen itself. Any shadows or hotspots will cause issues with edge detection. Position lights specifically to illuminate the screen evenly, separate from your main lighting.

Software settings make a huge difference in green screen quality. Take the time to fine-tune the chroma key settings in your software of choice—the default settings rarely deliver optimal results.

19. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Quick fixes for sudden lighting changes: keep a reflector or small fill light handy for unexpected cloud cover or setting sun. A small LED panel can save the day when natural light suddenly disappears.

For background noise emergencies, know how to quickly mute yourself or enable noise suppression features. Better yet, keep a pair of earbuds with a good noise-canceling mic nearby as backup.

When bandwidth issues arise, know which features to disable first to preserve call quality. Video is usually the first to go—having your audio remain clear while dropping to a still image is preferable to choppy audio and video.

20. Future-Proofing Your Setup

The video call landscape continues to evolve. AI enhancements, spatial audio, and even VR meeting spaces are on the horizon. Rather than chasing every new technology, focus on fundamentals that translate across platforms—good lighting, clear audio, and intentional presentation.

When considering upgrades, prioritize versatile equipment that serves multiple purposes. A good microphone or lighting setup will remain useful even as camera technology advances.

The most sustainable approach is balancing quality analog elements (proper lighting, good acoustics) with thoughtfully selected digital tools. Some of the best investments I’ve made have been low-tech solutions like window coverings that control natural light.

Conclusion

After all the technical considerations, the most important aspect of looking good on camera is authenticity. These techniques should enhance your natural presentation, not create an artificial version of yourself that’s exhausting to maintain.

The ultimate purpose of all this optimization isn’t vanity—it’s respect for communication. When we present ourselves clearly and professionally on video, we’re eliminating distractions and focusing attention on the exchange of ideas.

Find your personal balance between effort and results. Some days might warrant the full setup, while other meetings might be fine with a more casual approach. Develop a sense for when quality matters most.

Experiment, refine, and develop your own signature approach to video presence. The best compliment isn’t “wow, you look amazing on camera” but rather having people forget they’re looking at a screen at all.