How to Add Video Call Effects on Samsung Galaxy S21

The year 2020 has seen a shift in video calling apps like Google Duo, Zoom and WhatsApp video calls. Even the Samsung Galaxy S21 series phones have a dedicated section for it. Appropriately named Video call effects, this setting lets you add a visual effect to your videos.

The video calling effects on the Samsung Galaxy S21 series are phone specific. The good thing is that the phone chooses video apps itself, which means you don’t have to add apps manually. Currently, there are three effects. They worked pretty well in our tests, especially on the Duo, with minimal distortion or jerky results (see the most helpful Google Duo tips and tricks).

So, if you want to add video calling effects to your Samsung Galaxy S21 smartphone, here’s how to do it.

Let’s see.

How to Set Video Call Effects on Galaxy S21

The thing about Video Call Effects on Galaxy S21 is that you have to make changes before you can make a video call.

Stage 1: Go to Settings > Advanced features and scroll down until you see Video call effects.

Once inside, enable the setting and choose one of the three effects.

As mentioned earlier, you can choose between three different settings and they are pretty self-explanatory. The Image option isn’t bad either, although blur seems to be the most obvious choice.

Tap the Settings icon to select an image and select an image from the background (see virtual image backgrounds for Zoom) and that’s it.

Step 2: To see what an effect looks like, simply click the Preview button.

The good thing about the video call effect feature on the Galaxy S21 is that the effects are available right above the app when activated. So if you’re not happy with how a certain effect looks, you can have it change it right away.

For example, if you receive a Google Duo call, tap the Settings icon in the upper-right corner of the screen. Choose three of the given options and you will see the changes instantly. Is not it beautiful?

However, this module is not perfect. For example, it doesn’t show video apps like Skype or Google Meet in the list of supported apps.

Bonus Tips and Tricks

1. How to Set AR Emoji Call Background

Another great setting on Galaxy S21 smartphones is Call Background options. Using it, you can set a dynamic call background for incoming calls. These dynamic backgrounds are a nice change from plain call screens. So if you want a cheerful call screen or a cool dancing avatar to greet you, it can be done.

The only problem is that the Samsung Dialer app should be set as default.

Stage 1: Open Dialer and tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner. Then select Search background.

Here you will see all the presets. If you are happy with one, select one and hit the Set as call background button.

step 2: To set an AR Emoji call background, press the Plus icon in the upper right corner and select Create using AR Emoji > Create from Picture.

After choosing a picture from your phone’s gallery, it’s time for the funny part: Customization. Here you can fine-tune the AR Emoji to your preference.

You can also get stylish jackets and sweaters.

Stage 3: When the emoji is complete, it’s time to background the call. The Samsung One UI skin gives you a few options. You can choose the ringtone as well as the background. Yes, you read it right.

You’ll also find some great videos and backgrounds.

Step 4: Hit Save and toggle the Video Audio button and that’s it. From now on, whenever a call comes in, the new video background (with sound) will pop up immediately. Great, I would say.

Pro Tip: You can also set the profile picture (via Layout) to the right if you want the Call Background to have more props.

2. Manage Call Screen on Galaxy S21

The above setting works fine when the screen is locked or not working in any app. However, if you want the call screen to be a little thin while working, the phone lets you do that.

For now, One UI gives you two options to choose from besides the normal full-screen search display.

Stage 1: To select one, go to Dialer > Settings > Call settings and select ‘Call screen when using apps’.

Step 2: Choose between Popup or Mini popup.

If you want the screen to stay the same during a call, simply turn on the hide calls switch.

Pro Tip: Choose your default video calling app via Dialer Settings. This way, you can save valuable time when making a video call.

Search like a pro

These were some of the ways to add some jazz to the video calling and old dialer app on your new Galaxy S21 phone. These are not the only options out there. You can block unwanted numbers or add and customize Quick reject messages.

So, are you going to choose an AR emoji as your call screen background?