Want to look like a potato during a video call in Microsoft Teams? If you’re living under a rock, this question might sound like blasphemy. A latest viral tweet It made everyone laugh as well as wondering about the filters in video calling apps. While Zoom supports filters, what about Microsoft Teams? Does it support filters? If yes, how to use filters in Microsoft Teams videos?
Well, that’s what we’re going to cover in this post. Funky filters can liven up any conversation. Imagine having a 3D cat on your head or talking like a potato. Sounds fun, right? However, when it comes to official apps like Microsoft Teams or Zoom, be careful as you are in a professional environment. Only use filters if your team is eligible.
Let’s see how to add or remove filters for video calls in Microsoft Teams on PC and Mac.
Does Microsoft Teams Come With Video Filters?
Answer is no. Microsoft Teams does not offer native support for filters. However, just as Zoom supports virtual backgrounds, Microsoft has provided this option. As a bonus tip, we covered how to use background effects in Microsoft Teams at the end of the post.
So, how to use filters in Microsoft Teams? Well, we’ll take the help of Snap Camera, Snapchat’s desktop app. For this you need to change the default camera in Microsoft Teams to Snap Camera. However, after that, you can use Potatoes, bananas, etc. from Snap Camera in your video conference while using Teams. You can use any filter.
How to Add Snapchat Filters to Microsoft Teams
The overall process consists of three main steps. Let’s check them out.
1. Download Snap Camera
It’s important to download Snap Camera to your computer to use its filters in other apps like Microsoft Teams. For Snap Camera to work properly, your computer must have at least Windows 7 SP1 (64-bit) or later and macOS 10.11 El Capitan or later.
While on Snap Camera’s download page, don’t forget to scroll down and check the box next to Privacy Policy. Click Download for Mac or PC as needed.
2. Run Snap Camera in Background
Launch the Snap Camera app on your computer. Now choose a filter you want to use in Microsoft Teams. Next, you need to open the Microsoft Teams app without closing Snap Camera. So, keep Snap Camera running in the background.
Note: When Snap Camera is running in the background, it will continue to use your camera resources. So be careful.
If your computer supports two cameras, click the settings icon at the top of Snap Camera to change the input camera to use for Snap Camera.
3. Change Default Camera in Microsoft Teams
Now it’s time to switch your home camera in the Microsoft Teams desktop app. You can do this in two ways. Keep Snap Camera as default for all video calls. Alternatively, change it to an ongoing call. Let’s check out both methods.
Note: If you get ‘No cameras available’ error in Snap Camera, you need to turn off Snap Camera and Microsoft Teams. Next, open Snap Camera first and change the default camera setting in Microsoft Teams.
Method 1: Add Filter to Ongoing Call
Stage 1: While on a call, click the three-dot icon at the bottom of the call screen. Select Show device settings from the menu.
Step 2: The device settings screen will open. Click on the dropdown box under Camera. Select Snap Camera.
If Snap Camera is running in the background (and it should), you’ll see the filter you selected in Snap Camera appear in Microsoft Teams.
Method 2: Add Filter for All Searches
To use cool face filters by default for all incoming and outgoing calls in Microsoft Teams, you need to make Snap Camera your default camera app in Teams settings.
For this, follow these steps:
Stage 1: In the Microsoft Teams app, click the profile picture icon at the top. Select Settings from the menu.
Step 2: Go to Devices from the left panel and select Capture Camera under the Camera drop-down box.
Fly: If you’re struggling with audio output, check out our guide on how to fix Microsoft Teams microphone not working.
How to Remove Filters from Microsoft Teams
If you want to stop using the filters, repeat the steps mentioned above and replace the camera with your real camera. This will automatically stop the filters from appearing on your video.
Fly: Learn how to use your Android phone’s camera as a laptop webcam.
Bonus Tip: Use Background Effects in Microsoft Teams
To add a virtual background to Microsoft Teams, follow these steps:
Stage 1: When searching in Microsoft Teams, click on the three dots icon at the bottom. Select Show background effects from the menu.
Step 2: A new window will open. Select the background you want to use. Click the Preview button to preview. Your video will be closed for others.
Note: Only you will see the background while previewing.
If you are satisfied with the background, click ‘Apply and open video’.
To remove the background effect, go to the ellipsis icon > Show background effects. Click the None icon and hit the Apply button.
Dear Filters, Coming Soon!
Snapchat-like filters are now available in most social apps. They’ve also reached unofficial video calling apps like Facebook Messenger. We especially hope that other video calling apps like Teams add a built-in feature to allow people to use filters.
Next: Looking to enhance your Microsoft Teams experience for better productivity? Check out the tips and tricks mentioned in the next post.
