The COVID-19 pandemic has completely transformed the way people use digital communication and virtual event platforms.
Among the many video conferencing platforms, Google Meet is one of the most favoured and popular ones for netizens.
Launched in 2017, the company rapidly grew 30 times, having 100 million meeting participants every day.
What are the visual effects on Google Meet?
Visual effects for Google Meet is a free third-party extension that allows users to modify their backgrounds during a meeting.
This special feature allows users to hide their surrounding backgrounds and make conferencing enriched with fun. In addition, the plugin features colour contrasts, augmented reality effects, and other customizable backgrounds
Unlike Zoom, where an inbuilt feature is there to change the background, users will have to manually download Visual Effects for Google Meet from the chrome web-store.
The recent Google Meet update allows users to change their backgrounds, but it lacks the extensive features included in this plugin.
The hardware requirements for this feature to run is relatively low compared to Google Meet’s competitor Zoom, which requires an Intel Core i5 with a quad-core processor.
Steps to download visual effects on Google Meet
By following the below mentioned steps, you can successfully install visual effects on Google Meet.
Step 1. Open your Chrome browser on your desktop or laptop.
Step 2. Search for visual effects by typing in the search bar “visual effects for google meet extension.”
Most probably, the first link will take you to the chrome extension
Step 3. Click on the add to chrome button.
Step 4. A pop-up window will appear, which you have to click to choose the add extensions, as shown in the figure.
Step 5. Again, a new pop-up window will appear on the top right indicating that Visual Effects for Google Meet have been added to your chrome browser.
Step 6. Reload the page to ensure the smooth working of the extension.
Step 7. Click on the Google Extension icon located on the top right of the window.
Step 8. Select the Visual Effects for Google Meet from the google extension. Select the pin, and your plugin is ready to use.
This extension can provides a whole list of applications such as Insane| 3D Movie| Pixelate| Freeze| Contrast| Inverse| Cube| Flip| Screen Text| Soft Blur|Random Donation| Rainbow |Soft Blur |AR Halo |AR Sunglasses |Blur Background |Virtual Green Screen |Green Screen| Blur |Bubbles | Insane| 3D Movie| Pixelate| Freeze| Contrast| Inverse| Cube| Flip| Screen Text| Soft Blur.
Once you join the meeting, there will be a bar-shaped icon on the left side to click and select the desired effects.
Adding Face Filters on your Google Meet Video Calls and Meetings on iPhone or Android Phone
Source:PCMag
This feature is exclusively for Android and iOS Google Meet mobile apps.
- To start using this feature, go to the Google Meet application on your Android or iOS device.
- At the bottom, you can see three dotted icons; click on that.
- You can now see different characters that you can replace your face with during a live video conference.
- Tap on the filter if you wish to apply it to your face immediately.
- If you wish to change your filter, simply scroll and tap another one.
Can I touch up my appearance on Google meet?
The following are some tips to ensure that you look best during your video call.
1. Lighting
This is an essential step that has a significant impact on your on-screen appearance. You should make sure to sit in a well-lit area to avoid shadows falling on your face. Another mistake that many people make is sitting with their backs against a bright window, which results in underexposure and creates a dark silhouette.
In addition, you could also use external lighting kits that you can attach along with your display giving you plenty of light so that you look the best.
2. Camera angle
It is best to have a camera at a height that can be angled slightly down at you for best capturing. If the camera is placed at an angle below your line of sight, you will end up showing your chin and nose hair. Also, make sure to leave enough space between you and the camera. Being too close to the camera can distort your face.
3. Control your background
Do you know that your natural environment says a lot about yourself?
Just imagine how awful it might look if you have a background with dirty household dishes piled up.
The best thing is to have a dedicated background for your online meetings. If you regularly have meetings, it is better to have a space that is set apart so that your background looks neat and good.
Alternatively, you could use virtual backgrounds, as we have discussed above.
Bottom Line
Google Meet has been a great boon during the COVID-19 pandemic and has immensely supported people worldwide by providing free video conferencing solutions.
In this article, we explained the steps to download visual effects on Google Meet. By adding the Visual Effects plugin to your browser, it is possible to have a tremendous on-screen appearance.
If you’re looking for assistance with virtual event management in Malaysia, our production team from one of the top event management company in Malaysia will be able to advise you on creating a live or pre-recorded event that will leave a lasting impression on your audience. We also provide advanced virtual studio rental that is fully equipped with virtual broadcasting equipment. Contact us today to find out more.
Also read our article on “How to record a Google Meet?”
