How to look good on video chat, without much effort

Start with the light

Face a window during the day. Soft daylight in front of you flatters almost everyone. Sitting with the window behind you turns you into a dark shape.

At night, a lamp placed in front of you, slightly above eye level, works well. Avoid a single bright light directly overhead, which puts shadows under the eyes.

Get the camera height right

Raise your phone or laptop until the camera is at eye level. Stack the laptop on a few books if needed. A camera looking up from below is rarely kind to anyone.

Keep the phone steady against something rather than holding it in your hand, and sit an arm's length away so your face and shoulders fit the frame.

Tidy the background

A plain wall or a neat corner is enough. Clear away clothes, wires and anything that distracts from you.

It also helps privacy, so it is good for two reasons.

Sound matters as much as looks

People forgive a slightly dark picture but not a crackly voice. Pick a quiet room, close the door and turn off fans if you can. Earphones with a mic often sound clearer than a phone speaker.

If the camera or mic does not work, check the browser permissions first. Chrome on desktop or Android and Safari on iPhone work best.

Filters, Beauty mode and lenses

kynq has colour filters and a Beauty mode that smooths the image, and both are free. Try them in the preview and keep whatever feels natural to you.

Some animated lenses, such as Puppy, Kitty, Bunny, Crown, Flower crown, Butterflies, Soft glam, Devil, Robot, Vampire and Big head, are premium and cost 10 Koins. They are for fun, so use them when you want a laugh.

Look relaxed, not perfect

Smile a little, look at the camera when you speak, and keep your shoulders loose. Being at ease shows more than any setting does.

Questions

How can I look better on a video call with a normal phone?

Face a window or lamp, raise the camera to eye level, keep it steady and clean the lens with a soft cloth.

Does kynq have a beauty filter?

Yes. Beauty mode, which smooths the image, and colour filters are free. Some animated lenses are premium at 10 Koins.

What is the best lighting for a video call?

Soft light in front of you, such as a window in daytime or a lamp at night. Avoid strong light behind you.

Why does my video look grainy?

Usually the room is too dark or your connection is slow. Add front light and check your internet.