How to Use a Custom Background in Skype Video Calls

Skype has now added an option to set up a custom background in video calls. This feature has been borrowed from another popular video calling app Zoom. In the latest version of Skype, you can select any photo from your system to use as a custom background of your Skype video calls. In this article, I will explain how to use custom background feature in Skype for individual or all video calls.

Before you follow the steps, make sure you are using the latest version of Skype install on your Windows or Mac system. Older version of Skype client just offer the background blur option, not the custom backgrounds.

Custom Background in Skype Video Calls

In this article, I will tell you how to add a custom background in Skype video calls. You can either add a custom background in a specific video call or setup the custom background for all the video calls.

Add a Custom Background to a Skype Call

Step 1: Launch Skype and initiate a call.

Step 2: Once the call is connected, click the More menu (the three dots) or hover over the video button.

Step 3: Click Choose background effect.

Step 4: You can either select an image from your system or select one from existing list of previously used images.

This custom background image will be used only for this specific call for which you added the custom background. In the next video call, you will have to set up the new custom background image.

Set Up a Custom Background for All Your Skype Calls

If you want to make a default custom background image for all of your Skype video calls, follow these steps.

Step 1: Open Skype and click your profile picture.

Step 2: Click the Settings, then click the Audio & Video button.

Step 3: Add a new image to customize your background effect, or select the one you’ve previously added.

Wrap Up

Now you know how to set up a custom background in Skype video calls. You already had an option to blur the background in Skype video calls. If you don’t see the option, you need to check if you are using the latest version of Skype client on Mac, Windows, Linux, or web. With the custom background feature, you get more flexibility. If you are working from home, you can use this feature to hide your background.