Virtual and blurred backgrounds for video recordings

The challenge
Users can already record footage without virtual or blurred backgrounds, but having background options would make it easier to create cleaner and more polished recordings in situations where the recording environment is distracting, messy, or not ideal. Tools like Microsoft Teams and Zoom have made these kinds of background options familiar to many users, so adding similar functionality would improve the recording experience and provide more flexibility.

Our approach
Enable users to activate or deactivate background effects while recording. This should support both:

• Virtual backgrounds using an image uploaded by the user
• Light blurred backgrounds that softly blur everything behind the person

Anyone recording footage, including guest users, should be able to choose whether to use a blurred or virtual background during recording.

After a recording is completed, Project Admins should also be able to apply a blurred background to footage if needed, for example when a guest user recorded without one and the background is distracting.

Expected impact

• Cleaner and more professional-looking recordings when needed
• More flexibility for users recording in imperfect environments
• Less need to re-record guest footage because of distracting backgrounds
• More control for Project Admins when preparing or reviewing footage
• A recording experience that better matches user expectations from tools like Microsoft Teams and Zoom