How to Add Video Call Effects on Samsung Galaxy S21

The year 2020 saw the change in video calling apps like Google Duo, Zoom, and WhatsApp video calling. Even the Samsung Galaxy S21 series phones have a dedicated section. Aptly named, Video call effects, this setting allows you to add visual effect to your videos.

The video calling effects on the Samsung Galaxy S21 series are native to the phone. And the good thing is that the phone chooses the video apps on its own, which means you don’t have to add the apps manually. Currently there are three effects. They performed decently enough with minimal distortion or questionable results on our tests, especially on Duo (see Google Duo’s top helpful tips and tricks).

So if you are looking to add video call effects to your Samsung Galaxy S21 smartphone, here is how to do it.

Let’s take a look.

How to set video call effects in Galaxy S21

The problem with video call effects in Galaxy S21 is that you will have to make some changes before making a video call.

Step 1: Go to Settings> Advanced features and scroll down until you see the option for Video Call Effects.

Once inside, activate the setting and choose one of the three effects.

As stated before, you have a choice of three different settings, and they are pretty self-explanatory. While Blur seems like the more obvious choice, the Image option isn’t bad either.

To choose an image, tap the Settings icon and choose a background image (see virtual image backgrounds for Zoom) and that’s about it.

2nd step: To see what an effect looks like, just click the Preview button.

The good thing about the video call effect feature on the Galaxy S21 is that the effects are available right above the app when activated. So if you are not happy with the appearance of a certain effect, you can have it changed right away.

For example, if you get a Google Duo call, tap the Settings icon in the top right corner of the screen. Choose from three of the options offered and you will see the changes instantly. Cool, right?

However, this module is not perfect. For example, it does not show video apps like Skype or Google Meet in the list of supported apps.

Bonus tips and tricks

1.How to Set AR Emoji Call Background

Another interesting setting in Galaxy S21 smartphones is its calling background options. With this, you can set a dynamic call background for incoming calls. These dynamic backgrounds are a welcome change from simple call screens. So if you want a dynamic call screen or a cool dancing avatar to greet you, it is doable.

The only catch is that you have to configure the default Samsung Dialer app.

Step 1: Open Dialer and tap on the three-dot menu in the top right corner. Then select Call Background.

Here you will see all the presets. If you are happy with it, select one and click the Set as background call button.

2nd step: To set up an AR Emoji call background, tap the Plus icon in the upper right corner and select Create using AR Emoji> Create from photo.

Once you’ve picked an image from your phone’s gallery, it’s time for the fun part – the personalization. Here you can refine the AR Emoji according to your preference.

You can also get stylish jackets and sweaters.

Step 3: Once the Emoji is done, it’s time to create the background for the call. The Samsung One UI skin gives you several options. Besides the background, you can also select the ringtone. Yes, you read that right.

You will also find some cool videos and backgrounds.

Step 4: Hit Record and turn on the switch for video sound, and that’s about it. From now on, whenever you get a call, the new video background (with sound) will appear right away. Cool, I would say.

Professional advice: You can also set the profile picture to the right (via Layout) if you want the background of the call to be more in the center of the scene.

2. Manage the display of calls in the Galaxy S21

The above setting works well when the screen is locked or not working on any app. But if you want the call display to be a little subtle when you’re working, the phone lets you do that.

For now, One UI gives you two options, in addition to the usual full screen call display.

Step 1: To select one, go to Dialer> Settings> Call settings, then select “ Call display when using apps ”.

2nd step: Choose between Pop-up or Mini pop-up.

If you want the display screen to stay the same during a call, just turn on the switch to keep calls.

Professional advice: Select your default video call application in the dialer settings. In this way, you can save precious time while making a video call.

Call like a pro

Here are some of the ways you can add some jazz to the video calling and old dialer app on your new Galaxy S21 phone. These are not the only options available. You can block spam numbers or add and customize quick decline messages.

So, are you going to go for an AR emoji as your call display background?