Apply virtual backgrounds like blur, images or upload your own custom background

Virtual backgrounds allow you to hide your real background during video calls with a blur effect, pre-set images, or your own custom images. Perfect when your workspace is messy or you want to maintain privacy about your surroundings.

How to apply virtual backgrounds

You can apply virtual backgrounds in two ways:

Method 1: From your camera device dropdown

1. Go to bottom left of Cosmos
2. Click on the arrow beside camera
3. Click Virtual settings

Method 2: From the space dropdown

1. Go to space dropdown
2. Select User preferences
3. Click Audio & Video
4. Scroll to the Virtual background  section at the bottom
5. Choose your preferred background option

Method 3: Before you join

Pick a background on the space landing page or the call join page, before your camera turns on. Guests get the same screen. The Cosmos Android app has the same preview.

Available background options

• No effect: Shows your actual background (default)
• Blur: Creates a soft blur around you while hiding the background
• Pre-set images: Choose from various scenes like offices, nature, or abstract designs
• Custom uploads: Use your own images as backgrounds

How to upload your own background

1. Navigate to virtual background settings using either method above
2. Click on the Upload  button
3. Select an image from your computer
4. Crop/Fit the image to the required dimensions
5. Choose whether to share this background with other users in the space
6. Click Upload
7. Once uploaded, select your image to apply it