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Yes, There Is a Way to Change Your Zoom Username

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

From Good Housekeeping

In these unprecedented times, many of us spend more than a few hours on Zoom each week. Whether you log most of your Zoom hours for school, work, or virtual game night, there are probably a few hidden features you haven't found yet. For example, did you know you could react to someone's ideas with an on-screen emoji? Or that there's an option to "touch up your appearance?"

Ahead, we've compiled a guide to Zoom's most helpful features. From how to change your background to how to share your screen, these useful Zoom tips will upgrade your video chat experience. Want to make your next digital catch-up even more fun? Try one of these cool virtual happy hour ideas.

1. How to change your background on Zoom.

Using a background image on Zoom is an easy way to make your chats more fun and festive, or simply to hide a messy room. To change your background in a Zoom meeting, click the ^ arrow next to the Start/Stop Video button. Click Choose a Background. You can select a pre-made background or click the + button to upload a new one. Your new Zoom background should appear on your video as soon as you select it.

2. How to add a profile picture on Zoom.

You may have noticed that when some Zoom users' cameras are off, their squares show a photo (as opposed to their name). Doing this yourself is as simple as making a few updates to your account. Log into Zoom and click your profile image at the top right corner of the page. On the next page, click the Change button underneath the picture. Upload your picture and click Save.

3. How to enable screen sharing on Zoom.

Sharing your screen is an easy way to give a tutorial or show someone something on your computer. To do it, click the Share Screen button at the bottom of your meeting screen. You can share your entire screen, a single app or web page, or even something on your phone or tablet via AirPlay.

4. How to play music on Zoom.

In addition to being able to share your screen on Zoom, you can also share your audio. To do it, click the Share Screen button. Click Share Computer Sound at the bottom of the pop-up window and click Share. To stop sharing, click Stop Share at the top of your screen.

5. How to send a reaction emoji.

In face-to-face meetings, it's easy to give your presenter a sign that you like what they're saying. In Zoom meetings, however, it's a bit more challenging. Fortunately, Zoom has made it possible to give feedback via emoji. Click the Reactions button at the bottom of your meeting to send a clap or thumbs up. The emoji will appear on the screen for five seconds before it disappears.

6. How to rename yourself in Zoom.

To change your name in a Zoom meeting, click the Participants button at the bottom of your screen. Click your name, click the More button, and hit Rename. Enter your preferred name and click Rename.

7. How to enable the Touch Up My Appearance setting.

On its website, Zoom says its Touch Up My Appearance feature "retouches your video display with a soft focus," which can "present a more polished looking appearance when you display your video to others." To give it a try, click the ^ arrow next to the Stop/Start Video button. Click Video Settings and check the box that says Touch Up My Appearance. Obviously, you'll want to make sure you like the effect before you enter any important meetings. You can also try these flattering Zoom makeup ideas.

8. How to create breakout rooms in Zoom.

If you're a meeting host with account owner or admin privileges, then breakout rooms are an easy way to meet with a large group of people and still allow them to collaborate. To start a breakout room, launch a meeting and click the Breakout Rooms button (the icon looks like a four-squared grid). Choose the number of rooms you'd like to create and decide if you'd like Zoom to split your participants automatically, or if you'd like to sort them yourself. Click Create Rooms. To start your rooms, click Options and follow the prompts.

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