Add a virtual background to your camera (speaker)

Sparkup does not yet include a native virtual background feature for speakers. In the meantime, several solutions let you apply a blur or custom background directly through your operating system or a third-party tool—without any complex installation in most cases.

Native solutions (no installation)

On macOS — via Google Chrome

When Sparkup accesses your camera through Google Chrome, macOS automatically displays a camera icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Simply click it to access Apple's native video effects:

1. Join your Sparkup session as a speaker and turn on your camera.
2. Click the camera icon (green camera) in the top menu bar.
3. Select the desired effect: Portrait Blur or Stage Background (virtual background with an image).

💡 Note: This feature is available on Macs equipped with an Apple Silicon chip (M1 and later) or a compatible FaceTime HD webcam. It works in Chrome with no prior configuration.

On Windows 11 — via Studio Effects

Windows 11 offers Studio Effects directly in the quick settings. When your camera is active in Chrome:

1. Click the clock / notifications area in the bottom-right corner of the taskbar to open the quick settings.
2. Click Studio Effects (camera or sliders icon).
3. Turn on Background Blur—choose between Standard Blur and Portrait Blur depending on the desired intensity.

⚠️ Important: Studio Effects are available on Windows 11 only and require a compatible device (12th-generation or later Intel Core processor, AMD Ryzen 6000 series or later, or Qualcomm Snapdragon chip). If the button does not appear, your device is not compatible.

Third-party tools (all configurations)

If you are on Windows 10, using a configuration that is not compatible with the native solutions, or want more options (custom backgrounds, complete background removal, advanced effects), here are the most commonly used tools:

• NVIDIA Broadcast — High-quality background removal and replacement, with no green screen required. Requires an NVIDIA RTX graphics card. Free.
• XSplit VCam — Background blur and replacement without a green screen, compatible with Windows and macOS. Installs as a virtual camera recognized by Chrome. Freemium.
• mmhmm — Virtual backgrounds, presentation effects, and video layers. Popular for remote presentations. Compatible with Windows and macOS. Freemium.
• OBS Studio + Virtual Camera — Free and open-source solution. Requires installing the obs-backgroundremoval plugin for background removal. More technical but highly customizable.

These tools create a virtual camera on your system. Once installed and enabled, simply select this virtual camera in Sparkup's settings instead of your physical camera.

💡 Tip: For optimal results without a green screen, choose a uniform real background (wall, curtain) rather than a very cluttered environment—even the best removal algorithms work more effectively with a contrasting background.