Are you someone who frequently uses Zoom for virtual meetings, webinars, or online classes? Have you ever noticed a decrease in video quality during your Zoom call?
If yes, then you must be wondering if Zoom degrades video quality and what could be the possible reasons behind it. Let’s explore this topic in detail.
What is Video Quality?
Video quality refers to the visual characteristics of a video such as brightness, contrast, sharpness, color accuracy, resolution, and frame rate. Higher video quality means that the video has better clarity and details.
Does Zoom Degrade Video Quality?
The answer to this question is not that straightforward. Yes, Zoom can degrade video quality depending on various factors such as:
1. Internet Connection
Zoom requires a stable internet connection with a minimum bandwidth of 600 kbps (up/down) for high-quality video and audio calls. If your internet connection is slow or unstable, then the video quality may degrade because Zoom will automatically adjust the video resolution to maintain audio quality and reduce latency.
2. Device Performance
The device you are using to run Zoom can also affect the video quality. If your device’s graphics card or processor is not powerful enough to handle high-quality videos, then the video may appear pixelated or blurry.
3. Network Congestion
If many people are using the same network at once, then it can cause network congestion resulting in packet loss or delay in data transmission. This can negatively impact the video quality as well.
How to Improve Video Quality on Zoom?
Now that we know what factors can affect Zoom’s video quality let’s discuss how we can improve it.
- Use a Wired Connection: Wi-Fi signals are prone to interference from other devices, walls, and obstacles. So, it’s better to use a wired connection for better stability and speed.
- Close Unnecessary Apps: Running too many apps at once can slow down your device’s performance.
Close all unnecessary apps before starting a Zoom call.
- Upgrade Your Internet Plan: If your internet plan doesn’t provide enough bandwidth, then consider upgrading it to a higher plan.
- Adjust Zoom Video Settings: You can manually adjust the video settings in Zoom to improve video quality. Go to Settings > Video > Video Quality and select the option that suits your needs.
The Bottom Line
Zoom can degrade video quality due to various reasons such as internet connection, device performance, and network congestion. However, by following the tips mentioned above, you can improve the video quality on Zoom significantly.
So, next time you face any issues with video quality during a Zoom call, try implementing these tips before blaming the app.
