Riverside, in a blog post titled How to Improve Zoom Video Quality: 4 Simple Methods, outlined a set of basic settings changes and equipment checks aimed at improving Zoom video quality and audio clarity for meetings, interviews and recorded calls, according to the company. The guidance was published on the vendor’s marketing site.
The post said users can sharpen Zoom video by checking in-app settings before joining a call, improving lighting, reducing bandwidth problems and adjusting audio and recording options. Riverside said the steps are intended to help improve the appearance and sound of Zoom sessions without requiring advanced tools.
Among the first recommendations, Riverside said users should turn on HD video in Zoom settings if their account and device support it, select the correct camera source, disable touch-up tools and unnecessary filters that can soften the image, and test the preview window before meetings to confirm framing, focus and exposure. The company also advised checking that Zoom does not default to an inactive webcam or another unintended device.
Lighting was listed as another major factor. Riverside said a soft light source, such as a window or desk lamp, placed in front of the subject can brighten the face evenly, while strong backlighting should be avoided because it can create a silhouette effect and force the camera to compensate. If possible, the post suggested using two light sources at different angles to reduce harsh shadows and keeping room brightness steady so Zoom does not continually adjust the image.
The post also addressed bandwidth issues that can lower video quality. Riverside said a wired connection or stronger Wi-Fi signal can improve stability, and it recommended pausing large downloads, cloud sync tools and streaming apps during meetings. Closing background applications that consume bandwidth or system resources can also help, the company said. If a connection is unstable, Riverside suggested turning off incoming HD video and prioritizing the outgoing feed.
For audio and recording, Riverside said an external microphone or headset may be preferable to a laptop mic if the built-in hardware picks up echo or room noise. The post recommended enabling noise suppression and echo cancellation in busy spaces, recording locally in the highest practical quality for later reuse and confirming recording permissions, storage space and file format before the session starts.
In a separate section on recording, Riverside said the best way to record a Zoom meeting depends on the intended use. The company said users should set the meeting to record active speaker and gallery view only when both formats are needed, ask participants to keep cameras at eye level and use quiet spaces, and run a short test recording to check framing, audio sync and playback quality. It also advised reviewing the file after the call for compression artifacts before sharing it publicly or internally.
Riverside said Zoom still compresses video, which places practical limits on how much quality can be improved through settings alone. The post said camera hardware, lighting and internet speed often matter more than software, and framed the advice as a set of quick fixes for everyday users, remote teams and travelers on the move.
The guidance was published by Riverside on its marketing blog. For more company coverage, see Volve Vision News.
