--- title: Top 5 Tips for Microsoft Teams description: From company meetings to family gatherings, Microsoft Teams is packed with handy features to make connecting fun and easy. image: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/Custom-backgrounds-in-Microsoft-Teams-1.png --- [![logo-white-2020](https://blog.seedspark.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-white-2020.png?width=80&height=80&name=logo-white-2020.png "logo-white-2020")](https://seedspark.com/) [![logo-square](https://blog.seedspark.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-square.png?width=55&height=54&name=logo-square.png "logo-square")](https://seedspark.com/) [![Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1546797/3ad3da3a-9602-4c46-afb0-274659a1f959.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1546797/3ad3da3a-9602-4c46-afb0-274659a1f959) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/top-5-tips-for-microsoft-teams&title=Top%205%20Tips%20for%20Microsoft%20Teams&description=From%20company%20meetings%20to%20family%20gatherings,%20Microsoft%20Teams%20is%20packed%20with%20handy%20features%20to%20make%20connecting%20fun%20and%20easy.) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/top-5-tips-for-microsoft-teams&text=Top%205%20Tips%20for%20Microsoft%20Teams%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/top-5-tips-for-microsoft-teams) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/top-5-tips-for-microsoft-teams&title=Top%205%20Tips%20for%20Microsoft%20Teams&summary=From%20company%20meetings%20to%20family%20gatherings,%20Microsoft%20Teams%20is%20packed%20with%20handy%20features%20to%20make%20connecting%20fun%20and%20easy.) 01 December 2021 Wednesday # Top 5 Tips for Microsoft Teams By [Samuel Adams](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams) In: [Microsoft 365](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/microsoft-365) Since launching in 2017, Microsoft Teams has grown into something much larger than a little-known Skype competitor. On top of being a core part of the way that millions of business users around the world connect and communicate, Teams has evolved into Microsoft’s answer to Apple’s FaceTime – the leading video chat application on the market today. While Microsoft is continuing to build out the experience, Teams is already packed with tons of awesome features that users will find useful. Whether you’re touching base with the boss or connecting with friends and family, here are some of the lesser-known tools to check out in Microsoft Teams. ### Test Your Equipment![Device Settings in Microsoft Teams on a Windows 11 PC](https://blog.seedspark.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Dec-01-2021-07-54-18-01-PM.png?width=395&name=image-png-Dec-01-2021-07-54-18-01-PM.png) While this may seem like a no-brainer, checking your camera and microphone before jumping into a call can help you avoid that awkward 30-seconds of fumbling to change your selected devices. To make sure that you’re using your best microphone or that the right camera is selected, select **Turn camera on**. A preview will pop up where you can adjust devices and even change settings like custom backgrounds or blur. We’ll talk more about those options more in a minute! If you’re not in a call, click on the three dots next to your profile picture to open the Settings menu and head down to Devices. There you can toy around with every device selection to your heart’s content! ### Change Your Video Layout![How to get the most from Together mode - Microsoft Tech Community](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/image/serverpage/image-id/204190iF6FA09846A7C14BD/image-size/large?v=v2&px=999) As a video call fills up and the cameras come on, Microsoft Teams provides plenty of options for you to organize your screen in a way that is best for you. Whether you’re a fan of the 3×3 grid or prefer a row of faces with a main speaker spotlighted, there are plenty of choices to find the best layout for you. When you join a meeting, choose the three dots to open up **More options** and then select **Gallery, Large gallery, **or **Together mode. **Gallery is the default 3×3 view while Large gallery provides a shot that includes everyone online in a call with more than 10 people. Together mode is the latest addition, giving you the option to put all participants in a virtual room thanks to background removal technology. In a hybrid work world, Together mode is a great way to build a stronger sense of community and closeness no matter where other callers may be. ### Spotlight the Speaker’s Video From company All Hands presentations to a virtual get-together with the family, spotlighting the speaker’s video is a great way to give someone the spotlight and keep the attention on what’s important. To spotlight someone’s video, right-click on their video feed within teams and select **Spotlight**. After confirming your selection, their video will be the focus of the call for every participant to make sure that all eyes are on them! ### Use Reactions![Now in public preview: Meeting Reactions - Microsoft Tech Community](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/image/serverpage/image-id/239753i2A27D6333EF1A7C9?v=v2) Reactions have become an important part of the way that we communicate online. In the same way that clapping after a play lets the actors know that you’re happy or raising your hand lets a teacher know that you have a question, Microsoft Teams leverages Reactions to help bridge that gap and make sure that every voice is heard. Under **Reactions**, you can choose **Raise hand** to let the presenter know that you have a question without interrupting the flow of the conversation. Additionally, you can choose **Applause **or **Heart** to show support for a statement or to show some love! However you’re feeling, Microsoft Teams is taking public pressure out of the equation and helping every user become a part of the larger conversation. ### Use a Custom Background![Custom backgrounds in Microsoft Teams make video meetings more fun, comfortable, and personal Fun Custom Backgrounds For Microsoft Teams| M365 Blog](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/Custom-backgrounds-in-Microsoft-Teams-1.png) From messy offices to seasonal backdrops, Microsoft Teams gives users the power to blur their background (or even change it altogether!) Green screens and a powerful PC would have been required to make this Hollywood-level magic happen just a few years go. With cloud-based computing and artificial intelligence, Microsoft now lets users on any device change their background to their liking. Whether you’re blurring out background activities or adding a touch of Christmas joy to your calls, you can set up your preferences before joining a meeting by selecting **Background filters** and then choosing either **Blur **or **Add new** to drop in a custom image. --- The developers behind Microsoft Teams are continually building out their tool and listening to the community to direct the future of their product. With hybrid- or remote-work policies in place for businesses around the world, ensuring that your business and its team are prepared should be a top priority. SeedSpark is a trusted Microsoft integrator and Silver Partner, working with small- and medium-sized businesses to outfit them with the tech and software that they need to succeed. From hardware and software to training and implementation, our team has the knowledge and skills that you need to succeed in the years ahead. C**ontact our team today for a free 30-minute consultation, **exploring the technology that you have today and ensuring that you’re prepared for tomorrow. [![Learn More About SeedSpark](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1546797/cad81c6e-ccd9-491e-a30b-32a62c7789c8.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1546797/cad81c6e-ccd9-491e-a30b-32a62c7789c8) **Tags:** [Microsoft 365](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/microsoft-365) Share: - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/top-5-tips-for-microsoft-teams&title=Top%205%20Tips%20for%20Microsoft%20Teams&description=From%20company%20meetings%20to%20family%20gatherings,%20Microsoft%20Teams%20is%20packed%20with%20handy%20features%20to%20make%20connecting%20fun%20and%20easy.) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/top-5-tips-for-microsoft-teams&text=Top%205%20Tips%20for%20Microsoft%20Teams%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/top-5-tips-for-microsoft-teams) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/top-5-tips-for-microsoft-teams&title=Top%205%20Tips%20for%20Microsoft%20Teams&summary=From%20company%20meetings%20to%20family%20gatherings,%20Microsoft%20Teams%20is%20packed%20with%20handy%20features%20to%20make%20connecting%20fun%20and%20easy.) ### Written by [Samuel Adams](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams) As a lifelong fan of technology, Sam has always had a deep interest in learning about the latest innovations and how they are revolutionizing the worlds of business, marketing, and entertainment. As Social Media and Content Specialist at SeedSpark, he spends time chasing the newest trends and breakthroughs pushing the digital transformation in our personal and professional lives. - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-adams-717b42147/) PREVIOUS POST [** How to Prepare Your Cybersecurity for the Holiday Season ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/holiday-cybersecurity) [**](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/top-5-tips-for-microsoft-teams#top) Next Post [4 Windows 11 Tips to Help You Focus **](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/windows-11-focus-tips) [Content Title](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/top-5-tips-for-microsoft-teams#) Description ### Search ### Recent Posts [ Building a Resilient Business: Strategies for Navigating Economic Uncertainty ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/building-a-resilient-business-strategies-for-navigating-economic-uncertainty) [Chad Jenkins](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/chad-jenkins) Feb 1, 2024 [ Harnessing Data for Business Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Data-Driven Decision-Making ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/harnessing-data-for-business-success-a-comprehensive-guide-to-data-driven-decision-making) [Chad Jenkins](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/chad-jenkins) Jan 8, 2024 [ Top Business Trends of 2024: Strategies for Growth and Success ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/top-business-trends-of-2024-strategies-for-growth-and-success) [Chad Jenkins](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/chad-jenkins) Jan 4, 2024 [ Empowering Organizations with CISA's Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 Toolkit ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit) [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) Oct 26, 2023 [ Four Essential Steps to Enhance Your Online Safety ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety) [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) Oct 19, 2023 ### Popular Posts [ The 8 Best Productivity Tools Included with Microsoft 365 ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/meet_office365) [Samuel Adams](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams) - Apr 21, 2021 [ Bots Are Stealing MFA Codes and Accessing Accounts - The New Cyber Threat in 2021 ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/mfa-code-stealing) [Samuel Adams](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams) - Nov 3, 2021 [ What is Windows 11 S Mode and Should You Use It? ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/windows11-smode) [Samuel Adams](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams) - Sep 17, 2021 [ Alternatives to Using SMS for 2-factor Authentication ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/alternatives-to-using-sms-for-2-factor-authentication) [Robert Griffin](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/robert-griffin) - Mar 9, 2023 [ How to Use Shifts in Microsoft Teams for Your Organization ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/shifts_microsoft_teams) [Samuel Adams](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams) - Jul 2, 2020 ## Related Post - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit&title=Empowering%20Organizations%20with%20CISA's%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month%202023%20Toolkit&description=With%20the%20end%20of%20October%20just%20around%20the%20corner,%20that%20also%20means%20it%20is%20the%20end%20of%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month.%20The%20Cybersecurity%20and%20Infrastructure%20Security%20Agency%20(CISA)%20has%20taken%20a%20significant%20step%20in%20this%20direction%20by%20unveiling%20the%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month%202023%20Toolkit.) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit&text=Empowering%20Organizations%20with%20CISA's%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month%202023%20Toolkit%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit&title=Empowering%20Organizations%20with%20CISA's%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month%202023%20Toolkit&summary=With%20the%20end%20of%20October%20just%20around%20the%20corner,%20that%20also%20means%20it%20is%20the%20end%20of%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month.%20The%20Cybersecurity%20and%20Infrastructure%20Security%20Agency%20(CISA)%20has%20taken%20a%20significant%20step%20in%20this%20direction%20by%20unveiling%20the%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month%202023%20Toolkit.) ## [Empowering Organizations with CISA's Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 Toolkit](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit) With the end of October just around the corner, that also means it is the end of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. While the month might soon be over, cybersecurity issues and threats most certainly are not. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in partnership with the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA), has taken a significant step in this direction by unveiling the Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 Toolkit. This comprehensive resource is designed to empower organizations, IT professionals, and individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex world of cyber threats.   By [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) In: [Technology](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/technology) [**](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety&title=Four%20Essential%20Steps%20to%20Enhance%20Your%20Online%20Safety&description=Whether%20you're%20an%20individual%20looking%20to%20protect%20your%20personal%20data%20or%20an%20IT%20professional%20tasked%20with%20safeguarding%20company%20information,%20there%20are%20fundamental%20steps%20you%20can%20take%20to%20enhance%20online%20safety.) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety&text=Four%20Essential%20Steps%20to%20Enhance%20Your%20Online%20Safety%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety&title=Four%20Essential%20Steps%20to%20Enhance%20Your%20Online%20Safety&summary=Whether%20you're%20an%20individual%20looking%20to%20protect%20your%20personal%20data%20or%20an%20IT%20professional%20tasked%20with%20safeguarding%20company%20information,%20there%20are%20fundamental%20steps%20you%20can%20take%20to%20enhance%20online%20safety.) ## [Four Essential Steps to Enhance Your Online Safety](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety) As cyber threats continue to evolve, both individuals and businesses must be proactive in their approach to cybersecurity. Whether you're an individual looking to protect your personal data or an IT professional tasked with safeguarding company information, there are fundamental steps you can take to enhance online safety. Here are four essential steps to consider:   By [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) In: [Technology](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/technology) [**](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023&title=Secure%20Our%20World:%20The%20New%20Mantra%20for%20Cybersecurity%20in%202023%20and%20Beyond&description=As%20cyber%20threats%20continue%20to%20evolve,%20so%20must%20our%20approach%20to%20safeguarding%20our%20digital%20realm.%20Enter) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023&text=Secure%20Our%20World:%20The%20New%20Mantra%20for%20Cybersecurity%20in%202023%20and%20Beyond%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023&title=Secure%20Our%20World:%20The%20New%20Mantra%20for%20Cybersecurity%20in%202023%20and%20Beyond&summary=As%20cyber%20threats%20continue%20to%20evolve,%20so%20must%20our%20approach%20to%20safeguarding%20our%20digital%20realm.%20Enter) ## [Secure Our World: The New Mantra for Cybersecurity in 2023 and Beyond](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023) As cyber threats continue to evolve, so must our approach to safeguarding our digital realm. Enter "Secure Our World" – the groundbreaking cybersecurity awareness program launched by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). As we delve into 2023 and look towards the future, this initiative promises to redefine our understanding and approach to cybersecurity.   By [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) In: [Technology](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/technology) [**](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023) ## Growth Is Just One Click Away Want to chat? Just share some project details and a member of our sales team will be in touch to learn more about your vision and how we can help!   ##### How can we grow together? 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