Talking-head video: remove the room behind you

How do you remove the background of a talking-head video?

Cut out your silhouette with a tool like Keyotte, then place it on the background of your choice in your editing app. Your voice stays intact: the original sound is kept.

It's the easiest case for a cutout: one subject, fairly still, in the middle of the frame. And it frees you up: film in a cluttered room, a hotel or at a client's, and get the same clean background in every video.

How should you film for a good result?

Put the light in front of you, not behind, and wear a color that stands out from the wall. Prop up the phone or use a webcam to avoid shake.

Leave some room above your head and around your shoulders: edges cut off by the frame are harder to track. More tips in how to film for background removal.

Which background should go behind you?

One that doesn't pull attention from your face. For an explainer, a slide or diagram; for a brand video, a plain or slightly blurred background.

Avoid very contrasty or detailed backgrounds right behind your head: eyes go there before going to your face.

• Plain color or gradient: clean, readable on any screen.
• Slide or screenshot: ideal for training or demos.
• Blurred photo of an office or studio: a professional setting.
• Branded background: discreet colors and logo.

What if someone walks behind me while I'm talking?

With Keyotte, only the person you clicked is kept; everyone else in the shot stays out. If the tracking slips as they pass, go to that frame and fix it with a click.

Check that moment on one of the 3 free 10-second previews before paying.

Which app should you use to put it together?

Any app that can key out green: CapCut to go fast, Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve for more control. The principle is the same: background below, green screen clip above, keying effect.

Walkthroughs: CapCut and Premiere Pro.

How much does a video of several minutes cost?

€4.99 up to 5 minutes and €9.99 up to 10 minutes, with no subscription. Beyond 10 minutes, split the video into parts.

For a course, see training video background; for a blur rather than a new background, blur a video background.