Video interviews: lighting, sound and comfort tips

Key points

• Face a window or a lamp so the researcher can see your face clearly.
• Use a quiet room and wear headphones to block out background noise.
• Raise your camera to eye level to prevent neck strain.
• Do a quick technical test to check your battery and internet before joining.

Setting up your lighting for clear video

When you join a video interview, the researcher wants to see your face clearly. Good lighting makes this much easier for them. You do not need professional equipment or ring lights to look good on camera. Natural light from a window or a regular desk lamp works perfectly well.

The main rule of video lighting is to keep the light source in front of you. If you sit facing a window, the soft daylight will light up your face evenly. This helps the researcher read your expressions while you talk. They rely on your facial expressions to understand how you really feel about a topic.

Try to avoid sitting with a bright window directly behind you. When the brightest light is behind your head, your webcam will adjust to that light and turn your face into a dark shadow. If you must sit with a window behind you, close the curtains or blinds. Then, turn on a lamp in front of your computer so your face is illuminated.

Choosing a quiet space and getting clear sound

Clear sound is just as important as clear video. Researchers need to hear your answers so they can take accurate notes or create transcripts. A transcript is a written copy of everything said during the call.

Find a quiet room where you can close the door. Ask your family or housemates to give you some uninterrupted time. Turn off the television or radio in the background, and put your phone on silent mode. If someone in your house is watching a movie, politely ask them to turn the volume down for an hour.

Using headphones with a built-in microphone is a great idea. Headphones stop the sound of the researcher's voice from echoing back into your microphone. A headset or standard earbuds will pick up your voice better than the microphone built into your laptop.

If an unexpected noise happens, like a dog barking or a loud truck driving by, do not worry. Just pause for a moment until the noise passes. You can always ask the researcher to repeat their question if you miss something.

Positioning your camera at eye level

Where you put your camera changes how you look and feel during the call. If your laptop is flat on a low desk, the camera points up at your chin. This angle can feel awkward and force you to look down for an hour.

Try to raise your camera so it sits at your eye level. If you are using a laptop, you can place it on a stack of sturdy books or a stable box. This simple change allows you to look straight ahead naturally. You will feel less strain in your neck by the end of the session.

Looking at the screen is completely fine. You do not need to stare directly into the small camera lens the whole time. Looking at the researcher's face on your screen helps the conversation feel like a normal, friendly chat.

If you are using a smartphone or tablet, prop it up securely. Holding a phone in your hand for a long interview will make your arm tired. The video will also shake every time you move. A simple phone stand or leaning your device against a heavy coffee mug works well.

Checking your background for privacy

When you turn on your camera, the researcher can see whatever is behind you. It is a smart idea to look at your background before the call starts. You want to make sure you are comfortable with what a stranger will see on the screen.

Check for private items like family photographs, mail with your address, or laundry hanging to dry. You can simply move these out of the frame or point your camera toward a plain wall. Small details can distract from the conversation, so a tidy background is helpful.

Many video programs allow you to blur your background or use a virtual background. These are helpful tools if you do not have a private space. Just check that the blur effect does not cut off your face when you move your head.

Remember that market research is confidential. Researchers will review your answers for their project, but they will not judge your home decoration. You can read more about what happens with these videos in our guide to recording, consent and NDAs: what you agree to in a research study.

Staying comfortable during the conversation

Research interviews often last between 30 and 60 minutes. It is perfectly fine to make yourself comfortable so you can focus on the questions. An interview is just a guided conversation, not a school test.

Keep a glass of water nearby. Talking for a long time can make your throat dry. You are always allowed to take a sip of water while the researcher is speaking or before you answer a question.

If you need a short break to stretch, use the bathroom, or let a pet out of the room, just ask. Researchers understand that you are taking the call from your home. If you want to know more about how these calls flow, read our guide on what is an in-depth interview? A guide to one-to-one research.

Doing a quick test run before you join

Testing your setup before the interview starts saves time and reduces stress. Most video software platforms let you open a test screen before you join the actual meeting.

Use this test screen to check your video feed. Make sure your face is well lit and your camera is at the right height. You can also test your microphone to ensure the software recognizes your headset. A quick check prevents technical trouble when the call begins.

Here are a few more things to check before you connect:

• Checking that your internet connection is stable.
• Closing extra tabs and programs on your computer to save memory.
• Plugging in your device so the battery does not die during the call.

Log in about five minutes early. This gives you time to download any software updates or fix minor issues without being late. For a detailed list of technical checks, review our guide to online focus groups: a tech checklist before you join.

If you are ready to share your opinions in paid research studies, you can create a free account with Reward Hours. We will match you with surveys and interviews that fit your profile.

Common questions

Do I have to use a computer for a video interview?

You can often use a smartphone or a tablet, but a computer is usually best. A computer gives you a larger screen to see any images the researcher wants to share. Always check the invitation instructions to see if a specific device is required.

What happens if my internet disconnects during the call?

Do not panic if your screen freezes or the call drops. Just open the invitation email and click the meeting link again to rejoin. If your internet stops completely, reply to the email to let the researcher know what happened.

Can I eat during a research interview?

It is best to avoid eating a meal or loud snacks while you talk. Chewing makes it hard for the researcher to hear your answers clearly. A glass of water or a cup of coffee is perfectly fine.