We used to meet in conference rooms. We now meet in boxes. Screens. Frames. The rectangle that holds your face, your thoughts, your voice — and your background (accidentally featuring your cat, your kid, or your breakfast leftovers). This is the age of video communication, and it’s not going anywhere.
According to a 2024 report, more than 72% of professionals now participate in at least three video meetings per week. From casual catch-ups to high-stakes negotiations, video chats have become the main arena for modern interaction. Yet for all their utility, these virtual conversations require a new kind of mindfulness: digital etiquette.
Here’s your essential guide — not rigid rules, but flexible frameworks. Dos. Don’ts. And a few please don’ts ever again.
DO: Check Yourself Before You Wreck the Call
You wouldn’t walk into a meeting with spinach in your teeth (hopefully). The same logic applies to video calls. Before joining, do a quick camera and mic check. Glance at your lighting. Preview your background. Adjust your framing. Sit up. Un-slouch. Breathe.
Weird echo? Noisy mic? It’s not just “a little annoying” — it’s disruptive. A survey by Owl Labs found that 29% of remote workers cite poor audio as a major source of video meeting fatigue.
So: headphones on. Notifications off. Camera lens clean. These things seem small… until they’re not.
DON’T: Multitask Like It’s a Talent Show
You think no one can tell you’re checking email? Guess again. That slight eye drift, the awkward delay when someone calls your name, the muted chuckle two seconds too late — it’s all noticed.
Don’t treat video communication like radio. You’re seen. You’re expected to be there. Actively.
Digital etiquette isn’t just about politeness — it’s about presence. The average human attention span has shrunk to 8.25 seconds, and multitasking doesn’t stretch it; it snaps it.
So no, you can’t edit a spreadsheet, respond to a Slack message, and participate in a brainstorming session at the same time. Choose one. Choose focus.
DO: Dress Like You Mean It
Isn’t one of the perks of working remotely that you can wear whatever you want? Technically, yes. But there’s freedom, and then there’s risk.
If you’re in a professional setting, digital etiquette recommends dressing appropriately — at least from the waist up. Wear what reflects your role. A hoodie says “off-duty.” A collared shirt says “I’m awake, alert, and mildly professional.”
Not saying you need a three-piece suit. But please — pants. Always pants. Enough horror stories prove why.
DON’T: Forget That Mute Exists for a Reason
Heavy typing. Loud chewing. A dog barking in the background while someone’s delivering a sales pitch. It’s not cinematic — it’s chaos.
Mute yourself when not speaking. It’s basic, but it’s vital.
On the flip side: don’t forget to unmute when you actually want to talk. We’ve all done it. Spoken passionately for 45 seconds only to hear, “You’re muted.” That moment when your face freezes with embarrassment? Iconic. Avoidable.
Pro tip: Some platforms let you press the space bar to temporarily unmute. Learn the shortcut. Use it like a secret weapon.
DO: Make Eye Contact (Sort Of)
Real eye contact on video is a myth. Still, look at the camera — not the person’s face on the screen. It feels unnatural, but it simulates eye contact better than staring at someone’s digital forehead. You’ll have to practice a little in Chatruletka or a similar service. But through Chatruletka you can quickly hone your digital communication skills.
It’s subtle, but it builds trust. According to a Harvard Business Review article, direct “eye contact” in video chats increases perceived attentiveness by over 60%.
You don’t have to stare like a robot. But try it once in a while. Fake it convincingly.
DON’T: Bring Chaos to the Background
That pile of laundry? That poster of your favorite 2000s boy band? That half-eaten sandwich? All of it becomes part of the conversation.
Your background speaks before you do. Digital etiquette tip: keep it neutral, tidy, and distraction-free. If your physical space doesn’t cooperate, use a simple virtual background — not a beach, not a spaceship, not a moving cityscape. Just clean. Calm.
Nothing says “I’m taking this seriously” like a neat environment.
DO: Be Time-Aware
You wouldn’t loiter in someone’s office after the meeting ended. Likewise, don’t overstay your welcome on a video call.
Start on time. End on time. Respect schedules. If you’re leading the meeting, set the tone early and land the plane clearly. No one likes a rambling outro that drifts into awkward silence.
And if you’re running late? Say something. It’s better to join a minute late with a reason than to pop in silently like a ghost.
DON’T: Treat Every Call Like a Monologue
Video communication isn’t a solo show. Don’t dominate. Don’t drone. Don’t talk in paragraphs when a sentence would suffice.
Digital etiquette means listening. Pausing. Letting others speak — even when there’s lag. Especially when there’s lag.
Facial cues are harder to read over video. People may need extra time to chime in. Let them. Ask questions. Build dialogue, not broadcast.
Bonus Tip: Use Reactions, Not Reactions
Nods. Smiles. Thumbs up. These small gestures go a long way in virtual conversations. They’re the new applause, the silent “I’m with you.”
Avoid interrupting just to agree — use the built-in reactions or emotes if your platform allows. Don’t flood the chat with clapping gifs unless you’re at a digital birthday party.
Subtle affirmation = strong presence.
Final Words in a Digital Frame
Video chats aren’t new anymore. They’re just normal. But normal doesn’t mean thoughtless. Digital etiquette isn’t about being rigid — it’s about being human, on camera.
Be aware. Be present. Be kind. And when in doubt, ask yourself: Would I do this if we were in the same room?
If the answer is “no,” don’t do it on video either.
Lights on. Camera ready. Mute button in reach. That’s the etiquette of the screen age.
