How to use the Cameo feature in PowerPoint

The Cameo feature in PowerPoint is a relatively new feature and allows users to integrate live video feeds into a presentation. By embedding your live webcam feed directly onto slides you can create a more personal and interactive experience for your online audience.

Cameo provides several customisation options, including the ability to adjust the shape, size and position of the video feed, as well as apply styles and effects to match your presentation’s design. This feature is particularly useful for remote presentations, online meetings, and webinars, where maintaining a strong connection with the audience is crucial.

Cameo is only available to users of Microsoft 365 subscription products and is available in PowerPoint for the web and the PowerPoint desktop app.

When to use the Cameo feature

Using the Cameo feature is not necessary for all presentations – especially if you are delivering a live presentation to an audience. However Cameo is perfect for:

• hosting webinars where the presenter needs/wants to maintain visual contact with the audience.
• online teaching/training sessions to help make the topic more engaging.
• corporate meetings to add a personal touch.

Tips for using Cameo

Here are a few tips I’ve discovered from using Cameo during online presentations:

• Ensure you have good lighting and a simple background during the Cameo feed.
• It’s important to note that there is no Background Blur option, or option to use a virtual background in the Cameo live feed – so refer back to the above point!
• Test your webcam prior to the presentation to ensure the video appears and streams correctly.
• Position the Cameo frame on the slides so that it does not block the view of important content.
• Remember that you do not have to use the Cameo frame on EVERY slide, you can pick and choose which slides you want the Cameo to appear on.

Add the Cameo object to a slide

To insert the cameo object in a slide:

1. Open Microsoft PowerPoint.
2. Open a presentation you would like to add the Cameo feature to and select the slide:

3. Select the Insert tab and choose the Cameo drop-down button:

4. A menu will appear, choose This Slide from the menu.
5. The Cameo object will appear on the slide:

6. The Designer panel will likely appear with some ideas for layout of the opening slide with the cameo object.
7. Choose a Design Idea for the slide:

Customising the Cameo frame

Now that the Cameo frame is inserted in the slide, you can easily customise the size, position, shape and design of the frame.

1. Select the Cameo object.
2. The Camera Format tab will appear on the ribbon:

3. The first button, labelled Preview, allows you to turn on or off the camera preview. Enable the preview to see your webcam preview on the screen.
4. Click the button again to turn the preview off.
5. Cameo has several Camera Styles available to customise the look of the cameo object:

6. Hove the mouse over a style to see a preview on the slide.
7. Alternatively, you can use the Camera Shape, Camera Border and Camera Effects buttons to customise the styling yourself.
8. If you want to use the Cameo feature on all slides, you can click the Apply to All Slides button. The Cameo will be displayed in the same position and with the same style as the current one.
9. Use the usual steps to resize or move the Cameo object on the slide.
10. Add the Cameo feature to 2 or 3 more slides.

Preview the slide show

Now that the Cameo feature has been added to several slides, you will want to preview what the presentation will look like in Slide Show mode.

To preview in Slide Show mode:

1. Select the Slide Show tab from the Ribbon.
2. Choose to run the slideshow From Beginning or From Current Slide. Alternatively you can press F5 on the keyboard to run the slide show from beginning.
3. Move throug the presentation and check that the Cameo feature is displaying correctly and that you are happen with the positioning of the Cameo frame on each slide.
4. Press Esc to exit Slide Show mode.

The Cameo feature in PowerPoint is a game-changer for creating engaging and interactive presentations, particularly in online settings. By seamlessly integrating your live video feed, you can establish a more personal connection with your audience, making your message more impactful. Give Cameo a try and see how it transforms your presentations! Comment below with any questions and don’t forget to share with your colleagues/friends.