> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.sendspark.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Camera Only vs Cam + Screen Recording in Dynamic Videos

> Learn the differences between Camera Only and Cam + Screen recording modes in Sendspark dynamic videos to optimize your video campaigns.

Camera Only records only your face in full screen and works well with Dynamic Backgrounds, placing your face in the bottom-left corner. Cam + Screen records your face and screen together and should not use Dynamic Backgrounds, since the system crops the center of the frame instead of your face. Choose Camera Only for dynamic backgrounds and Cam + Screen to keep screen content.

## Key takeaways

* **Camera Only** records only your face in full screen and works effectively with the Dynamic Backgrounds feature.
* **Cam + Screen** records your face and screen/background content at once and should be used with Dynamic Backgrounds turned off.
* With Dynamic Backgrounds on, Camera Only puts your face in the bottom-left corner, while Cam + Screen crops the center of the recording (not just your face).
* Choose Camera Only if you plan to add dynamic backgrounds; choose Cam + Screen if you want to include screen content and keep the original format.

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gbzd2JOZrD4?rel=0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; encrypted-media" allowFullScreen />

This guide explains the differences between **Camera Only** and **Cam + Screen** modes when creating dynamic videos in Sendspark, and how each recording type affects your dynamic video options.

## Understanding Recording Modes

When recording videos with the Sendspark Chrome extension, you have two recording options:

* **Camera Only:** Records only your face in full screen
* **Cam + Screen:** Records both your face and screen/background content simultaneously

## How to Record in Each Mode

## Recording in Camera Only

1. Start the Sendspark Chrome extension recording
2. Select **Camera Only** (you'll see your face in full screen)
3. Click **Record** and deliver your message
4. Click **Stop** and save your video

## Recording in Cam + Screen

1. Start the Sendspark Chrome extension recording
2. Select **Cam + Screen**
3. Choose your screen sharing option (entire screen, window, or tab)
4. Click **Share** and then **Record**
5. Deliver your message with both face and screen content visible
6. Click **Stop** and save your video

## Creating Dynamic Video Campaigns

## Setting Up Your Campaign

1. Click **Create Dynamic Video Campaign**
2. Choose how to add your video:

* Upload a previously recorded video
* Browse from your Sendspark library
* Paste a video URL
* Record directly from the campaign builder

3. Select your desired video from your library

## Dynamic Background Options

The recording mode you choose significantly impacts your dynamic background capabilities:

### Camera Only videos

* Can use **Dynamic Backgrounds** feature effectively
* Your face will appear in the bottom left corner when dynamic backgrounds are enabled
* Works well with or without dynamic backgrounds
* Provides maximum flexibility for dynamic video creation

### Cam + Screen videos

* Should **not** use the Dynamic Backgrounds feature
* When dynamic backgrounds are enabled, the center portion of your recording appears in the bottom left corner
* Best used with Dynamic Backgrounds turned **off**
* Keep the original recording format as-is

## Best Practices

**Tip:** Choose your recording mode based on your intended use:

* Use **Camera Only** if you plan to add dynamic backgrounds to personalize videos
* Use **Cam + Screen** if you want to include screen content and keep the original format

**Important:** Cam + Screen recordings with Dynamic Backgrounds enabled will not display as expected, as the system will crop the center of your recording instead of just your face.

## Setting Up Dynamic Elements

1. Configure your fallback URL (default background)
2. Add contact information including background URLs for personalization
3. Generate your personalized videos

Understanding these recording modes will help you create more effective dynamic video campaigns that display exactly as intended.

## Frequently asked questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What's the difference between Camera Only and Cam + Screen?">
    Camera Only records only your face in full screen. Cam + Screen records your face and your screen/background content simultaneously.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use Dynamic Backgrounds with Cam + Screen?">
    You shouldn't. Cam + Screen is best used with Dynamic Backgrounds turned off. When dynamic backgrounds are enabled on a Cam + Screen recording, the system crops the center of your recording into the bottom-left corner rather than just your face, so it won't display as expected.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Which mode should I use for dynamic backgrounds?">
    Use Camera Only. It works well with Dynamic Backgrounds and places your face in the bottom-left corner, giving you maximum flexibility for personalized dynamic videos.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="When should I use Cam + Screen?">
    Use Cam + Screen when you want to include screen content and keep the original recording format as-is, with Dynamic Backgrounds turned off.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Where does my face appear when Dynamic Backgrounds are enabled?">
    In Camera Only with dynamic backgrounds enabled, your face appears in the bottom-left corner over the background.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related articles

* [The correct recording method for dynamic videos](/the-correct-recording-method-for-dynamic-videos)
* [How to make videos with dynamic backgrounds](/how-to-make-videos-with-dynamic-backgrounds)
* [Record both your face and screen together](/record-both-your-face-and-screen-together)
* [How to create a dynamic video campaign](/how-to-create-a-dynamic-video-campaign)

*Updated August 2026.*