Some of the BEST video call fails during lockdown
From unfortunate filters to surprising interruptions, here are some of our favourite clips
Last updated 20th Apr 2021
In a year of social isolation and working from home, we have been using video calls more than ever to stay in contact with loved ones and colleagues. which has caused some amazing moments to be caught on camera.
From high profile meetings to festivals and parties, last year we learned that almost anything can be moved online.
There are bound to be a few mishaps while everyone gets used to the new technology, like taking your colleagues to the toilet or forgetting you've got a potato filter on.
Here's a round up of our favourite moments from the best video calls:
1. The cat lawyer
We couldn't do a round up of the funniest video fails without mentioning this guy!
A Texan lawyer who got stuck with a cartoon cat filter during a virtual court case was forced to proceed with the case in feline form when he couldn't change the setting!
2. Jackie Weaver and her authority
Jackie Weaver became an Internet sensation after the video of a tense Parish Council meeting went viral.
The internet came alive with memes and spoof, and even Amazon's Alexa got in on the joke!
3. Rocco the cat
Pets can be a problem. One MP became distracted while speaking at the virtual Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee meeting in July 2020.
Rocco the cat made an impromptu appearance just as SNP MP John Nicholson was asking his question, forcing him to stop mid-sentence and instruct the ginger cat to "Put your tail down!"
4. Always check if your camera's on
One girl forgot to turn off the camera as she went to the toilet during an online seminar, living out everyone's worst nightmare.
5. Potato Boss
Remember when this tweet went viral?
Yes, that's right, the boss was stuck as a potato for the whole meeting!
Posted 30 March 2020, this was one of the first working from home fails of the pandemic, just as everyone was getting to grips with Microsoft Teams and testing out the variety of filters.
6. Free Zoom call struggles
We've all run out of free minutes on a Zoom quiz, but we might not have expected big broadcasters to be using the free version!
One interview was cut off abruptly after they ran out of time on the Zoom call.
7. The interrupted interview
And of course, this bit of wonderful footage. Arguably the ORIGINAL working from home fail, this took place back in 2017 when we had no idea that a global pandemic was on it's way...
This Dad went viral after his children interrupted a live interview.
Little did we know that so many people would be able to relate to his struggles three years on.
Spending all that time online has also led to some strange lockdown purchases...
Lots of people sponsored a llama
Balls of wool for knitting
Hot tub sales sky rocketed!
Some people bought robot hoovers to help with the housework
Shed extensions were also popular
And then people bought beer machines to put in their shed-bars!
Ring lights also proved popular to improve lighting while working from home
Hear the latest news on Downtown on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.