How to Change Background on Zoom: A Step-by-Step Guide

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted our daily routine, and one of the most significant changes has been the increase in video conferencing. With millions of people working from home, video conferencing tools have become essential for communication with colleagues, clients, and friends. Zoom is one of the most popular video conferencing platforms that offer various features to make remote meetings feel more personal. One of these features is virtual backgrounds, which allow users to replace their background with an image or video during a call. Changing the background on Zoom can help you prevent distractions during a video call or add some fun to your meetings. In this post, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of changing your Zoom background and give you some tips for choosing the best virtual background.

Introduction

Zoom has become a crucial platform for work, school, and socializing in the age of remote communication. With so many people using it on a daily basis, it’s important to make sure that your experience is as personalized and enjoyable as possible. One way to do this is by changing your Zoom background.

Background change is a feature that enables users to replace their real-life background with a virtual one during video calls and meetings. This can be an image or a video and it can be either static or dynamic. The possibilities are endless – you can choose from a wide range of preloaded images and videos or even upload your own.

Changing your Zoom background not only adds a fun and creative touch to your virtual meetings, but it can also help you maintain privacy and professionalism. If you’re working remotely and your home environment isn’t suitable for a work meeting, for example, you can use a virtual background to create a more professional appearance. Additionally, if you want to keep your home or personal life private, a virtual background can help you avoid showing any unwanted or distracting elements.

The good news is that changing your Zoom background is easy and requires no special skills or equipment. All you need is the Zoom application, a few clicks, and you’ll be able to customize your background to your liking. In the following sections, we’ll guide you through the steps to change your Zoom background and provide tips for choosing the best virtual background.

Why Change Your Zoom Background?

There are numerous reasons why you might want to change your Zoom background. It could be as simple as wanting to add a bit of fun and personality to your video calls or meetings, or it could be a more practical reason, such as hiding a messy or distracting background.

One key advantage of changing your Zoom background is the ability to eliminate distractions. For example, if you’re working from home and have a cluttered desk or an unorganized background, using a virtual background can help keep the focus on you and not on any potential messes.

Another reason to change your Zoom background is to add some personality and make your meetings more engaging. By using a fun or interesting virtual background, you can show off your style and inject some humor or creativity into your video calls.

Changing your Zoom background is also a great way to brand yourself or your business. If you have a company logo or a specific color scheme that represents your brand, you can use a virtual background to showcase these elements during video calls or presentations.

Finally, changing your Zoom background can be a stress reliever and a way to boost morale. Since many of us are spending more time on video calls and virtual meetings, having a colorful or exciting background can help break up the monotony and create a more positive and energetic atmosphere.

Overall, there are many good reasons to change your Zoom background, ranging from practical concerns to personal preferences. With so many virtual backgrounds to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits your needs and makes your next Zoom call more enjoyable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Change Your Zoom Background

Step 1: Open the Zoom App

To change your Zoom background, the first step is to open the Zoom application. If you have not downloaded it already, you will need to do so from the Zoom website or your device’s app store.

Once you have the Zoom app installed on your device, open it by clicking on the Zoom icon. You may be prompted to enter your login credentials if you have an account, otherwise you can sign up for a free account with Zoom.

If you are using a desktop computer, the Zoom app will appear as a window on your screen. On mobile devices, the Zoom app will appear as an icon on your home screen or in your app drawer.

With the Zoom app open, you can now proceed to the next step of changing your Zoom background. But before that, make sure you have a suitable virtual background image ready to upload. This could be an image of your choice, such as a scenic view or a photo of your favorite vacation spot.

In summary, opening the Zoom app is the first and crucial step towards changing your background. With the app open, you can start selecting your preferred virtual backgrounds and customizing your video calls and meetings.

Step 2: Go to Settings

Once you have launched the Zoom app on your device, the next step to change your background is to navigate to the settings. This is where you will find the virtual background settings that allow you to modify your video call backgrounds.

To access the settings menu, click on the gear icon on the top right-hand corner of your screen. This will open a drop-down menu with various options including audio, video, and general settings. Click on “Virtual Backgrounds” to access the background settings.

In the Virtual Backgrounds tab, you can choose from a set of preloaded background images that come with the app or upload a background of your own. There are several built-in options such as an outer space scene, a beach view, and even the Golden Gate bridge among others.

It’s important to note that the quality of your virtual background depends on the lighting in your environment and the quality of your camera. Therefore, it’s recommended to test out different backgrounds and lighting conditions to achieve the best results.

Additionally, if you’re using a green screen behind you, make sure it’s evenly lit and without any wrinkles or creases. This helps to ensure that the Zoom app can accurately distinguish between you and the background for a seamless experience.

In summary, accessing the Zoom settings is a crucial step in changing your video call background. The Virtual Backgrounds option provides a range of backgrounds to choose from, or you can upload your own image. Remember to test out different lighting conditions and position yourself correctly for optimal results.

Step 3: Choose a Virtual Background

Once you have accessed the virtual background settings in Zoom, it’s time to choose the perfect image for your video conference. The virtual background feature allows users to select from a variety of pre-installed backgrounds or upload their own custom backgrounds.

To select a virtual background, simply click on the “+” button labeled “Add Image” and choose an image from your computer’s files. Alternatively, you can select one of the virtual backgrounds provided by Zoom, including office spaces, landscapes, or even movie scenes.

When choosing a virtual background, it’s important to consider the purpose of the video conference and your audience. For example, if you’re conducting a business meeting, it’s best to choose a professional-looking background that doesn’t distract from the content of the meeting. On the other hand, if you’re having a social call with friends or family, you may want to opt for a more fun and personal background image.

It’s also worth noting that not all virtual backgrounds work well with Zoom’s technology. Some images may be too complex or too dark, causing issues with the green screen effect. To ensure a seamless experience, choose an image with good contrast and lighting.

In addition to the above tips, it’s important to keep in mind that your virtual background should reflect your personal brand and style. Choosing a background that aligns with your personality can help you feel more comfortable and confident during video conferences.

By following these simple steps and tips, you can easily choose a virtual background that enhances your video conferencing experience and leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

Step 4: Test Your New Background

Once you have selected your desired virtual background, it’s time to test it out before your meeting or video call. This step is crucial to ensure that your background looks professional and doesn’t cause any distractions during the call.

To test your new background on Zoom, follow these simple steps:

Click on the “Test” button located next to the virtual background options.
Zoom will show a preview of your video feed with the new background applied.
Move around and make some hand gestures to see how the background behaves. This is especially helpful if you have a dynamic background like a video clip or GIF.
If everything looks good, you’re ready to join your meeting or video call with your new virtual background.

It’s recommended to test your new background in the same lighting conditions and environment where you’ll be joining the call. This helps to ensure that the colors and details of the background are accurate and not overexposed or underexposed.

By testing your new background beforehand, you can avoid any potential technical issues during the call and present yourself professionally. Go ahead and try different virtual backgrounds until you find the perfect one that suits your personality and the purpose of your call.

Tips for Choosing the Best Zoom Background

When it comes to virtual backgrounds on Zoom, there are endless options to choose from. From beautiful landscapes to iconic landmarks, the possibilities are endless. However, choosing the best Zoom background can be challenging when you have so many options available. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision and choose the best Zoom background for your video calls.

Consider Your Audience:
The first thing to consider is who will be attending your video call. If it’s a professional meeting, you may want to choose a more neutral or formal background. On the other hand, if it’s a casual catch-up with friends or family, you may want to go for something fun or quirky.
Avoid Busy Backgrounds:
While it may be tempting to choose a background with lots of details, it can be distracting for your audience. Busy backgrounds can make it difficult for them to focus on what you’re saying. Instead, opt for a simple and minimalistic background that complements your appearance.
Experiment with Different Backgrounds:
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different virtual backgrounds until you find one that works best for you. There’s no harm in trying several backgrounds to see which one looks the best and feels comfortable.
Choose High-Quality Images:
When selecting a virtual background, make sure to choose high-quality images. Low-quality images can appear blurry and pixelated, which can detract from your overall appearance.
Test Your Background Beforehand:
Before you start your video call, test your background to ensure that it’s working correctly. Your background should be clear and free of any glitches or errors.

In conclusion, while choosing the best Zoom background may seem like a trivial matter, it can have a significant impact on the success of your video calls. By considering your audience, avoiding busy backgrounds, experimenting with different options, selecting high-quality images, and testing your background beforehand, you can create a professional and engaging video call experience for everyone.

Conclusion

After going through the step-by-step guide on how to change your Zoom background, it is clear that customizing virtual backgrounds is one of the most exciting features of the app. Whether you’re working from home, attending online classes, or catching up with friends and family, changing your Zoom background can help add some fun and creativity to your video calls.

With the ongoing pandemic, more people are relying on virtual meetings and events, making Zoom a popular choice for many. The ability to change backgrounds easily creates endless possibilities for customization and personalization, helping individuals express their personality and style in a virtual space.

In conclusion, changing your Zoom background is an easy and effective way to enhance your online presence and make your video calls more engaging. With the right virtual background, you can create a professional look for work meetings, evoke a fun environment for social gatherings, or even transport yourself to a favorite travel destination. So why not have some fun and experiment with different virtual backgrounds on your next Zoom call?
Changing your Zoom background is an easy and fun way to personalize your video calls and enhance the overall experience. With just a few simple steps, you can choose from virtual backgrounds that transport you to a different world or showcase your personality. Remember to consider tips like lighting and color schemes when selecting your background for the best effect. By following this step-by-step guide, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to change your background on Zoom. So the next time you join a video call, impress your colleagues and friends by showing off your customized background.