Adding a new Zoom background can give your video calls a fresh, fun look. Whether you want to hide a messy room or just want to make your calls more interesting, changing your Zoom background is an easy process. Here’s a quick overview: open Zoom, start a meeting, click on the caret next to the ‘stop video’ button, and select ‘choose virtual background.’ Then, you can either pick a default image or upload your own. And just like that, you’re all set with a new background!
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Add & Change Zoom Backgrounds
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to note that you need to have the Zoom desktop client installed on your computer. These steps will guide you through the process of adding and changing your Zoom background during a meeting.
Step 1: Open the Zoom application
Open the Zoom desktop client on your computer and sign in to your account.
Step 2: Start a meeting
Click on ‘New Meeting’ to start a new Zoom call or join a meeting as you usually would.
Step 3: Access the background settings
Once you’re in the meeting, look for the ‘Stop Video’ button on the bottom left of your screen. Click on the caret (^) next to it to open the video options menu.
Step 4: Choose ‘Virtual Background’
From the menu that appears, select ‘Choose Virtual Background.’
In the ‘Virtual Background’ settings, you will see a few default background options provided by Zoom. You can select one of these by simply clicking on the image.
Step 5: Add or change your background
To add your own image or video, click on the ‘+’ on the right side of the video preview. From here, you can upload an image or video from your computer.
Once you’ve selected or uploaded your new background, it will immediately appear behind you in the video preview. You can close out of the settings, and your new background will be applied to your current Zoom call.
After you complete these steps, your new Zoom background will be live! Anyone in the meeting will now see your chosen background behind you. It’s a great way to personalize your video calls and can even be used as a conversation starter.
Tips for Adding & Changing Zoom Backgrounds
- Make sure you have good lighting. This will help Zoom’s software better differentiate between you and your background.
- Use high-resolution images or videos for the best quality.
- Keep it professional or appropriate for the occasion, especially if you’re using Zoom for work.
- Consider the color of your clothes; avoid wearing colors that are similar to your background to prevent blending in.
- Regularly check for updates to the Zoom app for new features and improved background options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the system requirements for using virtual backgrounds in Zoom?
Zoom requires your computer to meet certain specifications for virtual backgrounds to work. This includes having a supported processor and operating system. Check Zoom’s official website for detailed requirements.
Can I use virtual backgrounds on a mobile device?
Yes, you can use virtual backgrounds on the Zoom mobile app for iOS and Android, although the feature might be limited compared to the desktop version.
Why isn’t my virtual background working?
There could be several reasons, such as not meeting the system requirements, poor lighting, or not having the latest version of Zoom installed. Make sure to check these factors if you’re having trouble.
Can I use animated backgrounds?
Yes, Zoom supports the use of video files as backgrounds, so you can use animations as long as they are in a supported format.
How can I remove my virtual background?
To remove your virtual background, go back to the ‘Virtual Background’ settings and choose ‘None’ from the list of backgrounds.
Summary
- Open the Zoom application.
- Start a meeting.
- Access the background settings.
- Choose ‘Virtual Background.’
- Add or change your background.
Conclusion
Changing your Zoom background is a fun way to express yourself and can even make your video calls more enjoyable. Whether it’s for a work meeting or a virtual hangout with friends, a customized background can add that extra personal touch to your interactions. With the steps outlined above, you’ll be able to switch up your Zoom background with ease, keeping your calls interesting and engaging. Remember to experiment with different images or videos to find what works best for you, and don’t forget to consider the tips provided to ensure your background looks great.
So, why not give it a try? Change up your Zoom background for your next call and see the reactions you get. It’s a small change that can make a big difference. And who knows, you might just inspire others to get creative with their own backgrounds. Happy Zooming!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.