Video calls have become ubiquitous in the modern world – and with them comes the ability to shape your virtual environment. Zoom‘s virtual background feature allows you to customize your backdrop during meetings with photos, video, or even animated landscapes.
Whether you want to…
- Project professionalism by situating yourself in a chic home office
- Protect privacy by obscuring your surroundings
- Lighten the mood with fun effects and filters
…this guide will walk you through everything involved in setting up a Zoom background to perfection.
Let‘s get started!
An Overview of Zoom Backgrounds
Before we dive into the step-by-step, let‘s ground ourselves in what this exciting feature can do for you.
What Exactly Are Custom Backgrounds in Zoom?
Virtual backgrounds allow you to display a photo, video or even moving graphic behind you during Zoom meetings instead of your actual environment.
Anything from abstract shapes to exotic locales to childhood photos can be shown. Some favorites we‘ve seen:
- Bookshelves that make it look like you‘re in a mahogany library
- Blurred botanical garden visuals
- Images from favorite movies & TV shows
Key Benefits of Using Zoom Backgrounds
- Visually appealing backdrops – No matter what your actual room looks like, you can project any vibe imaginable!
- Mask messy environments – Eliminate distractions and protect privacy if your home workspace is currently in disarray.
- Creative self-expression – Convey your personality through fun, vibrant images that change with your mood.
- Theme gatherings – Coordinate backgrounds with friends for game nights or virtual parties.
When Would You Use a Custom Background?
People equip Zoom backgrounds for:
- Business meetings – Maintain an aura of professionalism by embedding yourself in a home office vs. bedroom
- Conference calls – Show off branding colors/logos as you represent your company
- Distance learning – Inspire focus even from your kitchen table or couch
- Social meetups – Replicate hangout vibes with friends, family, communities
Next, we‘ll cover step-by-step instructions to get your backdrop up and running across desktop and mobile apps.
Changing Your Zoom Background (Desktop)
Without further ado, let‘s walk through setting a custom background via the Zoom desktop application.
Step 1: Enable Virtual Backgrounds
You likely already have the feature enabled. But just in case, open your Zoom web portal and:
- Click on Settings
- Select the Virtual Background tab
- Toggle the setting On
This greenlights use of backgrounds.
Step 2: Access Background Settings
Now open the Zoom desktop app and:
- Click your profile icon in the top right
- Choose Settings from the dropdown
- Select Backgrounds & Effects on left sidebar
You‘ll land on this screen:
Time to pick your backdrop!
Step 3: Choose a Background Source
You have 3 options:
-
Default backgrounds – Zoom offers scenic images and abstract patterns here. Click one to instantly apply!
-
Upload custom image – Add your own photo in JPG, PNG or BMP format:
- Click the + icon
- Select your desired file from folders
- Hit Open
-
Upload custom video – Add MP4 formatted footage like animated GIFs:
- Click the + icon
- Choose MP4 file
- Select Open
We recommend 1280 x 720 resolution or larger for crisp rendering.
Step 4: Refine Background Settings
Make your custom backdrop look seamless with:
- I have a green screen – If using real backdrops, check this to perfectly overlay
- Mirror video – Flip image horizontally
- Adjust brightness and contrast sliders until background blends naturally
Step 5: Preview Background
See how the background looks live by:
- Clicking out of the menu
- Joining a test meeting
- Tweaking settings until satisfied
Voila, your backdrop is ready for primetime!
Now let‘s cover the mobile setup process.
Changing Your Zoom Background (Mobile)
You can also access virtual Zoom backgrounds in the iOS and Android apps.
Step 1: Open Zoom Mobile App
Launch the latest version of the app on your device.
Step 2: Tap Profile Icon
Tap your profile icon in top right corner:
Step 3: Choose Backgrounds
- Select Settings
- Pick Virtual Background
- Toggle feature ON if prompted
Step 4: Pick Background
Just like desktop, you can now:
- Choose built-in backgrounds
- Upload own photos/videos from device storage
The steps are identical otherwise!
Recommendations for Quality Backgrounds
What distinguishes glitchy, obvious backgrounds from seamless backdrops that transport your audience?
Follow these best practices:
Image Types
Landscape photos mimic in-person interactions better than abstract shapes. But solid colors or subtle patterns also work well.
Aspect Ratio
16:9 widescreen ratio matches Zoom‘s layout best. Anything less may get cropped or distorted.
Dimensions
For crisp focus, use images sized 1920 x 1080 pixels or larger.
File Types
PNG and JPEG formats render best. BMPs also allowed.
File Size
Keep individual images under 5 MB so they load smoothly.
Background Recommendations
Here are ideal dimensions and ratios for stunning backdrops:
| Photo Type | Aspect Ratio | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape | 16:9 | 1920 x 1080 px |
| Portrait | 2:3 | 1080 x 1620 px |
| Abstract | 1:1 | 1080 x 1080 px |
Aim for these standards and your background will shine!
Pro Tips for Realistic Backdrops
Beyond just picking an image, optimize settings for incredibly believable Zoom backgrounds with these tips:
Light yourself accurately
Sit facing a light source. No backlighting!
Position camera properly
Frame yourself head to toe in center of view.
Remain relatively still
Excess motion reveals the effect. Move slowly and mindfully!
Wear solid colors
Busy patterns or shiny jewelry confuse the software.
By finessing these key details, your custom background will transport others out of their rooms and into your creatively crafted scene!
Troubleshooting Common Background Issues
Even using the best practices, you may encounter technical glitches:
Choppy or distorted image
- Verify >2 Mbps internet
- Close other apps hogging bandwidth
- Use wired connections for stability
Background not changing
- Confirm feature enabled in account
- Allow Zoom photo access if on mobile
- Update app and restart device
Image doesn‘t fill space
- Select wider aspect ratio like 16:9
- Resize within minimum dimensions
You appear faded
- Adjust lighting to brightly illuminate you
- Enable "Touch up appearance" filter
- Switch to higher-contrast background
As a last resort, Zoom Help Center has solutions for persistent struggles. Don‘t hesitate to contact them or your own IT team.
Researching the Impact of Zoom Backgrounds
Industry experts have touted myriad benefits around customizing your video call environment:
Fosters Self Expression
"Zoom backgrounds allow people to", convey different parts of their identity without judgment," reports psychologists in Stanford Magazine. Features like these promote authentic self-expression during virtual interactions.
Enhances Engagement
A 2021 McKinsey survey found that fun backgrounds made over 60% of folks more excited for online gatherings. These small customizations boost meeting engagement across demographics."
So don‘t be afraid to showcase what makes you, you!
Final Tips for Zoom Background SUCCESS
To recap, follow this checklist for masterful background execution:
✅ Enable virtual backgrounds in Zoom account settings
✅ Pick high quality, properly sized landscape images
✅ Adjust lighting and camera framing for seamless overlay
✅ Test on desktop AND mobile before important meetings
✅ Troubleshoot issues with Zoom Help if needed
✅ Have fun designing environments that inspire YOU!
Changing your background is a chance to take drab video calls from dull to daring.
As remote work revolutionizes the corporate landscape, taking ownership of your digital space boosts morale, whatever your situation may be!
So switch things up, spark joy and connect as your best self. We can‘t wait to see the vibrant scenes you dream up!
