How to change your Zoom background to make meetings more fun

Zoom added more users to its service in the first two months of 2020 than the entirety of 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic and its repercussions in the professional world definitely helped those numbers. Many of us continue to work from home. We’re well into 2021, and the video call game hasn’t ended, whether we like it or not. Fortunately, the popular web conferencing app Zoom has a feature that can help make your calls a bit more entertaining. On both the desktop and mobile versions of the app, you can use Zoom Virtual Backgrounds to change your backdrop and transport you to a more pleasant place.

Related: How to set up and use Zoom

Editor’s note: All instructions were put together using a Pixel 4a running Android 11 or an ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo running Windows 10. Your steps may be a bit different if you’re using other devices or software. 

How to use Zoom Virtual Backgrounds on a PC

1. Join a meeting.
2. Click the ^ icon in the corner of the Stop Video button.
3. Select the Choose Virtual Background option.
4. Select an image/video or upload your own.

You can also do this before joining a call so that your background is ready as soon as you jump into that video conference.

1. Open the Zoom app.
2. Click on the gear icon under your profile icon.
3. Select the Background & Filters tab.
4. Select an image/video or upload your own.
5. Now you can join any meeting with a Zoom background already set up.

Also read: Tips for working from home with kids

How to change the background on mobile

1. Join a meeting.
2. Tap on the More button.
3. Select the Zoom Virtual Background option.
4. Select an image or hit the + button to choose your own.
5. Hit Close.
6. Done!

Next: 10 Zoom tips and tricks you should know about

The effect will work better on both platforms if you have a high-contrast background, especially a green screen. It still works fine if you don’t have a green screen, but background separation won’t be as good.

Zoom virtual backgrounds can help your meetings be more enjoyable, and have the benefit of allowing you to work from anywhere. If you want to work from your couch, no one will judge you if you use a special backdrop.