Zoom Background Ideas. How to Choose the Perfect Background

As working from home becomes the new norm, more and more people are hosting virtual meetings on Zoom. But while the urge to stay productive is as pressing as ever, it can be difficult to do so amid the anxiety-inducing news and constant social isolation. Thankfully you can fight the cabin fever, at least a little, with charming and creative Zoom backgrounds.

From viral memes to inside jokes, funny Zoom backgrounds can easily change the mood from a tense meeting to a friendly conversation. To get you started, here’s a step-by-step guide to changing your Zoom background, plus 8 fun background ideas to try during your next meeting.

How To Change Your Zoom Background

First, you need to make sure your set-up can accommodate a background change. Make sure you have the Zoom Desktop Client, a webcam, and an OS and a processor that can support both. Check out the PC and Mac requirements listed on Zoom’s website here.

Once you’ve done that, prepare all your materials. You have the option to use an image without a green screen or an image or video projected onto a physical green screen behind you. Download all the images and videos you want to use. When you’re done, you can set up your Zoom account.

Here’s how to set up a virtual background on Zoom:

1. Log in to your Zoom account.
2. Find Meeting Settings and click on the Virtual Background button to enable backgrounds. 
3. When Zoom asks to verify the change, click Turn On. 
4. Log out of the desktop app and log in again.

Note: If you find that you’re unable to click on the Virtual Background button, it’s possible that the option has been locked for your group. 

Here’s how to apply a background during your meeting or in a Zoom room:

1. If you’re using the Desktop Client, click on the ^ arrow beside the Start/Stop Video button and click on the Choose a virtual background… option.
2. If you’re in a Zoom Room, look for the settings button (that’s the gear icon) in your controller and click on the Virtual Background option.

8 Creative Background Ideas To Make Your Meetings Fun Again

Here are eight ways a Zoom background image could ramp up the fun in your virtual meetings.

1. Redefining ‘Work From Home’

Fool your co-workers into thinking you’ve actually gone to the office again. Use a generic stock photo of an office or – better yet – try using a photo of your own office!

2. Freaky Friday

Self-isolation can get lonely. Why not try virtually “popping in” to your co-worker’s space? Just wait for your colleague to leave the room and take a screenshot of their video window. Apply it to your background and sit back and wait for people to notice.

3. The Getaway

Don’t you wish you could be on holiday right now? Fulfill your dreams – albeit virtually – by using any of the stunning travel photos online.

4. Breaking News

This one will take a bit more time to set up, but it’s worth it. With a green screen, a newsroom background image, and a news ticker graphic, you can turn your weekly sales report into a breaking news update.

5. The Professional Workspace

This one isn’t so much a “funny” background, but it’s a good idea for those with less-than-ideal home workspaces. Scroll through home decor brands like Behr and West Elm for Pinterest-worthy living spaces. It’s a great way to cover up a workspace that hasn’t been tidied up in a while.

6. The ‘This Is Fine’ Meme

Remember that comic of the dog sipping coffee in a burning house? That’s how a lot of us are feeling right now.

7. Puppies

Everyone loves puppies. Brighten up your workmates’ days with a background filled with adorable puppy pictures.

8. Disney Princess Backgrounds

Live your ultimate Disney Princess fantasy with backgrounds from some of your favorite Disney films. Check out Disney Princess’ official Facebook page for some great images from classic Disney movies.

Conclusion

It’s hard to stay focused on work when we’re in the middle of a historical crisis. We could all use something to perk up the mood – and sometimes, all it takes is a funny background image. Give any of these eight ideas a try and brighten up your day.

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