How to change the background in Zoom

As a pragmatic app, Zoom isn't that customizable in its appearance, but you might have noticed a cool little setting that transforms the background during a video call. These backgrounds range from the Golden Gate Bridge to outer space.

In this article, you'll learn how to change the background of your Zoom video meetings to eliminate those awkward and embarrassing environments, as well as add some excitement to your meeting, whether it's for personal or business use.

How to Change Virtual Background Image in Zoom on PC

Zoom is available on all platforms. However, there is no app or add-on for Chrome OS, so you won't be able to use Zoom in the app form. To change your virtual background on Zoom, you'll need to access it on an app. So even with the Zoom web app, you won't be able to change the virtual background on a Chromebook.

For PCs and Macs, however, things are pretty easy. All you need is the Zoom app, available for free on Zoom.com, and a web browser.

By default, the virtual backgrounds option should be enabled in your account settings. For added security, before you start using the app, make sure the virtual background option is enabled.

1. Go to Zoom.com
   
2. Sign into your account
   
3. Aller vers My Account
   
4. In the left bar, select Parameters
   
5. Scroll to Virtual background Entrance.
   
6. Turn on the switch
   
7. Check the box next to Allow the use of videos for virtual backgrounds
   

Once you've enabled virtual backgrounds on your account, you can use the Zoom app to change your virtual background settings. Zoom apps for Windows and macOS look and function the same. Keep in mind, however, that you'll need at least Windows 7 or Mac OS 10.9.

1. Open the Zoom app
   
2. Select the gear icon under your account photo in the top right corner or click the profile icon and go to Parameters
   
3. In the window that opens, go to the left panel
   
4. Select Background and filters
   
5. You should immediately see the sample of your webcam stream
6. Sous Virtual backgrounds, you will be able to select three backgrounds
   
7. Choose if you want it San Francisco, Herbe, or Earth backgrounds
   
8. If you want to use the northern lights and beach background, your computer will need to download a package first

If you want to add video filters to your Zoom experience, you can only do so through the computer app. To add filters, simply go to Video filtersinstead of virtual backgrounds under Background and filters in the zoom Parameterscharacteristic. From there, you can choose from different filters. Note that you can use filters and virtual backgrounds simultaneously. So, for example, you can add the Mosaic Glassesfilter and use beach virtual background.

You can also add a custom image or video by clicking the plus icon in the upper right corner of the backgrounds/filters section.

How to Change the Virtual Background Image in Zoom on iOS and Android Devices

The Zoom app is designed to work the same on Android and iOS devices. So whether you have an Android phone/tablet, iPhone, or iPad, things work the same across the board. Keep in mind that you will need to be in a meeting to activate the virtual background. Also make sure video is enabled by selecting Start video.

1. During a meeting, go to Suite
   
2. Then select Virtual background
   
3. You will have the same three backgrounds available as shown above
   
4. However, by selecting the plus icon, you can add any photo from your phone and turn it into a background
   

Here. Changing the virtual background in Zoom is as simple as that. Keep in mind that mobile and tablet apps also require you to first enable virtual backgrounds on your Zoom account.

Add studio effects

In the desktop version of the app, you can add various studio effects to your webcam stream. Although this feature is still in beta, it works perfectly. In the Background and filters menu, just go to the lower right corner of the screen and click on Studio Effects (Beta).

This feature allows you to switch between different eyebrow and mustache/beard filter options. You can even change your lip color. Select the color you want or find it using the palette. Oh, and you can change the opacity of these effects using the provided slider.

Add beauty filter

You may want to "pretify" your appearance, especially if you use the HD feature or use a good camera. Fortunately, this has been made very simple.

Application Windows/Mac

1. In the Parameters menu, go to Video in the left panel
   
2. Check the box next to Touch up my appearance
   
3. Use the slider to adjust the beauty filter
   

Application Android/iOS

1. Go to Parameters
   
2. Tap Meetings
   
3. Scroll down and select Touch up my appearance
   
4. Turn on the switch
   
5. Use the slider to adjust the level of “beautify”

Zoom Tips

To make your Zoom experience smoother and better, we've put together some tips for you. These will help you get the most out of Zoom.

1. Use Recurring meeting option to automate recurring meetings. No, you don't need to create a reminder to create a Zoom meeting that takes place regularly. You will find this option under My meetings.
   
2. Save your video conferences for later use or for legal reasons. You can store the video locally if you're using the free version of Zoom and in the cloud if you're a paying member.
   
3. Use keyboard shortcuts. Cmd + I on macOS and Alt+I on Windows will automatically take you to the invite window. To quickly mute everyone in a meeting, use Cmd+Ctrl+M ou Alt + M on Windows for macOS and Windows, respectively. Cmd + Maj + S will share your screen on macOS, while Alt + May + S will do the same on Windows.
4. You can access the list of meeting participants under Account management > Reports. Check Usage reports and navigate to the meeting for which you want to check attendance. This is a very useful function for large meetings.

Additional FAQ

Can I use an animated gif or videos as a background in Zoom?

Unfortunately, GIF files are not supported in Zoom – only static JPG, PNG and BMP files are supported. A workaround exists, however. Since Zoom lets you use videos for your background, if you can find a way to convert the GIF to MP4, you can use it in Zoom. You can perform this conversion using various tools available online. You won't have too much trouble finding these tools online.

Can I use any image I want for a Zoom virtual background image?

As long as the static photo is in JPG, PNG or BMP format, you can use any photo you have on your device as your virtual Zoom background. Keep in mind that any image that violates Zoom's User Agreement can be reported. GIFs, as mentioned above, are not supported, but MP4 videos are.

Can I make a virtual background without green screen on Zoom?

Although a green screen can significantly improve your virtual background, you can use virtual backgrounds without a green screen. Most tablets and smartphones have cameras that support virtual backgrounds without green screen, but your laptop/desktop webcam might not. So, if your camera supports this feature, you may be able to use a virtual background without green screen.

Why is my zoom background blurry?

If you use a custom virtual background, the background may become blurry. If this happens, the resolution of your custom image may be too low. Ideally, a virtual background should be 16:9 or 1280×720. Better yet, go for 1920×1080, if possible. If Zoom acts and blurs your custom high-resolution background, contact customer support.

Changing the zoom background

Zoom offers various options for changing your background. If you are not satisfied with the options provided, you can always add your own images, as long as they are among the supported formats. In the end, you don't necessarily need a green screen or anything fancy. Just the Zoom app and a good webcam or other type of camera.

Hope this article helped you personalize your Zoom virtual background experience. If you have any additional questions, feel free to use the comments section below – our community is more than happy and happy to help.