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, hereās 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 Zoomās website here.
Once youāve 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 youāre done, you can set up your Zoom account.
Hereās how to set up a virtual background on Zoom:
- Log in to your Zoom account.
- Find Meeting Settings and click on the Virtual Background button to enable backgrounds.
- When Zoom asks to verify the change, click Turn On.
- Log out of the desktop app and log in again.
Note: If you find that youāre unable to click on the Virtual Background button, itās possible that the option has been locked for your group.
Hereās how to apply a background during your meeting or in a Zoom room:
- If youāre using the Desktop Client, click on the ^ arrow beside the Start/Stop Video button and click on the Choose a virtual background… option.
- If youāre in a Zoom Room, look for the settings button (thatās 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 āWork From Homeā
Fool your co-workers into thinking youāve actually gone to the office again. Use a generic stock photo of an office or ā better yet ā try using a photo of your own office!
2. Freaky Friday
Self-isolation can get lonely. Why not try virtually āpopping inā to your co-workerās 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
Donāt you wish you could be on holiday right now? Fulfill your dreams ā albeit virtually ā by using any of the stunning travel photos online.
4. Breaking News
This one will take a bit more time to set up, but itās 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 isnāt so much a āfunnyā background, but itās 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. Itās a great way to cover up a workspace that hasnāt been tidied up in a while.
6. The āThis Is Fineā Meme
Remember that comic of the dog sipping coffee in a burning house? Thatās how a lot of us are feeling right now.
7. Puppies
Everyone loves puppies. Brighten up your workmatesā 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 Princessā official Facebook page for some great images from classic Disney movies.
Conclusion
Itās hard to stay focused on work when weāre in the middle of a historical crisis. We could all use something to perk up the mood ā 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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