How to change a Zoom background: Step by Step

Video conferencing tools like Zoom have become an indispensable part of everyday life. They facilitate socializing with friends and family, but also facilitate communication with customers and colleagues. Every new technology also raises new questions. One question that many Zoom users are probably familiar with is: How do I change my Zoom background? Virtual backgrounds on Zoom are quick to set up - learn how here!

To ensure that your Zoom background looks the way you want it to, you should follow a few rules. The following applies to static image backgrounds:

• File format: JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF
• Size: minimum 1280x720 pixels

If you decide to use a video background, you should consider the following requirements:

• File format: MP4, MOV
• Size: minimum 480x360 pixels (360p), maximum 1920x1020 pixels (1080p)

Getting your personalized Zoom background isn’t out of reach. First, create a gallery of images or videos that you save as possible Zoom wallpapers on your device for access at any time. Usually, Zoom also offers pre-set background templates in the app. Once your personal gallery is created, it’s time to set a custom Zoom background.

• Step 6: To change your Zoom background during or before a meeting, also click the ‘...’ icon and click ‘Background & Filters’.

To get your Zoom background just right, follow these simple tips:

• Make sure the background and camera area are evenly lit - not too bright, not too dark. An LED ring light is ideal for ensuring even lighting.
• If possible, use a physical background that is high-contrast and a solid colour (such as a uniform wall colour).
• If you are using a physical green screen, place it close behind you.
• If you want to display text in the background, uncheck the ‘Flip my video’ option.
• Avoid clothing the same colour as your virtual or physical background.
• Crop background images to fit your camera’s size ratio - for a 16:9 camera ratio, 1280x720 or 1920x1080 pixel images are optimal.
• Use a camera with high image quality.

As a rule, virtual backgrounds can be used with Zoom without problems with newer devices - whether PCs, notebooks, smartphones, or tablets. In rare cases, though, a physical, monochrome green screen may be required as a background on significantly older devices so that the actual background can also be replaced by the image.

Zoom offers very few pre-set background templates in the app. Since your own background images are more creative anyway, you can easily compose backgrounds from your own images or videos or download free Zoom backgrounds. You can find a good selection for example in various image databases. But make sure to use only royalty-free images.

Virtual zoom backgrounds offer you the following advantages:

• You get to be creative.
• You protect your privacy by hiding your home from view.
• You adapt backgrounds depending on who you’re talking to, the topic of conversation, seasons, or projects (e.g., through company logos, headlines, photos).
• You’ll lighten the mood with lively, cheerful images.
• You seem professional by using backgrounds like business cards or marketing tools (e.g., by referencing the corporate brand or providing details about profession, name, and contact information).