Zoom is a very complete video conferencing tool. The service allows, in particular, to change your background. Here’s how.
Millions of people have used the Zoom video chat app to work or study from home during the pandemic and self-isolation — and even with the advent of vaccines and boosters, Zoom is still in huge demand. Some users have found a small tweak to transform the background so that the space behind you looks like something completely different – like deep space or the Golden Gate Bridge. You can even use your own photo to personalize it all.
Most of the time, Zoom, which has skyrocketed in popularity in 2020 as a result of government restrictions, will make a pretty good backdrop for most images. Choosing a custom image can be a good way to express yourself or hide what might be happening behind you. After all, you want visitors to focus on you, not the mess behind you or your collection of curiosities.
To take advantage of this feature, you just need to make sure that you have the prerequisites on your system. If you are used to moving around a lot, rocking in your chair, or if an animal or child lands on your lap, the participants will notice the trick. Don’t worry, it will all be gone soon.
How to Change the Zoom Background on the Desktop App
1. Join a Zoom meeting. When the members arrive, hover over the video and click on the three little dots (…) in the top right corner. Click “Select Virtual Background”. If you are alone in the meeting, press the ^ key, then Stop video and select Select virtual background.
2. A new window will pop up and you’ll see some of the background options Zoom has to offer, including a space scene and blades of grass. You can select one of these options by clicking on them, the background will change immediately. There is also the option to use the green screen if you have one and want to use it.
3. If you want to use one of your photos as a background, on the same virtual background page, click the + icon to the right of “Select virtual background and video filters”. A menu will appear with the option to “Add Image”or “Add Video”. Choose one or the other. Select the file of your choice and the content will appear in your background’s options list.
4. To remove a photo or video from this list, click the X in the top left corner.
How to Change the Zoom Background in the Mobile App
1. When you start or join a meeting, tap the three small dots (…) in the top right corner of the screen to open the More menu.
2. Click “Background & Filters”.
3. Choose a background from the default options. You can also upload your own file by clicking the + icon and selecting a photo or video.
Another Zoom Tip: Add a Beauty Filter
You’ve probably heard of this trick before. If you don’t look your best for a meeting, Zoom can save you: a feature called Touch Up My Appearance. It’s a filter that “smoothes things out”so to speak, as you can find on Instagram, Facetune, or using your smartphone’s selfie camera.
Here’s how to activate it:
1. Before entering a meeting, click the gear icon in the upper right corner.
2. Click “Video Settings”and in the “My Video”section, check the box for “Correct Appearance”. You can then choose the amount of touch-up to apply. And voila!