Working from home has become the new norm for millions of people across the world right now. Many of us are keeping in touch via video conferencing software such as Zoom. That means that the people you work with or are conferencing with can now see the inside of your living space if you are working from home because of COVID-19. Suddenly, you find yourself running around a few minutes before you have to jump on a conference call hiding the laundry or moving family photos. You may find that you do not want others to see your private space, or you might simply get sick of seeing the same old background on all of the video conferences you are attending.
In this post, you'll get some resources that will provide you with some FREE virtual backgrounds you can use on Zoom. You can easily download a few of your favorites, and you will never have to worry about what your house looks like again!
How To Change Your Zoom Background
The virtual background feature allows you to display an image or video as your background during a Zoom meeting. Changing your background is a fairly simple process.
Before you change your background, you'll need to make sure you've got Zoom version 4.6.0 on your PC or Mac computer or the app version for iOS. The Zoom mobile app is only compatible with iPhone 8 or later and fifth-generation iPad and later, but there is no Android virtual background compatibility. Once you are sure you have the latest version of Zoom, you are ready to go!
- Find your favorite background photos from one or more of the resources listed below and save them on your computer.
- Log onto Zoom.
- Click the little arrow above the “start/stop video” button.
- Click “Choose a virtual background”
- Hit the “+” sign to add your own image, which you can add from files on your computer. (You will see where to find those images below)
Click here for an illustrated step by step instructions.
Where To Get Cool FREE Backgrounds
There are several places where you can download FREE Zoom backgrounds for your meetings, including:
- Shutterstock
- West Elm
- Canva
- Unsplash
- Modsy
- Behr
SHUTTERSTOCK
Shutterstock is offering a FREE pack of images you can use for your virtual backgrounds including beautiful landscapes, clean and modern home offices, fun and interesting illustrated backdrops, and other eye-catching scenes.
Shutterstock Website
WEST ELM
West Elm is offering backdrops that are spaces that they have featured on its blog. That includes real-life living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and some outdoor spaces.
West Elm Website
CANVA
Canva is an easy to use design resource. It has many FREE templates that you can use on Zoom to customize your background. You can select a static or animated background. Their designs range from simple to more complex, serious to silly, and you can even use your astrological sign to spice up your virtual space.
Canva Website
UNSPLASH
Another great resource is Unsplash. It features high-quality stock images that you can use as Zoom backgrounds. You'll find nice-looking conference rooms, coffee shops, and beautiful locals from around the world. Of course, these images are FREE!
Unsplash Website
MODSY
Your FREE Zoom background can even be one of your favorite pop culture interiors! E-interior design service, Modsy, has several backgrounds you can use on Zoom including some of your favorite Seinfield character's living rooms, apartment spaces featured on Friends, and several more!
Modsy Website
BEHR
Behr Paint offers a FREE library of cool virtual rooms. The designs include a spacious kitchen and other living areas with stylish, interesting decorations. Click on the link, and you will be taken to a Google Document that includes the virtual room images, a letter from Behr and some instructions that will be helpful to those who might need more details on launching Zoom.
Behr Website
You now have access to some amazing backgrounds for all of your Zoom conferences!
Of course, you want to be mindful of who you are conferencing with when you select your virtual background. You should keep it tasteful when it involves business, but it is okay to have some fun if you are conferencing with friends or family! The best rules of thumb for virtual backgrounds for your business conferences are to avoid patterns that strain your eyes and stay away from too many bright colors.
You are now on your way to a spruced-up look for your Zoom meetings! Stay well!
If you find that you are having trouble, check out this helpful video:
Pin the the image below and have it at you fingertips whenever you want to read it again or get ahold of those virtual backgrounds. Share it with your friends.
