Despite the return to normalcy after the pandemic, working from home is not going away any time soon.
This means lots of video conferences using Zoom are in the pipeline.
Online meetings can be boring, but styling your Zoom background can make those meetings lively and fun.
But what are the best backgrounds for Zoom?
A virtual background is an excellent option. Abstract backgrounds for Zoom are different, fun, and still follow the general theory of symmetry, i.e., balancing out objects, artwork, and plants with shapes and patterns that provide the same results.
This guide discusses the best backgrounds for Zoom that will transform it from the usual, boring, work-related meeting to one full of life.
Do Zoom Backgrounds Matter?
According to a research report from Klick Applied Sciences, it was discovered that changing a Zoom background, especially to a nature-related image, can help enhance creativity, sharpen focus, and even boost overall psychological well-being.
This information backs up earlier research on improving mental health when someone gets close to nature.
However, the type of background you choose for Zoom should match the tone of the video meeting. Adding a background ensures a focused video conference without any distractions.
Some researchers tested 3 different types of Zoom backgrounds on participants. Those backgrounds were a natural setting, a plain gray background, and an urban setting. It was soon discovered that participants with nature-themed Zoom backgrounds enjoyed higher creative performances than others.
What Backgrounds Are Best for Zoom?
There are many options regarding the best backgrounds for Zoom.
Although research supports using nature-themed backgrounds on Zoom and its attendant positive effects, several backgrounds can also enhance the video-conferencing experience.
Since you are most likely working from home, you may use a virtual background if your room is not presentable online and you want to hide this fact. Virtual backgrounds are the best to use on Zoom because they are presentable and don’t cause distractions.
But when adding a virtual background, ensure it has a solid background color for the best outcome. Zoom recommends a virtual background bearing a solid green color. You can either paint your room green or use a green screen and set it up as your background.
You can add a virtual background for Zoom when the solid color is in place. This will blend perfectly with your surrounding and create a highly impressive background for your video conferences.
Remember that your audience may notice small breaks in the background around every movement if you move in your chair or gesture a lot during the Zoom meeting while using a virtual background. This can be somewhat disconcerting, so minimize movements during the call.
You can enhance the quality of your online video meetings by using good lighting and a high-quality camera. Avoid wearing bright clothes, and do away with yellow tones because they will look washed out on video. Go for blues since they render the best.
Changing Your Zoom Background Step by Step
Since we have determined that virtual backgrounds are the best for Zoom, follow these steps below to change your background:
- Open the Zoom app on your PC.
- Click on the settings icon in the top right corner.
- Select ‘Background & Effects‘ from the left navigation.
- Select any background that Zoom suggests. If you’d like to upload your own background, click the ‘+’ button on the right.
- Click the add button.
- Choose the image you want to add from your computer.
The custom background image will be applied within a split second to your next call on the platform. The custom image will also be included in the carousel of ‘Virtual Backgrounds.’
When you are already in a Zoom call, click the ‘^’ arrow right next to ‘Stop Video.’ You can click ‘Choose Virtual Background’ to change your background on Zoom or remove it altogether.
You can get rid of a picture you uploaded to the Zoom platform by tapping the ‘X’ in the top left-hand corner of the carousel of ‘Virtual Backgrounds.’
Changing Your Zoom Background on the Mobile App
Follow these steps to change your Zoom background on the mobile app:
- Launch the Zoom mobile application.
- Tap ‘More’ at the bottom right.
- Select ‘Meetings.’
- Tap on ‘Backgrounds & Effects.’
- Select a background from the default options provided. You can upload a custom image or background by tapping the ‘+’ icon.
- Select a photo from your smartphone to use.
Conclusion
Zoom is one of the most widely-used and popular video-conferencing platforms worldwide. It offers several impressive features designed to brighten up your online meeting experience. This includes adding backgrounds on the platform.
Virtual backgrounds are the best for Zoom as they help liven up the mood during calls. You can change your background on your desktop and smartphone by following the steps outlined in this article.
