Virtual Zoom Backgrounds: All the Basics You Need to Know

Connecting through screens and catching glimpses of each other’s spaces is the norm now. But let’s be honest – we all want that picture-perfect background to keep things looking professional. While plenty of people have set up a dedicated little nook at home for virtual meetings, about  26% of Zoom users prefer virtual Zoom backgrounds to keep things polished.

Do you still need to decide whether to use a virtual background for Zoom calls? If it’s your first time, it’s normal to feel a bit hesitant. But don’t worry! 

With this guide, you will get all the answers about virtual backgrounds, their definition, relevance, and benefits of using them in your meetings. Plus, get high-quality Zoom background templates to ramp up your virtual setting.

Does Zoom Background Matter

A clean and perfect-looking background sets the premise for making a positive impression. It helps you create a professional setting even when you are connecting remotely. Nonetheless, an organized Zoom background shows your personality, interests, and mindfulness regarding creating a professional environment. 

Creating a zoom background at your house means selecting a space with:

• Proper lighting 
• Minimum interference
• An appealing and clutter-free background

After all, you don’t want to make an excuse for not turning on your camera because of what’s going on behind your back. 

But let’s be honest—our homes are not picture-perfect abodes. Also, finding a suitable background for your Zoom meeting can be challenging if you work from outside the house. In these scenarios, virtual Zoom backgrounds can save your day.

What is Virtual Background in Zoom

A virtual zoom background is an image or video that replaces the actual background. The image can be anything, such as a wall, home interior, bookshelf, tourist destination, etc. Here is what a Zoom meeting looks like on your screen. You can understand how a cluttered background can distract your viewers from the speaker.

Many people prefer green screens for Zoom’s virtual backgrounds. So, what is a green screen, and what is the difference between a green screen and a virtual background? A green screen is a physical screen using chroma color behind the speaker. 

However, setting up a green screen can take time and effort, as you must consider various aspects like lighting and adequate space. Virtual backgrounds reduce your efforts to be presentable in Zoom meetings, as you can use Zoom virtual backgrounds with or without the green screen. 

Does Zoom Have Virtual Backgrounds

Yes, Zoom offers virtual backgrounds you can apply during the meeting. However, the app provides few background options yet allows you to upload your image or video. Also, with the readily available virtual backgrounds, you may need help to create an office-like atmosphere.

You might wonder, ‘Is virtual background in Zoom free?’ 

Indeed, it’s free, but the downside is that every other virtual meeting member will use it, leaving no room for you to stand out. Plus, the limited number of images may not suit your taste for every meeting or occasion. 

Therefore, you should use Zoom background templates from different tools to suit your needs and personality. Look at this calming Zoom background template, which is ideal for a professional meeting.

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Is it Professional to Use a Virtual Background in Zoom

In case you are wondering, ‘Are virtual backgrounds professional?’ Yes, they are, especially when you incorporate your brand’s identity within the background. You can include your company’s logo, colors, and marketing messages to reinforce your corporate identity.

Also, if you have to attend a meeting outside your home in a busy environment, they help you to maintain your professional appearance while minimizing distractions.

What are the Benefits of Zoom Backgrounds

Virtual backgrounds ease your load when you receive a meeting invite. Now, you don’t have to rush to find a spot that aligns with professionalism. So, join meetings without much ado with professional Zoom backgrounds. Apart from hiding your unorganized house, virtual Zoom backgrounds have many benefits. Let’s explore each of them. 

Protect Your Privacy with Zoom Virtual Backgrounds

Don’t want others to take a sneak peek into your house? We understand that not everyone is comfortable letting someone into your home without inviting them. Some people find the idea of showing your house as a breach of privacy. So why not just cover it with a beautiful virtual background? DocHipo’s Business Zoom Background Templates offer many high-quality images that imitate the home interiors.

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Enhance Professionalism Using Simple Zoom Backgrounds

We have been talking about creating professionalism with virtual backgrounds until now. But how? Another question that can pop into your mind is, “What images can I use for a Zoom background?”

Choose images with solid colors, high resolution, and neutral tones for a professional virtual zoom background. Avoid yellow as the background color, as it looks wholly washed off on the camera. Instead, you can choose the most suitable blue for business purposes.

Before your next virtual call, ramp up your dull background with this simple yet impactful design from Zoom Background Templates.

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When selecting a realistic virtual Zoom background for your meeting, avoid vibrant, loud, or busy home or office interiors. This Zoom background design imitates the feel of the conference room.

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Highlight Key Information to the Viewers 

In addition to protecting your privacy and adding aesthetic appeal to your virtual presence, you can utilize virtual backgrounds to provide crucial information. For example, you can mention the agenda of your meeting or introduce yourself with your job description. 

Adding a brief description helps members stay focused in the meeting. Any new member can quickly identify the speaker and the meeting’s mission rather than staring cluelessly at the screen. 

Take inspiration from this virtual background design with essential information. Notice how the design and typography complement each other, leaving enough room for white space.

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Bring Some Festive Flair to Your Zoom Meetings

Don’t shy away from celebrating special occasions and festivals with your background in a not-so-professional setup. If you host a meeting, it’s an excellent opportunity for an ice-breaking session. For instance, use a jolly background design like this one from Christmas Zoom Background Templates with warm wishes.

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Reinforce Brand Identity with Custom Zoom Backgrounds

If you have a brand, showcase it with your background to make it memorable. Making an impression in a virtual meeting can be challenging. Customize the virtual Zoom backgrounds by adding brand colors, logos, taglines, fonts, etc. Also, you can promote your product and services in the background with a custom background.

Create a Unique Visual Presence 

When we say unique visual presence, we refer to your personality, which reflects your choice of background. So, you can choose a serene, plain background or an image related to your niche.

Here is a design from Travel Zoom Background Templates for travel business professionals to promote iconic destinations.

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How to Get a Zoom Background

Now that you know about the benefits of virtual Zoom backgrounds, you must be eager to get one for your meetings. Zoom offers a few virtual backgrounds within the Zoom desktop app. You can also add your image to the background.

However, you need to fulfill specific requirements to avoid blurred or pixelated backgrounds. Your choice of image will also influence your visual presence in virtual meetings. 

For most of us, fulfilling all the requirements and choosing an appropriate image can seem time-consuming. One shortcut for the perfect virtual backdrop is using DocHipo’s Zoom Background Templates, where you can get dozens of high-quality, on-theme, and customizable designs. Sign up with DocHipo to create a background for a Zoom meeting in a few minutes.

1. Choose a Template

After signing up, you can access plenty of Zoom background template designs. Choose one that suits your niche and meeting agenda.

2. Customize Your Template

Now, customize your design using the design widgets library, which includes hundreds of backgrounds, fonts, shapes, icons, stock images, illustrations, stickers, animations, etc.

3. Download Your Design

When you are impressed with the design after making the changes, download your virtual Zoom background with a suitable file format and quality.

For a detailed guide, discover how to make a good Zoom background in three easy steps.

Wrapping Up

Ultimately, choosing the right background—whether it’s a cozy corner at home or a virtual scene—is all about creating a setting that helps you feel confident and professional on camera. Virtual Zoom backgrounds are an easy way to keep things looking sharp and add a little flair to your virtual presence.

So, if you’re on the fence about using virtual backgrounds, why not give it a try? With DocHipo’s professional templates, you’ll find a style that fits you perfectly and keeps your meetings looking polished. Sign up today and take the plunge to see the difference it makes!

FAQs

Do I need a Zoom account to use a virtual background?

No, you don’t necessarily need a Zoom account to use a virtual background. You can easily use one by adjusting the Backgrounds and effects settings. 

Is it professional to use the virtual background in Zoom?

Yes, it is professional to use a virtual background, especially when your real background is unsuitable for a virtual call.

How do I get virtual backgrounds for Zoom?

The Zoom desktop app offers a few background images. However, you can explore virtual Zoom backgrounds with DocHipo templates.

How do you improve the virtual background in Zoom?

Here are a few things to consider if you want to improve your virtual background:

• Use a green screen for a polished look
• Use proper lighting
• Use a relevant background that suits your virtual environment
• Add gradients or filters to enhance the background image
• Recalibrate to adjust the background

How do I make my background look better on Zoom?

You can try  these tips to make your background look better on Zoom:

• Use a virtual Zoom background with a high-quality image
• Use consistent lighting
• Create contrast against the background
• Keep a distance between you and the background
• Flip your logo and text to avoid mirroring

How do I get free virtual backgrounds for Zoom?

Zoom offers some free virtual backgrounds that you can use. However, if you want to explore more designs, try DocHipo’s Zoom background templates for your niche.

What is the best virtual background for Zoom?

The best virtual Zoom meeting backgrounds are solid colors in neutral tones like cream, blue, and grey. Moreover, you can choose clean backdrops with minimum patterns or noise for images. 

What is the most trustworthy Zoom background?

Plants and bookshelves are considered to be the most trustworthy backgrounds.