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Zoom backgrounds have been my lifesaver since I started scheduling remote meetings. With these backgrounds, my video stays on, and I don’t have to worry if my living room is a mess.
My Zoom background has become as essential as my outfit, setting the tone and vibe for every call.
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Just like dressing to match an occasion, choosing the right Zoom background is an art. You can match upcoming holidays, celebrate birthdays, or radiate professionalism.
The right backdrop can transform your screen and make you relatable.
Below, I share my favorite collection of Zoom backgrounds, which promise to make your meetings memorable.
Table of Contents
First, let me show you how to set up a Zoom background.
1. Open Zoom.
To start, open your Zoom app and log in.
2. Go to Zoom “Preferences.”
Click the Settings icon on the top right corner of the screen (under your profile picture).
You can also access settings by clicking your profile picture at the top right and then clicking “Settings.”
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3. Click “Background & effects.”
When you’ve opened your settings, click “Background & effects” on the left-hand side.
Under this heading, click “Virtual backgrounds” to see Zoom’s background options.
4. Click the “Plus” sign and “Add Image.”
Now, click the plus sign on the right and click “Add Image.” Voila.
You can now add any image you have the rights to that meets the image guidelines.
When to Use a Zoom Background
I like to show my face when running meetings, so my camera is always on.
However, I don’t always use a Zoom background.
So, when do I turn a background on?
Well, some days, I might wake up to a messy living room or find my siblings loitering around. I have had to take important meetings in weird places, like the kitchen, because it was the only room available.
Whether you’re in a chaotic environment or want to limit distractions, Zoom backgrounds come in handy. Plus, these backgrounds can be a great way to break the ice and begin conversations.
Many people are often surprised to learn that my house isn’t the Zoom background I always use. While this can serve as a conversation starter, it’s important to stick to your meeting’s tone when choosing a background.
For instance, if you have to meet with a lead (which you can easily handle with HubSpot’s Zoom integration), you shouldn’t be using a Taylor Swift concert background unless you’re sure the lead is a fan.
What works best is a professional and non-distracting Zoom background. Remember, the point of the background is to lessen distractions.
So, try to avoid super bright or complex images in professional settings and ensure you have usage rights to the images you select. Such images should be royalty-free and not require licensing or attribution.
How to Troubleshoot Glitchy Backgrounds
Technology doesn’t always work as planned. If your background glitches, try a few quick options to fix it.
- Sign out and sign in again.
- Ensure virtual backgrounds are enabled.
- Make sure your background meets the image requirements.
- Update your Zoom app.
My Favorite Zoom Backgrounds
Now, here’s the fun part. Check out my top picks of Zoom backgrounds below:
Zoom Backgrounds for Casual Meetings
1. Vacation Vibes
What I like: While I love my job, this background makes me think about how I plan to spend my next vacation. Two nights at a water-front resort? Sign me up.
2. Cute Animals
What I like: I don’t own any pets, but many of my friends do. If you let them, they can spend the whole day talking about how Whiskers or Tabby add joy to their lives, and I love it for them.
I’ve found that cute animal backgrounds make me calmer and more relaxed. You should be considerate, though, in case one of your teammates has cynophobia or zoophobia.
3. Nature
What I like: This background reminds me of a quiet and breezy stroll. Its calm appeal brings the outside world into a digital meeting.
4. Concert
What I like: The mix of colors in this Zoom background adds vibrancy to Zoom meetings. I would love to see these backgrounds at check-in meetings at the end of a work week.
Zoom Backgrounds for Formal Meetings
5. Library
What I like: This background puts me in a serious mode. I found it works best for sprints or co-working sessions with colleagues.
6. House
What I like: There’s no place like home, they say. A house background like this is welcoming and cozy. I recommend making the house background one you dream of having. That way you get extra motivation whenever you get on Zoom.
7. Minimalist Architecture
What I like: This minimalist design is simple. This background helps me feel serene, especially if it’s a busy workweek.
8. Splash of Color
What I like: Colors usually evoke different emotions in viewers. This pink and white background evokes feelings of passion, which I love. I’m passionate about what I do after all.
Holiday Zoom Backgrounds
9. Christmas Tree in Office
What I like: This background offers a homely and cozy vibe for Christmas. The tree in the home office provides a semi-professional atmosphere even though festivities are in the air.
10. Red Christmas Stockings
What I like: This picture makes me want to curl up on a couch while sipping a hot cup of coffee. I’m sure your coworkers will get that vibe, too.
11. Birthday Letters Balloons
What I like: In my mind, birthdays are holidays. This is an excellent background for your big day. Just be sure to share some cake as well.
12. Green Foliage
What I like: You can be in the holiday spirit and still want to keep things simple. This holiday background helps me achieve just that. The green and red foliage does not attract too much attention.
13. Winter Plants
What I like: Sometimes, you want to use real plants for your background — unlike the previous example. This background keeps the plants at the edges so you can be the focus at the center.
14. Christmas Wrapped Gifts
What I like: This background also keeps the gifts and other objects in the picture by the edges and leaves the center free. It also serves as a reminder for me to get my gifts ready and wrapped early.
15. Boxed Gifts
What I like: This background creates a festive and cheerful atmosphere that evokes the joy and warmth synonymous with this time of the year.
16. Candy Sticks
What I like: The vibrant red and white stripes are eye-catching and symbolic of the holiday season, evoking warmth and nostalgia. It’s a simple yet playful design that can brighten up any Zoom call and put everyone in a merry mood.
17. Santa Figurine
What I like: This figurine background adds a playful element to Zoom meetings. It’s chill and will put most people in a good mood.
18. Christmas Outdoor Lights
What I like: The twinkling lights create a cozy, magical ambiance, and the variety of colors makes the background warm and inviting. Plus, it feels like you’re celebrating together, even if you’re miles apart.
19. Merry Christmas Signage
What I like: This background is visually appealing and sets a festive or cheerful mood. I also love neon signs, so this is a personal favorite.
20. Christmas Ball Ornament
What I like: The background is simple and keeps the focus on me during meetings. It’s just festive enough to get folks in the holiday spirit, but it’s not distracting or too bold.
21. Star-shaped Cookies
What I like: This soft, cookie-themed background with warm tones and textures creates a cozy yet professional look, especially with the plain background.
22. Heart-shaped Lights
What I like: I’m a sucker for celebrating love. Hearts are universally associated with love, care, and connection. Using this as a backdrop subtly communicates warmth and positivity to those in the meeting. In addition, the design is neutral for professional and casual settings while adding a touch of personality.
23. Cookies and Flowers
What I like: The combination of flowers and cookies adds natural beauty and a sense of homeliness, uplifting the overall mood. They make the space feel lively and fresh.
24. New Year Wishes
What I like: The New Year sign carries a sense of excitement and optimism, setting a positive tone for my end-of-the-year meetings.
25. Fireworks
What I like: Fireworks are synonymous with celebration, so they immediately bring an energetic and joyful vibe, perfect for marking the occasion of New Year. This can help energize Zoom calls and make them exciting.
26. Autumn Atmosphere
What I like: The mix of oranges, yellows, and browns gives the background a cozy, inviting feel, perfect for creating a relaxed meeting atmosphere.
27. Wooden Christmas Tree
What I like: This wooden Christmas tree has a clean design. This design ensures the background isn’t distracting during calls.
28. Easter Egg
What I like: This is another simple design that doesn’t cause distractions. The vibrant colors create an exciting atmosphere for meetings.
29. Wintertime
What I like: Sometimes, I just want to celebrate the winter season, not tied to any specific holiday. That’s why I love this background. It’s simple, classy, and can be used from Thanksgiving until the end of winter.
30. Simple Christmas Decoration
What I like: Having the elements in this background by the corners is subtle and keeps the focus on me. Because of its professionalism, I can use this background for both internal and external meetings.
Standard Zoom Backgrounds
31. White Office Area
What I like: This maintains the vibe of an office even though I’m in the comfort of my home. The neutral tones ensure my audience isn’t distracted.
32. Modern Living Interiors
What I like: As an avid reader, this picture is a part of my “future home” vision board. This background adds a touch of style and sophistication to my Zoom background.
33. Brown Mountains
What I like: I feel a sense of tranquility and connection to nature when using this background. The stunning mountains evoke stability and adventure.
34. Comic Illustration
What I like: I love comics, and this background allows me to show that. It could lead to interesting conversations and, who knows, maybe a comic book club.
35. Cinema Elements
What I like: Like above, this background allows me to show that I’m a cinephile and find others on my team who are like me. If we’re hosting a trivia event about movies, it’s particularly fitting.
36. Geometric Background
What I like: The clean lines and shapes create a visually stimulating environment that reflects my personality and creativity. If yellow and blue are your company colors, this is an especially great option.
37. Black Wall
What I like: Somedays, I might just want to throw the most basic background on Zoom. I use this background when I don’t necessarily have to contribute to the Zoom meeting. This background avoids distractions and keeps the attention away from me.
38. Glass Wall
What I like: This background is unique. The image setup adds a sense of depth and dimension to my appearance. It’s also so cool and makes for a great conversation starter.
39. Coffee Shop
What I like: This Zoom background makes my meetings feel personal. The call feels like sharing a cup of coffee with a colleague.
40. London Bridge
What I like: The illuminated bridge against the dark skies creates a contrast that captures one of my favorite landmarks in the United Kingdom. It’s relaxing and inspires creativity and exploration.
Found an Exciting Zoom Background?
I’m sure you’ve found some excellent backgrounds from this list.
From cozy holiday scenes to vibrant, professional vibes, there’s a Zoom background here for every occasion.
So, pick your favorite, log in with confidence, and let your screen tell the story.
Remember: Your Zoom background is more than a virtual setting. It’s a statement.
Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday party, leading a professional meeting, or catching up with friends, the right background can elevate the mood, position your brand in a good light, and make your online interactions memorable.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in August 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
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