The fastest way to add a background in Zoom

You can add a background in Zoom during a meeting or before one starts. Open Zoom, go to Settings (the gear icon), select Virtual Background from the left menu, then choose a built-in background or upload your own image. If you are already in a meeting, click the up arrow next to Stop Video at the bottom, then select Choose a virtual background.

The built-in backgrounds — blurred, solid colors, and preset images — work on most computers without extra setup. Custom images need to be saved as JPG, PNG, or GIF files on your device. Zoom recommends images at least 1920 × 1080 pixels for the clearest result, though smaller images work too.

Some Zoom plans require a paid subscription to use virtual backgrounds. Free accounts on Windows or Mac can use backgrounds if your computer has a physical camera and meets Zoom's system requirements. On iPad or iPhone, virtual backgrounds are available on all plans.

Key Takeaways

  • Virtual backgrounds work from Zoom Settings before a meeting or from the video controls during a call.
  • Built-in backgrounds like blur and solid colors work on most devices without extra setup.
  • Custom images should be JPG, PNG, or GIF files saved on your computer, and work best at 1920 × 1080 pixels or larger.
  • Free Zoom accounts can use backgrounds on Mac and Windows if your computer has a camera, but paid plans have no restrictions.

Using built-in backgrounds before your meeting starts

The easiest backgrounds to use are the ones Zoom provides. Open the Zoom app on your computer, click the gear icon in the top right corner to open Settings, then click Virtual Background in the left sidebar. You will see a row of preset options: Blur, solid colors, and a few default images like an office or abstract design.

Click any background to select it. A checkmark appears next to your choice. The background will be active the next time you start a video call. You can change it anytime by returning to the same menu and picking a different one. If you want no background, click the X or select None.

The Blur option is useful if you do not want to hide your surroundings completely but want to soften what is behind you. It keeps your face and upper body sharp while blurring the background, so people can still see you clearly.

Adding a custom image as your background

To use your own photo or image, first save it to your computer as a JPG, PNG, or GIF file. Zoom recommends images that are at least 1920 × 1080 pixels wide and tall, but smaller images will work — they just may look pixelated or stretched. A landscape-oriented image (wider than it is tall) works best for video calls.

Open Zoom Settings, go to Virtual Background, and look for a + button or Add Image option. Click it, then browse your computer to find the image file you want. Select it and click Open. The image will appear in your background options and will be selected automatically.

If the image does not look right during a test call, it may be too small or the wrong shape. Try a larger image or one that is wider than it is tall. You can also delete a custom background by right-clicking it in the Virtual Background menu and selecting Delete.

Changing your background during an active meeting

You do not have to set up your background before the meeting starts. If you are already in a call and want to add or change your background, look at the bottom of your screen where the video controls are. Find the button that says Stop Video or shows a camera icon. Click the small up arrow or three dots next to it.

A menu will pop up with the option Choose a virtual background. Click it and you will see the same background options you have in Settings — built-in backgrounds and any custom images you have added. Select one and it will take effect immediately. Your background will stay active for the rest of the call and for future calls unless you change it.

If you do not see the background option in that menu, your Zoom plan or device may not support virtual backgrounds. Check your Zoom subscription level or update the Zoom app to the latest version.

System requirements and when backgrounds may not work

Virtual backgrounds work best on computers with a dedicated graphics processor (GPU), though many modern laptops and desktops have one built in. If your computer is older or has very limited processing power, Zoom may disable the background feature or it may look choppy during the call.

On Windows, Zoom requires at least Windows 10 and a camera that supports the required video format. On Mac, you need macOS 10.12 or later. If you are using an older operating system, update it if possible, or try using the Zoom web app instead of the desktop app — though web-based backgrounds have more limitations.

Free Zoom accounts on Windows and Mac can use backgrounds, but some older versions of the app may restrict this feature. If you cannot find the Virtual Background option in Settings, update Zoom to the latest version. On iPad and iPhone, all Zoom plans support virtual backgrounds without restrictions.

Troubleshooting backgrounds that look blurry or distorted

If your background looks pixelated, stretched, or blurry, the image file is probably too small. Zoom stretches small images to fill the screen, which makes them look low-quality. Replace it with a larger image — aim for at least 1920 × 1080 pixels. You can find free high-resolution images on sites like Unsplash, Pexels, or Pixabay, then download them as JPG files.

If the background is cutting off parts of your body or looks off-center, your camera angle or the image orientation may be the problem. Try a landscape-oriented image (wider than tall) instead of a portrait one. You can also move your camera or adjust how you sit in the frame to see if that helps.

If the background is flickering or disappearing during the call, your computer may not have enough processing power to handle it smoothly. Try using the Blur option instead, which uses fewer resources. If that still does not work, close other apps running in the background to free up memory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a video or animated GIF as a background?

Zoom supports animated GIF files as virtual backgrounds on most devices. Save the GIF file to your computer, then add it through Virtual Background settings the same way you would add a static image. The animation will play during your call.

Will my background work on mobile devices?

Yes. The Zoom app on iPhone and iPad supports virtual backgrounds on all subscription plans. Open the Zoom app, tap Settings, then Virtual Background. You can use built-in backgrounds or add custom images from your phone's photo library.

What if I want different backgrounds for different meetings?

You can change your background anytime in Settings before a call, or during a call using the video controls menu. There is no limit to how many times you can switch. Just select a different background and it takes effect immediately.

Does using a virtual background slow down my internet connection?

Virtual backgrounds use your computer's processing power, not your internet bandwidth. If your internet is slow, the background will not make it slower. However, if your computer is old or has limited resources, processing the background may make your video feed look choppy.

Can other people tell if I am using a virtual background?

Yes, they can usually tell. Virtual backgrounds sometimes have slight edges or artifacts around your body, especially if you move quickly. If the background is a solid color or blur, it is obvious. Most people do not mind — it is a normal part of video calls.