During the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoom emerged as a critical means of communication. As remote work became more common, video conferencing turned into a standard practice. Yet, not all individuals have the luxury of a professional backdrop or a noise-free environment for their meetings. Thankfully, Zoom provides the option for its users to download and utilize virtual backgrounds to improve their video conversations.
Step 1: Open Zoom
To start, open the Zoom app on your computer or mobile device. If you don’t have an account yet, you can sign up for a free account at zoom.us.
Step 2: Go to Settings
Once you are logged in, click on the gear icon located in the top right corner of the screen to access your settings. This will take you to the Zoom web portal where you can customize your account settings.
Step 3: Select Virtual Background
In the left-hand menu, click on “Virtual Background” to access the virtual background options. Here, you will see a list of default backgrounds that come with Zoom. You can also upload your own images or videos if you prefer.
Step 4: Download a Free Background
If you don’t have access to your own images or videos, there are plenty of websites that offer free virtual backgrounds for Zoom. Some popular options include Canva, Unsplash, and Pexels. Simply search for “free zoom background” on these sites and download the image or video that you like.
Step 5: Upload the Background to Zoom
Once you have downloaded your preferred virtual background, return to the Zoom web portal and click on the “+” icon next to the default backgrounds. Select the image or video that you downloaded earlier and upload it to Zoom.
Step 6: Preview Your Background
After uploading your virtual background, you can preview how it will look during a video call by clicking on the “Preview” button. This will show you what your background will look like to other participants in the meeting.
Step 7: Save Your Changes
Once you are satisfied with your virtual background, click on the “Save” button to apply the changes to your Zoom account. You can now use your new background during any video call by selecting it from the drop-down menu in the bottom left corner of the screen.
Conclusion
Downloading a free virtual background for Zoom is a simple process that can enhance your video calls and make them more engaging. With so many options available online, you can find a background that suits your style or the occasion of your meeting. By following these steps, you can easily download and use a virtual background on Zoom to improve your video conferencing experience.