TABLE OF CONTENTS



Overview

With the Virtual Background feature, you can display an image or video as your background during a Zoom meeting. This feature works best with a green screen and uniform lighting, to allow Zoom to detect the difference between you and your background.


You can also upload your own images or videos as a virtual background. There are no size restrictions when adding your own virtual backgrounds, but we recommend cropping the image to match the aspect ratio of your camera before uploading it. To set a virtual background, your system must meet these settings.



Enabling Your Virtual Background 

  • To enable the Virtual Background feature for your own use:
    • Sign in to the Zoom web portal.
    • Click “My Meeting Settings” if you are an account administrator, or “Meeting Settings” if you are an account member.
    • Navigate to the Virtual Background option on the Meeting tab and verify that the setting is enabled. 

Notes:

If the setting is disabled, click the “Status” toggle to enable it. If a verification dialog displays, choose “Turn On” to verify the change.

If the option is grayed out, it has been locked at either the Group or Account level, and you will need to contact your Zoom administrator.

You must log out of the Zoom Desktop Client and log in to it again for this setting to take effect. 

  • You can also enable Virtual Background at the Account and Group level or for Zoom Rooms if you have administrative permissions.



Enabling Virtual Background During a Zoom Meeting

  • If you have already enabled the Virtual Background, you can turn it on while you are in a meeting. In the Zoom Desktop Client:
    • Click the “^” arrow next to Start/Stop Video (Figure 1).
    • Click “Choose a virtual background…”
    • If prompted, click “Download” to download the package for virtual background without a green screen. 


Figure 1

Zoom screen showing Choose a virtual background option



Adding a Zoom Background Image 

  • Make sure you are signed in to the Zoom Desktop Client. Click your profile picture and then click “Settings.”
  • Click “Virtual Background.”
  • Check “I have a green screen” if you have a physical green screen set up. You can then click on your video to select the correct color for the green screen.
  • Click on an image to select the desired virtual background, or add your own image by clicking “+” and choosing whether you want to upload an image or a video. 
    • If prompted, click “Download” to download the package for virtual background without a green screen. 


Figure 2

Zoom settings screen showing Virtual Background options



Additional Support



Adapted from Zoom