Seeing as pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, we're all socialising with our friends and families in a different way: over video call.
And while sometimes reaching out to just to say "hello!" does the job, other times you might feel like you want to make a bit more effort. By now, you're probably over doing quizzes, but are still trying to partake in virtual viewing parties, or celebrations through your laptop.
Anyway, if you want to set a fancy background on your live call, this is how to make things a little more exciting - plu
How do you set a background on Zoom?
Whether you want to hide your messy surroundings or have a really hilarious idea lined up, in order to change your background on Zoom:
- Download the app for Mac or Windows, open it and sign in
- Click your profile picture, and then 'Settings'
- In the menu bar on the left, click the 'Virtual Background' tab. If you don't have this tab, head to Zoom's website, go to 'Settings' and 'Virtual Background'
- In the 'Virtual Background' tab, upload your own image or one of Zoom's defaults, or select the 'Green Screen' option if you have one.
- Click the '+' icon to upload your own image or video from your computer.
What are the best backgrounds for Zoom?
Now that you know how to do it, the options for changing your background on Zoom really are endless. "A virtual background is a great option," Celebrity interior designer, Francis Sultana, who's teamed up with interactive video conferencing tool mmhmm, says. "Abstract backgrounds are fun and different and can still follow the theory of symmetry - balancing out plants, artworks and objects - but with patterns and shapes providing the same result."
Here are some of the best Zoom background ideas from Twitter.
Stolen art:
A photo of yourself:
The weather:
The best meme:
Joe Exotic:
You accidentally walking in on yourself:
The possibilities really are endless.
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Dusty Baxter-Wright is an award-winning journalist and the Entertainment and Lifestyle Director at Cosmopolitan, having previously worked at Sugarscape. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work covering pop culture, careers, interiors and travel, and oversees the site’s Entertainment and Lifestyle strategy across print, digital and video. As a journalist for the best part of a decade, she has interviewed everyone from Louis Theroux and Channing Tatum to Margot Robbie and Ncuti Gatwa, while she has also spoken on Times Radio and BBC Radio. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram here.
