How to Add a Custom Background in Zoom (Step-by-step Guide)

Using a custom background in Zoom helps you look more professional, hide distractions, and maintain privacy during video calls. Whether you're working from home, attending an online meeting, or presenting to clients, setting a virtual background takes only a few seconds.

In this guide, you'll learn how to add, change, and customize your Zoom background step-by-step.

High-end professionals and sales people commonly use custom backgrounds to:

• Hide messy or distracting spaces
• Maintain privacy during meetings
• Create a clean, professional appearance
• Reinforce personal or company branding

Zoom support uploading your own background image and applying it before or during a meeting.

1. Open the Zoom desktop app.
2. Start a New Meeting or join an existing meeting.

1. Wait for Camera Preview screen
2. Click on Backgrounds to open the Video & Effects settings

1. In the Virtual Backgrounds panel, click the + icon
2. Select Add Image
3. Choose an image from your computer

Zoom will automatically apply the background you uploaded to your camera preview.

Your background will appear mirrored in preview. That is actually the correct way in order for the other meeting counterparts to view it properly.

Start your meeting or click Join. Your new background will now remain active during the call.

For best results:

• Use high-resolution images (1920×1080)
• Avoid very busy patterns on your background
• Make sure your face is well lit
• Ensure your physical background is as plain as possible with adequate contrast
• Choose backgrounds that match professional settings

Using a professional backdrop generation service like VirtualBackgrounds can help you create amazing backgrounds in a few minutes!