Zoom Virtual Backgrounds - How to Use & Create Your Own!

Zoom backgrounds can give you a sharper look during your video meetings. In this video, Scott Friesen shows you how to create your own virtual background with branding. Look great in your next Zoom meeting and no longer worry about what's going on behind you!
Zoom virtual background requirements: support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/arti...
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Scott Friesen is a productivity specialist and founder of Simpletivity training and consulting. He is also a prolific public speaker, workshop leader, and time management coach.
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#simpletivity #zoom #zoombackground

[@Simpletivity]

Want more Zoom tips and tricks? Here are 7 things every Zoom user should know: bit.ly/3daeF5P

[@bryangraves9670]

This was awesome! Explained very simply, thanks!!

[@beccaisinvisible]

Thanks so much for sharing this! PowerPoint worked super well! Also, for slightly higher resolution, you can go to file --> download --> save as PNG as set as virtual background using that image! That's how I did it using Google Slides

[@sharonpurvis4816]

I love your energy! I appreciate how you present the material - it allows me to pick up on the steps readily. Thank you.

[@Simpletivity]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jamarcusevans620]

Couldn’t have said it better myself💯

[@user-AllieG12345]

Thank you love these for my thrive le-vel zoom calls

[@bobzaslow3757]

Thank you, Scott. Your presentation lived up to your name: simple! You are upbeat, clear, and the directions were easy to follow.

[@Simpletivity]

Wow, thank you!

[@wandaebright4765]

Thank you for this video, as well as other tutorials. You make everything simple and clear, and I really appreciate that you don't talk down to or insult those of us still learning. I've subscribed and am now looking forward to learning more, rather than dreading it!

[@Simpletivity]

You're very welcome!

[@ramanbhardwaj2007]

@@Simpletivity hi

[@bbah523]

​@@SimpletivityHi, how do I stop the wind from blowing in the virtual background?

[@catch1today]

Love it. You are the best teacher ever. I am referring you to everybody I know. Thank you for sharing. Keep producing these award winning video. I salute you Master Teacher. You are your name and your name is you. Keep it simple!!!

[@Simpletivity]

Wow, thank you!

[@jennythan6968]

Thank you for your tutorial here. You make it easier and understandable to make my own screen. Really appreciate. I watch a few and I am still blur but your teaching is a blessing. TQ.

[@kimbow7216]

Thanks for the information, Scott. I've been using the virtual background for the logo prior to this video clip. When it comes to "Mirror my video" feature, the viewers will not see the mirrored screen as the owner sees. The benefit from using "Mirror my video" is you will not be confused when you're controlling your body as if you're looking at a mirror. Basically, the logo does not need to be produced based on the mirrored image. The viewers will see the right image and video because mirrored video is only applied to yourself.

[@phyl2meroeart]

Thank you, I am so not tech-savvy, and you made it a pleasant journey to learn this process. I am using my art created images as my backdrop.

[@Simpletivity]

Wonderful!

[@osiron7]

Hi Scott, You can actually make a transparent logo in ppt itself by inserting it into a rectangle shape and adjusting the transparency thru the 'format picture/picture or texture fill' option. You can also group the background and the logo and save it as a picture directly from ppt. : ).

[@macleodphiri4417]

I thank you so much with the tutorial information. The much needed stuff. God bless.

[@swworrellsr2]

Great video and awesome tips! Thank you for putting this helpful presentation together. Well done!

[@Simpletivity]

You are very welcome, Steve.

[@jeanneevans5911]

AWESOME, Scott! Thank You! I now have my Logo on my Virtual Background! Sweet!

[@Simpletivity]

Nice work! Thanks for sharing, Jeanne.

[@javierserna4136]

Very good step-by-step instructions created in a calm learning environment

[@jjcafepodcast5760]

Thank you so much once again Scott. Another amazing tool I wish I would know many months earlier. You're amazing. Tks again

[@Simpletivity]

You are very welcome

[@minustom-um1pg]

@@Simpletivity S

[@minustom-um1pg]

S

[@priscillamututwa3979]

Found this very helpful. And your energy, zeal and passion makes one to be very interested. Thanks a lot!

[@Simpletivity]

Thanks so much, Priscilla. I really appreciate your comment!

[@michellerenee9772]

Thank you for sharing this information. I appreciate you.

[@Simpletivity]

You are so welcome

[@josephcharles2098]

One word. AWESOME!!!!

[@jessicadarmento3381]

This man needs more views. I need it for my music meeting lol.

[@weshumphrey6299]

2 important points: Since Zoom is sorta in a slight updating / "support all the crowds" mode, you must keep this particularly wonderful episode Fresh; next point, I know you want to spread or populate the Zoom community with your message, explain a bit more regarding how people not from northern Europe will have their appearance affected by the different colors of backgrounds. Well done, Dude, again.

[@scottcrabtree3636]

Great Video!! Just what I needed, Thank You

[@Simpletivity]

You're welcome!

[@womenshealthfertility9975]

Very helpful. Thank you so much!

[@Simpletivity]

You're very welcome!

[@tamilarasanpichaikannu7384]

Thank you very much for the great tips on how to create your own background image with logos. Clearly explained. Greatly appreciate more such tips for beginners like me. 👏👏👏😊

[@Simpletivity]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ButtonsH]

Scott do you have anything on selecting video spotlight please on how to do it -you rvideos are great!

[@dcarleton1]

best and most helpful I have seen in a logtime

[@Soleytrue]

The instructions shared here were precise and easy to follow...thank you! Respectfully,

[@Simpletivity]

You are very welcome. Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@robwileyrealtorbrokerassoc7468]

Great Video Thanks

[@leonardsean1009]

thank you its very useful!!!

[@Simpletivity]

You're welcome!

[@WilliamCraig-gk6es]

Much thanks!

[@jwr123456]

Really good information. Thank you!

[@Simpletivity]

You are very welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@realtalkhealswithevolvingc4278]

Great information. Thank you for the insights on power point :)

[@Simpletivity]

My pleasure!

[@allcatz]

Nice video. It looks simple enough even for me (not a tech person) to try.

[@Simpletivity]

You can do it!

[@stephenabm7779]

Very good video and invaluable information.

[@cindyvermillion7866]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@Simpletivity]

You're welcome!

[@dangaines405]

Well done!

[@sademoore945]

Thank-you!!!!!!!

[@costa285]

Hi Scott, thanks a lot for this video, it is very clearly explained. I have followed your steps and managed to save a darkish colour background for Zoo. However I still can see my books and bedroom mixed with the photo. How can I make so that nothing in my bedroom can be seen? Thanks a lot!

[@ReynardOrtigosa]

Thank you. Very informative. I’m using a MacBook and it requires me to have a green background. Am I doing something wrong?

[@YINGYINGP]

Thank you very much, I like it , and How to set the meeting time.

[@Its_amazingvideos]

Would be great to have a tutorial on the new Powerpoint slides as background feature in Zoom.

[@EmmaP678]

Thank you!!

[@Simpletivity]

Welcome!

[@Jojo77020]

Great lesson!

[@Simpletivity]

Thanks! 😃

[@alumajer]

excellent explanation, clear voice, talking not too fast, all are great. Good job. If you can add a video about motion background will be great too.

[@Simpletivity]

Great suggestion! Thanks so much for watching.

[@DrDRE4391]

Excellent Presentation! Good information.

[@Simpletivity]

Thank you!

[@suzeprimrose-7466]

thanks for the tips

[@Simpletivity]

You bet!

[@vardaan1100days]

Very nice video and informative

[@KristiCarter]

Very good ! Thank you. My question is this: I may have accidentally must have unchecked the little + sign to upload an image or video. How can I get the + sign back?

[@bnsgokugreat]

Thanks man!

[@Simpletivity]

You bet!

[@bnsgokugreat]

@@Simpletivity :D :D :D

[@WarrenWilson]

I give this video a 10 Thanks

[@Simpletivity]

And I give this comment a 10. Thanks!

[@techielabteacher]

Very helpful. Loved the step by step directions. However, I had that ghosting and will need to find a good screen for darker skin. You mention a dark background, but that won't work because my skin will blend in. So would a lighter background with a green screen help with the ghosting? What do you suggest for backgrounding for me in particular?

[@Simpletivity]

Thank you for pointing this out. You may have to experiment with different backgrounds to find the best combination for you and the lighting you have in the room.

[@irmuproduction]

fantastic

[@rickharold7884]

Cool! Thx

[@Simpletivity]

You bet!

[@sportinterviewpr7810]

I need to know when i have some others on a meeting, how i personalize the general screen background instead the black screen color??

[@martiliranza1704]

Very good, do you recommend or use any frame at all?

[@liammurphy4118]

Hello Mike, thank you that was a really great tutorial. Just a question , i use a Mac and i dont have Microsoft Paint. Is there a default option on Mac to cut and past the image from PP ? Thank you. Glenn

[@heidisyogaforall7476]

Very helpful. Thanks. I don't see the option to turn the virtual background on/off during the meeting. How do I do that?

[@nancymansfield6693]

My first time to find someone else who uses PPT for graphics. People are always so surprised when I tell them I used ppt for newsletters and such. It’s legit the only program that I know how to use for creating. Lol

[@trainingguru2645]

Excellent

[@Simpletivity]

Thanks

[@colleenleblanc106]

Do you have to be the host of the zoom call to be able to do the above? I am work calls and want to hide my background and do not see it as an option and when I try to follow your steps I dont see where I can do that unless I go into my personal zoom account. All my other co workers are using it so there must be away - user error no doubt

[@MacCurtisHolisticHealthTalk]

Hi thanks for info. Can I put a Pwrpoint slide show in the Background that will work in the slide show mode, changing slides automatically??

[@BuffyCrosby]

Great tips. I found I had to start a meeting first before I could get to the settings buttons to upload my custom background. From my home page there is no settings box in the upper right, only on the left where I can turn on that virtual background button. What am I missing? :-) [in the end I got the background uploaded but not sure why I needed to start a meeting first]

[@marishikaenlightenedhealin6817]

I have a question. Can I make my KZbin videos with zoom with virtual background. As then I won't need to do editing for green screen. As that is too time consuming. So I can just record my talks with virtual background and viola my Video is ready with beautiful scenes in background . What do you think ?? Is it ok to do it. 2 ND question is I want to talk these videos with virtual background and me with my Android phone how can I do this. 3 Rd question How to use Lav Mike with my zoom and Android phone or which Mike should I get affordable cost for this? Thanks in advance

[@veronicaadele6090]

Cool tips! Thank so much. Can this be done even if I am an invited guest in a meeting? I don't call meetings, I am invited.

[@Simpletivity]

Absolutely!

[@delaneyondreams]

I have searched far and wide to find out how to fix my video that is stuck on a Semi-Blur background when I select "None". This is a recent problem. (So video requirements are likely met by my 2021 MacBook Pro). How do I get back the clear, sharp background that I used to have when I selected NONE! Selecting BLUR gives me an even more blurred background, but does not help. to unstick the problem when I click NONE Many others have complained about stuck NONE selections that give unwanted effects like a pink glow. I really hate this blurred background! How can get back a clear. sharp background with no virtual background? I am so glad to have found your program!

[@seahorse251]

Hi, is there a way I can just use a photo of me while in a meeting rather than being videotaped?

[@chksmith1]

How may I substitute a photo in the person block in Zoom meetings (no camera)?

[@sincerusone]

Yep, good video, sadly my iMac i3 processor with 16 gigs ram apparently is not sufficient. Which is hard to believe.

[@rickwolfe2789]

If you use a video background does it loop? If so, what is a good length of time?

[@womenshealthfertility9975]

I've been unable to uncheck the green screen box. Each time I try, the message I get is that my PC does not have the requirements. I use a Lenovo yoga500. It has a duo core processor. What can I do to fix this problem?

[@yadagirinuka9868]

Hi. In virtual settings of background, I have copied an image and changed, but my video is not clear it is blinking not visible. Please suggest settings to rectify it.

[@adyady5753]

How can I do a background if I’m teaching a dance base program? I’m totally new.

[@catrinebogriffith8453]

Hi, thank you for your help. I am facing an issue. How do I "hit print the screen" I do not seem to see or have that option. I am on Imac. Thank you for your response.

[@Bobby8451]

Whats the latest version which i can add video files??? I know of 4.6.4, is there a later one cause I can't sign in with that old of version. Any help? Thx

[@jimuelperez4268]

yes i like to add bakground in my zoom meeting

[@vagstephanou_videos]

Actually I think you might have the mirror video thing wrong. It has to appear mirrored in your preview in order for others to see it normally. Check a background with text and join the call from a separate computer or mobile to check.

[@Simpletivity]

No, this preview video (in Settings) will be exactly what your viewers will see when attending a meeting.

[@AlainBaudrez]

Doesn't work. Zoom version 5.3.472687.1012. Says: 'A solid color video background is required. Green color is preferred'. Probably because my background is rather cluttered and with a bright window to the left it confuses the algorithm??

[@Crane-mj5el]

what if u dont have Power Point? Any alternantives or how to get it free. thank you

[@mirrorreflection3479]

You didn't need to explain why logo should be on the top left corner, we only do what you teach us and follow you on what you recommend us to do since you are our expert .... ;)

[@Simpletivity]

Thanks, I just want to make sure that everyone knows the reasons why I recommend certain things.

[@tonibuzzard9312]

I just updated Zoom, 8-26-20, and now I do not see a way to add photos to my virtual background. What used to say Virtual Background in settings (in app) now says Backgrounds & filters. Where can I find a way to add photos?

[@thereselibrizzi5537]

Hi - I followed your directions to the letter and I always look pixelated on Zoom. Whatever picture I post looks fine, do you suppose it could be the camera?

[@Simpletivity]

Yes, most likely it is your camera or possibly the processing speed of your computer.

[@MK-cy9bi]

I cannot find the add video option....i have the current version of zoom. any help on this

[@reyaliermo689]

I want to sing and play my guitar together with my friends who lives scattered all around the world. How can we hear each other in simultaneously? Can we just share all out audio. I learned that the participants can share with one another but if the host enters the sharing it the participants will stop sharing

[@tigerlily190]

What can I do to remove the static/snow on my Zoom background?

[@wolfvegasfamous1297]

I'm not able to upload a videos. Does this feature require a zoom corporate account?

[@fredchan4880]

Cannot unclick the green screen

[@betoalice]

Hello , need help ...why my virtual background is not covering my back? The virtual background is at the back of whatever object I have at my back ...please help

[@marybridges5986]

I made my background images 1920 x1080 16:9 jpeg what else do I need to know. It doesn't cover the screen.

[@kimberleyvictor9388]

ugh, having issues, my computer meets all the requirements but will NOT disable the green screen button. Really the ONLY thing i would like to do is add a small title at the bottom L of my screen....any suggestions?

[@koperasiwahanakalpika3041]

i want make running text in zoom meeting, please help me,thanks

[@RonsTravelingWays]

Does the account need to be upgraded from the basic account?

[@Simpletivity]

No this is available to free users as well. However, depending on the speed/age of your computer, it may not appear if it cannot handle the performance of displaying virtual backgrounds.

[@saritalaware5779]

How to get video background. Plz reply.

[@staceyeverettceo]

Is this for free version or paid membership?

[@Simpletivity]

You can add virtual backgrounds to the free version.

[@jsplinc2000]

What if i want to click that "i have a green screen" option? Will they appear?

[@ekeminiabia1525]

❤

[@delaneyondreams]

Cannot get clear, sharp video virtual background when option "NONE" chosen in Virtual Backgrounds gives me a mimi blur background. Other options work, but I want the live, real background. All the other virtual backgrounds work fine.

[@wavechamber]

Is there someone who can tell me why I always get this 'Ghosty image' about my own image when and after I downloaded and clicked on chosen the image as my virtual background on Zoom? I dont seem to have a full account, because I am using a free zoom, there is no 'my account' in my profile. I appreciate if someone can help me out! Thank you!

[@margaretrobinson2236]

Can you help me with zoom backgrounds for Chromebook.

[@rosejenningsnewhouse3817]

I don't have publisher or microsoft paint available, can I use google docs to create screen?

[@Simpletivity]

Yes. In fact, you may want to use Slides within Google Drive for this.

[@leroymckenziejr.jnfenterpr567]

U can use powerpoint as well. Bring image onto powerpt slide, then make sure image is fitted to full powerpt slide dimension. Save file, then save as png or jpeg. You can then go to zoom and add as virtual background option.