Virtual Backgrounds in Zoom

Overview

The virtual background feature allows you to 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. Watch a video about this feature.

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.

Example: If your camera is set to 16:9, an image of 1280 pixels by 720 px or 1920 pixels by 1080 pixels would work well.

To achieve the best virtual background effect, Zoom recommends using a solid color background, preferably green. Recommended green screens from Webaround or Amazon.
Higher quality cameras result in a better virtual background. See camera recommendations for details.
Use uniform lighting and color.
Do not wear clothing that is the same color as the virtual background.
A background image with an aspect ratio of 16:9 and minimum resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels.
Sources for royalty-free images: Pexels, Unsplash, Pixabay.
A video (MP4 or MOV file) with a minimum resolution of 480 by 360 pixels (360p) and a maximum resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels (1080p).

Enabling Virtual Background

Turn on Feature in Account Settings

To enable the Virtual Background feature for your own use:

Sign into the Zoom web portal from TUPortal.
Click on the Settings tab.
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.

Note: You must logout of the Zoom Desktop App and login to it again for this setting to take effect.

Using Virtual Background

Sign into the Zoom Desktop Application (called the Zoom Client). The Zoom Client downloads the first time you use Zoom, but you can also manually download the desktop application. You should see it listed in your computer’s applications.
Click your profile picture then click Settings.
Select Virtual Background.
Note: If you do not have the Virtual Background tab and you have enabled it on the web portal, sign out of the Zoom Desktop Client and sign in again.
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 if you want to upload an image or a video.

If prompted, click Download to download the package for virtual background without a green screen.

Notes:

Ensure that you are using a solid background color.
After you select an option, that virtual background will display during your meetings.
To disable Virtual Background, choose the option None.

Enabling Virtual Background during a Meeting

If you have already enabled virtual background, you can turn it on during a meeting.

In a Zoom meeting click the ^ arrow next to Start/Stop Video.
Click Choose a virtual background...
If you previously chose a background from the Zoom Client, it will be automatically enabled when you begin your Zoom session. If you have no background selected, you can do so at this point.
If you would like to turn your background off during a meeting, select Video Settings and then click on “None” under Virtual Background.

If prompted, click Download to download the package for virtual background without a green screen.

Troubleshooting

If you are experiencing issues with Virtual Background, try the following troubleshooting tips:

If you do not have the Virtual Background tab in your Desktop Client settings after enabling it, sign out of the client and sign in again.
Manually pick the background color to ensure the correct color is selected. This option is only available after you click an image.
Ensure that the background is a solid color with minimal shadows. Also ensure the background is uniform in lighting. A 3-point lighting setup is ideal.
Ensure that your green screen color does not match your shirt or eye color.

If you continue to experience issues, contact Zoom Technical Support.