Zoom video calls have huge popularity these days due to the popularity of remote work all over the world in businesses of all kinds. Needless to say that it is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to stay in touch with your friends and family members. It also helps you communicate with your co-workers remotely and host online events such as webinars, online clubs, or even weddings.

To spice up communication or cover up a room mess, there is a cool feature to add a virtual background to your video.

In this article, we are going to share helpful tips on how to create your virtual backgrounds for Zoom with the help of Wave.video online video editor. Also, we’ll share 28 ready-to-use video Zoom background templates that you can grab and use straight away.

Here’s a short overview of the options, read on to get them for your next Zoom call.

How to Apply Video Background in Zoom

To add your video background to Zoom, first sign in to the Desktop Client.

• Go to the Settings and select the Virtual Background option
• Click the Plus square button to upload a custom virtual background from your computer
• Next, you can select a video to appear as your background during your meetings.

Zoom will apply the virtual background you previously selected. But if you are in a meeting and you want to change it or turn it off, follow these steps:

1. First, click on the little arrow just to the right of Start/Stop Video icon. 
2. Next, click Choose a virtual background.
3. Then you can select a video file or click None to stop using a background.

Important Note

Zoom mirrors your video preview by default, but other people see the image correctly. You may switch the mirroring off in video settings if you like.

Choose or create a clip for your video background

You may record your own video, but probably it would be much easier to find something ready-to-use. Wave.video, a video making and hosting platform has an extensive library with millions of free videos and images to choose from.

Now, let’s move on to the tips on how to pick the perfect video for your background.

Look for video clips that don’t have a lot of movement

Non-dynamic videos without camera movements help you keep the illusion of you being in there. 

#1. Cafe background

Miss going out for lunch with your colleagues? Get yourself a virtual coffee shop in the background.

Edit this template

#2. Tropical beach background 

Though traveling is not an option for some time, who said you can’t be dreaming about it?

Edit this template

Take advantage of static abstracts

There is a wide variety of abstract backgrounds that may suit to be a virtual video background. Look for something calm and neutral to be able to add some text to them.

#3. Neon virtual background

Edit this template

This video contains a neon frame, so it’s nice to support this style with text. For that, use a light text color and apply a glowing shadow to your text.

Apply animation to images

Sometimes you may use an animated image to make it look like a video. For instance, for this Mercury joke, we used a picture of Mercury and applied the ‘Rotate’ effect. This trick is suitable for any circle object and makes it look like a video.

#4. Mercury in retrograde

Use this funny virtual background template to blame everything on Mercury in retrograde.

Edit this template

Add your text, a logo, or stickers to the video background

Adding text is beneficial when you need to make sure your call-mates know who you are. You may add your name and job title to the video. 

#5. Galaxy virtual background

With this video background, you’ll have a stellar online conference. Literally.

Edit this template

To enliven your video background, you may add some text, a subtle joke, or some funny stickers.

#6. Funny white interior video background

Cover up your surroundings with this luxury white interior funny video background.

Edit this template

You can easily brand your video background with a logo. 

In the following example, we added a logo as a sticker, applied it to the whole video length, and turned the animation off. This way, it will not blink when video loops.

#7. Pastel abstract background

Edit this template

Leave Enough Space for Your Portrait

If you have some significant objects in your video background, it is better to place them in the negative space. In most cases, it would be the top corners and some space on the sides. 

#8. Reporter-style video background

Picture yourself in the middle of a busy city during your video conferences with this reporter-style virtual background.

Edit this template

However, if you move aside during your call, you leave much more space for your background, and you have more freedom placing objects in there.

You may place the text on the left or right and then sit in a way that your portrait takes the other half of the screen.

#9. Webinar video background

Make a video background a part of your online event. For instance, pin the title of your webinar on it.

Edit this template

Video backgrounds with animals

You can use the previous trick to place another hero into your video. 

For example, you can pretend you have a dog asking for a walk outside. See, how much space there is for a portrait here, and it might look quite natural as if you are sitting on the floor in this room.

#10. Take a dog for a walk background

Edit this template

#11. Cat in the interior

Of course, cats are always warmly welcomed in any conversation.

Edit this template

#12. Meerkat background

Your portrait may become a meme among your teammates if you use this funny video background with a meerkat.

Edit this template

#13. Dog Movie Lover

For dogs, it’s never enough of your attention. They also don’t quite get it why your meeting are that important.

Edit this template

Video backgrounds based on TV shows and movies 

Put yourself in the atmosphere of your favorite movie or TV show using a virtual video background.

For example, you can be sorted into Gryffindor for your bravery and vast intelligence.

#14. Sorting Hat virtual background 

Edit this template

#15. Matrix background

Or find yourself lost in the digital code rain of the Matrix with this virtual video background. Remember, you can always customize the text to your liking.

Edit this template

#16. Stranger Things background

If you know that someone on a call is found of the same series, your video background may become an ice-breaker.

Edit this template

#17. Twin Peaks background 

David Lynch would be glad to know you’re using this background.

Edit this template

Getaways

Current travel restrictions cannot ban you from traveling with video backgrounds. You can pick any place you want, from a personal yacht to Fuji mountain.

#18. Yachting virtual background

Set this background to take your team on a boat trip but make sure no one is suffering from the seasickness.

Edit this template

#19. Mountains virtual background

Visualize your next destination with a virtual video background.

Edit this template

#20. Beach video background

Get some summer vibes with this sunny beach virtual background and share some virtual sunshine on the call.

Edit this template

#21. Mount Fuji Scenery 

Use this peaceful scenery of Mount Fuji as a virtual background for your Zoom video calls.

Edit this template

Be Creative and Have Fun with Video Backgrounds

Using a virtual background is a great way of having fun during your conversations. You can imagine yourself on the news, on the roller coaster, inside the works of art, and even in outer space. 

#22. Breaking news video background

Use this timelapse virtual video background to report your breaking news during a video call.

Edit this template

#23. Pirate look background

Unleash your alter ego wearing some virtual pirate gear using this funny background for your Zoom party.

Edit this template

#24. Van Gogh, The Bedroom

Use this virtual background to make yourself comfortable within the full-size replica of Van Gogh’s masterpiece, The Bedroom.

Edit this template

#25. Spaceman video background

It’s not a problem, it’s a challenge! And there is a stellar solution for it.

Edit this template

#26. Weather reporter background

This virtual video background will make you feel like a weather reporter. Hey, what’s the forecast for today?

Edit this template

#27. Virtual roller coaster background

Take a fun virtual roller coaster ride with this video background. Be careful, it can make you dizzy!

Edit this template

#28. TeaRex video background

Take a break for a cup of tea with this bright virtual background. It especially suits your 5 o’clock meetings.

Edit this template

Thank you for reading! I hope this article helps you cheer your video meetings up. Share this article on social or send it to those who may be interested in making a bit of a change to their video calls.

Stay safe, and stay creative!