Life, as we currently know it, involves the daily use of a video conference platform. With many of us throughout the world now self-isolating and working from home, the video conference platform, Zoom, has become our go to choice. From daily work meetings to kids in the classroom to just having a drink with your friends, Zoom is how the majority of us are making it happen!
However, have any of you felt like starting a videoconference feels similar to when the doorbell rings with unexpected visitors? You find yourself running around to pick up anything that’s visible and throw it behind a door where it can’t be seen. You can’t possible let your coworkers, kids teachers, friends, or whoever else for that matter, see your unkempt house in the background.
So, with more eyes looking at the inside of your home these days, it’s time to give your video chat background a little makeover! Zoom’s virtual background feature allows you to chose a still image to serve as a background and hide whatever is really going on behind ya. Whether it’s time to work, go to school, or hang out with friends, I’ve got you covered with links to some of the best FREE Zoom virtual backgrounds.
Home
Wish you had that picture perfect living room that you could display in the background? Check out the following brands…
West Elm
This home furnishings company has released their series of backgrounds that will ensure your “house” is catalog ready. You’ll find 14 images encompassing almost every home decor style (including one that features a cute little pup), as well as another 10 images that will have you ready for happy hour with friends!
Williams Sonoma
If you want your house to look modern, light, and airy, then one of the 5 images in the Williams Sonoma series will serve the part!
Behr
This premium paint powerhouse has taken full advantage of a fun play on their name and launched “Behr Your Background”. This 17 image series features many different rooms within your home, and will have the others on the meeting asking for the name of the paint color of on your walls!
Travel
Maybe you are looking for something fun in hopes of channeling all of those vacation vibes your way, as we await the day we can seek our next adventure.
Disney Parks
Well you know this travel series has been downloaded on to my computer!! (The background pictured above is from Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas and happens to be my favorite place on Earth!) Disney Parks has released 13 different images featuring many iconic scenes from their parks around the world!
United Airlines
These 6 images from United Airlines will have you feeling like a jet setter in no time! Whether you’re killing time in the VIP lounge before your flight boards or you’re in-flight via first class seating, United has every aspect of your air travel covered with their virtual backgrounds!
Alaska Airlines
From the beach, to the glaciers, to the seat in the plane, Alaska Airlines has thought of it all. Their 27 image series includes scenes from many popular destinations around the world that Alaska Airlines provides routes to.
Myrtle Beach
If the beach has been calling, then one of these 6 images from a top US summer vacation spot, Myrtle Beach, is just what you need! From a stroll on the boardwalk to watching a beach sunset, there are a variety of shots to chose from in this series.
Royal Caribbean Cruise line
This big brand family oriented cruise line has released 8 images, ranging from cruise ship views to port of call beaches, in their virtual background series.
Napa Valley
This legendary wine country has released a series of 8 images that will give you all the feels! From the barrel room to the historic Welcome to Napa Valley sign, whichever image you choose is sure to scream luxury world class wine getaway!
Viceroy Hotels & Resorts
This luxury hotel brand has released 14 stunning images in their series, consisting of scenes from both current and soon to open properties in some of the world’s most sought-after-destinations.
Las Vegas
Hang out in the city that never sleeps! Choose from one of these 34 still images or videos of some of the most popular sites on the strip!
Classroom
If you’re a primary teacher utilizing Zoom to connect with your students, or if your kiddo is using it for class, then this next one is for you!
Carson Dellosa
A site dedicated to providing teachers with everything they need for learning moments, including 4 fun classroom inspired virtual backgrounds! Note: You do have to create a free Spark Rewards Member account to download the image.
Favorite TV Shows
If you’ve ever wanted to be on the set of one of your favorite movies or TV shows, then this is your area!
Fox
Have you ever wanted to sit on the couch of some of the most iconic cartoons?! Fox has released 10 different images that are derived from their Animation Domination series.
CBS
CBS has really put it all out there! While the link above will provide you with a single image from many of their most popular shows, if you check out the individual shows social media page, you’ll find many more options!
DC Comics
If you’re a die hard comic fan, then this series is for you! DC Comics has released an 18 image Gotham City series that focuses on Batman on the move!
Disney Pixar
No one does it better than Disney Pixar! All your favorite animated films are represented in this 13 image series.
Nickelodeon
Who doesn’t want to live in a pineapple under the sea?! Nickelodeon has released 12 images representing their most iconic cartoons and tween shows.
Just Plain Fun
Maybe you just want to put a smile on you and your coworkers faces, and if so, this category is just what you’ve been looking for!
Cold Stone Creamery
Doesn’t ice cream make us all happy?! Cold Stone Creamery has launched 5 images of deliciousness for you to use!
Taco Bell
Need an image that will spice up your meeting or happy hour a bit? Taco Bell has released 10 images that you will be sure to enjoy.
Canva
This graphic design app has created a fun 20 image series for you to use. If you’ve been utilizing Zoom, then you would most likely agree that the Zoom Bingo background featured above takes the cake. I think it’s safe to say that Canva nailed it!
Open Table
We may not be making dinner reservations right now, but I love Open Table’s idea on how to host a virtual dinner party. This 9 image series covers almost every cuisine you might be craving.
Zoom Instructions
Now you’ve seen all of these fun virtual backgrounds, it’s time to put them in action and give your video chat that makeover it deserves! Zoom provides you with all of the details on how to implement the use of the virtual background, from system requirements to how to turn the feature on. Note: Make sure you do not have “mirror image” checked in your Zoom video settings. Otherwise, any of the images with text will be displayed backwards.
Enjoy and Happy Video Conferencing!