The custom background feature on Zoom has inspired some unexpected choices from its users. Sometimes people have genius ideas that seem like everyone should try them. Other times, it’s something hilarious that no one would have expected. Occasionally, it’s both.
Zoom’s custom backgrounds are one of the service’s best ideas. They give video chatters the option to replace what’s behind them when they’re on camera with an image or video of their choosing. Multiple companies have released official Zoom backgrounds, like the collection of shots inspired by Hallmark Channel shows or these Disney-inspired images. The feature works with or without a green screen, too, so it’s a major part of why Zoom has overtaken the video chat market, despite its relative anonymity before the coronavirus outbreak.
However, some people online have taken it up a notch. The original intent of Zoom custom backgrounds was likely to help people using the platform professionally so they could jump into a video conference without worrying about what their environment looked like. Due to the service’s newfound popularity, though, the internet has elevated this feature to new heights.
Examples of Great Zoom Backgrounds
Sure, custom backgrounds are great for jokes, but they’re also practical in some ways. Here’s a great example of a smart way to make a Zoom chat more professional, by taking a picture of a real office background and using that.
To add some realism to a setup like this one, consider editing the base photo. Most image editing software will have filter options that can add a blur to the background, making it less obvious that it’s a fake, and giving the whole shot a more professional aesthetic.
However, sometimes it’s necessary to add a little fun. This is a neat suggestion from a teacher that pranks the students in an amusing, harmless way.
This one is exceptional in its simplicity. It’s both funny and scathing as a commentary on the unusual circumstances of doing university work from home, despite paying full tuition.
Remember, Zoom custom backgrounds can also be videos. There are tons of great video options, but few are better than this recreation of the BBC live broadcast that was “video bombed” in the most amusing of ways. Given that it’s a video, it can be timed well enough that the audience won’t see it coming until far into the call.
Finally, this background video is probably the best. There are lots of ways to recreate it and, like with the previous one, it’s at its best when it can be delayed for an extended period of time.
