So Many Zoom Calls, Never Enough Backgrounds
Are you using Zoom to hold meetings and hang out with your friends and reminisce about what it was like to have human interaction? Yeah, us too. And so is everyone else, apparently! Zoom shares are up 40%! We’re all using Zoom, Zoom is great. We love our Zoom overlords! But we also know that video calls can be exhausting, and — sorry, boss — kinda boring.
And then there’s the matter of letting your friends and coworkers see what your Quarantine House looks like. Maybe you’ve tested every wall in the house to find your best domestic representation (surely, I have not…), or maybe you’re just desperate to find an area that isn’t piled high with laundry or has your kids running it through all the time. Personally, I think the kids throw a fun, chaotic little wrench into the mix. But, hey, I get it. I’m not the one imprisoned with them.
We can relate! So then what can you do to make things a little more interesting? How can you spice it up and give your fellow Zoomies something nice to look at? Well, we have some good news about that: You can add your very own virtual backdrop.
Oh, how are you getting wifi on that remote island? Wow! A private Parisian café! Wait, I thought they blew up the Death Star??
The possibilities are endless!
First things first: Let’s show you how to change that backdrop.
Find your favorite backdrops and save them somewhere handy on your computer. You know, something like a folder labeled “Zoom Backdrops” maybe. When you open Zoom, click the carrot symbol in the lower left corner next to your video.
Click “Choose a virtual Background” from the bar on the left, then press the plus sign to upload your images!
Now, here comes the fun part: Picking your background.
Whether you’re looking to up your game at your work meetings or show off for your friends at a virtual happy hour, we’ve collected some of our favorite Zoom backgrounds — and where to find them — for all your virtual needs and fantasy destinations. It’s almost like you’re really there! 🙁
A UTOPIAN PARADISE FIT FOR YOUR DYSTOPIAN ESCAPISM
Did you have to cancel your tropical vacation? No, you didn’t! You can still go — in cyberspace! Do you live in a state that thinks it’s funny to surprise you with a snowstorm in the middle of April? We here in Nebraska wouldn’t know anything about that (or the 5” of snow that was recently on the ground). Good thing Viceroy Hotels has the tropical backgrounds you’re looking for to bring in some island getaway vibes:
Viceroy Riviera Maya
Now with less sand in your swimsuit! Download it here.
Viceroy Los Cabos
How many margaritas before I fall in, do you think? Download it here.
Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills
Now that’s a living room I can cry in. Download it here.
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Click here for more swoon-worthy Viceroy backgrounds.
LIVE LIKE A RICH PERSON
Look, good wallpaper is expensive! I can’t afford that! But, hey — your coworkers don’t need to know that, omg shh! Give yourself a home makeover in the blink of an eye with these West Elm backgrounds. It’s like hiring a designer to redo your new office, but with 0% of the effort:
The Queer Eye Fab 5’s Loft
Looking and feeling better than ever, hunny! Download it here.
Palm Springs Pool Party
Uh, actually no, I can’t take these sunglasses off because I am at the pool, not hiding dark circles from TV till 3 am every night. Download it here.
Mid-Century Living Room
Why yes, I definitely did tidy up the living room, thanks for noticing that very real thing! Download it here.
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For more gorgeous home settings, visit West Elm’s page.
I NEED ATTENTION!
Oh, you’re a wise guy? Wait, actually yeah, me too. Zoom backgrounds are a good way to sneak up on people and get a little external validation that, yes, you’re the funny one, okay? It’s fun to give your coworkers a jolt during the day — remember, they’re bored too! We are all trapped here!
The Rosebud Motel Lobby from Schitt’s Creek
I’m just here to comb Eugene Levy’s eyebrows. Download it here.
The Werk Room from RuPaul’s Drag Race
A pun about werking! Download it here.
Dine in at Fox’s Bob’s Burgers Restaurant
I just want to remember what it feels like to sit on a stool and have people talk to me. Download it here.
The Office, Conference Room
It’s a show about going to work! And you’re at work?! Wow, haha. Download it here.
The Page Desk at 30 Rock
Sorry, I missed what you said. I was sending Kenneth to Yankee Stadium for nachos. Download it here.
This article was originally published on the Red Branch Media blog by Kate Bunton.
