Zoom has become an essential tool for remote work, learning, and socializing during the pandemic. With video calls becoming so commonplace, many users want to protect their privacy or hide messy backgrounds. Luckily, Zoom offers easy ways to blur, change, or censor what’s behind you during video calls.
As a professional who frequently uses Zoom for client calls and meetings, I’ll share several methods to adjust your background. Whether you want to blur distractions, use a virtual background, or censor inappropriate images, these tips will ensure your video presence is professional.
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Blur Your Background Before and During Meetings
Blurring your background is the easiest way to hide messy rooms or distracting environments. Zoom’s background blur uses artificial intelligence to seamlessly obscure everything behind you, leaving only your face and torso in focus.
Here’s how to enable background blur in Zoom’s desktop app:
- Click your profile avatar and select Settings
- Choose Backgrounds & Filters on the left sidebar
- Click the Blur option under Virtual Backgrounds
Once enabled, Zoom will automatically blur your background in all future meetings. The blur effect even adjusts in real-time if you move around.
You can also enable background blur mid-meeting:
- Hover over your video and click the up arrow icon
- Select Blur My Background
Background blur works best if your face and body contrast the background. So wear bright, solid colors and ensure even lighting on yourself.
Add Virtual Backgrounds
In addition to blurring, Zoom lets you replace your environment with virtual backgrounds. Zoom offers default backgrounds like office spaces, landscapes, and abstract images. You can also upload your own photos and videos.
To add a virtual background:
- Click your profile avatar > Settings
- Choose Backgrounds & Filters
- Select an image under Virtual Backgrounds or click the + icon to upload your own
Virtual backgrounds work best with a green screen, but you can use them without one too. Just position yourself in front of a solid color background for seamless integration.
Be aware – poor lighting or too much movement can reveal the edges of virtual backgrounds. So stay centered in your camera frame with even lighting.
Censor Inappropriate Backgrounds
If something inappropriate appears behind you, use Zoom’s Stop Video feature to temporarily disable your camera feed. Follow these steps:
- Hover over your video thumbnail and click Stop Video
- Click Start Video again when ready to reenable your camera feed
By quickly stopping and starting your video, you can censor anything inappropriate from being broadcasted in the meeting.
As the meeting host, you can also disable someone else’s camera feed at any time. Hover over their video and click More > Stop Video.
Adjust Participant Privacy Settings
If hosting meetings, adjust your Zoom settings to protect participant privacy:
- Disable file transfer to prevent content sharing
- Disable annotation to prevent participants from drawing on shared screens
- Disable private chat to prevent side conversations
- Enable waiting room to control when participants join
These options ensure guests don’t publicly share anything you wouldn’t want displayed. They also prevent side chatter that may be distracting or inappropriate.
Conclusion
Adjusting your Zoom background is easy whether you want to add virtual images, blur your environment, or quickly censor inappropriate views. With these tips, you can control exactly how much is shown in meetings to balance privacy and professionalism.
During video calls, stay centered in your camera frame and adjust lighting to optimize background effects. As a meeting host, make use of participant settings to protect guest privacy as an extra precaution.
With the right settings and positioning, you can display seamless backgrounds that impress meeting guests rather than distract them. Protect participant privacy while maintaining your own brand image even if working from small, messy home offices like myself!
About the Author
As a professional graphic designer for over 5 years, I frequently use Zoom, Teams, and other video platforms to meet with clients. Maintaining privacy and reducing distractions during video calls is essential, so I utilize virtual backgrounds, blur effects, lighting techniques, and more to control my on-camera presence. With a master’s degree in visual communications, I’m experienced in positioning myself and adjusting software settings to achieve professional video calling results regardless of the physical background environment.
