Changing the background photo during your zoom video meeting is quite easy. Here are the steps on how to change the virtual background image when you are using zoom for windows, ios, and Android.
Zoom is currently the leading video conferencing application available for Microsoft Windows, MAC, and smartphones. It offers a free and paid version.
The free version allows users to host or participate in a meeting for 40 minutes with up to 100 participants. The good side though is the 1 on 1 meeting is unlimited. The pro or paid version allows a higher number of participants, longer meeting hours, and 1GB cloud recording.
Zoom offers a lot of features. One of which is changing your background when you are attending a meeting.
Why Change Your Zoom Background Image
There are various reasons why you want to use this feature. Allow me to enumerate some of them.
Firstly, during your virtual meeting, you might want to hide the background of your room because it is unorganized. it makes you feel awkward to show it to your officemates or schoolmates hahaha.
Secondly, photos and images that you use say something about your personality. It can signify if you are a fan of Star Wars movies or DOTA 2 games. Furthermore, Your zoom background image can show if you love to travel especially if the image is a tourist destination that you have visited. If your background photo is when you are Skydiving, the person seeing it may think that you love the extreme sport.
Thirdly, is if you are a work-from-home person and at the same time taking care of your toddler. As we all know kids are very playful. However, it can sometimes distract your colleague if they see people moving in your background. It can cause them to ship their attention to the playful person at your back instead of you.
Last but not the least, having a background image during your zoom meeting can also set the ambiance of the meeting. Imagine having photos of Ben 10 or Sponge Bob in the background during a job interview. I am not sure if the hiring manager will take you seriously if they see those photos. They might also think that the photos belong to your kids. Or you are not serious with your job application.
I hope you get my point here hahaha. There’s probably a lot of reasons other than what I have mentioned though I think those are the most common.
Fortunately, changing the background image is quite easy with zoom. Moreover, the process is the same in windows, mac, and popular smartphone os.
Assuming you already have a zoom app on your respective devices, then follow the steps here. You do not need a green screen to implement the virtual background.
How to Change Background Image in Zoom for Windows
Assuming you already have the Zoom app on your Microsoft Windows device, and logged in to your account. Here are the steps you need to follow.
Step 1. Open the zoom settings
You can see the gear-like icon at the upper right-hand side of the zoom window.
Step 2. Select background and filters tab
In the new window, on the left-hand side, you will the different tabs such as “General,” “video,” and “Background and Filters.” Select the latter.
Step 3. Choose your background or filters
Luckily, zoom has 5 free presets for virtual background. These are the Golden Gate Bridge, Aurora Borealis, seashore, grass, and earth. You can choose video filters such as smiley, parrot, and tv screen. Zoom also allows users to use both the background and filter simultaneously. A green screen is not needed for these zoom presets as well. 
Alternatively, if you do not want any of the available presets, you can use your own videos and photos as your zoom background.
What you need to do is go to the “Plus” sign located next to the background and filters. Afterward, add the image and video of your own.
Read: How to Setup Twitter Background
How to change Zoom Background on iPhone and other iOS devices
Step 1. Run your zoom app and login
If you haven’t got the app then please get it at the Appstore and search for Zoom. Download it afterward.
Step 2. Create a New Meeting or Join
At the lower portion of your iPhone’s screen, you will see the “Meet and Chat” tab.
After which go to the orange icon that says “New Meeting” then “Start a Meeting.”
Step 3. Select your Virtual Background
After starting a meeting, go to the “More” link located on the lower right-hand side of your iPhone’s screen.
More choices will show up on your screen. Among the choices, go to “Virtual Background.”
As of the moment, there are only four virtual backgrounds available. But by tapping the “Plus” sign, you have the option to choose your own personalized image and make it your background.
How to Change the Zoom Background image for Android Phones
Basically, if you are using an android phone the process is almost similar to when you are using an iPhone.
Step 1: Run the Zoom App
You can download the app at the Google Playstore. Afterward, run the app and log in using your registered account.
Step 2: Create New Meeting or Join
When you run the Zoom application, you will immediately see the “Meet and Chat” at the lower left-hand side of your device screen. Afterward, tap the “New Meeting” or “Join” on the upper left-hand side.
Step 3: Choose your Preferred Virtual Background Image
When you tap the screen of your device, you will see the “More” option on the lower right-hand side. Tap the latter. In the pop window, tap the “Virtual background.” Select the preferred background image.
Conclusion
I think if you are a student who is online-based. You should get the Zoom app on your electronic devices. If you are an online teacher, you should also install the app on your Laptop or desktop. If you are a work-from-home employee, definitely, you need to have the zoom app on your devices.
The simple reason is, it will allow you to get in touch with your schoolmates/students/colleagues without the usual distraction that social media bring. To be fair, you can also organize video calls with other social media applications. However, based on experience, it is not as seamless if compared to Zoom.
Also, with the “Basic” version, you can have an unlimited 1 on 1 meeting. In addition, you can also organize a virtual meeting with up to 100 attendees and stay connected with them for 40 minutes, free of charge.
*I hope this helps guys
