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
- Viceroy Los Cabos
- Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills
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
- Palm Springs Pool Party
- Mid-Century Living Room
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
- The Werk Room from RuPaul’s Drag Race
- Dine in at Fox’s Bob’s Burgers Restaurant
- The Office, Conference Room
- The Page Desk at 30 Rock
This article was originally published on the Red Branch Media blog by Kate Bunton.
