“Are you free for a video call now?” Eight simple yet effective words that can cause anxiety and stress.
You only have five minutes until the call starts and you have to decide on how to use your time – should you do a quick read on the meeting agenda or tidy up your room?
Take it from us: don’t get yourself off to a bad start by jumping onto that Zoom call worried about looking professional as you work from your bed or among your laundry pile. Instead, change your Zoom background into whatever suits the general mood or your fancy!
Not sure what to change it to? Don’t worry, read on and glance through our suggestions in this article, but first let’s go through the basics of how you can change your Zoom background design in the first place.
If you do not meet these two requirements, your video will not turn on.
Extra tips
While there are a few default images you can use for your virtual background, Zoom also offers the option for you to upload your own background images. In this article, we curate 35 free virtual background images that you can use for your next Zoom meeting.
1. Your dream office
You can practically use Zoom’s virtual background feature as a vision board or leave hints to your boss on the kind of office you’d want.
Image: Unsplash
2. Coffee shop background
Coffee makes everything better, so get your meeting off to a great start by setting the scene that everyone will appreciate (including tea lovers).
Image: Pixabay
3. Pandemic-related background
Has your boss been talking about returning to the office? Perhaps a pandemic-related background can make them reconsider.
Image: Pixabay
4. Festive Background
As a cultural melting pot, Malaysia is home to a variety of festivities throughout the year. Proudly showcase your festive spirit with this kind of backgrounds.
Image: Unsplash
Image: Pixabay
Image: Freepik
5. European travel background
Since travel restrictions have recently been lifted, now is the best time for you to start cashing in your vacation time and plan your European adventure. This would be a good conversation starter with your clients (or boss) and you can even use the opportunity to let them know of your travel dates.
Image: Unsplash
Image: Unsplash
6. Environmental awareness background
If your company advocates for environmentally friendly practices, you can use this background as an opportunity to start a conversation with your clients, suppliers and colleagues.
Image: Pixabay
7. Metropolitan life background
Inspire yourself and the people in your meeting with a metropolitan-themed background, because who doesn’t love a big city with bright lights?
Image: Pexels
8. Foodie background
What could be more relatable than the love for food? This background will surely get everyone talking and thinking about lunch.
Image: Unsplash
9. Malaysian landmarks background
Have a meeting with your international counterparts? Then use this virtual background to introduce them to Malaysian culture.
Image: Freepik
10. Childhood nostalgia background
Feeling tired of playing the role of an adult and working all the time? Add a little fun and nostalgia to your virtual background!
Image: Pixabay
11. Minimalist background
Not one to opt for colourful or cluttered backgrounds? Forget fuss and frills with this background and keep all the attention on your meeting agenda.
Image: Kaboompics
12. Booksmart background
Share your love for the written word with images of beautiful libraries. Plus, they add a touch of class to your background and overall vibe!
Image: Unsplash
13. Luxury life background
Make the meeting a little more bearable with a touch of luxury to remind yourself of what you’re working for.
Image: Pixabay
14. Home office background
Want to keep things private and not show your colleagues or clients your room or home office? Let everyone believe that this is truly what it looks like.
Image: Freepik
15. Fitness buff background
Encourage a good fitness lifestyle or remind yourself of your #fitfam goals with this background.
Image: Stylestock
16. Work-appropriate fantasy background
Get the creative juices flowing with a background that transports you to a land of fantasy.
Image: Unsplash
Source: Pixabay
17. Abstract art background
Another way to inspire creativity is through art. Here is an artistic background that will stimulate your creative side.
Image: Pexels
18. Rustic background
A great way to stay grounded in a meeting is to set a rustic background.
Image: Freepik
19. Out-of-this-world background
Is it a UFO? Is it a satellite? Forget thinking out of the box, think out of this world with an outer space background.
Image: Pexels
20. Seasonal background
While Malaysia has its rainy and sunny seasons, you can use this background when you are looking to experience other kinds of seasons.
Image: Freepik
Image: Freepik
21. 7 Wonders of the World Background
Set your virtual background as your next travel destination.
Image: Pexels
22. Garden background
Give your virtual meeting a refreshing and rejuvenating touch with a garden background.
Image: Pixabay
23. Tech background
Showcase your spirit of innovation and invention with a matrix background.
Image: Unsplash
24. Independence day background
As 31 August 2022 approaches, you may want to prepare a background filled with Malaysian flags as your background and show your patriotic spirit!
Source: Pexels
25. New Year background
We have passed the half-year mark and soon will be welcoming 2023. Can’t wait for the new year? Start early with this fun virtual background.
Image: Pixabay
26. Cute dog background
Who wouldn’t appreciate a virtual background with man’s best friend? Plus you’ll be giving your clients and colleagues a dose of dopamine through pictures of cute doggies!
Image: Pexel
27. Cute cat background
Not a dog person? Set a calm and casual mood for the meeting with a background of an adorable little kitten instead.
Image: Kaboompics
28. Oceanic background
Drowning with work? This background will give your boss a hint! If not, you can still show your love for the ocean with this background.
Image: Unsplash
29. Expressive background
Do you have something to express that is beyond words? Maybe this background can help.
Image: Unsplash
30. Evolution background
No matter what kind of meeting you are having, having a background that shows the evolution on earth is a great way to set the tone for progress.
Image: Unsplash
31. Cottage life background
Set a calm and peaceful tone for your meeting when you set this image as your background. It also makes for a great reminder if your life goal is to retire in a countryside cottage.
Image: Pexels
32. Outdoor background
In the event you are mostly stuck indoors, you can set an outdoor background for your virtual meeting.
Image: Kaboompics
33. Vintage car background
A fan of vintage cars? Then set one as your background and drift away in your thoughts if the meeting drags on longer than it should.
Image: Pexels
34. Historical background
History tells us the story of the progress that was made over time. Setting up a history-themed virtual background will show your commitment to making history!
Image: Pexels
35. Sci-Fi background
There’s nothing like a little sci-fi to inspire a futuristic strategy and innovation!
Image: Pixabay
Get a personalised virtual background design done by the professionals at Brandripe.
As a branding strategy, it is a good idea to standardise your Zoom backgrounds so that all your stakeholders are able to easily identify your identity and brand.
Brandripe is ready to help with our promise of unlimited designs, revisions and contract-free engagement. Find out what we’ve accomplished for other brands and set up a quick 15-minute VIP demo call with us to get a private virtual tour.
