Editor’s Note: Zoom Backgrounds That Actually Look Professional
Last updated: February 2026
This article was originally published in 2021 when everyone was scrambling to make their home office look presentable on video calls. Five years later, virtual backgrounds are still a thing, but the landscape has shifted.
I run 8-12 video calls a week between coaching sessions, team meetings, and podcast recordings. I’ve tested dozens of virtual backgrounds over the years, and here’s what I’ve learned: the simpler the background, the better. Early on, I tried some of the fun backgrounds (tropical beaches, space themes), and they’re great for casual calls with friends. But for any professional setting, a clean, slightly blurred home office or a simple gradient works best. Nobody wants to discuss quarterly goals while a jellyfish floats behind your head.
A few things have changed since this article was written:
Zoom’s built-in backgrounds have improved dramatically. You no longer need to download images and upload them. Zoom now includes a solid library of professional backgrounds, and their AI-powered background blur has gotten much better. If your actual room is reasonably tidy, blur is often the best option. It looks natural and doesn’t create that choppy outline around your head and shoulders.
AI background generators exist now. Tools like Canva’s AI image generator and various other services let you describe the background you want and generate it in seconds. You can create a custom background that matches your brand colors, shows your company logo, or looks like a specific type of office. This is especially useful for teams that want a consistent look across all their video calls.
Hardware matters more than backgrounds. After years of experimenting, I’ve found that good lighting and a decent webcam make a bigger difference than any virtual background. A simple ring light or desk lamp pointed at your face will do more for your video quality than the coolest background in the world. If you’re on a laptop, even an inexpensive external webcam (Logitech C920 at around $60) is a massive upgrade.
Other platforms have caught up. Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and even Slack Huddles all support virtual backgrounds now. Most of the tips in this article apply across platforms, not just Zoom.
The 24 background ideas below are still good starting points. I’d especially recommend options like the Home Office (#1), Professional Office (#2), and the Professional Template (#24) for work calls. Save the fun ones for Friday happy hours.
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Of all the video conferencing software available, most will agree that Zoom has positioned itself as the most popular service and the one most businesses turn to when it comes time to hold a video call. However, a zoom meeting doesn’t have to be boring, and the program allows you to use any image as a virtual background. Whether it be to add an air of professionalism, highlight your brand, or simply make the zoom meeting more interesting, there are an endless number of virtual backgrounds to choose from, some of which we will cover below.
1. The Home Office Look
With so many people working from home these days, the dining or living room has become the default office for many. Unfortunately, not everyone’s home office is as aesthetically pleasing as they would like, prompting some to search for a free zoom background that gives off a much more refined and professional backdrop to their virtual meetings and video calls.
2. The Professional Office
In some cases, you may want it to look as though you’re in an office setting. Even if the people you’re talking with know it’s just a Zoom background, it can still leave a more positive impression compared to the kitchen table. Luckily, there are many free zoom backgrounds to choose from online that can add an element of professionalism to your zoom calls.
3. A Tropical Theme
Zoom backgrounds don’t always have to be business-related; they can be funny or simply something nice to look at, like a tropical beach scene. While this virtual background might not be for everyone, it can help brighten up people’s day and leave a lasting impression.
4. Sky Scraper At Night
When it comes to cool zoom backgrounds, having two prominent skyscrapers at your back is an excellent modern choice. Many people like this background because of the way the bright lights juxtapose with the night sky. Furthermore, many people are comforted by cityscape images, making this one of the best zoom backgrounds.
5. CyberPunk Market
CyberPunk themes are becoming more and more popular, a trend that, naturally, has made its way to the world of zoom backgrounds. Fans of sci-fi movies like Blade Runner (the original and Blade Runner 2049) may enjoy using futuristic cityscape images for their zoom virtual background. Remember, Zoom calls are not just for work-related matters, and the program is used all the time to speak with friends and family, meaning you can have some fun with the virtual backgrounds you choose.
6. African Savanna
Taking a break from the metropolitan themes for a moment, the next zoom background we have is a peaceful African Savanna landscape. It has often been said that Africa is the cradle of life, and everyone who visits the continent agrees that its vast, seemingly endless plains give off a magical feeling. While you may not be able to experience it for yourself, being confined to your workspace instead, this free zoom background can help lift the mood for you, your friends, colleagues, and anyone else you may be engaging with on a video call.
7. Mountain And Lake View
The combination of snow-capped mountains and placid lakes has captivated landscape painters for centuries and is an excellent free zoom background that can be used for nearly every occasion. Aside from being a visually pleasing image, these landscape photos make good zoom backgrounds because they are very neutral and can be appreciated by almost everyone. If you want a safe, non-assuming, virtual background to use during video conferencing, this is one of the best.
8. Space Setting
Until now, every virtual zoom background we have looked at has been a scene of something on planet earth. Luckily, there are no limits on what backgrounds we use, and the next image focuses on outer space.
As Carl Sagan said, “the earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena,” a notion that is made even more evident when we see the images of the milky way galaxy in its totality. Not only are there an unknown number of planets, but our own sun, which makes the presence of life on our planet possible, is just one of the billions within the small galaxy to which we belong. It’s musings like this that have made space such a captivating subject for so many people, and what better way to celebrate this fascination than with a milky way zoom background.
9. Simpsons Theme
Boasting a total of 32 seasons, the Simpsons is the longest-running animated television show in history. When it first aired, the show became known for delivering funny yet insightful criticisms of popular culture and current events.
Today, The Simpsons is itself a significant pillar in popular culture, and the characters are instantly recognized all over the world. If you’re a fan of The Simpsons, consider using a free zoom background inspired by the show.
10. Library Setting
Libraries have always been a symbol of higher learning, and before the internet, they were the primary source of information for people worldwide. Today, the library still holds a position of elevated status and is used by thousands of people each day to study, work on projects, or engage in some kind of scholastic activity.
If you’re looking for a zoom background that gives off a subtle air of sophistication and scholasticism without coming across as pretentious, then the library scene is an excellent choice.
11. Tigers
It goes without saying, Tigers are one of the coolest animals around. For centuries the animal has been the subject of myths and stories in the areas they populate and have been respected and revered by everyone who comes in contact with them. Not only are they the biggest predatory cats to currently walk the earth, but their image also makes one of the best zoom backgrounds available.
12. Under The Sea
In the Disney movie ‘The Little Mermaid,’ Sebastian the sea crab sings a song titled ‘under the sea’ to convince his mermaid friend Ariel to stay ocean-bound. While for most of us, interest in this particular Disney movie has waned, images of what goes on beneath the ocean surface still pique our curiosity.
Fortunately, photographers have been able to capture many images of life under the sea, many of which make excellent free zoom backgrounds.
13. Jelly Fish
Continuing with our ocean-themed zoom backgrounds, Jelly Fish has been a subject of great interest to ocean photographers and enthusiasts alike. Whether it be for their ghost-like ethereal bodies or their strange otherworldly behavior, Jelly Fish is a great option when it comes to free zoom backgrounds.
14. Russian Churches
The architecture of old Russian Churches and Cathedrals have impressed and memorized people ever since they were constructed. Most of these churches feature an onion-shaped dome at the top of each spire and the use of several bright colors which contrast heavily with the grey, often stark, landscapes of Russia.
Their uniqueness and the fact that they’re something architecturally unique to Russia makes them great for a zoom virtual background.
15. Hobbit House
The Lord Of The Rings universe has many fans, many of which hold a strong fascination for the shire. Whether this fascination is borne out of an appreciation for the country landscape in which it is located or the ideals of simple living it embodies, the shire is a fan favorite, making it an excellent zoom background for Lord Of The Rings Fans.
16. Distracted Boyfriend
New memes are constantly popping up, and while some may experience only a brief period of popularity, others stand the test of time and take on a nearly immortal status, being used over and over again. Perhaps one of the best examples of this is the ‘Distracted Boyfriend’ meme, which is repeatedly used as a template.
While this zoom background may not be for everyone, it is an inoffensive choice for those who enjoy the internet and meme culture.
17. DogeCoin Zoom Background
Continuing with the Theme of memes, DogeCoin was one of the first cryptocurrencies to gain popularity and is known as the first meme-coin around. As a result, a dogecoin zoom background is great for crypto and meme enthusiasts.
18. Ceiling Of The Sistine Chapel
Of all the things people associate with Rome, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is up there. The artwork painted on the ceiling was done by the renowned Renaissance painter Michelangelo and today stands as one of the most recognizable symbols of western culture.
Aside from its historical importance, the painting truly is a masterpiece and makes a great free zoom background.
19. Cats
Everyone loves cats, and the internet is full of images of them, making them an excellent choice for a free zoom background.
20. Chicen Itza – Mayan Temple
The ancient civilizations of the Mayan and Aztec people have proven to be a point of curiously, interest, and speculation for many. While the people of Ancient Mexico and Guatemala have left behind many impressive structures for us to admire today, little is known about how their society operated.
If you’re a person who enjoys speculating on the ways of ancient people, especially in the pre-Colombian Americas, then this photo of Chicen Itza pyramid in Mexico is an awesome free zoom background.
21. The Great Sphinx Of Egypt
Continuing with another ancient monument as a virtual background option, the Great Sphinx of the Giza Plateau is another fantastic choice for zoom backgrounds.
To the ancient Egyptians, these mythological creatures were beasts of great strength that guarded the entrances to important temples. In the Greek version of the myth, the Sphinx would only grant passage to anyone who could answer a riddle. If the traveler answered incorrectly, the Sphinx would eat them.
Much like the Mayan Chicen Itza, the Giza Sphinx is one of the best zoom backgrounds for lovers of ancient history and myths.
22. Hiking Trail
Hiking is a pastime enjoyed by many and allows us to take a break from aspects of our modern life such as consumerism, technology, and the office. It is because of this that a large number of individuals enjoy using hiking-themed images as their zoom background. Not only are the visuals pleasing, but it reminds them of what they will be enjoying once the workweek is done.
23. The Moon
Even if you believe Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin never did set foot on the moon, the image itself makes for a fabulous zoom background, especially when contrasted against the starry sky of outer space.
24. Professional Template Zoom Background
A zoom background doesn’t have to be an image of something; it can also be a simple design that acts as a sort of business card. This virtual background option can be great when it comes to meeting with potential clients.
Of all the services that offer these background templates, Canva is one of the best. When using Canva, you can choose which text information to display, such as name, position, company, contact information, etc. If this concept is unclear, take a look at the image below to get an idea of what a Canva zoom background can look like.
Open Zoom and click the arrow next to the camera icon, then select “Choose Virtual Background.” You can pick from Zoom’s built-in backgrounds or click the plus icon to upload your own image. For best results, use a solid-colored wall behind you, ensure good lighting on your face, and use an image that is at least 1920×1080 pixels. Zoom also offers a “Blur” option that softly blurs your real background without replacing it entirely.
For professional meetings, a clean home office background, a simple blurred background, or a branded template with your name and company logo works best. Avoid overly busy or distracting images. Subtle backgrounds build trust because they keep the focus on you rather than the scenery behind you. Zoom’s built-in blur feature is often the simplest professional option if your room is reasonably tidy.
Zoom recommends virtual background images of 1920×1080 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio) for the best quality. Images with a resolution of at least 1280×720 pixels also work well. Avoid images smaller than this as they will appear pixelated. PNG and JPG formats are both supported. For video backgrounds, Zoom supports MP4 and MOV files with a minimum resolution of 480×360 pixels and maximum of 1920×1080 pixels.
Yes. Modern versions of Zoom support virtual backgrounds without a green screen on most computers. Zoom uses AI to detect the outline of your body and replace the background automatically. For best results, sit in front of a solid-colored wall with even lighting. If you notice the background flickering or your outline looking choppy, adding a green screen behind you will significantly improve the quality.
Zoom includes a built-in library of free backgrounds accessible through Settings. Canva offers hundreds of free Zoom background templates you can customize with your own text and branding. Unsplash and Pexels provide free high-resolution photos that work well as backgrounds. Many companies and organizations also provide branded backgrounds on their websites. Search for “free Zoom backgrounds” followed by the style you want (office, nature, minimal) to find curated collections.
Good lighting makes the biggest difference. Place a light source (ring light, desk lamp, or window) in front of you and slightly above eye level. Position your camera at eye level rather than looking down at a laptop. Use an external webcam like the Logitech C920 for a noticeable quality upgrade over built-in laptop cameras. Choose a simple or blurred background to keep focus on your face. In Zoom settings, enable “Touch Up My Appearance” for subtle skin smoothing and “Adjust for Low Light” if your room is dim.
