20+ Cool Virtual Zoom Backgrounds: Ideas to Elevate Your Meetings
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Make virtual meetings fun and engaging by selecting cool backgrounds for Zoom. While it’s so common to choose from Zoom’s preset backgrounds or use the blur feature, there are tons of background options to elevate your meeting experience.
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Browse this gallery for my recommended Zoom virtual background images for categories like aesthetic and modern, outdoor and nature, pop culture and entertainment, abstract and artistic, and thematic.
Image: Zoom
Aesthetic & modern backgrounds
1. Contemporary room
This stylish background with a pop of bright red color is perfect for expressing creativity without causing too much distraction.
Image: Livestorm
Aesthetic & modern backgrounds
2. Cozy living area
With neutral tones, this virtual background is eye-catching and refreshing. Though it’s simple, this image creates a warm and inviting ambiance.
SEE: How to Create a Virtual Background in Zoom
Image: Livestorm
Aesthetic & modern backgrounds
3. Vibrant colors
Perfect for creative individuals, this image will make you stand out with the choice of bold colors and an artistic gallery wall.
Image: Owl Labs
Aesthetic & modern backgrounds
4. Minimalist with an urban view
The clean lines and neutral colors give a relaxed yet professional vibe. Moreover, the plants accentuate this cool and modern Zoom background image.
Image: Owl Labs
Aesthetic & modern backgrounds
5. Stylistic lighting
As one of the cool backgrounds for Zoom, this image exudes a dramatic sunset-like scenario. It’s not your typical bookshelf background; playing around with shadows and lighting to make your Zoom video stand out.
Image: Unsplash
Outdoor & nature backgrounds
1. Seaside vacation
The crystal blue color of the pool, sea, and sky evokes a grand holiday out of town. Keep that adventurous vibe going by choosing this image as a cool Zoom background.
SEE: How to Turn on Virtual Backgrounds in Zoom
Image: Livestorm
Outdoor & nature backgrounds
2. Alpine landscape
Use this majestic alpine landscape as your Zoom virtual background to create a sense of natural calm. While rich in shades of green, it doesn’t overpower the eyes, having just the right amount of visual appeal.
Image: Livestorm
Outdoor & nature backgrounds
3. Shades of blue
Take the sea with you even when work gets hectic with this image of the waves. Inviting as it is, this virtual background for Zoom exudes relaxation that everyone craves from time to time.
Image: cruisecritic
Outdoor & nature backgrounds
4. The mountains are calling
This virtual Zoom background image shows Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji. Cherry blossoms in full bloom complement their captivating beauty, another reason to choose this image as your next online meeting background.
Image: Canva
Outdoor & nature backgrounds
5. Earth tones
Whether you love adventure or are simply in awe of nature’s beauty, there’s a Zoom background for you. This image combines warm shades to form a picturesque view of the mountains.
Image: Livestorm
Pop culture & entertainment
1. Hollywood blockbuster effect
Featuring the famous Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) logo, this Zoom background works for those who like to add a little entertainment to their day. It can be a conversation starter or just simply a mood booster.
SEE: Zoom 101: A Guidebook for Beginners & Business Pros (TechRepublic Premium)
Image: Krisp
Pop culture & entertainment
2. Talk show set
Who doesn’t recognize this iconic setup from The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon? Whether it’s a casual team catch-up or a late fun Friday Zoom call, this background image is worth a try.
Image: Krisp
Pop culture & entertainment
3. Gamers at heart
This Zoom background — a Super Mario-inspired photo — is just one of the many video game-inspired images you can choose for your next online meeting. Zoom backgrounds like this don’t just add fun and personality but are also a way to spark connections with fellow gamers.
Image: Wallpapers.com


Pop culture & entertainment
Pop culture & entertainment
4. Harry Potter – Gryffindor house pride
While this is mostly for Harry Potter fans, choosing a “house” or a group as your Zoom virtual background (not limited to this movie) is a great way to introduce yourself. Depending on the type of meeting, experiment with other movies or TV shows that might resonate with others.
SEE: Home Video Setup: What You Need to Look & Sound Professional (TechRepublic Premium)
Image: Wizarding World
Pop culture & entertainment
5. Star Trek fans
This type of Zoom virtual background instantly tells people how much of a Trekkie you are. In general, you can showcase your sci-fi interests by choosing an image related to it, like a spaceship or a scene from Star Wars, among other things.
Image: Krisp
Abstract & artistic backgrounds
1. Edgy neon lights
Choose a background image with vibrant colors to make a statement. This works best for those who want to express their artistic flair or even interest in futuristic style.
Image: Pexels
Abstract & artistic backgrounds
2. Bold colors
The bold, contrasting colors exude playfulness and creativity. At the same time, the image’s clean visual style also reminds you of modern minimalist art.
Image: Freepik
Abstract & artistic backgrounds
3. Abstract painting with blended hues
You can never go wrong with an abstract painting because it always represents creativity and uniqueness. There are countless versions of this type of artwork that you can use for your next Zoom virtual call.
SEE: Video & Online Conferencing Policy (TechRepublic Premium)
Image: Stencil
Abstract & artistic backgrounds
4. Comic book art
Using a comic book-inspired virtual meeting background can bring a different kind of energy. This is just one example of how you can make meetings livelier, especially if you’re participating in thematic online activities.
Image: Pinterest
Abstract & artistic backgrounds
5. Customized Zoom background through Canva
Create your own customized background to take uniqueness and design to a whole new level. It may sound time-consuming (or intimidating, even), but there’s no need to worry, as free design platforms make it easy.
Get creative and start customizing your own Zoom meeting background. Sign up for free and experience Canva’s easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface. |
Image: Canva
Thematic Zoom backgrounds
1. Seasonal themes
Change your style with the seasons and switch up your virtual Zoom background into something more fitting.
Image: Wallpapers.com
Thematic Zoom backgrounds
2. Festive celebrations
Get into a festive mood, whether for the New Year, Christmas, or a birthday. Choose this Zoom meeting background to kick off celebrations virtually.
SEE: 5 Tools to Help Content Creation Professionals
Image: Canva
Thematic Zoom backgrounds
3. Sporty
Activate your sporty side by choosing a huge football stadium as your background. You can experiment with the type of Zoom background depending on your choice of sport. Basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts all make excellent options.
SEE: Zoom 101: A guidebook for beginners and business pros
Image: Livestorm

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