Why You Need a Virtual Background for Online Meetings
What is a virtual background? A virtual background is a digital image placed behind you that mimics a real background. With the widespread use of online meetings virtual backgrounds can be a game changer. Whether you’re a traveling nomad, or working from a space with a less than ideally surrounding; having a virtual background can ensure your professional online presence is consistent and appealing. Below are a few benefits of virtual backgrounds:
Benefits of Using Virtual Backgrounds in Microsoft Teams:
- Professionalism:
- Virtual backgrounds allow you to maintain a professional appearance, regardless of your actual surroundings. Whether you’re working from a cluttered living room or a busy café, you can project a clean and organized image.
- Privacy:
- Protect your privacy by masking your real environment. This is particularly useful for those who share their living space with others or prefer not to reveal personal details about their home life.
- Branding:
- Virtual backgrounds can be customized to reflect your company’s brand. Display your logo or corporate colors to create a cohesive and branded experience for all meeting participants.
- Focus:
- By eliminating distracting elements from your background, virtual backgrounds help keep the focus on you and what you’re saying. This ensures that your message is heard loud and clear.
- Creativity:
- Express your personality or inject some fun into your meetings with creative backgrounds. Choose from a variety of images, from serene landscapes to quirky designs, to make your meetings more engaging.
- Consistency:
- For teams that work across various locations, virtual backgrounds provide a consistent look and feel, fostering a sense of unity and cohesion, regardless of physical distance.
- Professionalism:
How to Upload a Virtual Background to Microsoft Teams
Upon joining a Teams meeting, you’ll have the option to make adjustments to your audio and video. Follow the steps below to add your own virtual background image:
1. Click on Video Effects, under your live video.
2. Select More Video Effects, as seen in the image below.
3. Click Add New, on top right of your Teams window. The acceptable file types and sizes can be seen when hovering over the ‘Add new’ button.
4. Browse to your desired folder location. Double click the background photo of your choice.
5. Your virtual background has been added, now join your meeting.
