How to Use Zoom Virtual Background With Green Screen

In this article you'll learn how to use Zoom virtual backgrounds with a green screen.

I've structured this article to be a helpful resource no matter where you are in your virtual background journey. Some of you may have a green screen but you're not getting the results you hoped to achieve. Others may have tried to use the virtual background without a green screen and your image looks wrong (this is a good indication that your computer is not compatible with the "without a green screen" technology). So, the next best thing is to use a green screen. And don't worry, green screens are a lot more accessible and affordable than you might think. But most importantly they produce a better product, which means you'll show up better on your virtual background.

To set up your virtual background with a green screen and with a Zoom account, first log into Zoom in a browser window, then navigate to settings, then shortcut it here to In Meeting (Advanced) and scroll down just a hair. Double check that the Virtual Background is indeed enabled, if it isn't simply turn it on. Next, go ahead and restart your Zoom application if it was already open or launch it if it wasn't. Before you jump into a meeting you can configure your virtual background settings in the backend of Zoom. This helps you preview your virtual background before making it active in the meeting. Click on the Gear icon to open the settings window, and click on Virtual Background. Now you have the option of using the virtual background without a green screen, but the quality of the video is not as great and often appears choppy looking, especially with the edge lines around the head area. 

Next, click on the button for "I have a green screen" and as soon as you click the button that background will insert itself on the green screen as Zoom does it's best to detect a green source. With your green screen enabled, you will see an item appear in your video preview window. This says you can manually pick the color of the background if the detected color is not accurate. While Zoom does it's best to detect the green screen, you should set it to your custom green. Click the button by "Manually pick the color of the background if the detected color is not accurate." This will turn off the background revealing your green screen, then use the mouse to click on the screen. Click on the darkest green spot on your green screen (it may appear darker because of your shadow) - doing this should instantly improve your background video. 


Okay now you can join your new meeting with these settings already enabled. Once inside a meeting, whether you're a participant or a host, you can access the virtual background menu by clicking on the arrow next to the Video icon, then select Choose virtual background to be taken to this familiar settings window to then enable your backgrounds. That's it - you're now set to use a Virtual Background in Zoom with a Green Screen. 

I have a full video on the Best Green Screens for Zoom Meetings, click here to watch that video. 

I also create Professional Virtual Backgrounds - click here to purchase a professional virtual background for your business.

Click Here to check out a cool green screen option from WebAround - the green screen hooks onto your chair. 

Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.