How to Use a Virtual Background in Google Meet
Follow these three steps to learn how to use a virtual background in Google Meet.
This article originally appeared in the HiHello blog on November 5, 2020.
Working from home and distance learning aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, and video services like Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom are now regular household names. While Zoom fatigue is starting to hit, these tools are undeniably great for meetings, lessons, happy hours, and more!
Does Google Meet have virtual backgrounds?
Short answer: Yes! When you use Google Meet, you can add a virtual background to your call. Virtual backgrounds are a great way to eliminate any distractions behind you, and will help keep the inside of your home private. For your most important video meetings, you can even use a custom background that links to your electronic business card.
How do I add a virtual background in Google Meet?
Before launching your Google Meet video call, make sure you’re using Chrome as your browser. (Virtual backgrounds for Google Meet do not work in Safari.) Once you’re on the call, follow these steps:
1. Click the three dot menu on the bottom right side of your screen and click “Change background.”
2. Click the + button.
3. Upload your virtual background.
It’s important to note that Google Meet has a mirroring effect (as shown in the image above) — while your background may appear backwards to you, it will display correctly to everyone else on the call. If your entire background image isn’t showing or gets cropped, you may need to adjust the size of your screen.
If you want to create your own personalized background to use on Google Meet includes your logo, name, title, company and a link to your digital business card — you can do so with HiHello. Once downloaded, you can add your virtual background to your computer by following the same steps shown above. If Zoom or Microsoft Teams are your video call tools of choice, read our blogs: on How to Change Your Zoom Virtual Background, and How to Add a Custom Background in Microsoft Teams.
Did you find this article helpful? Let us know, or email us at feedback@hihello.me.
