The Best Free Virtual Backgrounds for Zoom and Microsoft Teams are of Atlanta

By Sheretha Bell
Posted April 16, 2020

Take your next video conference to a different level. Using aerial views of Downtown Atlanta and the area overlooking Centennial Olympic Park, drone views of a sunset over the Atlanta BeltLine or perfect poses in front of the coolest ATL street art, you can connect in a memorable, gorgeous Atlanta neighborhood each time you meet. So move your virtual happy hour from the kitchen to Peachtree Street, shift from your virtual office to a walk in Piedmont Park or host your virtual birthday party at a music festival or on the set of Hunger Games. Let’s get virtual.

Check out the custom virtual backgrounds for Zoom and Microsoft Teams below.

GREETINGS FROM WEST END (WESTSIDE)

Gene Phillips, AtlantaPhotos.com Download

VIEWS FROM ATLANTIC STATION (WEST MIDTOWN)

Gene Phillips, AtlantaPhotos.com Download

REALLY GOOD STUFF IN WESTSIDE PROVISIONS DISTRICT (WESTSIDE)

Melissa McAlpine, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau Download

PIEDMONT PARK, LAKE CLARA MEER (MIDTOWN)

Gene Phillips, AtlantaPhotos.com Download

PATH 400 (BUCKHEAD)

James Duckworth, AtlantaPhotos.com Download

AERIAL VIEWS OF CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK (DOWNTOWN)

Gene Phillips, AtlantaPhotos.com Download

GEORGIA AQUARIUM (DOWNTOWN)

Georgia Aquarium Download

PEMBERTON PLACE (DOWNTOWN)

Chris Watkins Download

WORLD OF COCA-COLA (DOWNTOWN)

Discover Atlanta Editorial Team Download

AERIAL VIEWS OF MUSIC FESTIVAL IN CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK (DOWNTOWN)

Gene Phillips, AtlantaPhotos.com Download

PONCE CITY MARKET (EASTSIDE)

Discover Atlanta Editorial Team Download

DRONE FOOTAGE OF PEMBERTON PLACE (DOWNTOWN ATLANTA)

Green Media Works Download Video Background

DRONE FOOTAGE ABOVE ATLANTA BELTLINE (EASTSIDE)

Green Media Works Download Video Background

DRONE FOOTAGE OF ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER (BUCKHEAD)

Green Media Works Download Video Background

A FEW MORE GREAT VIRTUAL BACKGROUNDS IN AND AROUND ATLANTA

• Atlanta Hawks
• ButterATL
• Explore Georgia
• Emory University
• Fifth Group Restaurants (happy hour at home)
• Georgia USA (film backgrounds)
• Georgia Tech
• Georgia Aquarium
• High Museum of Art

HOW TO CHANGE YOUR ZOOM BACKGROUND ON DESKTOP

• Click on the image to download your favorite Atlanta background.
• Drag the image from your browser onto your desktop (or create a virtual backgrounds folder and save it there).
• Open your Zoom app and log in or download the Zoom app for Mac or Windows if you do not already have it.
• Click on your profile photo in the upper right corner, then navigate to “Settings.”
• In the left menu, click “Virtual Background.”
• Just above the images, click the (+) icon to “Choose Virtual Background.”
• Click “Add Image” or “Add Video.” Select and upload your new Discover Atlanta background. If you notice that the Atlanta logo is backward, you do not need to change it. It will appear normal in your video call. If not, just come back to Settings/Virtual Background and click “Mirror my video.”

CAN YOU USE ZOOM BACKGROUNDS ON MOBILE?

If you are taking your video call from your cell phone, you can use virtual backgrounds there, too.

• Click the image or download link for your favorite Atlanta Zoom background.
• Hold down the image and select “Add to Photos.”
• Open your Zoom app and log in or download the Zoom app for iOS to iPhone or iPad if you do not already have it.
• Tap the three dots in the bottom right to open the “More” menu.
• Tap “Virtual Background.”
• Beside the default images, click the (+) icon. You may need to allow the app to access your photos.
• Select your new Discover Atlanta Zoom background and click Done. Then tap Close. If you notice that the Atlanta logo is backward, you do not need to change it. It will appear normal in your video call.

HOW TO CHANGE YOUR VIRTUAL BACKGROUND ON MICROSOFT TEAMS

Microsoft Teams lets you customize your background, too. There are a few extra steps to make it happen, but surely it’s on the radar to make it a little simpler. For now:

• Copy this text: %APPDATA%MicrosoftTeamsBackgrounds.
• Type “Run” in your search bar and hit “Enter.”
• Paste the text in the field next to “Open” and click “OK.”
• Add your Discover Atlanta background images to the “Uploads” folder.
• Open the Microsoft Teams app and log in.
• Tap the three dots in the bottom menu.
• Tap “Show Background eEffects”
• Select and preview your new Discover Atlanta background. Then apply. If you notice that the Atlanta logo is backward, you do not need to change it. It will appear normal in your video call.

What do you think? Do you have a photo you want us to add? Use #DiscoverATL and let us know. After all, you weren’t really there if you didn’t snap a photo. #DiscoverATLfromHome

These images are only provided as virtual backgrounds for Zoom and Microsoft Teams. If you would like to use these images beyond these platforms, please visit create an account using our digital asset management system on Barberstock.

Sheretha “Sheree” Bell has lived in Atlanta for 24 years. She’s spent 20 years with her Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau family and moved her extended family to Atlanta 10 years ago, so they all call it home. As a proud mom of two young Pokémon masters, virtual backgrounds are a must. ShereeBellATL

Sheretha (Sheree) Bell loves to discover Atlanta, exploring new experiences and rediscovering traditional treasures. With two young boys and family all around the city, quality time with family and great deals are high priorities.