Overview
Virtual backgrounds let you blur your environment or replace it with an image while recording — keeping you looking polished and professional no matter where you are.
Who this applies to: All users
Plan requirement: Core, Core + Copilot, Enterprise
How to Apply a Virtual Background While Recording
- Click Create Video to open the recorder.
- Click the effects wand icon in the bottom-right corner of the recorder.
- Choose your background option:
- None — use your real background as-is
- Blur — softens your background while keeping you in focus
- Virtual Background — replaces your background with an image. Select from backgrounds your Admin has uploaded for your team, or upload your own if your Admin has enabled that permission.
- Click the red Record button to start recording with your selected background.
Note: Virtual backgrounds are available in the BombBomb web recorder and Chrome Extension.
Adjusting Background Quality
If your virtual background looks choppy or slow, you can adjust the rendering quality to match your computer's performance.
- Click the gear icon in the recorder to open Settings.
- Under Background Quality, choose from: Ultra, High, Medium, or Low.
Higher quality looks better but requires more processing power. If your background is lagging or your video feels slow, try lowering the quality setting.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
- Use a plain backdrop. A blank wall or solid color behind you helps the virtual background render more cleanly and reduces edge blurring around your face and body.
- Minimize hand gestures. When using a virtual background, rely more on facial expressions and posture. Frequent hand movement near the edges of your frame can cause the background to look choppy.
- Personalize it. Consider using your recipient's company logo or a branded background to make your video feel tailored specifically for them.
- Use virtual backgrounds when your environment isn't ideal. A cluttered, busy, or private space is a great reason to use a virtual background — it keeps the focus on you and your message.
FAQs
My background isn't blurring. What's wrong?
Make sure your camera is enabled and that you've selected Blur in the effects panel. If your camera isn't being detected, check your browser's camera permissions.
I don't see any virtual background images to choose from.
Virtual background images are uploaded by your Admin. If none are available, contact your Admin and ask them to upload backgrounds for your team. If your Admin has enabled self-upload, you can add your own by clicking Upload Virtual Background in the effects panel.
Can I upload my own virtual background?
Only if your Admin has enabled that permission for your account. If you don't see an upload option, reach out to your Admin.
My virtual background looks laggy or choppy. What should I do?
Lower the Background Quality setting in the recorder Settings panel. Try High or Medium first and see if performance improves.
Does this work on mobile?
Virtual backgrounds are currently only available in the web recorder and Chrome Extension, not on mobile.