How to Play Background Music on Zoom: A Guide with Multiple Perspectives

In the realm of online meetings and conferences, setting the right ambiance is crucial, and nothing beats the magic of background music to elevate the experience. If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance or warmth to your Zoom meetings with background music, here’s how you can do it without complications.

Zoom in-built music features: Zoom offers limited audio options that enable users to share their device’s media while on a call. While this doesn’t directly play background music during the meeting, you can use it as a workaround. Here’s how:
- Start your music player before joining the Zoom meeting.
- Once in the meeting, share your screen and play the music through the shared screen.
- Keep the media sharing window open while presenting or conducting the meeting.

This method, however, may not be ideal for all scenarios as it can affect video quality and potentially distract from the main content.

Third-party software: There are numerous third-party applications that integrate seamlessly with Zoom and allow you to play background music without sharing your screen. These tools often provide more advanced features like music customization, scheduling, and seamless integration with Zoom. Some popular options include Zoom Background Music and Virtual Backgrounds for Zoom. These tools are generally easy to install and configure, making background music a seamless experience during Zoom meetings.
Web-based solutions: For those who prefer a simpler approach, there are web-based services that offer background music for Zoom without requiring any software installation. These platforms provide a wide range of music tracks that can be streamed directly on Zoom. While these services might not offer advanced customization options like some third-party software, they are generally sufficient for playing basic background music without any hassle.
Dos and Don’ts of Playing Background Music on Zoom:
- Do ensure that the music complements the purpose of your meeting or event. Soft classical or ambient music works best for corporate or brainstorming sessions, while a peppy tune is apt for casual social meetings.
- Don’t play overly loud music that may overshadow the discussion or create a distracting environment.
- Do consider checking for copyright issues before playing any music during your Zoom meeting, especially if it’s a public event or business meeting.
- Don’t forget to test the audio quality before the meeting to ensure smooth playback without any glitches or delays.
Cultural considerations: When choosing background music for a Zoom meeting, it’s important to consider the cultural context and preferences of your audience. Different cultures have different notions about music and its appropriateness in different situations, so it’s always good to be mindful of these aspects to avoid any cultural faux pas during your Zoom session.

Remember, adding background music to Zoom meetings is primarily intended to enhance the overall experience and foster a positive atmosphere, rather than being a central focus of attention. With that in mind, follow these tips to make your Zoom meetings more enjoyable with the right background music!

FAQs: Q: Is it possible to play background music on Zoom without sharing my screen? A: Yes, you can use third-party software or web-based solutions that integrate with Zoom to play background music without sharing your screen.

Q: What kind of music is best for a Zoom meeting? A: It depends on the purpose of your meeting. Soft classical or ambient music is often preferred for corporate meetings, while casual social meetings might benefit from lighter, upbeat tunes. Always consider your audience’s preferences and cultural context.

Q: Do I need to worry about copyright issues when playing music on Zoom? A: Yes, it’s important to ensure that any music you play during a Zoom meeting is either royalty-free or licensed for public performance. Avoid playing copyrighted music unless you have permission from the copyright owner.