Google has announced on Google Workspace Updates that it's rolling out the ability to add custom backgrounds to Google Meet.
For the time being, Google says that the feature will only work on Chrome OS and Chrome browsers on Mac and Windows PCs. While it's not out on mobile yet, it's an exciting announcement from Google that could help make Meet overthrow Zoom as the go-to place for online meetings.
Custom Backgrounds in Google Meet
With the new custom background feature in Google Meet, you can choose from Google's selection of images or use your own. Google's images include office spaces, landscapes, and abstract backgrounds, all of which will make you stand out during those meetings.
Having a custom background makes a meeting more fun, but it's also useful. It can help hide distracting or embarrassing things in the background. Perhaps you forgot to clean up before the meeting, or your cats decided that the meeting is the perfect time to run around and play with their toys. Whatever the reason, blocking the background out can make meetings more pleasant.
This change comes hot on the heels of Google adding the ability to filter out disruptive background noise and blur your background in Google Meet. Between the three new features, Meet has become a far more powerful meeting tool than it was previously. Zoom might need to watch out.
How To Use Google Meet Custom Backgrounds
Turning on custom backgrounds is relatively easy. If you haven't started a meeting yet, click Change Background on your self-view's bottom right. If you want to blur your background slightly, click Slightly blur your background. If you're going to use one of Google's images, click the photo you want. If you wish to upload your own image, click Add and then upload the image.
If you're already in a meeting, you can still change your background, but the process is slightly different. First, click More. From there, click Change Background. Click Slightly blur your background, select a pre-uploaded image, or click Add to upload your own image.
Google also notes that using a custom background may slow down your PC, so you might want to test it out before you jump into an important business meeting.
What About Mobile?
While the feature is only available on Chrome OS and the Chrome browser on Mac and PC, Google says that it plans to roll out the feature on Meet mobile apps shortly. Either way, it's a step in the right direction for Google Meet.
