Best Microsoft Teams backgrounds of 2024: for personal and business use

Virtual backgrounds will add character to your Teams calls

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With remote working set to remain, many of us are still hunting for the bestMicrosoft Teamsbackgrounds out there.

There are a number of reasons to use the Teams backgrounds feature; some people are just looking to add some personality to theirvideo calls, while others might be worried about the state of their home office.

The beauty of Teams backgrounds is that they come in all manner of flavors, so there’s a Teams background for every scenario, occasion and season.

Although there are stock options available, you’ll have to do some digging to uncover the best Teams backgrounds. To give you a helping hand, however, we’ve rounded up a great selection of free virtual backgrounds for personal and business use.

The best Microsoft Teams backgrounds of 2024 in full:

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BBC

If you’re a fan of the BBC, you’ll be happy to learn that the broadcaster is offering its own video call backgrounds. There are some stunningwildlife shots, including a cute sea turtle, and100 empty setsfrom the BBC Archive. Should you fancy a spin in the Tardis or a drink down the Old Vic, you’re in luck.

Getty Images

With an archive of more than 200 million stock images, Getty is one of the world’s largest visual media companies. It too is offeringvirtual backgrounds for remote workers. Hand-picked and aimed at brightening up your Teams calls, they include Jurassic dinosaurs, the Egyptian pyramids and red carpet photographers.

Pexels

Free stock image website Pexels has over 500 engagingvideo conference backgrounds, which include everything from offices and colleagues working together to friends hanging out and people celebrating their birthday. They’re free, high-res and easy to download onto any device.

Disney Pixar

The BBC isn’t the only media giant to release its own backgrounds for video calls; Disney is looking to “brighten up your next video call” with a series ofPixar backgrounds. They include scenes from iconic movies like Toy Story, Finding Memo, Monsters Inc and The Incredibles. It’s like living your childhood all over again!

Fox

If you’re a fan of cartoons, it’s definitely worth checking out Fox’sselection of backgrounds. The American broadcasting giant is offering a range of backgrounds taken from shows like The Simpsons and Family Guy, and they’re completely free.

Marvel

According toMarvel, video calls with your home background are “typical, mundane, and not at all dangerous”. So, with more people using their computers for work and fun, it’s releasedcinematic shots of its most iconic locations. For instance, you can download a high-res background of Wakanda. Again, you don’t have to pay a penny.

Star Wars

A bit of aStar Warsfanatic? Then you’ll be thrilled to learn that you can downloadfree high-res backgroundsfrom the iconic movies. Whether your call is personal or professional, we’ve all dreamed of travelling the galaxies. Backgrounds include The Millennium Falcon, Death Star, Cloud City and Jakku.

Airbnb

Although the pandemic has curtailed many of our travel plans, that doesn’t mean you can’t look like you’re somewhere nice while on video call. In fact, Airbnb is aiming to “transport you outdoors” through itsvirtual background collection. It’s full of stunning shots, including a Balian treehouse and vintage home in Hollywood.

NASA

Space lovers will rejoice at the fact that NASA is allowing people to downloadfree galactic backgroundsto be used on video calls, including the launch of a Mars parachute, aerial shots of various parts of the world (including the Dnieper River in Ukraine), a glimpse of Jupiter and other wonders of space.

Virtual dates

Since the start of the pandemic, lots of people have been going on virtual dates and catch-ups. Of course, the background of your bedroom or living room isn’t quite as impressive as the great outdoors or a fancy bar. But dating app Hinge has your back with somefree backgrounds.

ITV’s Coronation Street

Fancy a pint down the Rover’s Return? It’s sort-of possible thanks to these freeCoronation Street backgroundsfrom ITV. They feature iconic scenes from the soap, such as The Kabin, Roy’s Rolls and various homes of the show’s characters.

Lego

Lego is another high profile company that has its ownbackground imagesfor video calls. Looking to make video calls fun, it’s released high-res images of its toy characters travelling the galaxies, sailing on pirate ships, hanging out in the jungle and many more. They’re great for anyone who has children.

IKEA

Walking around Ikea truly is an adventure and sometimes feels like being on a film set. Now you can feature its famed designs on your video calls. The furniture giant has a vast collection ofvideo call backgrounds, including offices, celebrations, views, romantic dates and spaces.

Canva

Canva, a graphic design platform, offers a range offree backgroundsand animations. Whether it’s a custombusiness card, a classroom blackboard, swirling stars, a city backdrop or cute dogs, there are loads of fun and professional templates to choose from. You can even create your own virtual background if you can’t find something for you and are feeling creative.

Shutterstock

Shutterstock is another popular graphics website providingfree backgroundsto customize calls. There are 50 static backgrounds available as part of a downloadable pack, ranging from office shots for professional business calls to stunning geographic photos that make you look like you’re in a far away destination rather than lounging in your PJs at home.

Unsplash

Unsplash is probably the best resource for premium stock images that don’t cost a penny, covering everything from business to architecture. You can easily use them as backgrounds for video calls, and there are thousands of options available. If you don’t want to spend hours searching for the perfect picture, it’s definitely worth browsing Unsplash’s dedicatedWork From Home page.

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Nicholas Fearn is a freelance technology journalist and copywriter from the Welsh valleys. His work has appeared in publications such as the FT, the Independent, the Daily Telegraph, The Next Web, T3, Android Central, Computer Weekly, and many others. He also happens to be a diehard Mariah Carey fan!

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