45 Funny Zoom Backgrounds 2023: Because We All Need A Laugh
When Zoom first hit the video chat scene many moons ago, I had no idea how large a part of my life it would become. Now, I’ve been Zooming all day, every day for the past year and a half or so, and I rely on funny zoom backgrounds to make the experience a little more ~fun~. Granted, there’s nothing fun about having to distance from others and work from home to avoid catching a virus, but hey! We were out here doing out best we could to make a bad situation a little more bearable, and these funny backgrounds were here to help.
There’s no denying that the appeal of constantly video-chatting your friends or having a Zoom meeting every single morning has lost its novelty now that most of us have been social-distancing for over a year—but there are ways to make it more enjoyable and these funny backgrounds are a great start. Now that the vaccine is being distributed, these might even be some of your last Zoom calls ever, so make them count with a good background you’ll remember!
If you didn’t know you could change your background on Zoom, then honey, it’s time to step into the future. It’s easy to do, and you should definitely be doing it! Anyone can change their video’s background, and while you can opt to use the handful of backgrounds Zoom provides, you might find that they’re, well, boring. Wouldn’t you rather use a funny Zoom background to make your friends laugh or give your co-workers a chuckle during a long meeting? I thought so. All you have to do is save the image of your choice to your computer, and Boom! An incredible background option is born. You can Google search for options to your heart’s content, or you can save one of the 45 backgrounds on our list below. Obviously, we recommend the latter.
The backgrounds on this list are references to your favorite shows, from Spongebob Squarepants to The Office to Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Of course, there’s also movie backgrounds, from High School Musical to White Chicks to Twilight (yep, even Twilight). Then, there are some iconic celeb moments, with everyone from the Kardashians fist-fighting to Rihanna grinding on Drake to Demi Lovato in a parachute. Honestly, what more could you ask for?
Allow me to let you in on a little secret. The key to a truly funny zoom background? It’s all about going for something unexpected. While you might want your office or vacation background to look realistic and convince your friends it’s legit, funny backgrounds should intentionally radiate some ~hot mess energy~, if you know what I’m saying. Your background should have all the ambiance of the Jersey Shore house, all the iconic energy of Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie in a The Simple Life episode, and all the unexpected wonder of Cardi B eating a mango on Instagram Live.
If you haven’t guessed, all the above examples and more made the cut when we narrowed down our favorite funny zoom backgrounds. What started as a list of 15 or so grew to 20, 30, 40 and now 45. Feel free to peruse and save a few to spice up your usual Zoom sesh. Oh, and we won’t even make you tell your friends you found them from this article. Just pretend your genius brain thought them up all on its own, and accept their praise like the Natural Comedian you are. Your secret is safe with us, babe.
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The Sun Baby from Teletubbies
Sorry in advance if the Sun Baby actually scared you as a child and this is giving you flashbacks! But anyone who grew up watching Teletubbies will instantly recognize this iconic image.
A Selfie With Emily in Paris
Pretend you’re taking a photo with the “queen of Instagram,” Emily herself. Seriously, though, how the heck did Emily become a successful influencer so fast with her mediocre Instagramming skills?
A Cat Doing Its Skin Care Routine
This cat doesn’t seem to appreciate getting a facial as much as I would right now. Might as well get me one of those crystal face rollers and try to look awake as much as I can!
The Witchcraft Episode from Pen15
Shalaylay Pumpano! Shalaylay Pumpano! This scene will look awfully familiar to you if you watched the “Vendy Wiccany” episode from Pen15 Season Two…
Boardroom Fakeout
Are you missing physical meetings with your co-workers? This fake boardroom meeting background will bring back those vibes if you’re working from home.
The Great British Bake-Off
Fans of The Great British Bake-Off will enjoy having Noah and Mary as their Zoom background, but perhaps this particular image from the show will also show a hidden message?! (PAIN.)
Dolly Watching Over You
Who wouldn’t want our queen Dolly Parton watching over them like this. I’m going to say that anyone who has Dolly as their Zoom background will have good luck.
Hannah Montana
Sweet niblets! If you’re feeling nostalgic for some old-school Miley Cyrus, make this your background, stream the show and get this cute Hannah Montana t-shirt.
Mona Lisa Mask
You might not be able to see Mona Lisa’s famous smile now that she’s wearing a mask, but trust us, she’s smiling under there.
Goths at Bed Bath & Beyond
In this memorable scene from Portlandia, a couple of goths go to Bed Bath & Beyond, because nobody can resist the lure of a 20 percent off coupon for some home goods!
Screaming Scene From The Suite Life of Zack and Cody
Talk about going way back! That’s young Cole Sprouse, Dylan Sprouse, Ashley Tisdale and Brenda Song you see in this scene from The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. Do you feel old yet?
A Cat Caught By Surprise
If this poor cat’s hilarious expression reminds you of yourself when you’re trying to do yoga, you’re not alone.
Just A Bunch Of Garbage
An image that either conveys how you really feel on zoom, or just the year in general. Because 2020 was a total dumpster fire!
Patrick From Spongebob Squarepants
If you feel like you’ve been living under a rock since quarantine started, use this image of Patrick as your next funny Zoom background. He can totally relate.
This Iconic Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Scene
Kimmy Schmidt in her classic third-grader ensemble? Titus Andromedon in a knock-off superhero costume? This is the perfect funny Zoom background, and I will never change my mind.
Cam From Modern Family
Even if your friends aren’t major Modern Family fans (Ugh, can you believe it’s actually over?) they’re sure to chuckle a little at this classic—and ridiculous—photo of Cam.
The Dance Battle From White Chicks
The only appropriate funny Zoom background for your next virtual dance party, am I right?
East High Cafeteria
A great option for lunchtime meetings—or, you know, anyone who’s a Wildcat at heart.
Grimes Explaining Baby Musk’s Name On Twitter
I still don’t understand, but I’m kind of obsessed. Is this the best baby name ever or the worst? Let your Zoom call decide.
Your Diploma
Especially if your IRL graduation was cancelled and you’re Zooming with your college pals. LOL.
The That’s So Raven Intro
Stand in front of Raven and announce to your Zoom call, “Yup, that’s me!” Then have a ~vision~ mid-meeting.
The “Welcome To Schitt’s Creek” Sign
This one doubles as a great way to find out who else is watching your fave TV show.
Edward & Bella From Twilight
Y’know, because of the prequel. Feel free to switch your background to Taylor Lautner if you were #TeamJacob.
This Very Clear Message
Ideal for use during a business meeting when you want to make a point.
Carpool Karaoke
Pretend you’re a guest on James Corden’s most popular segment! Or, stand in front of Corden and hang out with Justin Bieber! If the mood strikes, head over to CBS All Access to stream Carpool Karaoke and enjoy every single celeb singalong.
A Photo Of The Person You’re Zoom-ing With
Imagine how freaked out they’ll be to log on and see themselves? Very meta.
Stacks Of Toilet Paper
So YOU’RE the person who’s been hoarding all the rolls! This is the ultimate funny Zoom background for quarantine laughs, IMHO.
An EDM Rave
It’s not Coachella, but it’ll do.
The Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park
If you’ve binge-watched Tiger King (and TBH, who hasn’t?), you’ll get the reference. Maybe use this while you take a sip from your Carole Baskin-hating mug .
The Letter Hannah Ann Wrote for Peter
If you know, you know. (And if you know, this is truly an iconic funny background choice.)
Baby Yoda
Perhaps Baby Yoda is more cute and less funny, but I’m including it nonetheless because it’s my ideal Zoom background.
This Scene from You on Netflix
You’re being watched while shopping for expensive groceries in a bougie store (and while Zooming), and you like it.
Friends Thanksgiving Episode (With the Turkey)
It’s a classic and it’s always funny. Any Friends fans can’t go wrong with this Zoom background.
Demi Lovato Parachuting
First, she was a skyscraper. Now, she’s a parachuter. Demi does it all, y’all.
Jessica from Love Is Blind on Netflix
I just can’t stop laughing at this one. Anyone else wish they could quarantine in a LIB pod?
Confused Woman Meme
This meme is a classic and somehow still relevant. We’re all confused right now. It’s OK.
Woman Yelling at a Cat
Ah, this classic meme never gets old. Just try to keep a straight face with this as your background. We dare you.
Kourtney & Kim’s Fist Fight
“You guys, my daughter is sleeping!” – Khloe.
The Cuomo Brothers
This funny background is for all you Cuomosexuals out there.
This Pup Cosplaying As Yoda
I mean, don’t we all look like this when we work from home anyway? Thank goodness for Zoom Snapchat filters.
The HSM Cast From Disney’s At-Home Sing-Along
I definitely got up and started doing the “We’re All In This Together” dance. Don’t judge me for wanting to recreate the magic on Zoom!
Cardi B Eating A Mango
When she started cutting up a mango on IG live with those long nails, I screamed. An iconic moment in quarantine history! But girl, buy a mango peeler .
The Shower
Feel free to really commit to this one and wear a bathrobe. Just don’t expose yourself, please!
Sharron From Too Netflix’s Hot To Handle
Pretend you were also a part of the show, which featured a cast of ~the hottest people ever.~
The Shark From Jaws
Probs not going to the beach this summer, so I can finally watch Jaws without freaking myself out.
A version of this story previously appeared in March 2020.
