Turning on virtual backgrounds in Linux

[Mex]

I am experiencing difficulty in enabling virtual backgrounds on the Zoom application for Ubuntu Linux (Version 5.17.1). Despite the computer being capable (as proven by successful background modifications in Microsoft Meetings), I cannot achieve the same in Zoom.

Attempts Made:

Searched for the ZoomMedia.ini file, including in /etc/zoomvdi/ and ~/.zoom, but it was not present.
Tried the find command (sudo find / -name ZoomMedia.ini) without locating the file.
Considered creating a ZoomMedia.ini file, but lacked specific configuration details for virtual backgrounds.

Could somebody please provide guidance on how to enable virtual backgrounds in Zoom on Ubuntu Linux? Specific instructions on locating or creating the ZoomMedia.ini file, if necessary, would be highly appreciated.

[ZoomerIT]

Hi @Mex,

       Thank you for reaching out to Zoom Support! Please review the following (https://arc.net/l/quote/padnsklh) :

1. Check In-App Settings:
• Even though it's not officially supported, see if the virtual background option is available:
• Go to Settings > In Meeting (Advanced) > Virtual Background.
• If you see it, switch it on and see if this will allow the VB to start working
  
  

2.  Locate & Edit the ZoomMedia.ini File (if needed):
   • If the previous option wasn't there, here's how to edit the ZoomMedia.ini file:

• Find the file: Use the command sudo find / -name ZoomMedia.ini. If not found, please also check ~/.config/zoomus.conf.
• Open it: Use a text editor (e.g., sudo nano ZoomMedia.ini).
• Add a line: Find the [FEATURE] section and add SMARTVB=1.
• Save and restart Zoom.
  
  

3. If Unable to Locate, then Create ZoomMedia.ini (if necessary):
   • If the file doesn't exist, create a new text file named ZoomMedia.ini in one of these locations:

• ~/.zoom
• /etc/zoomvdi
• ~/.config/zoomus.conf

• Add this content:
  • [FEATURE]
    SMARTVB=1
  • Save and restart Zoom.

If this information helps resolve your problem, please like and accept as a solution so that this content can help future client questions.

Compatibility Note: Not all Linux systems and hardware fully support virtual backgrounds yet as this depends greatly on the GPU, RAM, OS versions, drivers, etc. 

Thanks!

[Mex]

Already tried the first step, that's why I was looking for ZoomMedia.ini (which doesn't exist on my machine). Added the line to zoomus.conf, and now I can add backgrounds if (and only if) I turn on green-screen, this is not an ideal solution though as the green-screen I have is smaller than the frame of the video so what's outside of the screen still shows defeating the object of doing it al at. And there is no blur option.

If I go in through the web interface, both blur and (no green-screen) background replacement work without issue, so it's clearly not an issue with the computer. I know I can use the web interface as a workaround, but I'd prefer to use the official program for Zoom and my browser for other web stuff.

Is there anyway to get the software to do what it's meant to do?

[ZoomerIT]

Hi @Mex,

    Can you please provide the following so we can verify the system requirements located here, https://arc.net/l/quote/hagxyjmb:

• Please provide your:
  • Device Make/Model - 
  • GPU/Processor - 
  • RAM amount -
  • OS Version - 
  • Zoom desktop app version - 

Thanks!

[Mex]

As I said above, it's not a hardware problem as it works fine via the web interface. It's an issue with the Linux software (Version 5.17.1 as stated in the OP).

[AndrewDurocher]

Alienware Area 51m

NVIDIA 2070m GPU

64GB RAM

Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS

I've not been able to use virtual backgrounds for years. I've tried the deb and snap store's versions and also performed the steps listed above.  What happens is, when I click the virtual background that I want to apply, the video feed freezes.

Its too bad Mex didn't have the patients to finish this thread off. Probably should have proceeded to do as you say every step of the way even if he had done it before, so as to give you a more detailed report.

[Mex]

---

Its too bad Mex didn't have the patients to finish this thread off.

---

What? I'm not an MD, and even if I was how would having patients or not have anything to do with this?

---

Probably should have proceeded to do as you say every step of the way even if he had done it before, so as to give you a more detailed report.

---

There is no need to list hardware, as it's not a hardware issue. The hardware I'm using can do this (as proven by using the web client, and other peoples video conferencing software), the issue is the software not doing what it should, that's why I didn't list it.

[Nono3]

@Mex did you fix the issue? I am experiencing the exact same issue. Working well on web but the client freeze the video as soon as I tick the blur background option. @ZoomerIT you never responded to Mex. Some actual support for what seems to be a more general issue would be appreciated 🙂
I am on version 6.2.3.2056 using the latest stable Ubuntu (using the Snap)

[AndrewDurocher]

I'm having the same issue. I hope they resolve it. If you do find a solution please drop it in this thread. I've been desperate to change my background for over a year now. haha.

[Nono3]

I sort of have. 
The web version was working fine so it prompted me to check if the issue was with the snap or not. And sure enough, when I installed the latest version from the zoom website, it started working fine. So the issue is with the Snap (at least for me)

[AndrewDurocher]

Thanks so much, that worked for me as well.