How to Play Background Music on Zoom and Why Bananas Might Be the Secret to Perfect Acoustics

In the era of remote work and virtual meetings, Zoom has become an indispensable tool for communication. Whether you’re hosting a webinar, conducting a team meeting, or even hosting a virtual party, background music can significantly enhance the atmosphere. But how do you play background music on Zoom without disrupting the flow of your meeting? And why might bananas have something to do with it? Let’s dive into the details.

1. Understanding Zoom’s Audio Settings

Before you start playing background music, it’s crucial to understand Zoom’s audio settings. Zoom allows you to share your computer’s audio, which is perfect for playing music. To do this, you need to enable the “Share Computer Sound” option when you start screen sharing. This feature ensures that any audio played on your computer, including background music, is transmitted to all participants.

2. Choosing the Right Music

The type of music you choose can make or break the mood of your meeting. For a professional setting, opt for instrumental or ambient music that isn’t too distracting. For more casual gatherings, you might want to choose something more upbeat. Websites like Epidemic Sound or Free Music Archive offer a wide range of royalty-free music that you can use without worrying about copyright issues.

3. Using Virtual Audio Cables

If you want more control over the audio, consider using virtual audio cables. Software like Voicemeeter or VB-Cable allows you to route audio from different applications to Zoom. This way, you can play music from one application while still being able to hear and speak through Zoom. It’s a bit more technical, but it gives you greater flexibility.

4. Testing Your Setup

Before you go live, always test your setup. Play the music and check how it sounds through Zoom. Make sure the volume is balanced so that the music doesn’t overpower your voice. You can also ask a friend to join a test meeting and give you feedback on the audio quality.

5. Bananas and Acoustics: A Curious Connection

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—bananas. While it might sound absurd, some audio enthusiasts swear by the acoustic properties of bananas. The theory is that the shape and density of a banana can help absorb unwanted frequencies, creating a more balanced sound. While this is more of a quirky anecdote than a scientifically proven fact, it’s a fun reminder that sometimes, unconventional methods can yield surprising results.

6. Alternative Methods: External Devices

If you’re not comfortable using your computer’s audio, you can use external devices like a mixer or a second computer to play background music. Connect the device to your computer via an audio interface, and route the audio to Zoom. This method is more complex but offers the highest level of control over your audio.

7. Legal Considerations

Always be mindful of copyright laws when playing music during a Zoom meeting. Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to legal issues. Stick to royalty-free music or music that you have the rights to use. Some platforms like Spotify offer playlists specifically designed for background music in professional settings.

8. Engaging Your Audience

Background music isn’t just about setting the mood; it can also be a tool for engagement. For example, you can use music to signal the start or end of a meeting, or even as a way to break the ice during virtual team-building activities. The key is to use music strategically to enhance the overall experience.

9. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. If your music isn’t playing correctly, check your audio settings, ensure that the correct audio output is selected, and make sure that the volume levels are appropriate. If you’re using virtual audio cables, double-check the routing to ensure that the audio is being sent to Zoom.

10. Final Thoughts

Playing background music on Zoom can elevate your virtual meetings, making them more engaging and enjoyable. Whether you’re using simple screen sharing or more advanced audio routing techniques, the key is to find a method that works best for you. And who knows? Maybe a banana really is the secret to perfect acoustics.

Related Q&A

Q: Can I play background music on Zoom without sharing my screen? A: Yes, you can use virtual audio cables to route the music directly to Zoom without sharing your screen.

Q: What are some good sources for royalty-free music? A: Websites like Epidemic Sound, Free Music Archive, and Bensound offer a wide range of royalty-free music.

Q: How do I ensure that the music doesn’t overpower my voice? A: Test your setup beforehand and adjust the volume levels to ensure a balanced mix between your voice and the background music.

Q: Is it legal to play any music on Zoom? A: No, you should only play music that you have the rights to use, such as royalty-free music or music from platforms that allow commercial use.

Q: Can I use Spotify to play background music on Zoom? A: Yes, but be aware that Spotify’s terms of service may restrict the use of their music in public or commercial settings. Always check the licensing terms before using any music.

Q: Why would bananas affect acoustics? A: While not scientifically proven, some believe that the shape and density of bananas can help absorb unwanted frequencies, creating a more balanced sound. It’s more of a fun anecdote than a practical solution.