Microsoft Teams testing organization-wide background images for meetings and calls

What you need to know

• Microsoft Teams now supports organization-wide meeting backgrounds.
• The feature is available in preview for Microsoft 365 commercial users.
• Admins can add up to 50 custom images and apply them in meetings and calls.
• People within an organization can also choose to use one of the uploaded backgrounds.

Using a custom background image is one of the most popular options on Microsoft Teams. These images can add personality to a call or meeting or make someone appear more professional. They also cover up anything that you don't want shown on camera. Now, a feature is in testing for Microsoft Teams that lets admins manage organization-wide custom background images (via OnMSFT)

Microsoft announced the feature in April 2021, but it hasn't been available until recently. The option is now available in preview for Microsoft 365 commercial subscribers.

With the feature, admins can upload up to 50 custom backgrounds that can be used throughout an organization. These backgrounds can then be applied during meetings or calls by the admin. People within an organization can also choose to use any of the uploaded backgrounds themselves. Admins can look through and manage the background images in a new section within 'Meeting policies.'

The Microsoft 365 roadmap entry for the capability states that the feature will require an Advanced Communications license when it becomes generally available.