How To Change Your Background in Amazon Chime

Virtual meetings have become a staple of modern business communication. Whether you're leading a team call, presenting to stakeholders, or attending a client briefing, your video background can say a lot about your professionalism. While platforms like Zoom and Teams have long supported background customization, users of Chime by Amazon may be wondering: Can I change my background in an Amazon Chime meeting? In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.

What is Amazon Chime?

Before diving into background options, let’s clarify the basics: What is Amazon Chime?

Amazon Chime is a secure, scalable communications service built by AWS (Amazon Web Services) for video conferencing, messaging, calling, and collaboration. Designed for business use, Chime by Amazon offers features such as real-time video calls, screen sharing, scheduling integration, and persistent chat—all with a focus on enterprise-grade security.

Unlike some other meeting platforms, Amazon Chime is API-driven, meaning many of its features are highly customizable through the Amazon Chime SDK. While this flexibility is a huge plus for developers, everyday users may find that some common features—like virtual background switching—are a little more manual or dependent on their organization’s IT infrastructure.

How to Change Your Background in Amazon Chime

Unlike platforms that offer a native virtual background feature, Amazon Chime currently does not offer full built-in background replacement or customization for general users. However, there are still ways to adjust your background appearance using third-party tools or the background blur feature (available on supported devices). Here's how to manage your environment:

Option 1: Use a Third-Party Virtual Camera Tool

To use a green screen background in Amazon, or to display a branded virtual office from Custom Virtual Office, you’ll need a third-party application that supports virtual webcams. Some popular tools include:

• OBS Studio with VirtualCam Plugin

• XSplit VCam

• Snap Camera

• ManyCam

These tools allow you to overlay a custom image, apply a green screen background Amazon filter, or blur your surroundings. Once set up, you simply select the virtual camera as your webcam source in Amazon Chime.

Steps to Use a Virtual Background with Amazon Chime:

1. Install OBS or another virtual camera tool.

2. Load your custom virtual background (from Custom Virtual Office, for example).

3. Enable the virtual webcam feature in your software.

4. Open your Amazon Chime meeting.

5. In Chime, select the virtual camera as your video input device.

   
   

While it takes a few steps, this method gives you full control over your on-screen presence—perfect for remote teams, virtual sales calls, or online interviews.

Understanding Amazon Chime’s Video Options

Amazon Chime's native video options are relatively straightforward. You can:

• Turn your camera on or off

• Switch between front and rear cameras (on mobile)

• Choose from available webcam devices

• Enable background blur (in specific environments)

Video quality is managed automatically to optimize bandwidth, and IT admins can set policies through AWS for higher-level control.

However, since Amazon Chime doesn’t currently support one-click virtual backgrounds, users must rely on physical setups or third-party virtual cameras to enhance their video environment.

Enable Background Blur in Amazon Chime

One built-in feature available to some users is background blur. This feature softens your real-world surroundings while keeping you in focus, offering a more professional appearance without requiring a green screen or virtual background app.

To Enable Background Blur in Amazon Chime:

1. Join or start an Amazon Chime meeting.

2. In the toolbar, click on the Video icon or settings gear.

3. Look for the option labeled “Background Blur” (available only if your device supports it).

4. Toggle the feature on.

   
   

Please note: Background blur requires support from both your operating system and hardware (like a compatible GPU). It may not appear on older devices or virtual desktops.

Using Custom Virtual Office Backgrounds for Amazon Chime Meetings

Just because Amazon Chime doesn’t offer native background image support doesn’t mean you can’t represent your brand or aesthetic. With Custom Virtual Office, you can create high-resolution, professional virtual backgrounds designed to work perfectly with third-party tools.

We design:

• Minimalist office spaces

• Executive boardroom visuals

• Industry-specific settings (for lawyers, architects, therapists, and more)

• Seasonal and branded themes

Once you have your custom design, simply upload it to a compatible tool like OBS or ManyCam, and it becomes your virtual environment during your Amazon Chime meeting.

Benefits of using a Custom Virtual Office background include:

• Reinforced branding through logo integration

• Professional, distraction-free environments

• Backgrounds tailored to your industry or work style

• Compatibility with any meeting platform when using a virtual camera

  
  

Whether you're hosting a webinar or attending a legal deposition, a polished virtual office boosts confidence and credibility.

Developer-Level Customization Using the Amazon Chime SDK

For businesses and developers, the Amazon Chime SDK offers deep customization options—including the ability to build apps with video background replacement or filtering features. If your organization uses a custom frontend for Chime, you can develop support for:

• Background replacement with images or video

• Real-time green screen processing

• AI-based background segmentation

• Custom layout and branding options

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The SDK provides access to low-level video and audio controls that allow your development team to go beyond the default interface. Companies building virtual event platforms or internal tools can use this flexibility to offer advanced features like the ones found in Zoom or Google Meet.

To use the SDK:

1. Integrate the Amazon Chime SDK into your application.

2. Use Amazon's video background blur and replacement guide for implementation tips.

3. Customize the experience based on your branding and use case.

   
   

This option is ideal for large organizations that want full control over the user experience and branding within Chime-powered platforms.

While Amazon Chime may not offer built-in background image replacement like some competitors, there are still several ways to customize your visual presence. From using third-party tools for a green screen background Amazon setup to enabling native background blur or even developing a bespoke solution via the Amazon Chime SDK, professionals have options.

At Custom Virtual Office, we provide custom-designed backgrounds that help you present your best self—whether you’re pitching a project, consulting with a client, or leading a team call. Ready to enhance your next Amazon Chime meeting? Explore our virtual background collections that reflects your brand and space.