Including music in a Zoom meeting is an excellent way to add a special touch to your virtual gatherings and infuse them with energy. In this article, I will walk you through the process of how to add music to your Zoom meetings, sharing my own personal tips and tricks that I have learned along the way.
Step 1: Selecting the Right Music
Before we dive into the technical details, it’s important to choose the right music for your Zoom meeting. Consider the purpose of the meeting and the mood you want to create. You could go for some upbeat tunes to energize the participants or opt for calming melodies to create a relaxing ambiance.
Personally, I like to create a playlist of songs that reflect the theme or topic of the meeting. For example, if it’s a brainstorming session, I might include some instrumental tracks to help stimulate creativity.
Step 2: Preparing Your Audio Source
Once you have your music selection ready, the next step is to prepare the audio source. Zoom allows you to share the computer’s audio with the participants, so you’ll need to have your music files stored on your computer.
If you’re using music files that are saved locally, make sure they are in a format that Zoom supports, such as MP3, WAV, or AAC. You can also consider using a streaming platform, such as Spotify or YouTube Music, by sharing your screen and playing the music directly from the platform.
Step 3: Sharing Audio in Zoom
Now that you have your music prepared, it’s time to share the audio in Zoom. Start your Zoom meeting as you normally would, and once you’re in the meeting, click on the “Share Screen” button located at the bottom of the Zoom toolbar.
Next, select the window or application that you want to share. If you’re playing music from a streaming platform, choose the browser window where the music is playing. If you have the music files locally on your computer, choose the window that displays the media player you’re using.
Before confirming the selection, make sure to check the “Share computer sound” checkbox located at the bottom left corner of the sharing options. This will ensure that the participants can hear the music.
Step 4: Adjusting the Audio Settings
Once you’ve started sharing your audio, it’s important to check the audio settings to ensure the best experience for everyone. Click on the “^” arrow next to the “Mute” button in the Zoom toolbar and select “Audio Settings.”
In the Audio Settings window, make sure that the microphone and speaker settings are configured correctly. You don’t want to accidentally broadcast your voice or have the music playing too loudly.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to test the audio levels by playing a sample track before the actual meeting starts. This will allow you to make any necessary adjustments to ensure a balanced sound.
Step 5: Controlling the Music Playback
During the meeting, you’ll have control over the music playback. You can pause, play, or even change tracks as needed. If you’re using a media player, you can simply switch to the player window and use its controls. If you’re using a streaming platform, you can control the playback using the platform’s interface.
Remember to be mindful of the volume and make sure it’s not too distracting or overpowering. You want the music to enhance the meeting, not overshadow it.
Conclusion
Adding music to your Zoom meetings can bring a new level of personalization and engagement. By carefully selecting the right music, preparing your audio source, sharing the audio in Zoom, adjusting the settings, and controlling the music playback, you can create a memorable and enjoyable virtual gathering.
So go ahead, spice up your next Zoom meeting with some carefully curated tunes and watch the positive impact it has on the overall experience!