With over 300 million daily active users, Zoom is easily one of the most popular video conferencing platforms available. I, along with millions of others, love the ease of use, especially how simple it is to set up a Zoom meeting and join Zoom meetings.
Why Use Zoom Over Other Options
With so many Zoom alternatives, why does it seem to be the most well-known? Personally, I’d only used Zoom a few times before the 2020 pandemic had most of us working from home and having regular video meetings. Once the pandemic hit, Zoom became the go-to because of its intuitive interface, ease of use, and ability to join meetings without downloading anything.
For me, I love the cross-platform compatibility, including being able to set up a Zoom meeting and join from any browser. Plus, only the host needs an account. So, anyone joining Zoom meetings never has to create an account if they don’t want to.
Something else I noticed was how well Zoom performs on sketchy Wi-Fi. I originally used Zoom on a satellite Internet connection that degraded if a single cloud appeared in the sky. Yet, I rarely had any quality or connection issues.
With the AI boom, Zoom added in the Zoom AI Companion. Free users get three uses per month to generate meeting notes and summaries. Paid users on a Zoom Workplace plan get unlimited AI Companion users along with other AI collaboration tools. AI Companion is included on the web, desktop, and mobile versions.
How to Set Up a Zoom Meeting in Browser
I always look for ways to avoid downloading and installing more apps, so I typically host Zoom meetings from my browser. This also ensures if you’re ever using a different device, no downloads are necessary. No matter how you’re setting up your meeting, make sure you have the right equipment and set up your environment beforehand for the smoothest experience.
As a host, you do need to create a free Zoom account if you don’t already have one. Otherwise, log into Zoom in your favorite browser.
From the dashboard, click Host at the far right or New Meeting, depending on which section of the dashboard you’re on. You’re prompted to install the desktop software, but you don’t have to. Just cancel the download and click Join from browser instead.
Once the meeting screen opens, click Participants at the bottom of the screen and click Invite in the Participants window.
Invite participants to join a Zoom meeting by sending them the invitation URL or code (along with the passcode to join), searching for users from your contacts, choosing other users from your Zoom Workplace, or by sending an email invitation.
If you want to schedule a meeting for the future, click Schedule from the main dashboard. Add all relevant details and click Save. The meeting appears on your dashboard and Zoom calendar (if you’ve connected them). Click Start to start your scheduled meeting when you’re ready.
Set Up Zoom Meetings on Desktop
To host a video call from your desktop versus the browser, download the Zoom desktop software for Windows, macOS, or Linux and install it. For the steps below, I’m using Windows, but the process is pretty much the same for all three operating systems.
Sign in or create a new Zoom account. Remember, the host must have an account. Click New Meeting and Start when the preview appears. Alternately, tap Schedule, enter all details to schedule a future meeting, save it, and start it from your dashboard when ready.
Click Participants at the bottom and click Invite to invite other users. All they need is the invite URL and passcode to join.
How to Set Up Zoom Meeting on Mobile
I often prefer using my tablet to host Zoom meetings. The great part is I can use my mobile browser or the Zoom app, which is compatible with Android and iOS. For mobile, it is easier to just use the app, though.
As the host, download the Zoom mobile app and install it. Log in to your Zoom account. For the below steps, I’m using an Android phone.
Tap Meet and Start a meeting. Tap Start when the preview appears. Alternately, tap Schedule, enter all details to schedule a future meeting, save it, and start it from your dashboard when ready.
Tap the middle of your screen to bring up the meeting controls toolbar at the bottom. Tap Participants → Invite and invite your participants via email, texting the URL/passcode, or choosing from your contacts.
How to Join a Zoom Meeting
A host may simply send you a link, an email invitation, or even a text to join a Zoom meeting. You’ll need the meeting URL or code along with the passcode to join. For example, my latest Zoom meeting invite via email included the URL, Meeting ID, and passcode.
You don’t need a Zoom account to join, but AI features require an account. Also, no matter where the host sets up the Zoom meeting, you’re free to join via the browser, desktop app, or mobile app.
Click or copy/paste the link and enter the details in your browser to join. Or, if you have a Zoom account, log in via your browser, desktop app, or mobile app and click Join. Enter your Meeting ID and click Join. Enter the passcode when prompted, and you’re ready to join the Zoom meeting.
All you really need to participate is a webcam, microphone, and decent Internet connection. I’d also recommend familiarizing yourself with some of these Zoom features to get more out of Zoom, such as syncing meetings with your Google Calendar and using transcript tools.
Also, if you want to have more fun during a meeting, share your audio. It’s kind of nice sharing some background music sometimes. You can also check out Zoom’s Studio Effects to personalize your avatar.
Stay Secure in Zoom Meetings
Whether you want to set up a Zoom meeting or join one, security is important. As a host, I recommend always requiring a passcode and using the waiting room to approve participants. Try to never share the meeting ID and passcode with anyone who’s not invited. Also, never share anything too personal during a meeting, especially if you don’t know all the participants.
