Everything you need to know about getting started with Zoom

Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor

Last updated 08 April 2020

With many of us working from home, learning online, and social distancing, Zoom has skyrocketed in popularity over the last month and a bit. The app's daily users shot up to 200 million in March, from a previous record of 10 million. For many, Zoom has become the go to for not just meetings, but for drinks with friends, catch-ups with the family, and more.

Zoom is even being used as a verb, like "Google". I've had countless friends and colleagues say something along the lines of "I'll Zoom you in a tick".

Zoom's success isn't surprising. It's a simple video calling app that works pretty well no matter whether your call has two or 20 people in it. Unless you're hosting the meeting, you don't even need an account. All you need to do is follow the link your friend, colleague, or family member sends you.

But just in case you need a little more help, here's everything you need to know about getting started with Zoom.

How to install Zoom

Zoom is available for both PC and Mac, as well as iPhone, iPad, and Android. If you're on a desktop computer or laptop, you'll be prompted to install Zoom the first time anyone sends you a meeting link. The installer is a relatively small file, measuring in at around 10MB. Opening this file will then install Zoom.

Alternatively, you can find a direct download of Zoom for PC or Mac here. You'll want to click the Download button under Zoom Client for Meetings on this page.

If you're on an iOS or Android device, you'll need to install Zoom from your respective app store. You can find Zoom on the iOS App Store here, or the Google Play Store here.

How do I start a meeting using Zoom?

To start a meeting in Zoom, you'll first need to register an account. You'll be given the option to sign up when you open the app on your phone or computer. You'll need to provide your name and email address to create an account.

Once you've got an account and have signed in to the app, you can start a meeting by pressing New Meeting.

On a PC or Mac, you can invite people to join your meeting by pressing the Invite button. Here you'll find a Copy URL button (as highlighted below). Tap this, and send the link it generates to anyone you'd like to have join your meeting.

When you start a meeting on your phone or tablet, you can tap your screen to see the meeting ID and password you'll need to share with other guests.

How do I join a meeting using Zoom?

There are two options for joining a Zoom meeting. The simplest is following a meeting link you've been sent. Doing this should automatically open up Zoom on your device if you have it installed, and if not, it will prompt you to install it.

Alternatively, the host can provide you with a meeting ID, a nine digit number that you can use to join the call. To join a meeting using a meeting ID, you'll need to open the Zoom app on your device and press the Join Meeting button. You may also need a password to enter the meeting, which the host will provide you with.

Importantly, you don't need to create a Zoom account to join a meeting. You only need a Zoom account if you want to host one.

How much does Zoom cost?

Zoom is free to use, but there are a couple of restrictions. While any one-to-one calls can go for as long as you want, meetings with more than one participant are limited to a maximum of 40 minutes. You can, of course, just start another meeting after you 40 minutes are up.

If the 40 minute limit is problematic, you can register for a Zoom Pro account, priced at $20.99 per month. Only the meeting host needs Zoom Pro to quash the 40 minute limit.

How much data does Zoom use?

By default, Zoom will use about 540MB per hour for a 1:1 video call on your computer, or 810MB per hour for a group call. On mobile, you'll use around 800MB per hour for a 1:1 call on mobile. Data usage on mobile will vary depending on the strength of your connection, however.

What kind of internet connection do I need for Zoom?

Zoom will work on almost any kind of internet connection. Internet speed is measured in Megabits per Seconds, or Mbps. Zoom only requires between 0.6Mbps and 3Mbps for a video call, depending on quality settings and the number of participants. Even a basic NBN plan offers up to 12Mbps of speed.

For comparison, a standard definition Netflix stream also uses 3Mbps. If you can watch Netflix at home, you shouldn't have any problems making video calls with Zoom.

How do I set a custom background in Zoom?

One of Zoom's quirkiest features is the ability to set a virtual background, masking the environment behind you. The steps are a little bit different on depending on whether you're using Zoom on a computer or on a phone.

If you're using Zoom on your PC or Mac, and you're already in a call, follow these steps:

Press the ^ button next to Stop Video
Click Choose Virtual Background
Select a Virtual Background from the list, or press the + Button to add your own

If you're not in a call, follow these steps:

Click the Cog icon in the top right hand corner of the app
Click Virtual Background
Select a Virtual Background from the list, or press the + Button to add your own

If you're using Zoom on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device, you'll need to have already joined a meeting to set a virtual background. When you're in your meeting, follow these steps:

Tap your device's screen
Tap More
Tap Virtual Background
Tap the + icon to open your camera roll
Select the image you want to use, and then tap Done
Tap Close

If you want to get even weirder with your Zoom meetings, try installing Snap Camera on your PC or Mac.

Are there alternatives to Zoom?

Zoom, of course, isn't the only option for video calling around. Here are a few others you might want to consider:

FaceTime

If you’ve got an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, FaceTime will be installed out of the box. However, FaceTime can only be used to video chat with other people in the Apple ecosystem. Windows and Android users aren't invited.

Skype

Skype is Microsoft's video calling solution and it runs on almost any device. Skype recently introduced a "meet now" option that lets you create a free conference call without the need for anyone to have an account. It will run in Chrome and Edge on PC and Mac, but you'll need to still download an app on mobiles and tablets.

Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger has integrated video calling available as part of chat. You can see up to six people on a call at a single time, but up to 50 people can join. Once you more than six people have joined the call, only the person talking is visible on your screen.

WhatsApp can also be used to make video calls, but only four people can be a group video call at once.

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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