If you've already mastered how to use Zoom for video calls, you might be interested in stepping up your Zoom game to host a meeting. Hosting a Zoom meeting is a great way to get your friends and family all in one place at a time that's convenient for you. Whether you're aging in place in a different state than the grandkids, living in an assisted living facility across town, or taking a vacation with your partner, you can easily chat with all of your loved ones by setting up a Zoom meeting.
We'll break down how to host your own Zoom meeting step by step in the guide below, so you can virtually share your travel experience, catch up with the kids, or spend time with your out-of-town friends in no time. Now, let's get to it!
How to Host a Zoom Meeting for the First Time
Are you interested in hosting a Zoom meeting? We recommended following these steps on your laptop or desktop. All you'll need is a reliable internet connection and your chosen device. Here's how to schedule and host your very own Zoom meeting for your friends and family to join!
How to Schedule a Zoom Meeting
Step 1. Sign in to your Zoom account on your desktop computer or laptop by visiting zoom.us on your web browser.
Zoom – The “Sign In” button
Step 2. Click on the “Meetings” tab on the left side panel.
Zoom – Meeting tab
Step 3. Next, click “Schedule a Meeting.”
Zoom – Schedule a meeting
Step 4. You'll be asked to name your meeting, set the date, time, and duration.
Zoom – Choose your meeting’s name and duration
Step 5. When you get to the Meeting ID and Security sections, you can leave the default settings as they appear. Zoom automatically sets up a password for you, but your guests won't need it if you send them the link to the meeting.
Zoom – The security section
Step 6. In the security section, you'll see a box titled “Waiting Room.” This allows meeting participants to wait in a virtual waiting room before you admit them into the meeting. The waiting room adds an extra layer of security, but it also adds another step for you as the host since you'll need to admit each person into the meeting when they join. It is up to whether you want to have a waiting room available to participants or not.
Zoom – Security section waiting room
Step 7. When you're finished, make sure to click “Save” to complete the meeting set up.
Zoom – Don’t forget to save!
Step 8. To invite your meeting guests, click “Copy Invitation,” paste it into an email, and send it to your meeting participants. They will click the provided link to join your meeting on the set day and time.
Zoom – How to copy your meeting invitation
Zoom – Click “Copy Meeting Invitation” and email or text it to your guests
How to Start a Zoom Meeting as the Host
Step 1. When you're ready to host your meeting, visit zoom.us on your web browser and sign in to your account.
Zoom – The “Sign In” button
Step 2. Once you're signed in, click the “Meetings” tab on the left side of the screen.
Zoom – Meeting tab
Step 3. You should see your meeting under the “Upcoming” tab. Click “Start,” and your meeting will be launched. The guests who received your Zoom meeting link will join on their own. Enjoy your meeting!
Zoom – The “Start Meeting” button
FYI: The free version of Zoom limits meeting with three or more participants to 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, your Zoom meeting will automatically end. You can restart the meeting by logging back in, and your time will be reset. It can be a little frustrating, but there is no need to pay for a Zoom subscription if you simply tell your participants to log back in after the 40-minute session has ended.
