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    2 min read 5 stepsApril 16, 2026Verified April 2026

    How to Use Zoom for Video Calls

    Join and host video meetings on Zoom — for family calls, doctor appointments, or community group meetings.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Communication
    Difficulty
    Beginner
    Read Time
    2 min read
    Steps
    5
    Topics covered
    zoom
    video calls
    meetings
    telehealth
    video conferencing

    In this guide (5 steps):

    1. 1.Download the Zoom app
    2. 2.Join a meeting with a link or ID
    3. 3.Manage your audio and video
    4. 4.Host your own free meeting
    5. 5.Use the chat and reaction features
    1

    Download the Zoom app

    ~15s
    Go to zoom.us/download on your computer and download the Zoom desktop client, or search for "Zoom" in the App Store or Google Play on your phone. The app is free to download and use.
    2

    Join a meeting with a link or ID

    ~15s
    When someone sends you a Zoom meeting link, click it to join. If they send you a Meeting ID and passcode instead, open the Zoom app, tap "Join," enter the Meeting ID, and enter the passcode when prompted.
    3

    Manage your audio and video

    ~19s
    When joining, you will be asked whether to join with video and audio. Click "Join with Video" to be seen, and click "Join with Computer Audio" to use your microphone and speakers. The microphone and camera icons at the bottom of the screen let you mute or turn off video at any time during the call.
    4

    Host your own free meeting

    ~15s
    Create a free Zoom account at zoom.us. Open the app, click "New Meeting" to start an instant meeting, or click "Schedule" to plan a meeting for a future time. Once in the meeting, click "Participants" then "Invite" to send a link to your contacts.
    5

    Use the chat and reaction features

    ~15s
    During a call, click "Chat" in the toolbar to type a message visible to all participants. Click "Reactions" to send a thumbs up or clap without interrupting the speaker. Use the "Raise Hand" button to signal that you want to speak.

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    Zoom is one of the most widely used video calling platforms in the world, used for everything from family gatherings to doctor appointments to community meetings. It is free for most personal use, allowing unlimited one-on-one calls and up to 40-minute group meetings. You can join a Zoom meeting without creating an account, but creating a free account lets you host your own meetings.

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    Official Resources

    Zoom Help CenterApple FaceTime SupportWhatsApp Help

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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