How to set up a Zoom call and nine ideas for fun group video calls in coronavirus lockdown
ZOOM is a video-calling app that's quickly becoming an online sensation as the world retreats home during the coronavirus lockdown.
Fans of Zoom are using the app to stay in touch with family, friends and other loved ones – so here's how to get started, and some fun ideas for keeping in touch.
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What is Zoom?
Popular chat app Zoom is best-known for offering video calls – including with huge numbers of people.
There's a free tier with unlimited meetings, but these group chats are capped at 40 minutes.
The most expensive tier gets you meetings with up to 1,000 participants, but there are cheaper options.
Perhaps the only downside is that Zoom has had privacy issues in the past, which may put some businesses off.
How to sign up to Zoom
Signing up to Zoom is free and easy.
You just need a valid email address, and the willingness to accept Zoom's privacy policy and terms – which are fairly standard.
Anyone can sign up to Zoom by download the app, or heading to the official website.
You can find the Zoom sign-up page here:
How to join Zoom meeting
To host a video meeting, load up the website or app.
Make sure you're logged in, then click New Meeting and Start With Video.
You can then share a link to invite other people.
If you receive a link to join a meeting, simply click it and you'll be taken to the right video conference.
Of course, you'll still need to have Zoom installed to join a meeting.
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Seven ideas for fun group video calls in coronavirus self-isolation
As the coronavirus outbreak forces people indoors, Zoom is an increasingly popular tool for socialising.
Here are some great ideas already being used by new Zoom fans trying to stay in touch with family or friends:
- Taking party in a virtual pub quiz – try
- Hosting a digital dinner party
- Bob Ross-style paint-alongs with pals
- A virtual book club
- Playing a game of charades
- Karaoke – but online
- Organise your own 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?'
- Board game night – try something that can be played remotely, like
- Video gaming, as a way to communicate while playing multiplayer games online
Of course, the potential for using Zoom to hang out with pals is huge, so come up with your own ideas too.
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What quirky activities have you been using Zoom for? Let us know in the comments!
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