If you are wondering which platform to use for virtual meetings, try Zoom. It is one of the very best virtual conference platforms out there.
Earlier during the 2019 Pandemic, Zoom became so popular that almost every virtual meeting regardless of the platform used was called “Zoom meeting”. It was one of the common platforms businesses and institutions used during that time for remote collaborations.
What is Zoom?
Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing platform that allows users to conduct virtual meetings, webinars, and virtual events. It was founded in 2011 and has since grown to become one of the most popular video conferencing platforms in the world, particularly in the wake of the 2019 pandemic.
The platform offers a range of features such as screen sharing, recording, virtual backgrounds, breakout rooms, and more. It can be used on various devices including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets, and offers a variety of pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets.
You can access this platform via the Zoom official website. I have also written about similar platforms, including Microsoft Teams and Google Meet.
Features
This video conferencing platform has some amazing features that will take your virtual meetings to a different level. Below are some of the features available.
- Video and audio conferencing
Zoom allows users to conduct virtual meetings with participants from different locations via video and audio conferencing. This is the major use of the platform.
- Screen sharing
The platform enables users to share their computer screens with other participants, making it easier to present information, share files, or collaborate on documents.
- Recording
This platform allows users to record their virtual meetings for later reference or to share with those who were unable to attend the meeting. This is also a key feature to help the users revisit the presentations.
- Virtual backgrounds
With this video conference platform, users can change their backgrounds during video calls, either by uploading their own images or selecting from a range of built-in backgrounds.
- Breakout rooms
Zoom offers the option to split a large group into smaller groups for more focused discussions or activities. Most similar platforms do not have this option.
- Chat
The platform provides a chat function for participants to communicate via text during a meeting or webinar.
- Polling
Zoom allows users to create polls to gather feedback or opinions from meeting attendees. It is another option that only a few video conferencing apps have.
- Whiteboard
The platform provides a virtual whiteboard feature, which allows participants to draw, write, or annotate during the meeting.
- Mobile app
Zoom has a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, which allows users to join meetings, share their screens, and participate in breakout rooms on the go.
These are some of the amazing features this platform has. There are other minor features that you will get to know about when using this platform for your video conferences.
Pricing
There is a variety of packages available to suit all kinds of business needs. Below are some of the packages available and their prices.
- Basic (Free)
The Basic plan allows users to host unlimited meetings with up to 100 participants, with a 40-minute time limit on meetings with three or more participants.
- Pro ($14.99/month/host)
The Pro plan offers all the features of the Basic plan, with the addition of 24-hour meeting duration, user management, and reporting. It also allows users to host meetings with up to 100 participants and includes 1 GB of cloud recording.
- Business ($19.99/month/host)
The Business plan is designed for small and medium-sized businesses and offers all the features of the Pro plan, with the addition of advanced user management, custom branding, and integration with other business applications. It allows users to host meetings with up to 300 participants and includes 1 GB of cloud recording.
- Enterprise ($19.99/month/host)
The Enterprise plan is designed for large organizations and offers all the features of the Business plan, with the addition of dedicated customer support, unlimited cloud storage, and advanced security features. It allows users to host meetings with up to 500 participants and includes 3 GB of cloud recording.
- Add-ons
Zoom also offers add-ons and optional features such as additional cloud storage, webinar hosting, and large meeting capacity for an additional fee.
These are the packages available currently. Always compare these prices to the ones on the official Zoom website before making decisions since they could change at any time.