Getting started with Zoom
This guide helps charities get set up to make Zoom Video calls. Connect with a team, service users or partners.
About Zoom
Zoom is a free (plus paid-for options) video conferencing tool that can be used on PCs, Macs and mobile devices.
We use it for 1:1 meetings; team meetings and video meetings with people outside of our organisation.
It’s easy to sign up and use, taking less than 10 minutes to get started.
The free version gives you calls up to 40 minutes in length and there are lots of features to support collaborative working. Here, we’ll just look at getting signed up and started.
Step 1
Go to Zoom
Head over to https://zoom.us/ and click the Sign up, it’s free button in the top right corner.
Step 2
Create account
Follow the steps to create your free account.
You’ll need access to your email account to complete this stage.
Step 3
Check it works
Select ‘HOST A MEETING’ in the top right corner of the screen
Once you’ve done that, an automatic download will start. Follow the instructions until the video call starts (don’t worry, there’s no one else in the virtual meeting yet!)
Step 4
Sound and video check
Once in the meeting look for the black toolbar at the bottom of the screen. If you can’t see it, move your mouse/cursor and it should appear.
Click on the up-arrow between the mute and video icons.
Then select: Test speaker and microphones
If that doesn’t confirm your speakers and video is working, get in touch.
Step 5
Invite guests/participants
Select the invite icon from the black toolbar (as shown in the image above)
We tend to select ‘copy url’ or ‘copy invitation’ (the latter includes phone dial-in options) and then add it to a diary appointment or email. You can also select one of the email icons to automatically add those to an email.
Step 6
You’re ready
Having gone through that process, you now have an account and have downloaded the software. Open Zoom when you want to use it, select ‘Host a meeting’ to start and share the details with those you want to join you.
You can start using other features: scheduling calls in advance, recording sessions to share with others etc. But for now, enjoy how well you can connect with those you need to, and hopefully continue the amazing work that you do.
Video tutorial
If you want to watch Zoom’s own explanation, check out the video below
Related links and guides
- Digital Candle (website) Free digital support from 100+ volunteers
- Guide to remote running meetings (How to guide)
- Staying connected whilst working remotely (How to guide)
About this guide
This guide has been contributed to Catalyst. It was created by CAST in partnership with Small Charities Coalition.
