No one can deny that 2020 has been an unusual year – and we are only halfway through! Since March, COVID-19 has affected almost, if not every, part of everyday life. It has impacted schools, businesses, restaurants, churches and everything in between. Due to social distancing rules, many found themselves locked in their homes, but still needing to socialize. And thus, came Zoom (and the launch of a million memes!).

Zoom is a video communications platform that allows small or large groups to meet online. Businesses use it to hold meetings, families use it to update each other, churches use it to continue holding services, and schools use it to continue classes. So, what makes Zoom more successful than other online communication platforms? According to Wayne Kurtzman, a market researcher who tracks teleconferencing platforms, Zoom’s exponential growth is due to its user-friendliness.

“When it comes to work, people want the same ease of collaboration they get in the office or in-person—and [in many ways], Zoom delivers this,” said Kurtzman.

What are some of Zoom’s best features?

  • Zoom is free to download and can host up to 100 people, significantly more than its competitors. That’s surely enough to host your entire family! Zoom also offers the ability to change your background, which has turned into an entertaining social media trend. And if you don’t want to show your face at all, you can turn off your camera and only display your username.
  • Zoom allows screen sharing, which is extremely beneficial for schools and businesses. One member can share their desktop screen for the rest of the group to view. Just remember to mute notifications to prevent any embarrassing messages from popping up for all your co-workers or classmates to see!
  • Zoom also allows for scheduled meetings. Life can get busy, and it’s easy to forget a meeting, especially when you don’t have to physically attend! With Zoom, you can schedule a meeting in advance, and it will remind you when to join. And to prevent anyone from disrupting your call, Zoom now requires a meeting ID and password to enter.

COVID-19 doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon, so take advantage of your time at home and familiarize yourself with Zoom. If you haven’t already, you will probably find yourself using it sometime soon. And then there is the new 2020 saying “Zoom fatigue” to get familiar with also!