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How to Use Zoom with Slack: Full Guide

Updated · Standard formula, shown below

This guide shows you how to connect Zoom and Slack so you can start or join video meetings directly from Slack, share meeting links in channels, and get meeting notifications without switching apps. You’ll need a Zoom account (free or paid) and Slack workspace admin permissions to install the Zoom app.

What You’ll Need

  • A Zoom account (free plan works for basic features)
  • A Slack workspace where you have permission to install apps (admin or owner)
  • The Zoom app for Slack (install from the Slack App Directory)

Step-by-Step

  1. Install the Zoom app in Slack. Open your Slack workspace, go to the App Directory (click the Slack logo, then “Apps”), search for “Zoom,” and click “Add to Slack.”
  2. Authorize the app. Review the permissions it requests (like posting messages and reading channel info) and click “Allow.” You’ll be redirected to Zoom’s authorization page.
  3. Sign in to Zoom. If you’re not already signed in, enter your Zoom credentials and click “Authorize” to connect your Zoom account to Slack.
  4. Start a meeting from Slack. In any Slack channel or DM, type /zoom and press Enter. A dropdown appears—choose “Start Meeting” to launch a new meeting instantly.
  5. Choose meeting type. After typing /zoom, you can also pick “Schedule Meeting” to set a future time, or “Join Meeting” if you have a meeting ID. For scheduling, Slack opens a dialog where you enter the topic, date, time, and duration.
  6. Share the meeting link. When you start or schedule a meeting, Zoom automatically posts a message in that Slack channel with the join link. You can also manually share a link by copying the invite URL from the Zoom desktop app and pasting it into Slack.
  7. Join a meeting from Slack. When someone posts a Zoom link in a channel, click the “Join” button in the message. If you have the Zoom desktop app installed, it opens the meeting; otherwise, you’ll be prompted to join via browser.
  8. Set up notifications. Go to the Zoom app’s home tab in Slack (click “Apps” in the left sidebar, then “Zoom”). Click “Settings” to choose which notifications you receive, like when a meeting starts or is recorded.
  9. Use slash commands. Type /zoom help to see all available commands, including /zoom test to test your audio/video before a meeting.

Common Mistakes

  • Not authorizing Zoom after installing. If you skip the Zoom sign-in step, the app won’t work. You’ll see an error when trying to use /zoom.
  • Using the wrong slash command. Some users type /zoom start or /zoom join—these aren’t recognized. Use just /zoom and pick from the menu.
  • Sharing a personal meeting ID unintentionally. When you start a meeting, Slack may use your Personal Meeting ID (PMI) by default. For security, consider using a generated ID instead, especially for public channels.
  • Expecting the app to work without the Zoom desktop app. Starting a meeting from Slack requires the Zoom desktop client to be installed. The web version won’t launch automatically.
  • Ignoring permissions. If you don’t grant Slack permission to post messages, Zoom won’t be able to share meeting links in channels.

Tips

  • Use the /zoom shortcut for quick starts. Instead of navigating menus, just type /zoom and hit Enter, then click “Start Meeting”—it’s the fastest way to launch.
  • Customize meeting defaults. In Zoom’s Slack settings, you can set whether to use your PMI, enable video, or add a passcode by default.
  • Leverage Slack reminders. After scheduling a meeting, set a Slack reminder (e.g., /remind me in 10 minutes) so you don’t forget to join.
  • Use the Zoom app’s home tab. It shows upcoming meetings and lets you start them directly from there, not just via slash commands.
  • For recurring meetings, schedule once and share the link. You don’t need to create a new meeting every time—use the same link in a pinned channel message.

Troubleshooting

  • Slash command not working. First, ensure the Zoom app is installed and authorized. Try typing /zoom in a channel where the app is present (it’s usually available everywhere). If it fails, reinstall the app from the App Directory.
  • Meeting doesn’t start when clicking “Join.” Make sure you have the Zoom desktop client installed and updated. If you’re on a browser, allow pop-ups for Zoom. Alternatively, click the link directly instead of the button.
  • No Zoom app installed in Slack. If you don’t see Zoom in your Apps list, ask your workspace admin to install it. If you’re an admin, go to the App Directory and add it.
  • Zoom says “unauthorized” or “invalid token.” This usually means the connection expired. Go to the Zoom app’s home tab, click “Reconnect” or “Sign in,” and reauthorize.
  • Meeting notifications not appearing. Check the Zoom app settings in Slack to ensure notifications are enabled. Also, make sure you haven’t muted the Zoom app’s notifications in Slack’s notification preferences.
  • Can’t schedule a meeting. If the scheduling dialog doesn’t open, try using the Zoom web portal to schedule, then copy the link to Slack. Alternatively, use the Zoom desktop app to schedule and share the invite.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need a paid Zoom plan to use it with Slack? No, the free Zoom plan works with Slack. You can start and join meetings, though free meetings are limited to 40 minutes for 3+ participants.
  • Can I start a Zoom meeting from the Slack mobile app? Yes, the /zoom command works in the Slack mobile app. You’ll need the Zoom mobile app installed to actually start the meeting.
  • Will Slack automatically share my meeting link? Yes, when you start or schedule a meeting via /zoom, Slack posts a message with the join link in the channel where you issued the command.
  • Can I use Zoom with Slack without admin approval? If your workspace restricts app installations, you’ll need an admin to approve the Zoom app. Otherwise, any member can install it.
  • How do I remove the Zoom app from Slack? Go to the Zoom app’s home tab, click the gear icon, and choose “Remove from workspace.” Or ask an admin to remove it from the App Directory settings.
  • Does Zoom for Slack support video recording? Yes, you can record meetings started from Slack, and the recording link will be posted back to the Slack channel if you enable that in Zoom’s settings.

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