Zoom Apps: Do you need a timer and more virtual backgrounds?

Zoom Apps are 3rd party applications that can be integrated with Zoom to enhance engagement in your meetings and webinars. Apps have recently been added to our UMN Zoom accounts and you may have noticed an Apps icon on your toolbar in Zoom meetings when you are hosting.

Before you get too excited about adding Apps, you need to know that most of them are not approved for use in our UMN Zoom accounts.

Below are the approved apps that are available now:

• Timer. This is probably the most useful available app.
• Virtual Backgrounds. Hundreds available.
• Zoom Rooms Controller. Useful if you use a Zoom room.
• Shared Backgrounds. Share your backgrounds with others.

Installing an app

You can add apps through the Zoom desktop client or right in your Zoom meeting.

Installing a Zoom App in a meeting or webinar

1. Start a Zoom meeting

2. Click the Apps option on the toolbar



3. Click Discover

4. Click on the app you want to install and click Add to install it.

5. Follow the authorization steps on the screen. You may need to click Allow to give the app permission to install.

How to open a Zoom App in a meeting or webinar

1. Start a meeting or webinar

2. Click the Apps option on the toolbar

3. Click My Apps to view apps you have installed

4. Click on the App you want to use and it will open in the side panel.

5. When the App is opened, you have the following controls at the top:

• Share: begin sharing the app with your participants, with or without audio
• Invite: send an invitation to participants to install and use the app
• Expand/collapse: increases/decreases the size of the Zoom App panel