Video calling giant Zoom has announced that it will temporarily raise its 40-minute call limit in an effort to help users who can't be with their families over Thanksgiving. While paid users of the video conferencing service aren't subject to any call length restrictions, users of Zoom's free service are typically limited to 40-minute sessions, which could allow for elevated Thanksgiving celebrations. However, as announced via Twitter, Zoom will remove this time limit for all users from 12:01 a.m. ET on Thanksgiving Day (November 26) until 6:00 a.m. the following day.
Zoom video conference time limit
While the idea that no one has a perfect Thanksgiving involves taking advantage of a family video conference, discouraging travel and close contact (and in some places prohibited) due to the coronavirus pandemic, the gesture could help the day at least be a little more normal. As the pandemic has progressed, Zoom, and video conferencing in general, has gone from being a primarily business-focused tool to a service that millions of people rely on to maintain their personal relationships. Starting in March, quick check-ins, family reunions, birthdays, and more will take place via video conferencing. Zoom quizzes have become the go-to (if fleeting) way to socialize with friends, and there have even been a few Zoom weddings. Recognizing this growing trend, Zoom has even launched its own AirBnB-style virtual event marketplace, called OnZoom. The service provides Zoom customers with a centralized platform on which to market, monetize, and host any type of online event, from fitness classes to piano tutorials to comedy shows. Outlining conference calls may seem like a small gesture on Zoom's part, but in the world we live in today, the ability to freely interact with others using the technology at our disposal is vital. With recent infection spikes casting a shadow over the holiday celebrations, it remains to be seen if Zoom will extend the same cuteness into December.