Setting a countdown timer in Zoom meetings can be very useful for keeping meetings on track and managing time limits for speakers or activities. Zoom has a built-in timer app that makes adding countdown timers easy. There are also several methods to display timers using third-party apps and tools.
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Using the Zoom Timer App
The simplest way to add a timer in Zoom is to use the Zoom Timer app available in the Zoom App Marketplace.
To use the Zoom Timer app:
- Install the Zoom Timer app from the Zoom App Marketplace.
- Once installed, open the Timer app from the Zoom desktop client during a meeting. It can be found in the meeting controls at the bottom.
- In the Timer app, enter the hours, minutes, and seconds you want the timer set to. Use the keyboard or click the up/down buttons.
- Click the “Start” button to start the countdown. The timer will be displayed in the upper right corner of the Zoom window.
- To pause or reset the timer, open the Timer app.
The Zoom timer works for both hosts and participants. As the host, you can choose whether to display the timer to just yourself or to all participants by changing the settings.
The timer displays prominently on screen so it works well as a general countdown clock. For timing individual speakers, other methods may work better.
Displaying a Timer with OBS Studio
If you want more customization and control over your Zoom timer, you can use Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) Studio to display a timer over your Zoom call:
- Download and install OBS Studio.
- Set up a “Scene” in OBS that captures the Zoom meeting window. Make this full screen.
- Add a Window Capture source for your preferred timer app or website. Position this over the Zoom window.
- In Zoom video settings, select the OBS Virtual Camera as your webcam to display the Scene with the timer.
With OBS you can use any timer app or website and position it anywhere on screen. You can also add graphics, borders, etc. However, it takes more setup compared to the Zoom Timer app.
Using Countdown Timer Websites
If you don’t need advanced features, a simple countdown timer website displayed in a shared screen can work:
- Open a countdown timer website such as Time and Date’s Countdown Timer.
- Share your screen in Zoom, displaying the timer website.
- Position the window so the timer is visible alongside the active speaker or content.
The benefit of websites is that no special apps need to be installed. However, managing display and position takes effort.
Timing Individual Speakers
The methods above work well for general countdowns. But to time individual speakers, you need the timer to start automatically when each speaker begins.
Solutions for this include:
- Private chat messages – Send speakers direct messages when their time starts and ends.
- Co-host timers – Appoint someone as timer keeper to manage virtual cards or signals for each speaker.
- Automated speaker timers – Specialized apps like Spinach can automatically time and display cards for each speaker.
Setting up automatic per-speaker timers takes more effort but leads to smooth-running meetings.
Extra Tips for Effective Zoom Timers
Here are some additional tips for making the most of timers in Zoom:
- Display timer in speaker view so it’s always visible beside the current speaker.
- Use countdown timers to create urgency and keep things moving.
- Prepare speakers to wrap up comments when timer ends. Enforce cut-offs.
- For longer meetings, set up break timers to manage rest periods.
- Keep timers short (30-90 secs) for quick activities or Q&As.
- Customize timer colors and layouts so they stand out.
- Test your timer setup and position ahead of meetings.
Key Benefits of Using Timers
Adding timers to Zoom meetings provides many benefits:
- Keeps meetings running on time and on schedule
- Reduces overruns for more effective meetings
- Allows speakers to self-manage time limits
- Creates urgency to participate and respond
- Gives structure for Q&A and activities
- Provides automatic alerts as time elapses
- Fosters inclusiveness by sharing time limits
- Adds energy and pace to keep attendees engaged
By taking the time to set up timers, your Zoom meetings will stay focused and participants will remain attentive. Choose the timer method that best suits your meetings and attendees.