If your entire family can’t get together on Thanksgiving due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoom is here to save the day. The video-conferencing platform is lifting its 40-minute time restriction for all video calls on Thanksgiving.
Zoom Temporarily Removes Its 40-Minute Time Limit
Zoom is giving back to its US-based users on Thanksgiving. The platform, which typically has a 40-minute time limit for free video calls, is waiving that constraint for an entire day.
Zoom announced the exciting update in a Tweet. The platform said, “as a thank you to our customers, we will be lifting the 40-minute limit for all meetings globally.”
As a thank you to our customers, we will be lifting the 40-minute limit for all meetings globally from midnight ET on Nov. 26 through 6 a.m. ET on Nov. 27 so your family gatherings don't get cut short. ❤️🏡 #ZoomTogether pic.twitter.com/aubsH0tfxG
— Zoom (@zoom_us) November 10, 2020
You can access limit-free calls starting at midnight EST on November 26, 2020, which will last all the way until 6am on November 27. This way, “your family gatherings don’t get cut short.”
Since limitless calls don’t end until the morning after Thanksgiving, you’ll have a fairly large window of time to chat with friends and family. Unfortunately, you’ll have to go back to paying a monthly subscription to make longer calls after this time period ends.
Zoom saw a surge in popularity at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While companies turned to the video-conferencing app to keep their businesses afloat, family and friends took advantage of the platform to stay in touch.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention already released safety guidelines for this year’s Thanksgiving Day celebrations, which likely contributed to Zoom’s decision to make video calling free on Turkey Day. In addition, many states have put limits on how many people can be in a house at one time, which can easily put a damper on Thanksgiving gatherings.
Thanksgiving isn’t the only day that has (or will be) affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why Zoom is also launching an events marketplace, which allows users to host paid events on the platform. This is a smart move, as classes, lectures, concerts, and other events are going virtual now more than ever.
Gathering for Thanksgiving on Zoom
Thanksgiving might be a little different this year. Although you might not be able to see your family and friends face-to-face, seeing them over Zoom is better than not seeing them at all. Zoom has been one of the most useful resources throughout the pandemic, and it continues to be a staple during this isolating time.
Before you make a video call to your distant relatives on Thanksgiving Day, ensure you know how to secure your call. Otherwise, you’ll be leaving your call open to trolls and Zoom-bombers.
