Run meetings faster and skip the copy-paste links.

Ever found yourself in a great Slack discussion that suddenly needs a face-to-face conversation? The flow gets broken the moment you have to stop, open up Zoom, create a new meeting, and paste the link back into the channel. It’s a small hassle, but those little interruptions really add up.

Learning how to start a Zoom meeting in Slack completely changes the game. It’s about keeping that collaborative energy alive by turning any conversation into an instant video call. This guide will show you exactly how to set up the Slack Zoom integration for quick team check-ins, remote support calls, and faster collaboration. We'll cover the installation, commands, and tips you need to master this powerful workflow.

Prerequisites: What You'll Need

Before we dive in, let’s quickly check off the essentials. You just need a few things in place to get Zoom and Slack talking to each other.

• Access to the Slack desktop or web app.
• An active Zoom account (both free and licensed plans work).
• Permission to install apps in your Slack workspace.

Note for IT-restricted workplaces: If you can’t install apps, just ask your Slack administrator to approve the Zoom app for Slack. Once they give it the green light, you'll be all set.

Step-by-Step Setup: How to Install the Zoom App in Slack

First things first, you need to get Zoom and Slack connected. This is a one-time setup that pays off big time in productivity.

Step 1 — Install the Zoom App in Slack

Head over to the Slack App Directory, search for Zoom, and click the Add to Slack button. Slack will then guide you through the process of reviewing and approving the necessary permissions for the integration to work.

Pro Tip: If the button is disabled, a workspace administrator may need to approve the app for your organization first.

Step 2 — Connect Your Zoom Account

Once you approve the permissions, Slack will trigger a popup asking you to log in to your Zoom account. Authenticate with your credentials and accept the final OAuth permissions. After you’ve granted access, you'll get a friendly confirmation message from the @Zoom bot in your Slack DMs. That's your green light!

Step 3 — Test the Installation

To be absolutely sure the Slack Zoom integration is working correctly, go to any channel or DM in Slack and type the following command:

/zoom help

If the Zoom bot replies with a list of available commands, you’re all set and ready to start a Zoom call from Slack.

3 Ways to Start a Zoom Meeting in Slack

Alright, you've connected Zoom and Slack. Now for the fun part—actually starting a call. You’ve got a few different ways to do this, and knowing which to use can make your workflow surprisingly smooth.

Option A — From the Message Composer

The fastest way to get a group on a call is with the /zoom command.

1. Go to any channel or direct message.
2. Type /zoom in the message box.
3. Hit Enter.

Instantly, a meeting card will pop up in the chat with a big green Join button. It's perfect for those "Hey, can you jump on a quick call to look at this?" moments.

Option B — Start From Any Message

Sometimes a conversation gets complicated, and typing just won't cut it. You can launch a meeting directly from a specific message to preserve context.

1. Hover over the message that sparked the need for a call.
2. Click the More actions menu (three dots).
3. Select Start Zoom Meeting.

This is brilliant because it automatically creates a meeting and references that part of the conversation, so everyone knows why you're meeting.

Option C — Start With a Topic

If you want to give people a little heads-up about what the call is for, you can add a topic right from the start using the /zoom command in Slack.

1. Go to the desired channel or DM.
2. Type /zoom meeting "Project X Design Review" (replace the text with your topic).
3. Hit Enter.

This creates a meeting card with that topic already filled in, helping everyone arrive on the same page.

Best Practices for a Smoother Workflow

Starting a call is one thing; running a great one is another. Here are a few best practices to elevate your team's experience.

• Keep Slack tidy: After a meeting is scheduled, use threads for all follow-up discussions and action items to keep main channels clean.
• Encourage teammates to connect accounts: Ask everyone to connect their Zoom accounts to Slack before they need to join a call to avoid awkward sign-in delays.
• Create channel shortcuts: For recurring meetings in channels like #daily-standup, create a Slack Workflow or shortcut to start the call with one click.
• Pin the command list: Pin the output of /zoom help in key channels so everyone has easy access to the commands. A quick shout-out for a job well done after a call is a great way to practice team recognition, too!

Troubleshooting Common Slack Zoom Integration Issues

Even the most reliable tools can have an off day. If your Slack Zoom integration starts acting up, don't worry—the fix is usually straightforward.

• If the bot isn’t responding: The Zoom app might not be in the channel. To fix this, simply invite it by typing /invite @Zoom in that channel.
• Private channel issues: The bot must be manually invited to private channels to function.
• Permissions errors: If you see errors about permissions, an administrator on either the Slack or Zoom side may need to adjust settings for you.
• VPN/firewall issues: Sometimes a corporate VPN or a strict firewall can block the connection. In that case, your best bet is to contact your IT department for help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the Slack video meeting setup with Zoom.

Why can’t I use /zoom in Slack?
Most often, this happens because the Zoom app hasn't been added to the channel you're in. Try inviting it by typing /invite @Zoom. If that doesn't work, you may need to re-authenticate your account by visiting the Zoom app page in the Slack App Directory.

Is the Zoom Slack integration free?
Yes, the integration itself is free to install. You can use it with both free and paid Zoom and Slack plans. However, your meeting capabilities (like duration and participant limits) will depend on your Zoom plan.

Can I schedule Zoom meetings from Slack?
No, the native integration is designed for starting instant meetings. To schedule future meetings, you'll need to use the Zoom app or a calendar integration. We have a guide on the Slack to Google Calendar integration that can help.

Does this support Zoom Phone or Zoom Chat?
Yes! You can make Zoom Phone calls directly from Slack using the /zoom call [phone number] command. Zoom Chat is part of the broader Zoom platform but is separate from this specific Slack integration.

Conclusion: Faster Collaboration Starts Here

Now you know exactly how to start a Zoom meeting in Slack instantly—making collaboration faster, clearer, and more human. By removing the friction between conversation and action, you empower your team to solve problems and make decisions in real-time. This simple integration is a powerful way to keep your projects moving forward and your team connected.

For more ways to streamline your team's communication, check out our list of the best Slack apps to boost productivity.