Everything You Need to Know: How to Unlock Zoom’s Most Powerful AI Features in Under 5 Minutes

If you read our last article, you know that Zoom isn't just for video calls anymore. But knowing these tools exist and actually getting them to work are two different things. Most people are "sleeping" on these features simply because they haven't toggled a few buttons in their settings. 

Here is your quick-start guide to turning Zoom into your personal productivity powerhouse. 

Step 1: The Master Switch (Enabling AI Companion) 

Before you can use the "Catch Me Up" feature or automatic summaries, you have to turn on the engine. 

Sign in to the Zoom web portal (zoom.us) in your browser.

In the navigation menu, click Settings.

Look for the AI Companion tab at the top.

Toggle Meeting Summary and Meeting Questions to "On."

Pro Tip: Check the box that says "Automatically start Meeting Summary" so you never forget to hit record. 

Step 2: Set Up Your "Meeting Killer" (Zoom Clips) 

To start sending video updates instead of booking meetings, you need the desktop app ready to go. 

Open your Zoom Desktop App.

Click the Clips tab in the top navigation bar (if you don't see it, click "More").

Click Create Clip.

Select Screen + Cam to give that personal touch to your walkthroughs.

Once you hit stop, a shareable link is automatically copied to your clipboard. 

Step 3: Activate "My Notes" for Hands-Free Recaps 

Never take a manual note again. This works inside and outside of meetings. 

While in a Zoom meeting, click the Notes icon on the bottom toolbar.

Select New Note.

Click the AI icon (the little sparkles) and select "Draft with AI Companion."

Give it a prompt like "Summarize our brainstorm and list all deadlines mentioned." 

Step 4: Supercharge Your Brainstorms (Advanced Whiteboard) 

Turn a messy drawing into a project plan. 

Start a meeting and click Whiteboard.

Choose New Whiteboard.

Use the Sticky Note tool to add ideas.

To organize, click the All Tools menu (the plus sign) and select Mind Map or Table.

The Secret Move: Use the Timer icon at the bottom to keep your team's brainstorming limited to 5-minute sprints. 

Step 5: The "Catch Me Up" (During the Meeting) 

If you’re late to a call, don’t apologize—just catch up. 

Look for the AI Companion icon (sparkles) in your meeting toolbar.

Click Ask Meeting Questions.

In the side panel, click the preset button: "Catch me up on what I missed."

The AI will instantly provide a bulleted list of the conversation so far. 

Cheat Sheet: Is it Enabled? 

Check your toolbar: If you don't see the "Sparkle" icon during a call, your admin might have AI features disabled.

Update your app: These features move fast! Ensure you are running the latest version of Zoom Workplace by clicking your profile picture > Check for Updates.