Sharing your computer‘s audio in Zoom allows you to seamlessly integrate relevant sounds, music, and audio clips into your meetings. This enhances presentations, demos, lectures, and more by adding vital context.
But did you know 64% of daily Zoom users share their audio during meetings according to recent surveys? The flexibility to broadcast audio directly from your computer makes Zoom more engaging and interactive for participants.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn multiple methods for sharing audio in Zoom on both desktop and mobile.
Key Reasons to Share Audio in Zoom
Before diving into the how-to, let‘s explore some of the most popular use cases for Zoom audio sharing:
- Presentations: Add intro/outro music, sound effects, audio narration
- Lectures: Play audio clips to reinforce key learning points
- Podcast recording: Capture remote guest audio feeds
- DJ sets: Broadcast mixes and demo transitions/effects
- Audio troubleshooting: Allow others to hear your machine‘s audio
- Workout classes: Play energetic workout music to motivate participants
| Desktop | Mobile |
|---|---|
| Share full desktop audio | Share device audio |
| Share app-specific audio | Limited to full device audio |
| More configurable controls | Simple on/off control |
"Zoom‘s audio sharing enables presenters to create truly engaging, multimedia meeting experiences," says Molly Ford, Zoom Certified Trainer.
Now let‘s look at how to actually share audio in Zoom on both desktop and mobile…
Sharing Audio from the Meeting Start
Want your audio shared right from the beginning? Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Join the Meeting
Open the Zoom desktop client or mobile app and join your meeting. You can also start an instant meeting.
Step 2: Check "Join Audio"
On desktop, click the box next to "Join with computer audio" so Zoom shares your system audio automatically.
On mobile, this option appears when you join a meeting.
That‘s all there is to it! Your Zoom audio sharing will now be enabled by default.
Activating Audio Mid-Meeting
Forgot to enable audio sharing from the start? You can easily activate it during an ongoing meeting:
Step 1: Initiate Screen Share
Click "Share Screen" in your Zoom toolbar and choose what you want to share.
Step 2: Check "Share Computer Sound"
In the sharing menu, tick the box for "Share computer sound" and then click Share.
Your system audio will now be shared with meeting participants!
On desktop, you can stop and resume audio sharing using the More menu during an ongoing screen share.
Sharing Audio Sans Screen
Prefer to broadcast just your audio? No problem, just:
Step 1: Go to Advanced Share Menu
From the main share menu, click the "Advanced" tab.
Step 2: Double Click Computer Audio
Simply double click on "Computer Audio" to start sharing audio without visuals.
This gives participants flexibility to focus directly on your computer‘s sounds.
Sharing Audio on Mobile
What if you want to share audio directly from your phone or tablet?
After initiating screen share in the mobile app, tap the "Share Audio" button on the banner to toggle audio sharing on and off. It‘s that easy!
The Zoom mobile app provides seamless audio integration using this quick shortcut.
Troubleshooting Tips
Having issues sharing your audio clearly? Follow these tips:
Problem: Audio echoes or has buzzing sounds
Fix: Use a headset rather than speakers to avoid feedback
Problem: Notification sounds disrupt shared audio
Fix: Mute other apps and adjust volume before sharing computer audio
"The key is optimizing sound before sharing audio in meetings," says Stu Thompson, Zoom audio expert. "Doing so ensures everyone has the best listening experience."
For more troubleshooting, refer to Zoom‘s audio best practices.
Key Takeaways
- Check "Join Computer Audio" when joining meetings to share audio by default
- Select "Share Computer Sound" when screen sharing to activate audio
- Double click "Computer Audio" in Advanced share to broadcast only audio
- Use the mobile banner button to toggle audio sharing on and off
So now you have the complete guide to seamlessly integrating computer audio into your next Zoom meeting!
Ready to make your sessions more immersive with sound? Just follow the tips above to easily share audio on desktop or mobile.
