Starting the New Year Right: Is Zoom Still Relevant for Writers in 2025?

The new year often brings a sense of renewal, a time to set fresh goals and embrace new habits. For writers, editors, and academics, this might include reevaluating the tools that help us collaborate and create. One question many of us are asking as 2025 begins is: Is Zoom still the go-to platform for virtual meetings, or have we outgrown it?

Over the last few years, Zoom has cemented its place as a reliable and accessible platform for remote collaboration. Whether you're a memoirist discussing revisions with your editor, a novelist workshopping ideas with a writing group, or an academic presenting research, Zoom's simplicity and versatility have made it a favorite. Its ubiquity means it's a tool almost everyone knows how to use, eliminating barriers for those less tech-savvy.

But as we step into 2025, does Zoom still meet the evolving needs of today's writers? The answer largely depends on how we use it. While competitors and advancements in technology may offer exciting alternatives, Zoom remains a powerful tool when leveraged effectively.

To maximize the potential of Zoom, writers should consider not just using the platform, but using it strategically. Here are some tips:

1. Prepare in Advance: Share meeting agendas, manuscripts, or notes ahead of time so participants can arrive ready to engage. This is particularly important for collaborative sessions like brainstorming or editing.
2. Explore Built-In Tools: Zoom offers more than just video calling. Features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, and whiteboards can transform a standard meeting into an interactive session. For example, writers can share drafts in real-time or editors can annotate documents as they're discussed.
3. Minimize Distractions: Encourage participants to mute their microphones when not speaking and use Zoom backgrounds to maintain focus. For group sessions, setting clear guidelines ensures smoother conversations.
4. Record and Revisit: Zoom's recording feature allows participants to revisit discussions. This is invaluable for writers who might miss key points during fast-paced exchanges.
5. Use Complementary Tools: Integrate Zoom with other apps like Google Docs for collaborative writing or Notion for organizing meeting notes. This synergy can bridge gaps Zoom might not cover on its own.

A new year is an excellent opportunity to refine your workflow. While Zoom remains relevant, pairing it with other technologies can help you work smarter. For example, consider setting up post-meeting action items in a project management app like Trello or Asana. These tools keep your goals on track and ensure no insights from your Zoom discussions are lost.

For writers who rely on one-on-one coaching or group workshops, using Zoom in combination with feedback platforms like Figma or Miro can also enhance creative exchanges.

As we progress through 2025, it's clear that Zoom is not going anywhere soon. However, the way we use it will continue to evolve. Writers and editors who adapt their Zoom practices to meet changing needs will find that the platform remains as effective as ever. Zoom's ability to foster genuine human connection—even across great distances—is a reminder that technology, when used thoughtfully, can enhance rather than replace our creative collaborations.

Zoom might not be the newest tool on the block, but its reliability and versatility ensure it remains a valuable asset for writers and editors alike. By starting the new year with a commitment to maximizing your use of Zoom, you'll set yourself up for a year of productive and meaningful collaborations. In 2025, the key isn't just sticking to what works—it's making what works even better.

Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash