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Zoom Video SDK Web

OpenAIOfficialCreated by ZoomDistributed by OpenAI

  • Skill
  • Tool integration
  • Software development
  • MIT
  • No issues found

From the author

Zoom Video SDK for Web - JavaScript/TypeScript integration for browser-based video sessions, real-time communication, screen sharing, recording, and live transcription
— the description by Zoom

AutoGineer summary

Written by AutoGineer from the skill’s own files, not by the author

The Zoom Video SDK for Web provides a robust JavaScript/TypeScript library for building custom, browser-based video communication experiences. Unlike standard Zoom meetings, this SDK allows developers to create fully branded, custom user interfaces for video sessions, screen sharing, live transcription, and collaborative features like whiteboarding. It follows a strict event-driven architecture and requires careful management of the session lifecycle, particularly regarding media stream initialization and participant event handling.

What it does

  • Enables real-time audio and video communication in web browsers.
  • Supports screen sharing and collaborative whiteboarding.
  • Provides tools for cloud recording and live streaming to RTMP endpoints.
  • Includes features for in-session chat and custom command messaging.
  • Facilitates live transcription and breakout room management.
  • Offers granular control over media devices and video quality settings.

When to use it

  • When building a custom-branded video conferencing application.
  • When you need full control over the video UI and participant layout.
  • When integrating real-time communication into existing web platforms.
  • When requiring advanced features like custom video frame processing or live captions.

Advantages

  • Full control over the user interface and user experience.
  • Supports high-definition video and WebRTC for direct peer-to-peer streaming.
  • Comprehensive feature set including chat, recording, and transcription.
  • Well-documented lifecycle patterns for reliable session management.

Usage examples

“How do I join a video session using the Zoom Video SDK?”
The user receives the 5-step lifecycle pattern: create client, initialize, join, get media stream, and start media, with specific warnings to only call getMediaStream() after joining.
“How can I display a remote participant's video?”
The user is guided to use the peer-video-state-change event to trigger attachVideo() and append the resulting video element to the DOM.

Install

  1. Download the skill as a ZIP:

    https://autogineer.com/agent-skills/openai/zoom-video-sdk-web/download
  2. Unzip it into the cross-client skills folder of your project:

    mkdir -p .agents/skills && unzip zoom-video-sdk-web.zip -d .agents/skills

Documentation by Zoom

Zoom Video SDK - Web Development

Expert guidance for developing with the Zoom Video SDK on Web. This SDK enables custom video applications in the browser with real-time video/audio, screen sharing, cloud recording, live streaming, chat, and live transcription.

This skill is for custom video sessions, not embedded Zoom meetings. If the user wants a custom UI for a real Zoom meeting, route to ../../meeting-sdk/web/component-view/SKILL.md.

Official Documentation: https://developers.zoom.us/docs/video-sdk/web/ API Reference: https://marketplacefront.zoom.us/sdk/custom/web/modules.html Sample Repository: https://github.com/zoom/videosdk-web-sample

New to Video SDK? Follow this path:

  1. SDK Architecture Pattern - Universal 3-step pattern for ANY feature

  2. Session Join Pattern - Complete working code to join a session

  3. Video Rendering - Display video with attachVideo()

  4. Event Handling - Required events for video/audio

Reference:

  • Singleton Hierarchy - 4-level SDK navigation map

  • API Reference - Methods, events, error codes

  • SKILL.md - Complete documentation navigation

  • ../../probe-sdk/SKILL.md - Optional browser/device/network readiness diagnostics before join

Having issues?

  • Video not showing → Video Rendering (use attachVideo, not renderVideo)

  • getMediaStream() returns undefined → Call AFTER join() completes

  • Quick diagnostics → Common Issues

SDK Overview

The Zoom Video SDK for Web is a JavaScript library that provides:

  • Session Management: Join/leave video SDK sessions

  • Video/Audio: Start/stop camera and microphone

  • Screen Sharing: Share screens or browser tabs

  • Cloud Recording: Record sessions to Zoom cloud

  • Live Streaming: Stream to RTMP endpoints

  • Chat: In-session messaging

  • Command Channel: Custom command messaging

  • Live Transcription: Real-time speech-to-text

  • Subsessions: Breakout room support

  • Whiteboard: Collaborative whiteboard features

  • Virtual Background: Blur or custom image backgrounds

Prerequisites

System Requirements
  • Modern Browser: Chrome 80+, Firefox 75+, Safari 14+, Edge 80+

  • Video SDK Credentials: SDK Key and Secret from Marketplace

  • JWT Token: Server-side generated signature

Browser Feature Requirements
// Check browser compatibility before init
const compatibility = ZoomVideo.checkSystemRequirements();
console.log('Audio:', compatibility.audio);
console.log('Video:', compatibility.video);
console.log('Screen:', compatibility.screen);

// Check feature support
const features = ZoomVideo.checkFeatureRequirements();
console.log('Supported:', features.supportFeatures);
console.log('Unsupported:', features.unSupportFeatures);

Use Probe SDK as a readiness gate before client.join(...) when you need to reduce failed starts:

  1. Run diagnostics with ../../probe-sdk/SKILL.md.

  2. Evaluate policy (allow, warn, block).

  3. Start Video SDK join only when policy allows.

Cross-skill flow: ../../general/use-cases/probe-sdk-preflight-readiness-gate.md

Installation

npm install @zoom/videosdk
import ZoomVideo from '@zoom/videosdk';

Note: Some networks/ad blockers can block source.zoom.us. If you see flaky loads, first try allowlisting the domain in your environment. If needed, consider a fallback (mirror/self-host) only if it's permitted for your use case and you can keep versions in sync.

# Download SDK locally
curl "https://source.zoom.us/videosdk/zoom-video-2.3.12.min.js" -o public/js/zoom-video-sdk.min.js
<!-- Use local copy instead of CDN -->
<script src="js/zoom-video-sdk.min.js"></script>
// CDN exports as WebVideoSDK, NOT ZoomVideo
const ZoomVideo = WebVideoSDK.default;

Quick Start

import ZoomVideo from '@zoom/videosdk';

// 1. Create client (singleton - returns same instance)
const client = ZoomVideo.createClient();

// 2. Initialize SDK
await client.init('en-US', 'Global', { patchJsMedia: true });

// 3. Join session
await client.join(topic, signature, userName, password);

// 4. CRITICAL: Get stream AFTER join
const stream = client.getMediaStream();

// 5. Start media
await stream.startVideo();
await stream.startAudio();

// 6. Attach video to DOM
const videoElement = await stream.attachVideo(userId, VideoQuality.Video_360P);
document.getElementById('video-container').appendChild(videoElement);

SDK Lifecycle (CRITICAL ORDER)

The SDK has a strict lifecycle. Violating it causes silent failures.

1. Create client:     client = ZoomVideo.createClient()
2. Initialize:        await client.init('en-US', 'Global', options)
3. Join session:      await client.join(topic, signature, userName, password)
4. Get stream:        stream = client.getMediaStream()  ← ONLY AFTER JOIN
5. Start media:       await stream.startVideo() / await stream.startAudio()

Common Mistake:

// WRONG: Getting stream before joining
const stream = client.getMediaStream();  // Returns undefined!
await client.join(...);

// CORRECT: Get stream after joining
await client.join(...);
const stream = client.getMediaStream();  // Works!

Critical Gotchas and Best Practices

getMediaStream() ONLY Works After join()

The #1 issue that causes video/audio to fail:

// WRONG
const stream = client.getMediaStream();  // undefined!
await client.join(...);

// CORRECT
await client.join(...);
const stream = client.getMediaStream();  // Works
Use attachVideo() NOT renderVideo()

renderVideo() is deprecated. Use attachVideo() which returns a VideoPlayer element:

import { VideoQuality } from '@zoom/videosdk';

// CORRECT: attachVideo returns element to append
const videoElement = await stream.attachVideo(userId, VideoQuality.Video_360P);
document.getElementById('video-container').appendChild(videoElement);

// WRONG: renderVideo is deprecated
await stream.renderVideo(canvas, userId, ...);  // Don't use!
Video Rendering is Event-Driven (CRITICAL)

You MUST listen for events to properly render participant videos:

// When another participant's video state changes
client.on('peer-video-state-change', async (payload) => {
  const { action, userId } = payload;

  if (action === 'Start') {
    // Participant turned on video - attach it
    const element = await stream.attachVideo(userId, VideoQuality.Video_360P);
    container.appendChild(element);
  } else if (action === 'Stop') {
    // Participant turned off video - detach it
    await stream.detachVideo(userId);
  }
});

// When participants join/leave
client.on('user-added', (payload) => {
  // New participant joined - check if their video is on
  const users = client.getAllUser();
  // Render videos for users with bVideoOn === true
});

client.on('user-removed', (payload) => {
  // Participant left - clean up their video element
  stream.detachVideo(payload[0].userId);
});
Peer Video on Mid-Session Join

Existing participants' videos won't auto-render when you join mid-session.

// After joining, render existing participants' videos
const renderExistingVideos = async () => {
  await new Promise(resolve => setTimeout(resolve, 500));

  const users = client.getAllUser();
  const currentUserId = client.getCurrentUserInfo().userId;

  for (const user of users) {
    if (user.bVideoOn && user.userId !== currentUserId) {
      const element = await stream.attachVideo(user.userId, VideoQuality.Video_360P);
      document.getElementById(`video-${user.userId}`).appendChild(element);
    }
  }
};
CDN Race Condition with ES Modules

When using <script type="module"> with CDN, the SDK may not be loaded yet:

function waitForSDK(timeout = 10000) {
  return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
    if (typeof WebVideoSDK !== 'undefined') {
      resolve();
      return;
    }
    const start = Date.now();
    const check = setInterval(() => {
      if (typeof WebVideoSDK !== 'undefined') {
        clearInterval(check);
        resolve();
      } else if (Date.now() - start > timeout) {
        clearInterval(check);
        reject(new Error('SDK failed to load'));
      }
    }, 100);
  });
}

await waitForSDK();
const ZoomVideo = WebVideoSDK.default;
SharedArrayBuffer for HD Video

For optimal performance and HD video, configure these headers on your server:

Cross-Origin-Opener-Policy: same-origin
Cross-Origin-Embedder-Policy: require-corp

Note: As of v1.11.2, SharedArrayBuffer is elective (not strictly required).

Check HD Capability Before Enabling
const stream = client.getMediaStream();

// Check if 720p is supported
const hdSupported = stream.isSupportHDVideo();

// Get maximum video quality
const maxQuality = stream.getVideoMaxQuality();
// 0=90P, 1=180P, 2=360P, 3=720P, 4=1080P

// Start video with HD
if (hdSupported) {
  await stream.startVideo({ hd: true });
}
Screen Share Rendering Mode Check
const stream = client.getMediaStream();

// Check which element type to use
if (stream.isStartShareScreenWithVideoElement()) {
  // Use video element
  const video = document.getElementById('share-video');
  await stream.startShareScreen(video as unknown as HTMLCanvasElement);
} else {
  // Use canvas element
  const canvas = document.getElementById('share-canvas');
  await stream.startShareScreen(canvas);
}

Key Features

Video Quality Enum
import { VideoQuality } from '@zoom/videosdk';

VideoQuality.Video_90P   // 0
VideoQuality.Video_180P  // 1
VideoQuality.Video_360P  // 2 (recommended for most cases)
VideoQuality.Video_720P  // 3
VideoQuality.Video_1080P // 4
Virtual Backgrounds
const stream = client.getMediaStream();

// Always check support first
if (stream.isSupportVirtualBackground()) {
  // Blur background
  await stream.updateVirtualBackgroundImage('blur');

  // Custom image background
  await stream.updateVirtualBackgroundImage('https://example.com/bg.jpg');

  // Remove virtual background
  await stream.updateVirtualBackgroundImage(undefined);
}
Video Processor (Custom Effects)

The VideoProcessor class allows you to intercept and modify video frames:

// video-processor-worker.js
class MyVideoProcessor extends VideoProcessor {
  processFrame(input, output) {
    const ctx = output.getContext('2d');
    ctx.drawImage(input, 0, 0);

    // Add overlay
    ctx.fillStyle = 'white';
    ctx.font = '24px Arial';
    ctx.fillText('Live', 20, 40);

    return true;
  }
}
WebRTC Mode

Enable WebRTC mode for direct peer-to-peer streaming with HD video support:

await client.init('en-US', 'Global', {
  patchJsMedia: true,
  webrtc: true  // Enable WebRTC mode
});

Feature Clients

Access specialized clients from the VideoClient:

ClientAccess MethodPurpose
Streamclient.getMediaStream()Video, audio, screen share, devices
Chatclient.getChatClient()Send/receive messages
Commandclient.getCommandClient()Custom commands (reactions, etc.)
Recordingclient.getRecordingClient()Cloud recording control
Transcriptionclient.getLiveTranscriptionClient()Live captions
LiveStreamclient.getLiveStreamClient()RTMP streaming
Subsessionclient.getSubsessionClient()Breakout rooms
Whiteboardclient.getWhiteboardClient()Collaborative whiteboard

Common Tasks

Start/Stop Video
await stream.startVideo();
await stream.stopVideo();
Start/Stop Audio
await stream.startAudio();
await stream.muteAudio();
await stream.unmuteAudio();
await stream.stopAudio();
Switch Devices
// Get available devices
const cameras = stream.getCameraList();
const mics = stream.getMicList();
const speakers = stream.getSpeakerList();

// Switch devices
await stream.switchCamera(cameraId);
await stream.switchMicrophone(micId);
await stream.switchSpeaker(speakerId);
Screen Sharing
// Start sharing
await stream.startShareScreen(canvas);

// Stop sharing
await stream.stopShareScreen();

// Receive share
client.on('active-share-change', async (payload) => {
  if (payload.state === 'Active') {
    await stream.startShareView(canvas, payload.userId);
  } else {
    await stream.stopShareView();
  }
});
Chat
const chatClient = client.getChatClient();

// Send to everyone
await chatClient.send('Hello, everyone!');

// Send to specific user
await chatClient.sendToUser(userId, 'Private message');

// Receive messages
client.on('chat-on-message', (payload) => {
  console.log(`${payload.sender.name}: ${payload.message}`);
});
Recording (Host Only)
const recordingClient = client.getRecordingClient();

await recordingClient.startCloudRecording();
await recordingClient.stopCloudRecording();

client.on('recording-change', (payload) => {
  console.log('Recording status:', payload.state);
});
Leave/End Session
// Leave session (others stay)
await client.leave();

// End session for ALL participants (host only)
await client.leave(true);

Error Handling

Common Join Errors
ErrorCauseSolution
Invalid signatureJWT expired or malformedGenerate new signature
Session does not existHost hasn't started yetShow "waiting" message, retry
Permission deniedUser denied camera/micRequest permission again
Example Error Handler
try {
  await client.join(topic, signature, userName, password);
} catch (error) {
  if (error.reason?.includes('signature')) {
    // Regenerate signature and retry
  } else if (error.reason?.includes('Session')) {
    // Show "Waiting for host..." and poll
  } else if (error.reason?.includes('Permission')) {
    // Guide user to enable permissions
  }
  console.error('Join failed:', error);
}

Browser Compatibility

FeatureChromeFirefoxSafariEdge
Video80+75+14+80+
Audio80+75+14+80+
Screen Share80+75+15+80+
Virtual BG80+90+-80+

Safari Notes:

  • Virtual background not supported

  • Screen sharing requires macOS 15+

CORS Errors (Telemetry)

CORS errors to log-external-gateway.zoom.us are harmless.

These are caused by COOP/COEP headers blocking telemetry requests. They don't affect SDK functionality.

Complete Documentation Library

Core Concepts
Complete Examples
Framework Integrations
Troubleshooting
References

Official Sample Repositories

Resources


Need help? Start with SKILL.md for complete navigation.

Merged from video-sdk/web/SKILL.md

Zoom Video SDK Web - Complete Documentation Index

Quick Start Path

If you're new to the SDK, follow this order:

  1. Read the architecture pattern → concepts/sdk-architecture-pattern.md

    • Universal formula: Create Client → Init → Join → Get Stream → Use

    • Once you understand this, you can implement any feature

  2. Implement session join → examples/session-join-pattern.md

    • Complete working JWT + session join code

  3. Listen to events → examples/event-handling.md

    • CRITICAL: The SDK is event-driven, you must listen for events

  4. Implement video → examples/video-rendering.md

    • Use attachVideo(), NOT renderVideo()

  5. Troubleshoot any issues → troubleshooting/common-issues.md

    • Quick diagnostic checklist

    • Error code tables


Documentation Structure

video-sdk/web/
├── SKILL.md                           # Main skill overview
├── SKILL.md                           # This file - navigation guide
│
├── concepts/                          # Core architectural patterns
│   ├── sdk-architecture-pattern.md   # Universal formula for ANY feature
│   └── singleton-hierarchy.md        # 4-level navigation guide
│
├── examples/                          # Complete working code
│   ├── session-join-pattern.md       # JWT auth + session join
│   ├── video-rendering.md            # attachVideo() patterns
│   ├── screen-share.md               # Send and receive screen shares
│   ├── event-handling.md             # Required events
│   ├── chat.md                       # Chat implementation
│   ├── command-channel.md            # Command channel messaging
│   ├── recording.md                  # Cloud recording control
│   ├── transcription.md              # Live transcription/captions
│   ├── react-hooks.md                # Official @zoom/videosdk-react library
│   └── framework-integrations.md     # Next.js, Vue/Nuxt, ZFG patterns
│
├── troubleshooting/                   # Problem solving guides
│   └── common-issues.md              # Quick diagnostic workflow
│
└── references/                        # Reference documentation
    ├── web-reference.md              # API hierarchy, methods, error codes
    └── events-reference.md           # All event types

By Use Case

I want to build a video app
  1. SDK Architecture Pattern - Understand the pattern

  2. Session Join Pattern - Join sessions

  3. Video Rendering - Display video

  4. Event Handling - Listen for video events

I'm getting runtime errors
  1. Common Issues - Error code tables

  2. "getMediaStream() is undefined" → Call AFTER join() completes

I want to receive screen shares
  1. Screen Share - startShareView() patterns

  2. Event Handling - active-share-change event

I want to send screen shares
  1. Screen Share - startShareScreen() patterns

  2. Check isStartShareScreenWithVideoElement() for element type

I want to use chat
  1. Chat - Send/receive messages

  2. getChatClient() for ChatClient access

I want to record sessions
  1. Recording - Cloud recording (host only)

  2. getRecordingClient() for RecordingClient access

I want to use live transcription
  1. Transcription - Enable live captions

  2. getLiveTranscriptionClient() for LiveTranscriptionClient access

I want to use command channel
  1. Command Channel - Custom signaling between participants

  2. Must call getCommandClient() AFTER join()

I want to implement a specific feature
  1. SDK Architecture Pattern - START HERE!

  2. Singleton Hierarchy - Navigate to the feature

  3. API Reference - Method signatures

I'm using React
  1. React Hooks - Official @zoom/videosdk-react library

  2. Provides hooks: useSession, useSessionUsers, useVideoState, useAudioState

  3. Pre-built components: VideoPlayerComponent, ScreenSharePlayerComponent

I'm using Next.js or Vue/Nuxt
  1. Framework Integrations - SSR considerations

  2. Server-side JWT generation patterns

  3. Client-side only SDK usage


Most Critical Documents

1. SDK Architecture Pattern (MASTER DOCUMENT)

concepts/sdk-architecture-pattern.md

The universal 5-step pattern:

  1. Create client

  2. Initialize SDK

  3. Join session

  4. Get stream

  5. Use features + listen to events

2. Common Issues (MOST COMMON PROBLEMS)

troubleshooting/common-issues.md

Common issues:

  • getMediaStream() returns undefined

  • Video not displaying

  • renderVideo() deprecated

3. Singleton Hierarchy (NAVIGATION MAP)

concepts/singleton-hierarchy.md

4-level deep navigation showing how to reach every feature.


Key Learnings

Critical Discoveries:
  1. getMediaStream() ONLY works after join()

  2. Use attachVideo() NOT renderVideo()

    • renderVideo() is deprecated

    • attachVideo() returns a VideoPlayer element to append to DOM

    • See: Video Rendering

  3. The SDK is Event-Driven

    • You MUST listen for events to render participant videos

    • key events: peer-video-state-change, user-added, user-removed

    • See: Event Handling

  4. Peer Videos on Mid-Session Join

    • Existing participants' videos won't auto-render

    • Must manually iterate getAllUser() and attachVideo()

    • See: Video Rendering

  5. CDN vs NPM

    • CDN exports as WebVideoSDK.default, not ZoomVideo

    • Some networks/ad blockers may block source.zoom.us - allowlist or use a permitted fallback strategy

    • See: Session Join Pattern

  6. SharedArrayBuffer for HD

    • Required for 720p/1080p video

    • Need COOP/COEP headers on server

    • Check with stream.isSupportHDVideo()

  7. Screen Share Element Type

    • Check isStartShareScreenWithVideoElement() for correct element type

    • See: Screen Share

  8. Command Channel Setup Order

    • Must call getCommandClient() AFTER client.join()

    • Register listeners AFTER join, not before

    • Web uses getCommandClient() not getCmdChannel()

    • See: Command Channel

  9. Command Channel is Session-Scoped

    • Does NOT span across different sessions

    • Both sender and receiver must be in the same session


Quick Reference

"getMediaStream() returns undefined"

→ Call AFTER join() completes

"Video not showing"

→ Video Rendering - Use attachVideo(), check events

"renderVideo() doesn't work"

→ Video Rendering - Use attachVideo() instead

"How do I implement [feature]?"

→ SDK Architecture Pattern

"How do I navigate to [client]?"

→ Singleton Hierarchy

"What error code means what?"

→ Common Issues


Document Version

Based on Zoom Video SDK for Web v2.3.x


Happy coding!

Remember: The SDK Architecture Pattern is your key to unlocking the entire SDK. Read it first!

Operations

  • RUNBOOK.md - 5-minute preflight and debugging checklist.

Files

examples/transcription.md

Live Transcription

Complete guide to implementing live transcription in the Zoom Video SDK for Web.

Prerequisites

  • Live transcription must be enabled on your Zoom account

  • Session must have live transcription feature available

Getting the Transcription Client

// Get transcription client after joining session
const transcriptionClient = client.getLiveTranscriptionClient();

Basic Operations

Start Live Transcription
try {
  await transcriptionClient.startLiveTranscription();
  console.log('Live transcription started');
} catch (error) {
  console.error('Failed to start transcription:', error);
}
Check Transcription Status
const status = transcriptionClient.getLiveTranscriptionStatus();

console.log('Transcription enabled:', status.isLiveTranscriptionEnabled);
console.log('Caption language:', status.captionLanguage);
console.log('Translation settings:', status.translatedSetting);
Set Speaking Language
import { LiveTranscriptionLanguage } from '@zoom/videosdk';

// Set the language you're speaking
await transcriptionClient.setSpeakingLanguage(
  LiveTranscriptionLanguage.English
);
Set Translation Language
// Translate transcriptions to another language
await transcriptionClient.setTranslationLanguage(
  LiveTranscriptionLanguage.Spanish
);

// Disable translation
await transcriptionClient.setTranslationLanguage(); // No argument

Receiving Transcription Messages

// Listen for transcription text
client.on('caption-message', (payload) => {
  const {
    msgId,       // Message ID
    text,        // Transcribed text
    userId,      // Speaker's user ID
    displayName, // Speaker's display name
    source,      // 'caption' or 'translation'
    language,    // Language code
    done,        // true = final, false = interim
    timestamp,   // Unix timestamp
  } = payload;

  if (done) {
    // Final transcription - display permanently
    addFinalTranscription(displayName, text);
  } else {
    // Interim result - update in place
    updateInterimTranscription(displayName, text);
  }
});

Transcription Events

Caption Status Changes
client.on('caption-status', (payload) => {
  const {
    autoCaption,        // Auto-captioning enabled
    language,           // Caption language name
    lang,               // Language code
    sessionLanguage,    // Session's transcription language
    translationStarted, // Translation active
  } = payload;

  console.log('Caption status:', payload);
});
Captions Enabled/Disabled
client.on('caption-enable', (isEnabled) => {
  if (isEnabled) {
    showCaptionUI();
  } else {
    hideCaptionUI();
  }
});
Caption Language Locked
client.on('caption-language-lock', (isLocked) => {
  if (isLocked) {
    // Host has locked the transcription language
    disableLanguageSelector();
  } else {
    enableLanguageSelector();
  }
});
Host Disabled Captions
client.on('caption-host-disable', (isDisabled) => {
  if (isDisabled) {
    console.log('Host has disabled captions');
    hideCaptionUI();
  }
});

Get Transcription History

// Get full transcription history
const history = transcriptionClient.getFullTranscriptionHistory();

// May return Promise for large histories (100,000+ records)
if (history instanceof Promise) {
  const records = await history;
  displayHistory(records);
} else {
  displayHistory(history);
}

// Get latest transcription
const latest = transcriptionClient.getLatestTranscription();
console.log('Latest:', latest);

// Get latest translation
const latestTranslation = transcriptionClient.getLatestTranslation();
console.log('Latest translation:', latestTranslation);

Get Current Languages

// Get current transcription language
const transcriptionLang = transcriptionClient.getCurrentTranscriptionLanguage();
console.log('Transcription language:', transcriptionLang);

// Get current translation language
const translationLang = transcriptionClient.getCurrentTranslationLanguage();
console.log('Translation language:', translationLang);

Host Controls

Lock Transcription Language
// Host can lock the transcription language
await transcriptionClient.lockTranscriptionLanguage(true);  // Lock
await transcriptionClient.lockTranscriptionLanguage(false); // Unlock
Disable Captions
// Host can disable captions for everyone
await transcriptionClient.disableCaptions(true);  // Disable
await transcriptionClient.disableCaptions(false); // Enable

Complete Transcription Manager

import { LiveTranscriptionLanguage } from '@zoom/videosdk';

class TranscriptionManager {
  constructor(client) {
    this.client = client;
    this.transcriptionClient = null;
    this.transcriptions = [];
    this.interimMap = new Map(); // Track interim results by speaker
    this.onTranscriptionUpdate = null;
    this.onStatusChange = null;
  }

  init() {
    this.transcriptionClient = this.client.getLiveTranscriptionClient();
    this.setupEventListeners();
  }

  setupEventListeners() {
    // Transcription messages
    this.client.on('caption-message', (payload) => {
      this.handleCaptionMessage(payload);
    });

    // Status changes
    this.client.on('caption-status', (payload) => {
      if (this.onStatusChange) {
        this.onStatusChange(payload);
      }
    });

    // Captions enabled/disabled
    this.client.on('caption-enable', (isEnabled) => {
      if (this.onStatusChange) {
        this.onStatusChange({ enabled: isEnabled });
      }
    });
  }

  handleCaptionMessage(payload) {
    const { userId, displayName, text, done, source, timestamp } = payload;
    const key = `${userId}-${source}`;

    if (done) {
      // Final result - move from interim to final
      this.interimMap.delete(key);
      this.transcriptions.push({
        userId,
        displayName,
        text,
        source,
        timestamp,
        isFinal: true,
      });
    } else {
      // Interim result - update in place
      this.interimMap.set(key, {
        userId,
        displayName,
        text,
        source,
        timestamp,
        isFinal: false,
      });
    }

    if (this.onTranscriptionUpdate) {
      this.onTranscriptionUpdate(this.getAllTranscriptions());
    }
  }

  getAllTranscriptions() {
    // Combine final transcriptions with current interim results
    const interim = Array.from(this.interimMap.values());
    return [...this.transcriptions, ...interim];
  }

  async start() {
    await this.transcriptionClient.startLiveTranscription();
  }

  async setSpeakingLanguage(language) {
    await this.transcriptionClient.setSpeakingLanguage(language);
  }

  async setTranslationLanguage(language) {
    await this.transcriptionClient.setTranslationLanguage(language);
  }

  async disableTranslation() {
    await this.transcriptionClient.setTranslationLanguage();
  }

  getStatus() {
    return this.transcriptionClient.getLiveTranscriptionStatus();
  }

  async getHistory() {
    const history = this.transcriptionClient.getFullTranscriptionHistory();
    if (history instanceof Promise) {
      return await history;
    }
    return history;
  }
}

// Usage
const transcriptionManager = new TranscriptionManager(client);
transcriptionManager.init();

transcriptionManager.onTranscriptionUpdate = (transcriptions) => {
  renderTranscriptions(transcriptions);
};

// Start transcription
document.getElementById('start-captions').onclick = async () => {
  await transcriptionManager.start();
};

// Change language
document.getElementById('language-select').onchange = async (e) => {
  await transcriptionManager.setSpeakingLanguage(e.target.value);
};

React Component

import React, { useState, useEffect, useRef } from 'react';
import { VideoClient, LiveTranscriptionLanguage } from '@zoom/videosdk';

interface TranscriptionEntry {
  displayName: string;
  text: string;
  timestamp: number;
  isFinal: boolean;
  source: string;
}

interface TranscriptionProps {
  client: typeof VideoClient;
  isHost: boolean;
}

export const LiveTranscription: React.FC<TranscriptionProps> = ({
  client,
  isHost
}) => {
  const [transcriptions, setTranscriptions] = useState<TranscriptionEntry[]>([]);
  const [interimMap] = useState(new Map<string, TranscriptionEntry>());
  const [isEnabled, setIsEnabled] = useState(false);
  const [speakingLanguage, setSpeakingLanguage] = useState<string>('');
  const containerRef = useRef<HTMLDivElement>(null);

  const transcriptionClient = client.getLiveTranscriptionClient();

  useEffect(() => {
    // Get initial status
    const status = transcriptionClient.getLiveTranscriptionStatus();
    setIsEnabled(status.isLiveTranscriptionEnabled);

    // Handle caption messages
    const handleCaption = (payload: any) => {
      const { userId, displayName, text, done, source, timestamp } = payload;
      const key = `${userId}-${source}`;

      if (done) {
        interimMap.delete(key);
        setTranscriptions(prev => [...prev, {
          displayName,
          text,
          timestamp,
          isFinal: true,
          source,
        }]);
      } else {
        interimMap.set(key, {
          displayName,
          text,
          timestamp,
          isFinal: false,
          source,
        });
        // Force re-render
        setTranscriptions(prev => [...prev]);
      }
    };

    const handleEnable = (enabled: boolean) => {
      setIsEnabled(enabled);
    };

    client.on('caption-message', handleCaption);
    client.on('caption-enable', handleEnable);

    return () => {
      client.off('caption-message', handleCaption);
      client.off('caption-enable', handleEnable);
    };
  }, [client, transcriptionClient, interimMap]);

  // Auto-scroll
  useEffect(() => {
    if (containerRef.current) {
      containerRef.current.scrollTop = containerRef.current.scrollHeight;
    }
  }, [transcriptions]);

  const startTranscription = async () => {
    await transcriptionClient.startLiveTranscription();
  };

  const handleLanguageChange = async (e: React.ChangeEvent<HTMLSelectElement>) => {
    const language = e.target.value as LiveTranscriptionLanguage;
    setSpeakingLanguage(language);
    await transcriptionClient.setSpeakingLanguage(language);
  };

  // Combine final and interim transcriptions for display
  const allTranscriptions = [
    ...transcriptions,
    ...Array.from(interimMap.values()),
  ].sort((a, b) => a.timestamp - b.timestamp);

  return (
    <div className="transcription-panel">
      <div className="transcription-header">
        <h3>Live Transcription</h3>

        {!isEnabled && (
          <button onClick={startTranscription}>
            Enable Captions
          </button>
        )}

        <select value={speakingLanguage} onChange={handleLanguageChange}>
          <option value="">Select Language</option>
          <option value={LiveTranscriptionLanguage.English}>English</option>
          <option value={LiveTranscriptionLanguage.Spanish}>Spanish</option>
          <option value={LiveTranscriptionLanguage.French}>French</option>
          <option value={LiveTranscriptionLanguage.German}>German</option>
          <option value={LiveTranscriptionLanguage.Chinese}>Chinese</option>
          <option value={LiveTranscriptionLanguage.Japanese}>Japanese</option>
        </select>
      </div>

      <div className="transcription-content" ref={containerRef}>
        {allTranscriptions.map((entry, index) => (
          <div
            key={`${entry.timestamp}-${index}`}
            className={`transcription-entry ${entry.isFinal ? 'final' : 'interim'}`}
          >
            <span className="speaker">{entry.displayName}:</span>
            <span className="text">{entry.text}</span>
          </div>
        ))}
      </div>

      <style jsx>{`
        .transcription-panel {
          display: flex;
          flex-direction: column;
          height: 300px;
          border: 1px solid #ddd;
          border-radius: 8px;
        }
        .transcription-header {
          padding: 10px;
          border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;
          display: flex;
          align-items: center;
          gap: 10px;
        }
        .transcription-content {
          flex: 1;
          overflow-y: auto;
          padding: 10px;
        }
        .transcription-entry {
          margin-bottom: 8px;
        }
        .transcription-entry.interim {
          color: #888;
          font-style: italic;
        }
        .speaker {
          font-weight: bold;
          margin-right: 5px;
        }
      `}</style>
    </div>
  );
};

Available Languages

// LiveTranscriptionLanguage enum
LiveTranscriptionLanguage.English
LiveTranscriptionLanguage.Spanish
LiveTranscriptionLanguage.French
LiveTranscriptionLanguage.German
LiveTranscriptionLanguage.Italian
LiveTranscriptionLanguage.Portuguese
LiveTranscriptionLanguage.Russian
LiveTranscriptionLanguage.Chinese
LiveTranscriptionLanguage.Japanese
LiveTranscriptionLanguage.Korean
// ... and more

Key Points

  1. Interim vs Final - done=false is interim (updating), done=true is final

  2. Start transcription - Call startLiveTranscription() to enable

  3. Set speaking language - Tell the system what language you're speaking

  4. Translation is optional - Use setTranslationLanguage() if needed

  5. Handle large histories - getFullTranscriptionHistory() may return Promise

Key Events

EventWhenPayload
caption-messageTranscription text receivedText, speaker, done flag
caption-statusStatus changesLanguage, enabled state
caption-enableCaptions enabled/disabledBoolean
caption-language-lockLanguage locked by hostBoolean
caption-host-disableHost disabled captionsBoolean

Requirements and compatibility

Written for: OpenAI Codex

Works with: Claude Code, Claude apps, OpenAI Codex, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Gemini CLI, Kiro, OpenCode, Goose, Amp, Roo Code, JetBrains Junie, Factory Droid, Devin (ex-Windsurf), Mistral Vibe, OpenHands, Letta

“Works with” means the tool reads the open Agent Skills format; a skill written for one tool may use features others lack.

Needs: Needs network access, Needs Node.js

Security

No issues found by our static scan· No issues found

A static scan is not a guarantee. Skills are third-party content: review a skill before you let an agent use it.

Attribution and licence

Created by
Zoom
Publisher
OpenAI (Official)
Distributed by
OpenAI
Source
openai/plugins · plugins/zoom/skills/video-sdk/web · commit d420d13
Licence
MIT License (redistribution allowed)
  • LICENSE (added by AutoGineer from plugins/zoom/LICENSE)
  • ATTRIBUTION.md (written by AutoGineer)
Synced

AutoGineer is not affiliated with or endorsed by Zoom or OpenAI.

Download ZIP

The ZIP holds the skill’s files, its licence files and an ATTRIBUTION.md. Download zoom-video-sdk-web.zip