Zoom is following through on its promise to add an auto-generated subtitles feature for all free users, where previously the service was exclusively for paid users.
Currently the temporary translation is only available in English but Zoom plans to expand to other languages in the future.
"It's important to us that everyone can successfully connect, communicate and participate using Zoom," said Theresa Larkin, Product Marketing Manager of Meetings & Chat at Zoom.
"Without the right accessibility tools, people with disabilities face obstacles when using video communication solutions," he continued.
Zoom previously offered artificial intelligence (AI)-powered direct transcription only for paid accounts, this has also drawn criticism from accessibility advocates for leaving deaf users with limited options, especially during the pandemic.
Without automatic captions, Zoom meeting organizers would have to use a third-party text service or add their own captions manually. But now all users can enjoy the auto text feature.
Zoom has added more accessibility options over the past year, including support for screen readers and allowing multiple videos to be viewed at the same time.
This allows the sign language interpreter to be visible at all times, even when the other user on the call is talking.
To enable captions in a Zoom meeting, the account owner or user with admin privileges can log in to the Zoom web portal and find 'account management' in the navigation menu.
Select account settings, then click the 'meeting' tab. Under 'In a meeting (continued)', toggle the closed captioning option to enable it.