How to Add Timers to Zoom Meetings
Timers help keep Zoom meetings on track by showing how much time is left for each agenda item. You have three options:
- Zoom’s built-in timer: Free and integrated, but limited to basic countdowns
- Browser-based timers: Screen share a timer website for more flexibility
- Shareable timer links: Participants view timers in their own browsers while you control remotely
For simple meetings, Zoom’s built-in timer works fine. For events with multiple speakers or detailed agendas, Stagetimer offers schedule management, overtime handling, and multi-device control.
Zoom’s Built-in Timer
Install the free Timer app from the Zoom App Marketplace. Once installed, access it during meetings via the Apps icon.
Features: Preset durations (5, 10, 15, 20 minutes) or custom countdowns up to 100 minutes. Toggle “Show timer to all” to let participants see the countdown. The Queue feature lets you prepare multiple timers for different agenda items.
Limitations: Only works on the desktop client (not mobile or web). No agenda management or multi-device sync. Some macOS users report freezing issues — toggling your video off and back on usually fixes this.
Screen-Sharing a Browser Timer
Open a timer website like Stagetimer in your browser, set the countdown, then use Zoom’s Share Screen to display it. Enable “Optimize for Video Clip” if the timer stutters.
Pros: No installation needed. More customization than Zoom’s built-in option. Tools like Stagetimer add agenda management and remote control.
Cons: You must manually share your screen each time. The timer disappears if someone else shares their screen.
Shareable Timer Links
Instead of screen sharing, give participants a link they can open in their own browser. Stagetimer generates different link types:
- Viewer Link: Fullscreen timer display
- Agenda Link: Shows the complete meeting schedule
- Moderator Link: Timer plus tools to send real-time messages
Share the link in Zoom chat before it’s needed. You control the timer from any device while participants watch their own synced view.
For a polished look, display the timer as a virtual camera participant using OBS. This keeps the timer visible even when others share their screen. See our step-by-step Zoom integration guide for the full OBS setup.
“We love stagetimer.io… it has really helped us handle some large and complex virtual events with many remote presenters joining from all over the world - all kept to time perfectly with ease!” — Paul Swinton, Production Director at Vive Event Production
Comparison Table
| Feature | Zoom Built-in | Browser Timer | Shareable Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Zoom window corner | Screen share | Participant’s own browser |
| Remote control | Host only | Screen sharer | Any device |
| Agenda support | No | No | Yes (CSV import) |
| Overtime handling | Manual reset | Manual reset | Automatic tracking |
| Stays visible during screen share | Yes | No | Yes (with OBS) |
Next Steps
For basic time tracking, Zoom’s built-in timer is sufficient. For events with tight schedules, multiple speakers, or remote presenters, shareable timer links provide more control.
Ready to set up a timer that stays visible throughout your Zoom meeting? Follow our detailed Zoom integration tutorial.