Zoom Lifts Free Call Time Limit for the Holidays Chat for hours at no cost this Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year's.

By Stephanie Milot

This story originally appeared on PCMag

Getty Images via PC Mag

Whether you're opening presents this holiday, drinking to the new year or just trying to sneak in one final book club meeting, Zoom has your back.

As a "token of appreciation to our users during an extraordinary time," the videoconferencing platform is ditching the 40-minute limit on free calls for this month's special occasions.

The cap will be automatically lifted from the following dates and times:

  • 10 a.m. ET Thursday, Dec. 17 (today) to 6 a.m. ET Saturday, Dec. 19

  • 10 a.m. ET Wednesday, Dec. 23 to 6 a.m. ET Saturday, Dec. 26

  • 10 a.m. ET Wednesday, Dec. 30 to 6 a.m. ET Saturday, Jan. 2

Sprinkle some holiday magic on your calls by downloading festive backgrounds and using video filters. Also check out Zoom's ideas for hosting virtual parties and tips for connecting with family and friends. "We're proud to have been a part of your lives in 2020 and wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season!" the team wrote in a blog announcement.

Related: How Eric Yuan 'Zoom'ed His Way To Build a $50-Billion Business

Zoom offered the same deal over Thanksgiving, inviting basic-plan customers to chat for hours over a slice of turkey and some cranberry sauce. The free plan cuts off after 40 minutes — a good incentive to upgrade to a paid tier. Sure, you can restart the call as many times as necessary, but that can put a real damper on any virtual gathering.

Google Meet also requires users to renew calls after 60 minutes, and most providers charge for removing these restrictions. Which is why it's such a delight to have endless free Zoom sessions this holiday season.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

Dog-Lovers' Side Hustle 'Took Off Right Away' and Made More Than $30,000 a Month — Now It's About to Hit $2.3 Million

Childhood friends Teddy Tawil and Irving Fallas turned their passion for pets into a successful business.

Side Hustle

Two Knicks and a Businessman Walk Into a Studio — And Turn Their Side Hustle Into a Booming Business. Here's How They Did It

The Roommates Podcast, hosted by Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson, combines genuine conversation with a focus on business, all under the guidance of co-host Matt Hillman. With his marketing savvy, Hillman helps with brand collaborations and improves the podcast's reach and impact.

Leadership

'The Most Important Traits Are Confidence and Humility': Leadership Lessons From an Army Ranger Turned CEO

Dan Streetman, the CEO of Tanium, a leading cybersecurity company located in the San Francisco Bay Area, on how being an Army Ranger has prepared him to be a CEO, what leadership means to him and how his company works to deliver the power of certainty for the organizations it serves.

Leadership

Founders Experience Time Differently Than Everyone Else. Here's Why — and How They Can Manage It Successfully.

For entrepreneurs, days feel fleeting while months accelerate under the weight of critical milestones. By understanding the Founder's Time Dilation Effect and the duality of execution and strategy, leaders can master their relationship with time, optimize decision-making and sustain long-term growth.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

No Meetings, Up to $30 Per Hour, Fully Remote: A College Student Training AI Says the Work Is 'Perfect' for Introverts

He works 30 hours a week without a direct boss, daily meetings, or contact with coworkers.