# choose-zoom-approach

- type: skill
- industry: software-engineering
- roles: general
- source: https://github.com/anthropics/knowledge-work-plugins/blob/main/partner-built/zoom-plugin/skills/choose-zoom-approach/SKILL.md
- license: MIT (mirror-with-attribution)
- install: npx skills add anthropics/knowledge-work-plugins --skill choose-zoom-approach
- needs_credentials: false
- writes_external: false
- updated_at: 2026-10-15T10:15:30Z

Choose the right Zoom architecture for a use case. Use when deciding between REST API, Webhooks, WebSockets, Meeting SDK, Video SDK, Zoom Apps SDK, Zoom MCP, Phone, Contact Center, or a hybrid approach.

---

Mirrored from https://github.com/anthropics/knowledge-work-plugins/blob/main/partner-built/zoom-plugin/skills/choose-zoom-approach/SKILL.md under MIT. The original is authoritative.

---
name: choose-zoom-approach
description: Choose the right Zoom architecture for a use case. Use when deciding between REST API, Webhooks, WebSockets, Meeting SDK, Video SDK, Zoom Apps SDK, Zoom MCP, Phone, Contact Center, or a hybrid approach.
user-invocable: false
---

# Choose Zoom Approach

Pick the smallest correct Zoom surface for the job, then layer in only the supporting pieces that are actually required.

## Decision Framework

| Problem Type | Primary Zoom Surface |
|---|---|
| Deterministic backend automation, account management, reporting, scheduled jobs | [rest-api](../rest-api/SKILL.md) |
| Event delivery to your backend | [webhooks](../webhooks/SKILL.md) or [websockets](../websockets/SKILL.md) |
| Embed Zoom meetings into your app | [meeting-sdk](../meeting-sdk/SKILL.md) |
| Build a fully custom video experience | [video-sdk](../video-sdk/SKILL.md) |
| Build inside the Zoom client | [zoom-apps-sdk](../zoom-apps-sdk/SKILL.md) |
| AI-agent tool workflows over Zoom data | [zoom-mcp](../zoom-mcp/SKILL.md) |
| Real-time media extraction or meeting bots | [rtms](../rtms/SKILL.md) plus [meeting-sdk](../meeting-sdk/SKILL.md) when needed |
| Phone workflows | [phone](../phone/SKILL.md) |
| Contact Center or Virtual Agent flows | [contact-center](../contact-center/SKILL.md) or [virtual-agent](../virtual-agent/SKILL.md) |

## Guardrails

- Do not recommend Video SDK when the user actually needs Zoom meeting semantics.
- Do not recommend Meeting SDK when the user needs a fully custom session product.
- Do not replace deterministic backend automation with MCP-only guidance.
- Prefer hybrid `rest-api + zoom-mcp` when the user needs both stable system actions and AI-driven discovery.

## What To Produce

- One recommended path
- Minimum supporting components
- Hard constraints and tradeoffs
- Immediate next implementation step