Zoom unveils smart name tags to enhance hybrid meeting inclusivity

Zoom has initiated the open beta of smart name tags, a new feature aimed at enhancing inclusivity and engagement in hybrid meetings. This feature is now available in Zoom Rooms and leverages artificial intelligence to label participants in a room, thereby making it easier for virtual attendees to identify in-person participants.

In the current dispersed work environment, enhancing communication during meetings is crucial. Smart name tags employ AI to label participants, which fosters a more productive and collaborative meeting experience. According to the company, "Smart name tags ensure virtual attendees can see each in-room participant's name, effectively breaking down a barrier of hybrid meetings and boosting connection."

The smart name tags come with several key benefits. They enhance inclusivity by allowing virtual meeting participants to see the names of each in-room attendee, whether they are speaking or not. This facilitates a more personal and inclusive virtual communication experience, thereby making attendees feel more connected. Additionally, the AI-powered feature automatically recognises participants, ensuring that everyone is identified and engaged in the conversation. Users can also manually add their names if they prefer.

Improved meeting dynamics is another significant advantage, especially for teams meeting for the first time. Smart name tags help identify who is present, thus aiding swift interaction and better collaboration. "This feature is especially useful for teams meeting for the first time, as it helps to facilitate swift interaction and collaboration," the company stated.

For users to enable smart name tags, admins must first activate the feature in the settings. Individual users can then enrol and consent through their profile, allowing their name tags to be displayed automatically in the video feed. The tags can also be edited as needed.

This new feature is part of Zoom's continual innovation aimed at enhancing the flexible work experience. The core mission of Zoom Spaces is to support globally dispersed teams by fostering seamless collaboration and inclusivity. Recent data suggests that 95% of business leaders say their organisations have become more flexible over the past two years, with 82% planning further flexibility in the next two years.

Zoom Rooms have also shown significant growth, surpassing two million licenses as of Q1 2025, and offer HD video collaboration for both in-person and remote participants. These rooms simplify meeting initiation, room booking, and content sharing, ensuring that every meeting remains productive and engaging.

Other innovations from Zoom include the intelligent director, which uses multiple cameras and AI to provide the best image and angle of participants in a Zoom Room, making them feel more included. Another feature, Workspace Reservation, allows employees to reserve workspaces ahead of time or upon arrival and includes recommendations for optimal collaboration based on colleague locations. Zoom Visitor Management simplifies the guest experience with intuitive workflows for inviting visitors and managing their stay.

These enterprise solutions facilitate seamless transitions for workforces, whether they are working from home, on-the-go, or in the office. These solutions integrate with Zoom Workplace, an open collaboration platform that includes Zoom AI Companion.

As hybrid workplaces continue to evolve, Zoom Spaces offers comprehensive, flexible solutions to meet current needs and future trends, empowering businesses to create more connected, productive, and inclusive work environments.