Video Meeting Etiquette for 2025: Don’t Be That Person
We’re still doing video calls in 2025, and while we’ve gotten better, it’s clear some people still need a refresher on what’s cool and what’s definitely not. Here’s how to make sure you’re not the one everyone’s silently (read: on Slack) groaning about.
1. Late to the Party? Here’s the Deal
It’s like when a college professor was late to class. You give ‘em 10 minutes before you collectively call it.
5-minute grace period: We’ll wait. We’re nice like that. After 5 minutes, though? Expect a “Hey, where you at?” ping via email or text.
After another 5 minutes of radio silence, we’re out. Meeting over. You’ll get an email about rescheduling, but the ball’s in your court now.
2. Recording Without Permission? Not on My Watch
Hit record without warning and watch the trust in the room evaporate. Don’t be the creepy lurker who records people without telling them. Say it upfront: "I’m recording this"—not hard, right? Otherwise, you’re basically the guy secretly live-tweeting private convos at a party.
3. Eating? Sneezing? Touching Your Nose? Go Off Camera, Please
No one needs a front-row seat to your sandwich. If you’re eating, mute yourself and go off camera.
And while we’re at it, let’s make going off camera normal for the less-than-glamorous moments of life: sneezes, scratching your nose, or pulling a face at something your cat did (that no one else can see). Just hit that "off" button. Easy.
4. Related, Don’t Call on Someone Who Just Went Off Camera
See above. If someone goes off camera, let’s assume they’re handling something important—like their kid’s tantrum or a quick existential crisis. Whatever it is, do not call on them. They’re not at their best right now, trust me.
5. Ready to Share Your Screen? You sure?
You’ve got something to share? Cool. Just make sure it’s in the right window. No one wants to see your chaotic desktop with 43 tabs open, your Amazon cart, or last night’s Google search for “funny cat memes” (or worse!). Have your stuff prepped in a separate window, like a pro, not a tech dinosaur.
6. Mute Yourself Early and Often
Arriving late? Don’t roll in hot with your mic on. Mute yourself before you join. The last thing we need is to hear you arguing with your delivery guy about missing hot sauce.
In fact, just stay muted until it’s your time to shine. You’re not the main character of this meeting—yet.
7. But Keep Unmute Handy
Nothing more embarrassing than having something to say but spending 20 seconds frantically trying to unmute yourself while everyone waits. If you know you’re going to speak, for the love of all things holy, keep the mute button handy. Put it where you can actually find it—because no one’s got time for your pantomiming “Hold on, where’s the mute button...oh, found it!”
8. Document Everything
Asynchronous work is the new standard, and it’s not going away. Make sure all decisions and action items are documented and emailed to all relevant parties. This is a great place to deploy AI so follow-ups never slip through the cracks.
Follow these rules, and you’ll be the hero of the virtual meeting world, not the person people quietly mock in their group chats. Just remember: be respectful, be prepared, and when in doubt, go off camera.
