Which Type of Host Should I Use?

Alternative Hosts

An Alternative Host is a user who has pre-defined permission to act as the host instead of the person who schedules the meeting.

Alternative Hosts share the same administrative controls as those of Co-Hosts; and can also start the meeting on behalf of the scheduler. However, there are a handful of things that only the scheduler can do, such as setup live streams. 

There can only be one Host of the meeting, setting up multiple Alternative Hosts only serves to allow more than one person to start the meeting. If the Alternative Host starts the meeting and the scheduler joins after, the Alternative Host retains “Host” permissions until they give it back.

In addition, Alternative Hosts have to be Licensed users on the same account. Although, the Host can transfer the host role to any participant during the meeting, the meeting would be subject to that particular user's license and restrictions (Basic or Licensed).

For more information, visit Zoom Support's Designating an alternative host page.

Co-Hosts

A Co-Host, on the other hand, is anyone who is currently joined in the meeting whom the Host designates to have additional controls such as muting/unmuting people, monitoring/responding to chats, screen-sharing controls, and more.

While Alternative Hosts can be assigned and set up in advance, Co-Hosts can only be assigned during the meeting by the current host. As such, Co-Hosts cannot start a meeting.

Since Co-Hosts are used to help manage the administrative side of meetings, there is no limitation to the number of Co-Hosts allowed.

To Assign a Co-Host During a Meeting:

  1. Hover over the user's video
  2. Click on the ellipsis icon when available.
  3. When options appear, select "Make Co-Host".

For more information, visit Zoom Support's Host and co-host controls in a meeting page.

And for an overview of all the roles in a meetings, please review: Roles in a meeting – Zoom Support.

Having Trouble Assigning an Alternative Host?

If you are a WSU employee and are trying to assign another WSU employee as an Alternative Host, you may get a message saying that they aren't a Licensed user. In this case, please have them submit a ticket for a Licensed account through our Campus Media Service AV page.