Let’s be honest, no one is particularly excited that the holiday season is marred by the pandemic in such a significant way. Unfortunately, with cases and deaths rising at such an explosive rate in the US, business as usual is simply not the reasonable, safe approach to Thanksgiving this year. Fortunately, Zoom is looking out for its socially distancing users by nixing the limit from its free plan, so family and friends can — at least virtually — spend some time together.

— Zoom (@zoom_us) November 10, 2020 The move is a kind one from what many consider the poster child for virtual communication amidst a global pandemic that continues to ravage the US. Zoom has seen unprecedented growth in the months since the coronavirus reared its ugly head, and this move to make a socially distanced holiday more enjoyable is another reason why it’s the go-to option for so many. Well, that and those virtual backgrounds, of course. Studies have shown that everything from the lack of personal connection to the inclination to multitask can have more of a disconnecting effect than the alternative. In fact, the term has become part of everyday life now, with Google searches for the phrase increasing substantially since March. The reality is that Zoom gatherings, meetings, and other events aren’t the same as meeting in person, and it can be hard to understand how that affects your body. Still, during the holidays, when you’re looking to jump on with as many family members as possible, doing away with the 40-minute time limit can make things infinitely easier, as long as you manage your mental health. Additionally, Zoom isn’t the only video conferencing platform out there, despite what you may believe after this pandemic. Google Meet is another great option, which comes with a 60-minute time limit for free plans, and offers some truly intuitive features for businesses. Check out our Google Meet review for more information. And that’s not all. There are dozens of great video conferencing options on the market today with varying plan options, time limits, and features that might be a better fit for you, no matter what you’re using it for. Take a look at this table to get a better idea of the video conferencing options available to you.

Zoom to Drop 40 Minute Time Limit for Thanksgiving   Tech co - 72Zoom to Drop 40 Minute Time Limit for Thanksgiving   Tech co - 79Zoom to Drop 40 Minute Time Limit for Thanksgiving   Tech co - 37Zoom to Drop 40 Minute Time Limit for Thanksgiving   Tech co - 74Zoom to Drop 40 Minute Time Limit for Thanksgiving   Tech co - 90Zoom to Drop 40 Minute Time Limit for Thanksgiving   Tech co - 32Zoom to Drop 40 Minute Time Limit for Thanksgiving   Tech co - 79Zoom to Drop 40 Minute Time Limit for Thanksgiving   Tech co - 17