Zoom Video SDK Linux
OpenAIOfficialCreated by ZoomDistributed by OpenAI
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- Tool integration
- Software development
- MIT
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AutoGineer summary
Written by AutoGineer from the skill’s own files, not by the author
The Zoom Video SDK for Linux provides a C++ library for building custom video applications, including headless bots and UI-integrated clients. Unlike other platforms, the Linux SDK does not provide a Canvas API, requiring developers to use a raw data pipe for all audio and video processing. This skill covers the architectural patterns, environment setup, and critical implementation requirements for Linux-based Zoom integrations.
What it does
- Provides guidance for building headless bots and custom UI applications using Qt or GTK.
- Explains the mandatory raw data pipe architecture for video and audio handling.
- Details the integration of virtual audio and video devices for headless environments.
- Outlines the singleton-based SDK architecture and event delegate patterns.
- Offers troubleshooting steps for PulseAudio, Qt dependencies, and build configurations.
- Supports advanced features like cloud recording, live streaming, and transcription.
When to use it
- When building custom video conferencing applications on Linux.
- When developing headless bots for automated session participation.
- When integrating Zoom video capabilities into existing C++ applications.
- When implementing custom media processing or injection pipelines.
Advantages
- Enables full control over raw audio and video streams.
- Supports headless operation via Docker and virtual device injection.
- Provides a consistent singleton-based API for session management.
- Includes comprehensive documentation for Linux-specific environment setup.
Usage examples
- “How do I join a session using the Zoom Video SDK on Linux?”
- The agent provides the session join pattern, including initializing the SDK, setting up delegates, and configuring the session context with necessary credentials and virtual device parameters.
- “Why is my video not rendering in my Linux Zoom application?”
- The agent explains that Linux lacks a Canvas API and guides the user to implement a raw data pipe to process and render YUV420 frames manually.
- “How do I configure audio for a headless bot on Linux?”
- The agent provides instructions for installing PulseAudio, configuring the zoomus.conf file, and initializing virtual audio speakers and microphones in the session context.
Install
Download the skill as a ZIP:
https://mp-staging.autogineer.com/agent-skills/openai/zoom-video-sdk-linux/downloadUnzip it into the cross-client skills folder of your project:
mkdir -p .agents/skills && unzip zoom-video-sdk-linux.zip -d .agents/skills
Documentation by Zoom
Zoom Video SDK - Linux Development
Expert guidance for developing with the Zoom Video SDK on Linux. Build headless bots, raw media capture/injection applications, and custom UI integrations with Qt/GTK.
Official Documentation: https://developers.zoom.us/docs/video-sdk/linux/ API Reference: https://marketplacefront.zoom.us/sdk/custom/linux/ Sample Repository: https://github.com/zoom/videosdk-linux-raw-recording-sample
Quick Links
New to Video SDK? Follow this path:
SDK Architecture Pattern - Universal 3-step pattern for ANY feature
Session Join Pattern - Complete working code to join a session
Raw Data vs Canvas - CRITICAL: Linux has NO Canvas API - raw data ONLY
Raw Video Capture - Capture and process YUV420 frames
Reference:
Singleton Hierarchy - 5-level SDK navigation map
API Reference - Complete API documentation
Qt/GTK Integration - UI framework patterns
Troubleshooting - Quick diagnostics
SKILL.md - Complete documentation navigation
Having issues?
PulseAudio setup → PulseAudio Guide
Qt dependencies → Qt Dependencies
Build errors → Build Errors Guide
Key Differences from Windows/macOS
| Feature | Linux | Windows/Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Canvas API | ❌ Not available | ✅ Available |
| Raw Data Pipe | ✅ ONLY option | ✅ Available |
| UI Integration | Qt, GTK, SDL2, OpenGL | Win32/WinForms/WPF, Cocoa |
| Headless Support | ✅ Excellent (Docker) | Limited |
| Audio | PulseAudio required | Native |
| Virtual Devices | ✅ Required for headless | Optional |
SDK Overview
The Zoom Video SDK for Linux is a C++ library optimized for:
Headless Bots: Docker/WSL support, no display required
Raw Data Access: Capture YUV420 video, PCM audio
Raw Data Injection: Virtual camera/mic for custom media
Screen Sharing: Capture or inject share data
Cloud Recording: Record sessions to Zoom cloud
Live Streaming: Stream to RTMP endpoints
Live Transcription: Real-time speech-to-text
Qt/GTK Integration: Full UI framework support
Prerequisites
System Requirements
OS: Ubuntu 20.04+, Debian 11+, or compatible
Architecture: x64 (recommended), ARM64
Compiler: GCC 9+, Clang 10+
CMake: 3.14 or later
Qt5: Bundled with SDK (do NOT install system Qt5)
Dependencies
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y build-essential gcc cmake libglib2.0-dev liblzma-dev \
libxcb-image0 libxcb-keysyms1 libxcb-xfixes0 libxcb-xkb1 libxcb-shape0 \
libxcb-shm0 libxcb-randr0 libxcb-xtest0 libgbm1 libxtst6 libgl1 libnss3 \
libasound2 libpulse0
# For headless Linux
sudo apt install -y pulseaudio
# PulseAudio configuration (CRITICAL for audio)
mkdir -p ~/.config
echo "[General]" > ~/.config/zoomus.conf
echo "system.audio.type=default" >> ~/.config/zoomus.conf
# Log directory
mkdir -p ~/.zoom/logsQuick Start
#include "zoom_video_sdk_api.h"
#include "zoom_video_sdk_interface.h"
#include "zoom_video_sdk_delegate_interface.h"
USING_ZOOM_VIDEO_SDK_NAMESPACE
// 1. Create SDK
IZoomVideoSDK* sdk = CreateZoomVideoSDKObj();
// 2. Initialize
ZoomVideoSDKInitParams init_params;
init_params.domain = "https://zoom.us";
init_params.enableLog = true;
init_params.logFilePrefix = "bot";
init_params.videoRawDataMemoryMode = ZoomVideoSDKRawDataMemoryModeHeap;
init_params.shareRawDataMemoryMode = ZoomVideoSDKRawDataMemoryModeHeap;
init_params.audioRawDataMemoryMode = ZoomVideoSDKRawDataMemoryModeHeap;
sdk->initialize(init_params);
// 3. Add delegate
sdk->addListener(myDelegate);
// 4. Join session
ZoomVideoSDKSessionContext ctx;
ctx.sessionName = "my-session";
ctx.userName = "Linux Bot";
ctx.token = "jwt-token";
ctx.audioOption.connect = true;
ctx.audioOption.mute = false;
ctx.videoOption.localVideoOn = false;
// For headless: Virtual audio speaker
ctx.virtualAudioSpeaker = new VirtualSpeaker();
IZoomVideoSDKSession* session = sdk->joinSession(ctx);See Session Join Pattern for complete code.
Key Features
| Feature | Linux Support | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Session Management | ✅ Full | Session Join |
| Raw Video (YUV420) | ✅ ONLY rendering option | Raw Video |
| Raw Audio (PCM) | ✅ Full | Raw Audio |
| Virtual Camera/Mic | ✅ Full | Virtual Devices |
| Cloud Recording | ✅ Full | Recording |
| Live Streaming | ✅ Full | Live Stream |
| Live Transcription | ✅ Full | Transcription |
| Command Channel | ✅ Full | Commands |
| Chat | ✅ Full | Chat |
| Qt Integration | ✅ Recommended | Qt/GTK |
| GTK Integration | ✅ Supported | Qt/GTK |
| Docker/Headless | ✅ Excellent | Virtual Devices |
Critical Gotchas
⚠️ CRITICAL #1: No Canvas API on Linux
Problem: Linux SDK does NOT have Canvas API like Windows/Mac.
Solution: You MUST use Raw Data Pipe and implement your own rendering.
See: Raw Data vs Canvas
⚠️ CRITICAL #2: PulseAudio Required for Audio
Problem: SDK requires PulseAudio for raw audio functions.
Solution:
sudo apt install -y pulseaudio
mkdir -p ~/.config
echo "[General]" > ~/.config/zoomus.conf
echo "system.audio.type=default" >> ~/.config/zoomus.confSee: PulseAudio Setup
⚠️ CRITICAL #3: Qt5 Dependencies
Problem: SDK requires Qt5 libraries (bundled, NOT system Qt5).
Solution:
# Copy from SDK package
cp -r samples/qt_libs/Qt/lib/* lib/zoom_video_sdk/
# Create symlinks
cd lib/zoom_video_sdk
for lib in libQt5*.so.5; do ln -sf $lib ${lib%.5}; doneSee: Qt Dependencies
⚠️ CRITICAL #4: Heap Memory Mode
Always use heap mode for raw data:
init_params.videoRawDataMemoryMode = ZoomVideoSDKRawDataMemoryModeHeap;
init_params.shareRawDataMemoryMode = ZoomVideoSDKRawDataMemoryModeHeap;
init_params.audioRawDataMemoryMode = ZoomVideoSDKRawDataMemoryModeHeap;⚠️ CRITICAL #5: Virtual Audio for Headless
Problem: Docker/headless environments have no audio devices.
Solution: Use virtual audio speaker and mic.
session_context.virtualAudioSpeaker = new VirtualSpeaker();
session_context.virtualAudioMic = new VirtualMic();See: Virtual Audio/Video
Sample Repositories
Official Samples
| Repository | Description |
|---|---|
| raw-recording-sample | Raw audio/video capture |
| qt-quickstart | Qt6 UI integration |
| gtk-quickstart | GTK3 UI integration |
Sample Architecture
Headless Bot (Docker):
┌──────────────────────────────────┐
│ Virtual Audio Speaker/Mic │
├──────────────────────────────────┤
│ Raw Data Processing │
│ - YUV420 → File/Stream
## Merged from video-sdk/linux/SKILL.md
# Zoom Video SDK Linux - Complete Documentation Index
## Quick Start Path
**If you're new to the SDK, follow this order:**
1. **Read the architecture pattern** → [concepts/sdk-architecture-pattern.md](concepts/sdk-architecture-pattern.md)
- Universal formula: Singleton → Delegate → Subscribe
- Once you understand this, you can implement any feature
2. **Understand Linux specifics** → [concepts/raw-data-vs-canvas.md](concepts/raw-data-vs-canvas.md)
- **CRITICAL**: Linux has NO Canvas API - raw data ONLY
3. **Implement session join** → [examples/session-join-pattern.md](examples/session-join-pattern.md)
- Complete working JWT + session join code
4. **Setup environment** → [troubleshooting/pulseaudio-setup.md](troubleshooting/pulseaudio-setup.md)
- PulseAudio configuration (required for audio)
- [troubleshooting/qt-dependencies.md](troubleshooting/qt-dependencies.md)
- Qt5 library setup (bundled with SDK)
5. **Implement features** → Choose from examples below
---
## Documentation Structure
video-sdk/linux/ ├── SKILL.md # Main skill overview ├── SKILL.md # This file - navigation guide ├── linux.md # Platform summary │ ├── concepts/ # Core architectural patterns │ ├── sdk-architecture-pattern.md # Universal formula for ANY feature │ ├── singleton-hierarchy.md # 5-level navigation guide │ └── raw-data-vs-canvas.md # Linux-specific: raw data ONLY │ ├── examples/ # Complete working code │ ├── session-join-pattern.md # JWT auth + session join │ └── command-channel.md # Command channel with threading │ ├── troubleshooting/ # Problem solving guides │ ├── pulseaudio-setup.md # Audio configuration │ ├── qt-dependencies.md # Qt5 library setup │ ├── build-errors.md # Common build issues │ └── common-issues.md # Quick diagnostic workflow │ └── references/ # Reference documentation └── linux-reference.md # API hierarchy, methods, error codes
---
## By Use Case
### I want to build a headless bot
1. [SDK Architecture Pattern](concepts/sdk-architecture-pattern.md) - Understand the pattern
2. [Session Join Pattern](examples/session-join-pattern.md) - Join sessions
3. [PulseAudio Setup](troubleshooting/pulseaudio-setup.md) - Configure audio
4. [Raw Data vs Canvas](concepts/raw-data-vs-canvas.md) - Understand Linux differences
### I'm getting build errors
1. [Build Errors Guide](troubleshooting/build-errors.md) - SDK build issues
2. [Qt Dependencies](troubleshooting/qt-dependencies.md) - Qt5 setup
3. [Common Issues](troubleshooting/common-issues.md) - Quick diagnostics
### I'm getting runtime errors
1. [PulseAudio Setup](troubleshooting/pulseaudio-setup.md) - Audio not working
2. [Qt Dependencies](troubleshooting/qt-dependencies.md) - Library not found
3. [Common Issues](troubleshooting/common-issues.md) - Error code tables
### I want to use command channel
1. [Command Channel](examples/command-channel.md) - Send/receive commands
2. [Common Issues](troubleshooting/common-issues.md) - Threading requirements
### I want to implement a specific feature
1. [SDK Architecture Pattern](concepts/sdk-architecture-pattern.md) - **START HERE!**
2. [Singleton Hierarchy](concepts/singleton-hierarchy.md) - Navigate to the feature
3. [API Reference](references/linux-reference.md) - Method signatures
---
## Most Critical Documents
### 1. SDK Architecture Pattern (MASTER DOCUMENT)
**[concepts/sdk-architecture-pattern.md](concepts/sdk-architecture-pattern.md)**
The universal 3-step pattern:
1. Get singleton (SDK, helpers, session, users)
2. Implement delegate (event callbacks)
3. Subscribe and use
### 2. Raw Data vs Canvas (LINUX-SPECIFIC)
**[concepts/raw-data-vs-canvas.md](concepts/raw-data-vs-canvas.md)**
**CRITICAL**: Unlike Windows/Mac, Linux SDK has NO Canvas API. You MUST use raw data pipe.
### 3. PulseAudio Setup (MOST COMMON ISSUE)
**[troubleshooting/pulseaudio-setup.md](troubleshooting/pulseaudio-setup.md)**
Audio requires PulseAudio configuration.
### 4. Qt Dependencies
**[troubleshooting/qt-dependencies.md](troubleshooting/qt-dependencies.md)**
SDK requires bundled Qt5 libraries, NOT system Qt5.
---
## Key Learnings
### Critical Discoveries:
1. **Linux has NO Canvas API**
- Windows/Mac have Canvas API for SDK-rendered video
- Linux MUST use Raw Data Pipe
- See: [Raw Data vs Canvas](concepts/raw-data-vs-canvas.md)
2. **PulseAudio is MANDATORY**
- SDK requires PulseAudio for raw audio
- Must configure ~/.config/zoomus.conf
- See: [PulseAudio Setup](troubleshooting/pulseaudio-setup.md)
3. **Use Bundled Qt5, NOT System Qt5**
- SDK includes specific Qt5 versions
- Copy from samples/qt_libs/
- See: [Qt Dependencies](troubleshooting/qt-dependencies.md)
4. **Helpers Control YOUR Streams Only**
- `videoHelper->startVideo()` starts YOUR camera
- To see others, subscribe to their VideoPipe
- See: [Singleton Hierarchy](concepts/singleton-hierarchy.md)
5. **Virtual Devices for Headless**
- Docker/headless needs virtual audio speaker/mic
- Set before joining session
- See: [Session Join Pattern](examples/session-join-pattern.md)
6. **Always Use Heap Memory Mode**
```cpp
init_params.videoRawDataMemoryMode = ZoomVideoSDKRawDataMemoryModeHeap;GLib Main Loop Required
while/sleep loops don't dispatch SDK events
Must use g_main_loop_run()
See: Common Issues
All SDK Calls Must Be on Main Thread
Background thread SDK calls return error 2 (Internal_Error)
Use g_idle_add() to schedule on GLib main thread
See: Command Channel
Command Channel is Session-Scoped
Does NOT span across different sessions
Both sender and receiver must be in the same session
See: Command Channel
Sample Repositories
raw-recording-sample - Official raw data sample
qt-quickstart - Qt6 UI integration
gtk-quickstart - GTK3 UI integration
Quick Reference
"My code won't compile"
"Audio not working"
"Library not found"
"How do I implement [feature]?"
"What error code means what?"
Document Version
Based on Zoom Video SDK for Linux v2.x
Happy coding!
Remember: The SDK Architecture Pattern is your key to unlocking the entire SDK. Read it first!
Operations
RUNBOOK.md - 5-minute preflight and debugging checklist.
Files
- ATTRIBUTION.mdAdded by AutoGineer882 B
- LICENSELicence file added by AutoGineer1.1 KiB
- RUNBOOK.md2.2 KiB
- SKILL.md15.3 KiB
- agents/openai.yaml246 B
- concepts/raw-data-vs-canvas.md16.4 KiB
- concepts/sdk-architecture-pattern.md14.7 KiB
- concepts/singleton-hierarchy.md15.0 KiB
- examples/chat.md215 B
- examples/cloud-recording.md395 B
- examples/command-channel.md9.7 KiB
- examples/live-streaming.md234 B
- examples/qt-gtk-integration.md261 B
- examples/raw-audio-capture.md215 B
- examples/raw-video-capture.md251 B
- examples/session-join-pattern.md21.2 KiB
- examples/transcription.md255 B
- examples/virtual-audio-video.md279 B
- linux.md25.7 KiB
- references/linux-reference.md26.7 KiB
- troubleshooting/build-errors.md2.0 KiB
- troubleshooting/common-issues.md5.3 KiB
- troubleshooting/pulseaudio-setup.md1.7 KiB
- troubleshooting/qt-dependencies.md1.9 KiB
troubleshooting/common-issues.md
Common Issues and Solutions
Session Join Issues
Issue: "Failed to join session" (no error details)
Causes:
Invalid JWT token
Session name doesn't match JWT
tpcclaimWrong SDK credentials
Expired token
Solution:
# Regenerate JWT token
import jwt
import time
payload = {
"app_key": SDK_KEY,
"iat": int(time.time()) - 30,
"exp": int(time.time()) + 7200,
"tpc": "exact-session-name", # MUST match sessionName
"role_type": 1 # 0=participant, 1=host
}
token = jwt.encode(payload, SDK_SECRET, algorithm="HS256")Issue: "Authentication failed"
Solution: Verify SDK_KEY and SDK_SECRET in JWT generation.
Issue: Session requires password
Solution:
session_context.sessionPassword = "password";Audio Issues
Issue: No audio callbacks
Cause: PulseAudio not configured.
Solution: See PulseAudio Setup.
Issue: Audio on headless Linux
Solution: Use virtual audio:
session_context.virtualAudioSpeaker = new VirtualSpeaker();
session_context.virtualAudioMic = new VirtualMic();Video Issues
Issue: "Linux has no Canvas API!"
Solution: Use Raw Data Pipe. See Raw Data vs Canvas.
Issue: Video frames not received
Cause: Not subscribing to user's video pipe.
Solution:
void onUserVideoStatusChanged(..., IVideoSDKVector<IZoomVideoSDKUser*>* userList) override {
for (int i = 0; i < userList->GetCount(); i++) {
IZoomVideoSDKUser* user = userList->GetItem(i);
IZoomVideoSDKRawDataPipe* pipe = user->GetVideoPipe();
pipe->subscribe(ZoomVideoSDKResolution_720P, videoDelegate);
}
}Build Issues
Issue: "libQt5Core.so.5: not found"
Solution: See Qt Dependencies.
Issue: Undefined reference to SDK symbols
Solution: See Build Errors.
Memory Issues
Issue: Crashes with large video frames
Solution: Use heap memory mode:
init_params.videoRawDataMemoryMode = ZoomVideoSDKRawDataMemoryModeHeap;SDK Init Error 7 (Invalid_Parameter)
sdk->initialize(initParams) returns error code 7 when:
Domain is wrong - Must be
"https://zoom.us"(with protocol). Plain"zoom.us"causes error 7.PulseAudio is not running - Headless Linux requires PulseAudio. See PulseAudio Setup.
Missing
~/.config/zoomus.conf- Must exist with content:[General] system.audio.type=default
GLib Main Loop Required
The SDK internally uses Qt/GLib for event dispatching. A while (running) { sleep(500ms); } loop does NOT work — onSessionJoin and all other delegate callbacks will never fire.
You MUST use a GLib main loop:
#include <glib.h>
static GMainLoop* loop = nullptr;
gboolean timeout_callback(gpointer data) {
return TRUE;
}
loop = g_main_loop_new(NULL, FALSE);
g_timeout_add(100, timeout_callback, loop);
g_main_loop_run(loop);
if (loop) g_main_loop_quit(loop);See Session Join Pattern for the complete working example.
All SDK Calls Must Be Made from the Main Thread
ALL Zoom Video SDK API calls must be called from the GLib main thread. Calling SDK methods from a std::thread or any background thread returns ZoomVideoSDKErrors_Internal_Error (error code 2).
Use g_idle_add() to schedule SDK calls from background threads:
struct CallContext {
IZoomVideoSDK* sdk;
std::string data;
};
static gboolean executeOnMainThread(gpointer data) {
auto* ctx = static_cast<CallContext*>(data);
// Make SDK calls here — this runs on the GLib main thread
delete ctx;
return G_SOURCE_REMOVE;
}
// From a background thread:
auto* ctx = new CallContext{sdk_, someData};
g_idle_add(executeOnMainThread, ctx);g_idle_add() is thread-safe — it queues work onto the GLib main loop. See Command Channel for a real-world example.
Quick Diagnostic Checklist
[ ] PulseAudio installed and configured
[ ] ~/.config/zoomus.conf exists
[ ] Qt5 libraries copied from SDK
[ ] Qt5 symlinks created
[ ] LD_LIBRARY_PATH set correctly
[ ] JWT token valid and not expired
[ ] Session name matches JWT
tpcclaim[ ] All delegate methods implemented
[ ] Using heap memory mode
[ ] Subscribing in correct callbacks
[ ] Domain set to "https://zoom.us" (with protocol)
[ ] Using GLib main loop (not while/sleep loop)
[ ] SDK calls made from main thread only (use g_idle_add from background threads)
Error Codes
| Code | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Success | Operation succeeded |
| 1001 | Auth_Error | Authentication failed |
| 1003 | Auth_Wrong_Token | Invalid JWT |
| 1004 | Auth_Expired_Token | JWT expired |
| 3001 | Session_Join_Failed | Failed to join |
| 3008 | Session_Need_Password | Password required |
| 3009 | Session_Password_Wrong | Wrong password |
| 7 | Invalid_Parameter | Wrong domain, missing PulseAudio, or missing zoomus.conf |
| 2 | Internal_Error | SDK method called from wrong thread (use g_idle_add) |
Getting Help
Check Official Docs
Search Dev Forum
Review GitHub Samples
Requirements and compatibility
Written for: OpenAI Codex
Works with: Claude Code, Claude apps, OpenAI Codex, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Gemini CLI, Kiro, OpenCode, Goose, Amp, Roo Code, JetBrains Junie, Factory Droid, Devin (ex-Windsurf), Mistral Vibe, OpenHands, Letta
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Attribution and licence
- Created by
- Zoom
- Publisher
- OpenAI (Official)
- Distributed by
- OpenAI
- Source
- openai/plugins · plugins/zoom/skills/video-sdk/linux · commit d420d13
- Licence
- MIT License (redistribution allowed)
- LICENSE (added by AutoGineer from plugins/zoom/LICENSE)
- ATTRIBUTION.md (written by AutoGineer)
- Synced
AutoGineer is not affiliated with or endorsed by Zoom or OpenAI.
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