A Zoom Access Key (ZAK) is a per-user token issued by Zoom.
It lets a Meeting SDK client join or start meetings as that user.
In the past it was how meeting bots signed in on Zoom.
Your integration fetched a ZAK for a Zoom user with GET /users/{userId}/token?type=zak.
It then passed the key to the SDK at join time, with no consent step by that end user.
How a ZAK is used
Four steps, from an OAuth app to a bot in the call.
On MeetStream a ZAK-based join is handled for you.
You do not pass token URLs yourself, and MeetStream refreshes the key as needed.
Scope and lifetime
A ZAK issued in the host role can also start a meeting.
An OBF token is scoped to joining one.
Why Zoom moved to OBF
A ZAK is a credential your integration holds, then hands to the bots it starts for that user.
You, not Zoom, own attribution and revocation.
Zoom's OBF model replaced that with a per-user connection, required since 2 March 2026 for meetings hosted outside your own account.
ZAK still works for meetings on your own Zoom account. External meetings need OBF, so new integrations should start there.
| ZAK | OBF | |
|---|---|---|
| Credential | A per-user token your integration fetches | One consented connection per end user |
| Consent | None from the end user | Each user authorises your app once |
| Revocation | Rotate the token on your side | Delete one connection |
| Best for | Internal tools on your own account | Products whose customers connect their own Zoom |
Frequently asked questions
Is ZAK still supported on MeetStream?
Yes, for meetings on your own Zoom account.
OBF is the path for external meetings, and the one we recommend for new integrations.
Do I fetch the ZAK myself?
No. MeetStream manages the token side; do not pass zak_url or obf_url fields in create_bot.
Which should I choose?
OBF for anything with customers; ZAK only for bots on your own Zoom account.
Can a ZAK start a meeting?
Yes, when it is issued in the host role. An OBF token is scoped to joining a meeting.
Put the vocabulary to work
One API to join, record, stream and transcribe meetings across Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams.