The question we get more than any other is simple: can they see it? This post explains, without the jargon, what Zustly does on your computer and why the overlay doesn't show up when you share your screen.
Zustly never joins the meeting
Most meeting assistants work by adding a bot to the call. That bot appears in the participant list, sometimes announces itself, and records the meeting on someone else's server.
Zustly does none of that. It's a desktop app that runs on your Mac or Windows PC, listens to the audio your computer is already playing, and reads what's on your own screen. The interviewer's guest list only ever shows real people.
Protected windows, explained
Modern operating systems let an app mark a window as protected from capture. It's the same mechanism streaming apps use to keep films out of screenshots.
When a meeting app captures your screen, the operating system hands it every visible window except protected ones. So:
- You see your editor with Zustly's talking points floating on top.
- The interviewer sees only your editor.
- Recordings and screenshots taken by the meeting app don't include the overlay either.
What about audio?
Zustly transcribes the call in real time so it can follow the conversation. Audio is processed as it streams and then discarded. Transcripts stay on your device unless you choose to save a session.
Three habits that keep things natural
Technology handles the invisible part. These habits handle the human part:
- Keep the overlay near your camera. Glancing at the top of your screen looks like eye contact; glancing at a corner looks like reading.
- Use talking points, not scripts. Zustly gives you bullet points on purpose. Say them in your own words.
- Pause like a person. A two-second "good question, let me think" is normal and buys you time.
Check it yourself in 30 seconds
Don't take our word for it. Open a test meeting with a friend (or a second device), share your full screen, and press the Zustly hotkey. Ask them what they see.
