Unable to see participants video when I share screen

[sn0wy]

There are 3 participants (including me) in this Zoom meeting.
We were able to see each other in the gallery.
When the participant shared their screen, I could see both their screen and the participant's video overlaid on top of it. When I shared my screen, I couldn't see their videos. Why?

[iambobsat]

Hi sn0wy, 

This difference in experience during Zoom screen sharing is most likely due to Zoom's screen sharing settings and the way the video layout behaves depending on who is sharing and your own view settings.

Here's why you saw their video overlaid when they shared, but not when you shared:

1. Zoom treats your view differently when you are the one sharing

• When someone else shares their screen, you see their screen with their video thumbnail(s) in a floating window or side-by-side, depending on your layout.

• When you share your screen, Zoom prioritizes showing the content you're sharing and your controls. By default, it minimizes or hides participants' videos to reduce clutter for the presenter (you).

2. Your video layout setting during screen sharing

Zoom has several layout modes:

• Standard view
• Side-by-side: Speaker
• Side-by-side: Gallery
• Floating thumbnail window

When you're sharing, Zoom often defaults to the Floating Thumbnail View — unless you've manually selected a different layout. If that window is closed or minimized, you won’t see the other participants’ videos.

How to Fix It: See Participants' Videos While You're Sharing

• Start screen sharing.

• Move your mouse to the top of the screen to reveal Zoom controls.

• Look for an option like:

• “View Options” → Choose Side-by-Side: Gallery or Floating Thumbnail.
• If the thumbnail is hidden, click “Re-show Video Panel” or drag it back in.

You can also go to:

• Settings > Share Screen > Show video panel during screen share (make sure it's enabled).