How to use Google Meet and Its Features

Everybody in this world wants to stay connected in today’s digital-driven world. Whether you are in a professional meeting, talking to school friends, or want to catch up with your family, virtual communication platforms have gained immense popularity recently.

There are many virtual communication software around in the market and one of the best options that comes to my mind is Google Meet. So, what exactly is Google meet and how do you use it? In this article, I will explain what Google Meet all is about and provide you with the essential steps on how to use Google Meet and get started on your virtual meeting journey right away. 

What Is Google Meet?

Google Meet is a business-focused virtual meeting software. This software by Google has replaced Google Duo and Google Hangouts. You can join meetings via audio, video, chat, screen sharing, etc., and it is available for anyone with just a Google account. This tool works as a web application in a browser or desktop, and it is also available for Android and iOS devices.

How to Start or Schedule a Meeting on Google Meet?

There are multiple ways you can start and schedule a meeting with Google Meet. You can use the Meet app, Gmail, Google Calendar or Google Chat to host a meeting. Here are the ways to do that. 

1. Set Up a Meeting in Google Meet 

When you visit the Google Meet Browser app, you will see an interface like below: 

Click on the “New Meeting” option and you will get three options- Create a meeting for later, start an instant meeting, and schedule in Google Calendar.

From here, you can create or host a meeting with ease. Similarly, you can create a meeting on your mobile phone browser. 

2. Set Up a Meeting in Gmail

If you want to create a meeting through Gmail, it is rather easy. Simply visit your Gmail home screen, and you will see a Meet option on the left navigation bar. 

From there, you can create a new meeting or join one. Moreover, you can also invite people directly with Gmail by clicking on the “Send Invite” button once your new meeting link is ready.

If you use Gmail on your mobile phone, then you will find the Meet icon on the bottom right corner. Tap on the icon and you can host or join the meeting. 

3. Schedule a Meeting in Google Calendar

Hosting a meeting on Google Meet using Google Calendar is a bit of a different process, but it’s also quite straightforward. Simply visit the Google Calendar in your browser or mobile app and select the date and time. 

Once you have selected the date and time, a message will pop up with the “Add Google Meet video conferencing” button. Click on it and you can create a meeting with Google Meet and add guests at the same time.

How to Start a Google Meet Video meeting in PC or Mac?

If you have a Windows or Mac PC, follow the steps below to start a Google Meet video meeting: 

Step 1: Visit the Google Meet website 

Step 2: Click on “Join Now” or “New Meeting” option 

Step 3: You can host a meeting instantly or schedule it for later. 

How to Start a Google Meet Video Meeting in Android or iOS? 

While starting a google meeting on Android or iOS devices, make sure to download the official Google Meet app from the Play Store or the App Store. Once you have installed the app, follow the instructions below: 

Step 1: Open the Google Meet app 

Step 2: Click on the “New” button on the lower right corner 

Step 3: Now you will see a prompted message, from there you can start a new meeting instantly or schedule it for later. 

Options In Google Meet While You Are in a Meeting

Once you have started a meeting, you can see the toolbar at the bottom area of that screen. It will have a few options and a few icons in the lower right corner. Let’s understand what they are used for: 

1. Microphone: You can click on it to choose whether to turn on or turn off your microphone. 
2. Camera: It is used to turn on or turn off your webcam. 
3. Emoji Icon: This option allows you to share emoji reactions while you are in the meeting. 
4. Palm: This is a raise Hand button; you can click it to ask the questions or share your views. 
5. CC: The CC option will transcribe the spoken words in meeting and real-time subtitles on the screen. 
6. Up Arrow in the box: This option lets you share your screen from your desktop. You can choose what you want to share- Full Window, Browser tab or a Separate application window. 
7. Red Button: To end or leave the meeting.

Now, from left to lower right corner, we have these following options: 

1. Information: This option tells you the meeting info and the joining link. 
2. Show Everyone: When you click on this icon, you will see the total number of people in this meeting and options to invite more members. 
3. Chat: This opens a chat window, where you can chat with other members in the meeting. 
4. Activities: Activity options include additional meeting options like breakout rooms, polls, and recording options. This is especially for Google Workspace subscribers. 
5. Host controls: If you are a Meeting host, then you can see the Host Controls option. You can choose to control participant actions, like screen sharing, chat, microphone, and camera usage. 

Google Meet: Free vs Paid Plans

Google Meet is free for everyone with a Google account or if you have a plan for Google Workspace (Previously G Suite), then it is already included in the plan. 

The free plan comes with a limitation. You can only invite up to 100 participants and hold a meeting for up to 60 minutes per meeting. I think this is a good deal for anyone with a small team. However, Google Meet also has paid plans, and it offers four types of plans for businesses. Furthermore, these plans offer a 14-days’ free trial: 

1. Business Starter: Starts at $6/user a month 
2. Business Standard: Starts at $12/user a month 
3. Business Plus: Starts at $18/user a month 
4. Enterprise: Available on request 

Features of Google Meet 

Google Meet is a robust video meeting solution which is a part of Google Workspace for Business. It offers a number of features like background change, Green Screen, Polls, Chat windows etc. to make meetings more productive. 

1. Screen Sharing: Users can easily share their entire screen, Browser tab or a window with just a click.
2. Jamboard collaboration: Google meet offers a Jamboard (A virtual Whiteboard) for better brainstorming during meetings. 
3. Closed Captions (CC): With this video conferencing software, you can add live closed captions to video calls. 
4. In-meeting chat feature: With this feature, users can chat while meeting and share their thoughts, links and views with other members. 
5. Virtual Backgrounds: If your background is not good enough for a meeting, then you can use its virtual background feature. With this you can apply visual effects, blur the background completely or partially for better video conferencing experience. 
6. Scheduling: With Google Meet, you can start a meeting instantly or schedule it for later. 
7. Recording: You can easily record part of a meeting or an entire meeting with this Sofware. Recordings will be saved and encrypted in Google Drive by default. 

Conclusion 

Google Meet stands on top as a versatile and user-friendly virtual meeting platform. It has become a go-to-choice for businesses and individuals alike. The platform offers multiple audio, video, chat, and screen-sharing features that ensure a seamless virtual communication experience. 

Moreover, you can easily get started with Google Meet – simply sign in with your Google account and start a meeting or join with just a link. So why wait? Start exploring the possibilities of Google Meet today and experience the convenience of virtual communication first-hand. 

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