Google Meet: Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Video Call Meetings

Hosting video call meetings with Google Meet from Google Workspace is a straightforward process that allows you to connect and collaborate with individuals or teams from anywhere. 

In this article, we’ll guide you through the basics of using Google Meet, a popular platform for seamless video conference meetings.

From setting up your meeting to utilizing key features, this beginner’s guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently host successful video call meetings with ease.

So without further ado, let us walk you through the steps of hosting a video call meeting using Google Meet. Read on to learn all about it. 

What is Google Meet?

Google Meet is a secure video conferencing tool developed by Google. It was previously known as Google Hangouts Meet and is primarily designed for businesses. However, it has gained popularity in schools as well, especially among those using Chromebooks and Google Workspace apps.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Google Meet made many of its paid features available to free users, leading to a surge in its popularity. Although it doesn’t have as many users as some of its competitors, it continues to grow and introduce new features.

Is Google Meet free?

Yes, Google Meet is free to use for everyone, but there are some limitations. Free users can have meetings for up to one hour, with a maximum of 100 participants. However, 1:1 meetings can last up to 24 hours, which is beneficial for families or personal use.

For Google Workspace Individual users, the limits are significantly increased. Meeting durations are extended to 24 hours, and up to 100 participants can join. This plan also includes useful business features such as saving meeting recordings to Google Drive, domestic and international call-ins, and 24/7 customer support.

Google Workspace Enterprise users enjoy even more benefits, with the same 24-hour meeting duration and a maximum of 500 participants. Additionally, they have access to features like intelligent noise cancellation and enhanced security measures.

How to Use Google Meet? 

Setting up Google Meet:

To get started, you need a Google account. If you don’t have one, you can create a free account by visiting the Google account creation page.

Once you have a Google account, you can access Google Meet through your web browser or download the Google Meet app on your mobile device.

Scheduling a Meeting:

Before hosting a video call, it’s often helpful to schedule the meeting in advance. This allows you to share the meeting details with participants and ensures everyone is aware of the time and date. To schedule a meeting in Google Meet, follow these steps:

1. Open Google Calendar and click on the “+” button to create a new event.
2. Enter the event details, including the title, date, and time of the meeting.
3. In the “Add Guests” section, add the email addresses of the participants you want to invite.
4. Click on the “Add Google Meet video conferencing” option to automatically generate a Google Meet link for the meeting.
5. Save the event, and an invitation will be sent to the participants with the Google Meet link.

Starting a Meeting:

To start a Google Meet video call meeting, you have a few options:

1. If you scheduled the meeting in Google Calendar, you can click on the event in your calendar and join the meeting directly from there.
2. Alternatively, you can go to meet.google.com in your web browser or open the Google Meet app on your mobile device.
3. Click on “Join or Start a Meeting” and enter the meeting code if you have one or click on “Start a Meeting” to create a new meeting.

Managing Meeting Settings:

Google Meet offers various settings to enhance your meeting experience and manage participants. During the meeting, you can:

1. Turn your camera on/off: Click the camera icon to toggle your video feed.
2. Mute/unmute your microphone: Click the microphone icon to control your audio.
3. Share your screen: Click the “Present now” button to share your entire screen or specific windows.
4. Manage participants: Click the people icon to view a list of participants and control their audio and video settings.
5. Use chat and other features: Explore the toolbar to access additional features like chat, captions, and settings.

Inviting Participants:

If you need to invite additional participants during the meeting, you can do so by:

1. Clicking on the “People” icon and selecting “Add people” to invite participants via email.
2. Sharing the meeting link: You can copy the meeting link and send it to participants via email, chat, or any other communication method.
3. Ending the Meeting:
4. To end the meeting, you can simply close the browser tab or exit the Google Meet app. As the host, you have the option to “End Meeting” for all participants.

How to Download and Use Google Meet on PC (Windows or Mac)

Google Meet is a popular video conferencing platform that allows users to connect and collaborate remotely. It provides one of the best ways to host virtual meetings, conduct interviews, and join online classes.

Follow the steps below to download and use Google Meet on a PC running Windows or Mac operating system. 

Step 1: Visit the Google Meet website

To begin, open a web browser on your PC and visit the official Google Meet website. You can find the website by entering “meet.google.com” in the address bar and hitting Enter.

Step 2: Sign in to your Google account

To access Google Meet, you need to sign in with your Google account. If you don’t have one, you can create a new account by clicking on “Create account” and following the prompts. If you already have a Google account, click on the “Sign In” button and enter your credentials to proceed.

Step 3: Access Google Meet

Once you have signed in, you will be redirected to the Google Meet homepage. Here, you will find options to start a new meeting, join a meeting, or schedule a meeting for later. To download the Google Meet application, click on the “Download” button located on the top-right corner of the page.

Step 4: Choose the platform and download

After clicking the “Download” button, you will be directed to a new page where you can select the appropriate version of Google Meet for your PC’s operating system.

Choose between Windows or Mac, depending on your computer’s platform. Click on the respective download button to initiate the download process.

Mac users: Google Meet (original for Mac)

Step 5: Install Google Meet

Once the download is complete, locate the downloaded file on your PC. Double-click on the file to start the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Google Meet on your PC. Once the installation is complete, you can launch the application.

Step 6: Sign in to Google Meet

When you open the Google Meet application on your PC, you will be prompted to sign in again with your Google account. Enter your credentials and click on the “Sign In” button to proceed.

Step 7: Start or join a meeting

After signing in, you will have the option to either start a new meeting or join an existing one. To start a new meeting, click on the “New meeting” button. You will be provided with a meeting link that you can share with participants. To join an existing meeting, enter the meeting code or click on the link shared with you by the host.

Step 8: Configure meeting settings

Before entering or starting a meeting, you can configure various meeting settings. These settings include audio and video preferences, screen sharing options, and more. Customize these settings according to your preferences and requirements.

Step 9: Participate in a meeting

Once you have entered a meeting, you can use the toolbar at the bottom of the screen to control your audio and video settings, chat with participants, share your screen, and access other features. Familiarize yourself with the toolbar and utilize the available features to enhance your meeting experience.

In a Nutshell  

Google Meet is a user-friendly platform that simplifies the process of hosting video call meetings. With its intuitive interface and powerful features, you can connect with others easily, whether it’s for work, education, or social gatherings. 

By following the steps outlined in this beginner’s guide, you can navigate the world of video conferencing with ease. Once you get used to it, you can start utilizing key features like screen sharing, real-time captions, and meeting recordings to enhance your communication and collaboration.

For those who prefer to use Google Meet on their mobile devices, the Google Meet app is available for download for both Android and iOS. If you prefer to use Google Meet on your PC or laptop, it is easily accessible through web browsers.

Last but not least, as the host, keep in mind that it’s important to ensure a smooth meeting experience by managing the flow of conversation, encouraging active participation, and addressing any technical issues that may arise.

All in all, hosting video call meetings with Google Meet offers a convenient and reliable solution for virtual collaboration. We hope you learned something useful from this beginners’ guide. Happy conferencing!  

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