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March 28, 2020

Video Conferencing Options

Groups around the region have switched to online meetings in order to continue their ministries. Churches, youth groups, and discipleship have all moved to this new digital space. To help with these various needs we’ve listed multiple video conferencing options below along with links explaining more about their services and features.

Zoom

The free option allows 100 participants, but group meetings are limited to 40 minutes. Pro accounts allow past 40 minutes and up to 300 participants. To continue to the Zoom website, click here.

Skype

Free voice conference calls, now called group calls, allow up to 50 people to simultaneously be on a video or audio group call. Group video calls​ are subject to a fair usage ​limit​ of 100 hours per month with no more than 10 hours per day and a ​limit​ of 4 hours per individual ​video call​. Click here for more information​.

FaceTime

One of the first mobile video messaging options but available only for Apple devices. Along with individual video messaging you can make group FaceTime calls with up to 32 people. Click here to learn about using Facetime on your Mac, and click here for using Facetime on your iPhone, iPod, or iPad.

Google Hangouts

You can chat with up to 150 people on a variety of devices, or hold a video call with up to 25 participants in your organization. To Access: ​go to your Google email account, then go into settings. Under chat, turn it on. For more information, click here

Messenger

Created by Facebook, Messenger is available now on both Android and iOS, along with new desktops apps for Mac and PC. Group video chats on Messenger allow you to see up to six people at a time, but up to 50 people can join a call. Click here for more information.

Facebook Live

Facebook Live is a great fit for businesses, influencers, or individuals who are looking to broadcast demos, videos, or showcase their company culture while streaming live. Your followers on Facebook can comment and chat live, select a custom audience for the video, and can schedule videos ahead of time to gain excitement. Broadcasts last up to four hours. Click here for more information. Computer/API: ​The ​time limit​ for ​live​-streaming ​is​ 8 hours. Mobile Device: The ​time limit for ​live​ streaming ​is​ 4 hours.

YouTube Live

YouTube Live, like Facebook Live, is a platform for demonstrating a product with live Q&A, hosting an educational session to teach your audience while screen sharing or using a whiteboard, or hosting a live conversation with members of your team. Click here to read more information. ​Time limitations: 8 hours. They should have a minimum of 100 subscribers, and their account must be verified using an active phone number.​

Kateřina Tichá International Team

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