The popularity of video conferencing platforms has rapidly accelerated as the COVID-19 pandemic put more than half of the world under lockdown and remote working has become a new way of communication among the workforce. From attending business meetings to managing teams in a remote environment and running online training programs, such platforms are helping companies to adjust to the new normal with ease.
According to Lifesize, 89% of people say that video conferencing allows them to feel connected to the people they care about. Moreover, the number of employees telecommuting for work has raised by 115% in the last decade. This means companies are realizing that they can access the same level of efficiency from remote team members as they do in a traditional office environment.
Video conferencing apps bring teams together wherever they are, stimulating the nuances of face-to-face communications in a convenient, virtual space. Knowing the value and growth of video conferencing, we’ve compiled some of the leading video conferencing apps for teams available in the app market for you.
ESL Meet
ESL Meet is a central hub for hosting meetings at free of cost without any ad disruptions. It allows participants to enjoy crystal-clear and easy face-to-face meetings with a number of advanced features. You can simply install the ESL Meet application from the Google Play Store and log in to join or create meetings for a pleasurable experience.
Some of the best features that ESL Meet include:
- Supports 1:1 meeting, hosting meetings with many participants
- Create instant meeting and start inviting friends
- Operates over Wi-Fi, 4G/LTE, and 3G network
- Easy signup with Google account
- Uninterrupted online meetings with high-quality audio and video
- Each meeting is highly secure
Zoom
Zoom harnesses the power of cloud-based technology to streamline online classes and business meetings through its video communicating software. This app has made its way through a wider audience with its ease of use, supporting up to 100 participants with a time restriction of 40 minutes in a free version. The paid version can support meetings with up to 1000 participants with no restrictions.
Some of the best features of Zoom include:
- HD audio and video calls
- Accessible from anywhere via any device
- Intuitive support to record meetings
Google Meet
Google Meet is a product of G suite subscription which is now available for free for anyone having a Google account. But of course, with some limitations, such as no call-in by phone support. G Suite users enjoy the support of up to 250 participants in a meeting that declines to 100 for free users.
Some of the features Google Meet include:
- Real-time captions
- Built-in support for record meetings
- Plenty of layout options
- Join meeting quickly
- HD video feature
- Screen sharing options
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a perfect platform where team members can stay organized and interact under the same roof. Both free and paid versions give guest access, group online, audio, and video calls as well as unlimited search and chats, from anywhere at any time.
Some of the features Microsoft Teams include:
- Complete integration with Office 365
- Make everyday work easy and fast
- Enhanced cybersecurity standards
- Cloud recording with automatic transcripts
- Supports 1:1 calls, group video and audio calls, and screen sharing
Skype
Skype has recently launched Skype Meet Now which people can use on the web browser to create a video conference of up to 50 people for free. However, the paid version has more features to offer, such as support for up to 250 participants. Besides video conferencing, Skype also allows instant messaging, screen sharing, and file sharing.
Some of the features of Skype include:
- No sign-up, no downloads, no time limitations in the free version
- Record meetings, real-time chats, video messaging, and file sharing
- Blur background, react emoticons
- Enhanced security
Slack
Slack has become a top preference for team communications as it supports instant messaging, video and voice calls, and file-sharing as quickly as in person. The platform doesn’t allow video and audio calls with people outside the Slack workspace and the participants are limited to 15. This is a go-to platform for internal communications and small team meetings. It also has third-party integration, including Zoom, Skype, and more to conduct large meetings remotely.
Some of the best features of Slack include:
- Third-party app integration
- Screen sharing
- Media traffic encryption with SRTP using a DTLS-SRTP key exchange
Closing Thoughts
At this present unprecedented crisis, alongside practicing social distancing measures, video conferencing platforms are clearly the closest alternative to help team members work remotely in the best possible manner. You can also opt for Android and iOS app development to provide people with the perfect work-life balance in a remote environment while giving the best shot at success.
Hopefully, this guide will help you choose a suitable video conferencing app for your business. Do let us know what we’ve missed on the list? And don’t panic, tough times don’t last forever. Till then, be productive, stay safe!