Move over Zoom. Check out several other video calling apps that be used for your meetings during COVID-19 lockdown.
With the ongoing social distancing phase, most companies are using video calling apps for meetings. With the rising demand, Zoom started popping up a lot. However, due to security-related issues found in Zoom, people have started looking for alternatives.
Here’s a list of the top 5 video calling apps available.
1. Microsoft Teams
This is a professional meetings app that includes features like video conferencing and support for up to 250 members. It is a great tool for collaborating at work.
Microsoft Teams includes a slightly different set of features, some of which you may or may not need. However, it is still a great tool for group projects.
Some of its features include;
Full integration with Office 365
Collaborate live in real-time
Direct access to email, OneDrive, Skype, and SharePoint
Accessible across all devices
Reduced email
Cutting- edge security and compliance capabilities
Collaborate with vendors, clients, and suppliers
Setup across the suite automatically
Integrate third-party applications
Cybersecurity
Work easily with slash commands
2. Google Meet
Previously known as Google Hangouts Meet app, Google Meet is a secure app from Google that is designed for every kind of business.
The best part about this app is that a user requires to have a Google One account to start the meeting and others need just an invite link. The admin can simply provide the link to the whole team to join.
The app also integrates with other Google products and lets you join meetings on the go.
Some of its features are;
Collaboration in real-time
Store and share files in the cloud
Used shared calendars to make decisions faster
Security options to secure your data and devices
3. Slack
Finding it difficult to manage a large team? Opt for Slack.
While Slack is a famous platform for chatting, sharing messages, its video conferencing feature is overlooked. Though the platform requires users to have a premium account to take advantage of group meetings, it’ still worth a try.
You don’t need to send invites of share meeting IDs to initiate a video call. You can simply start a call on a channel and others can join. If you have a paid plan, you can click the camera icon to switch a video call and share your screen.
Some of its features are;
Simple to start
Collaborate from anywhere
Share your ideas and screen
Compatible with third-party video apps such as Zoom and Hangouts
4. Skype
Skype was a popular video conferencing platform for both professional as well as casual users. However, Zoom took over by offering improved features and allowing users to connect easily without the need of a new account.
Skype bounced back and has now added similar features and supports up to 50 people.
Some of its features are;
No sign-up required
No downloads
Record and save your call for later use
Blur your background before entering your video window
Share your screen
Use Skype app on any device
5. WhatsApp
If you have a small team, WhatsApp is an ideal choice for your meetings. Although it is not a meetings focused platform, it supports group calls with up to four users. If you want to include more than 4 participants, you will have to manually add members to the call.
WhatsApp is easy to use and connects much quicker than other apps.
Some of its features are;
Works on both Android and iOS
Allows multitasking(check messages while on a video call)
Adjusts video quality according to your internet speed
Soon, WhatsApp will allow more users on a group call.
Wrapping up
With the world reeling under the coronavirus pandemic, video conferencing is one of the best ways to connect with your team. Corporate and education sectors can take advantage of technology and keep the work going.