Live stream viewers can now send chat messages, plus additional host controls

What’s changing

We’re introducing updates for the in-meeting chat experience for Google Meet live streams. Specifically, we’re adding the ability for viewers to send in-meeting chat messages, together with a host control for this functionality. The host management setting will be set to ALLOW viewers to send messages by default. 

The ability to read in-meeting chat messages will now be controlled with a new host management control. This setting will be configured as ALLOW viewers to read messages by default as well. 

Note that in order to allow viewers to send messages, reading messages must also be turned on.

These updates give meeting hosts more options to control over when and how live stream viewers can interact with in-meet chat messages.

Host controls > Host Management > “Let live stream viewers…”

Getting started

  • Admins: Visit the Help Center to learn more about turning live streaming on or off for your organization. Note that in-call chat messaging for live streams requires chat to be turned on for Meet calls in general – visit the Help Center for more information.

  • End users:
    • Meeting hosts: 
      • Note: The host control for sending chat messages is already rolled out. Hosts that wish to adjust settings for upcoming meetings in advance can do so already.
      • These settings are configured per meeting or per meeting series, with other host management controls. Visit the Help Center to learn more about live streaming for video hosts. 
    • Live stream viewers: Your ability to view and send in-meeting chat messages during a live stream will depend on your meeting host configuration.

Rollout pace

Availability

  • The following Google Workspace editions can initiate a live stream:
    • Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus 
    • Enterprise Essentials Plus
    • Education Plus and the Teaching & Learning upgrade

  • Anyone can view a live stream.

Resources