Getting Started with Google Meet

Google Meet is a free video calling tool from Google that lets you connect with others using their email address. Unlike WhatsApp, which uses phone numbers, Google Meet works through your Google account. Check out Choosing a Meeting Tool.

What You Need

• A Google account (Gmail)
• A web browser (Chrome, Edge, etc.)
• An internet connection

Option 1: Start an Instant Meeting (Right Now)

Use this option when both people are ready to meet immediately.

1. Go to https://meet.google.com
2. Click New meeting
3. Select Start an instant meeting
4. Copy the meeting link
5. Email or message the link to the other person

The other person clicks the link and joins the call. No installation is required on a computer.

Option 2: Schedule a Meeting (For Later)

Use this option when you want to plan a meeting in advance.

1. Go to https://meet.google.com
2. Click New meeting
3. Select Create a meeting for later
4. Copy the meeting link in the Here’s your joining info popup
5. Email the link to the other person with a date and time of the meeting

At the scheduled time, both people click the same link to join the meeting.

Joining a Meeting

If someone sends you a meeting link:

1. Click the link
2. Allow camera and microphone access
3. Click Join now

A Brief History of Google Meet

Google Meet evolved from earlier Google communication tools such as Google Hangouts. In 2020, Google rebranded and expanded its video conferencing platform as Google Meet, with a stronger focus on reliability, simplicity, and integration with Google Calendar.

Google Meet became widely used for online meetings, classes, and remote work, especially during the shift toward virtual communication. Its link-based approach makes it easy for people to join meetings from almost any device.

Summary

Google Meet is ideal when you have someone’s email address and want to start a quick video call or schedule one for later without exchanging phone numbers.