Video conferencing software has become essential for personal and professional communication. While we are all familiar with the basic features like video and audio, chat, screen sharing, and recording, many hidden features in the best video conferencing software can make your meetings more engaging and productive. This article will discuss the top 15 coolest hidden features in video conferencing software.
Virtual Backgrounds
One of the coolest features of video conferencing software is the ability to use virtual backgrounds. You can replace your real-life background with a virtual one to create a more professional and polished look. Many video conferencing platforms offer built-in virtual backgrounds, or you can upload your own custom background. During video calls or virtual events for employee engagement, backgrounds can also be a fun way to add levity and get teams talking and connecting as well.
Breakout Rooms
Breakout rooms allow you to split your meeting into smaller groups, which is perfect for team projects or brainstorming sessions. This feature is available on many video conferencing platforms, including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet.
Whiteboard
The whiteboard feature allows you to share your ideas visually during the meeting. You can use the whiteboard to draw diagrams, write notes, or create mind maps. This feature is available on platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams and is quickly becoming one of the key virtual event best practices to demonstrate ideas and brainstorm in groups virtually.
Reactions
Video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Google Meet allow you to use reactions during the meeting. You can use reactions like a thumbs up or a clapping emoji to show your agreement or appreciation.
Mute All
Mute All is a handy feature that allows you to mute all participants during the meeting. This feature is useful if you are leading a meeting and need to minimize background noise. Make sure to understand video conferencing etiquette when it comes to muting your own mic and those of others depending on the need and nature of the video call.
Hand Raise
The Hand Raise feature allows participants to signal when they have a question or want to speak. This feature is available on platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
Waiting Room
The Waiting Room feature is a great way to control who enters your meeting. You can place participants in a waiting room until you are ready to admit them to the meeting. This feature is available on platforms like Zoom and Google Meet.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are a great way to navigate your video conferencing platform quickly. Many video conferencing platforms offer a list of keyboard shortcuts that you can use during the meeting.
Closed Captions
Closed captions are a great way to make your meetings more accessible for people with hearing impairments or those who speak a different language. Many video conferencing platforms offer a closed captioning feature.
Handwriting Recognition
Some video conferencing platforms like Microsoft Teams offer handwriting recognition, which allows you to write with a stylus or your finger and convert your handwriting into text.
Polling
The Polling feature allows you to gather feedback from your participants during the meeting. You can use polling to ask questions or gather opinions. This feature is available on platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
Live Streaming
Live streaming allows you to stream your video conference to a larger audience. This feature is useful for webinars, product launches, or other events where you want to reach a wider audience while commanding respect in video conferences to a larger group.
Recording
Recording is a handy feature that allows you to record your meeting for later playback. This feature is useful if you want to review the meeting or share it with participants who were unable to attend.
Advanced Analytics
Advanced analytics allow you to measure the effectiveness of your meeting. You can track metrics like attendance, engagement, and feedback. This feature is available on platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
Custom Branding
Custom branding allows you to build brand reputation and customize your video conferencing platform with your brand's colors, logos, and images. This feature is useful for businesses or organizations that want to maintain their brand identity during video meetings.
In conclusion, video conferencing software is an essential tool for communication, and there are many hidden features that can make your meetings more engaging and productive. From virtual backgrounds to custom branding, there are many ways to personalize your video conferencing experience.
Breakout rooms and whiteboards are great for collaboration and brainstorming sessions, while reactions, hand raises, and polling allow for real-time feedback and interaction. Mute All and the waiting room feature are useful for controlling the meeting's environment, while closed captions and handwriting recognition make the meeting more accessible for all participants.
Advanced analytics and live streaming are useful for businesses or organizations that want to track attendance, engagement, and feedback, or reach a wider audience with their message.
Overall, it's important to explore the hidden features of your video conferencing platform to maximize its potential and make your meetings more efficient and effective. With these cool hidden features, you can take your video conferencing experience to the next level and create a more engaging and productive virtual meeting environment.
