Video Conferencing

Video conferencing has been a critical tool used for teaching, learning, and working remotely during the global pandemic and will continue to be an important resource going forward. Our primary video conferencing options on campus include Google Hangouts Meet and Zoom, view the comparison table below to see which option is best for you. Does your department need help ordering audio visual equipment? Get equipment recommendations and guidance here.

Whichever option you choose, here are some helpful resources for hosting remote or hybrid events:

Compare Options

Feature

Zoom

Google Meet
Account eligibility Zoom Licensed accounts
  • UC Berkeley faculty, and other academic titles, including Emeriti, 
  • Registered students 
  • Staff
  • UC Path Affiliates (except Staff Retirees)
  • Special Purpose Accounts
Zoom Basic accounts
  • Not-registered students
  • Former members of the campus community, in their Grace Period.
  • UC Berkeley faculty, and other academic titles, including Emeriti, 
  • All students 
  • Staff
  • UC Path Affiliates, including Staff Retirees
  • Alumni who have registered for the @Cal alumni email service
  • Special Purpose Accounts
Host an online meeting  Licensed accounts: Host up to 300 people for up to 24 hours
  • >300 people available as add-on: view pricing
  • Basic accounts: Host up to 100 people for up to 40 minutes. Attend all meetings, regardless of duration.
  • Up to 100 people standard
Host a large event/seminar
  • Feature not available
Dial-in phone number for attendees Toll dial-in number included; toll-free number with additional charge for host. Staff can purchase add-on for dial-in. view pricing Every meeting automatically includes its own dial-in number and dial-out capability. 
Accessibility

Zoom accessibility | Hosting accessible Zoom events

 Google Meet accessibility
Recording meetings

Recording sharing and storage options | Recording hosting policy

 Not available
Additional key features
Cost Zoom Licensed accounts are funded by the Productivity Suite tax and Student Tech fee; additional license add-ons can be purchased through the Telecom Catalog System. Google Meet is covered under the Productivity Suite tax as part of our G Suite for Education offering.
Securing your online meetings Any online meeting cannot be made fully secure by settings alone. Your actions are also critically important to prevent disruptions to your meetings. Key tips and best practices include:
  • Never post the connection details for a videoconference on a public site or social media (instead, distribute the details privately to people who RSVP).
  • Do not override the default security settings for Zoom and Meet. But if you have the need to switch back and forth between settings, consider using Zoom meeting templates.
  • Consider adding a Zoom waiting room as an extra layer of security.
  • Make sure you know who a participant is before allowing them to share their screen.
Review additional recommendations from Information Security Office: Settings for Securing Zoom and Office of Ethics: Privacy Considerations When Using Zoom.
Resources for remote Academics and Work during COVID-19
Learn more, training resources Setup Self-Help Updates to Zoom Setup Self-Help
Contact the service provider Contact Support Report disruptive behavior in a UC Berkeley Zoom session: zoom-misuse@berkeley.edu

Contact Support

bconnected@berkeley.edu

Service details

Service category

Email, Calendar and Collaboration
Video and Media

Quick Links

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Contact

Eligibility

  • Faculty
  • Staff
  • Students

Etiquette & Best Practices

For hosting and attending virtual meetings

Hybrid vs Fully Remote Meetings

Things to consider depending on participants and space.

Zoom Recording Sharing & Storage Options

Learn how to host accessible Zoom events

Check your settings to prevent Zoom bombing

Need help ordering equipment?

View our video conferencing equipment recommendations.

Related links