Google Meet is a popular video conferencing platform that allows users to meet virtually for meetings, events, classes and more. One useful feature in Google Meet is the ability to share and broadcast computer audio to other participants in the call. This allows you to play audio from videos, music, or other files on your computer so that everyone in the meeting can hear it.
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There are several reasons you may want to share computer audio in a Google Meet call:
- Play an audio clip or song to demonstrate something relevant to the meeting
- Show an instructional video that has important audio components
- Share a presentation or media that contains audio tracks
- Play background music during less formal meetings or gatherings
- Host a listening party where everyone can hear the same music simultaneously
Being able to broadcast audio can make meetings more interactive, engaging, and productive.
Sharing your computer’s audio in a Google Meet call is easy to do, but does require a few specific steps:
1. Use the Chrome Browser
The first requirement is that you must be using the Chrome web browser on your computer. Google Meet’s audio sharing feature is not supported in other browsers like Safari or Firefox.
2. Join the Meeting
First, log into your Google account and join the Google Meet call as you normally would, either by clicking on a meeting link or entering a meeting code. Make sure your microphone and speakers are connected if you want to share your voice as well.
3. Click “Present Now”
Once you’ve joined the meeting, look at the bottom of the screen and click the “Present now” button.
4. Select “A Tab”
A menu will pop up – click on the option for “A Tab”. This allows you to share a specific Chrome browser tab rather than your entire screen.
Google Meet Present Now Menu
You’ll then see a list of all your currently open Chrome browser tabs. Select the specific tab that contains the audio you want to share.
Important: This needs to be audio playing directly within a Chrome tab, such as a YouTube video, Spotify web player, SoundCloud track, or an audio file you’ve uploaded to Google Drive.
6. Check the Audio Box
Make sure to check the box at the bottom that says “Share audio” so that the sound from that tab will be shared along with the visuals.
Finally, click the blue “Share” button and your computer audio will now be broadcast so that all meeting participants can hear it!
Tips for Sharing Audio
Here are some useful tips when sharing computer audio in Google Meet:
- Manage audio delays: There is often a slight delay between the video and audio being shared. Pause and restart to sync them up.
- Adjust volume: Make sure to lower or raise the volume in the tab you are sharing to an appropriate level for the meeting.
- Prepare audio ahead of time: Have your files, links, or media ready to share before the meeting so you’re not scrambling.
- Use headphones: Wear headphones to avoid echo or feedback since your microphone will likely still be active.
- Test ahead of time: Jump into a test meeting to ensure your audio sharing works properly beforehand.
Troubleshooting Audio Issues
If you follow the steps above but are still having trouble getting audio to share properly in a Google Meet call, here are some things to try:
- Refresh the browser tab and try sharing again
- Try a different web browser like Chrome or Edge
- Enable stereo mix/loopback recording in your computer’s audio settings
- Make sure other programs aren’t blocking access to the microphone
- Check that your operating system and apps are up-to-date
- Reconnect headphones, speakers, or audio devices as needed
If the audio still isn’t working, you may need to troubleshoot your mic and speaker setup more thoroughly or contact your device manufacturer for support.
The ability to share computer audio makes Google Meet meetings more versatile and engaging. With the tips above, you can seamlessly play music, videos, podcasts, and more to liven up any virtual gathering. Just be sure to test it out beforehand and troubleshoot any issues so the experience goes smoothly.
Sharing audio does take an extra step compared to sharing your screen, but it enables meeting participants to hear crucial audio components. With the simple process outlined here, you’ll be broadcasting computer audio like a pro in no time!
