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Compare Join Methods

    GoTo Webinar lets you join sessions from anywhere, no matter what kind of device you're using. You can join using the desktop app, the browser-based Web App, or your phone or tablet.

    When you join a webinar, the features and tools that are available to you will vary depending on various things (like your operating system or web browser type). See below to learn more about the different join methods, as well as the differences between join methods.

    Available join methods

    There are 3 basic ways that you can join a session, as shown below.

    Web or browser (Attendee only) Desktop app Mobile apps
    No download required – Join online from a Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser Desktop app required – Join from desktop app downloaded onto your Windows or Mac computer Mobile app required – Join on the go from your mobile phone or tablet

    Benefits:

    • Get into session quickly and easily
    • Join from almost any computer, even if it is not compatible with the desktop app

    Benefits:

    • Access the full suite of features and tools
    • Use the control panel to facilitate webinars

    Benefits:

    • Join sessions on the go
    • Present content using a virtual whiteboard (iPad only)

    Resources:

    Resources:

    Resources:

    Which method will I join with?

    If you join using a computer, then the way that you will be launched into session will vary depending on your operating system and web browser. Use the chart below to see which method you will use. Learn more about system requirements.

    Operating System Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Other browsers

    Compatible with the desktop app:

    • Windows 7 or later
    • Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or newer

    Desktop app*

    Computer audio

    Phone audio

    Desktop app*

    Computer audio

    Phone audio

    Desktop app*

    Computer audio

    Phone audio

    Not compatible with the desktop app:

    • Windows Vista or earlier
    • Mac OS X 10.8 or older
    • Linux/Ubuntu
    • Google Chrome OS

    Browser app

    Computer audio

    Phone audio

    Instant Join app

    Phone audio only

    Not available

    * If the desktop app doesn't download properly, the attendee will join the webinar from a browser.

    Join Methods: Feature comparison chart

    The features that are available to you will vary depending on how you join!

    In addition, Web App features will vary depending on your web browser and mobile app features will vary depending on your operating system.

        Desktop app Web browser Mobile apps
    Session features Join a session (attendee) Yes Varies by browser Yes
    Join a session (panelist) Yes No Yes
    Host a session (organizer) Yes No No
    Be promoted to co-organizer Yes No No
    Audio Connect via mic and speakers (VoIP) Yes Varies by browser Yes
    Connect via telephone (PSTN) Yes Yes Cellular plan required
    Be muted upon joining Yes Yes Yes
    Screen and content sharing View the Presenter's screen Yes Yes Yes
    Share your screen Yes No Varies by device
    Share multiple screens Yes No No
    Share screen in "screen clean" mode Yes No No
    Share an application Yes No No
    Share a video Yes No No
    Share a real whiteboard Yes No No
    Share content from a virtual whiteboard No No Varies by device
    Share content from the cloud No No Varies by device
    Webcams Share your own webcam Yes No Varies by device
    View shared webcams Yes

    Varies by browser

    Varies by device
    Hide webcams Yes Yes Varies by device
    In-session features and tools Ask questions Yes Yes Yes
    Take keyboard and mouse control Yes No No
    Use drawing tools Varies by operating system No No
    Raise your hand Yes Yes Yes
    Download handouts Yes Yes Yes
    Take polls Yes Yes Yes