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:
|
Benefits:
|
Benefits:
|
| 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:
|
|||
| Not compatible with the desktop 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 |