How to Share Audio on Google Meet: Simplified Steps

Sharing audio on Google Meet can change your presentation game. Here, we teach you all you need to know.

by 

James Moffatt

-

December 17, 2024

Google Meet is one of the most widely-used video conferencing services, allowing users to connect virtually for meetings, presentations, and collaborative discussions in an extremely easy way due to Google integration (naturally). While sharing your screen is a common feature, sharing audio during a Google Meet call requires specific steps. But not to worry, as this guide will walk you through the process, covering all relevant devices and software. By the end of this, you'll be a whiz on all things Google Meet.

Why Share Audio on Google Meet?

It's obvious that sharing audio can improve your Google Meet experience in various ways - besides, it wouldn't be a great video call if you weren't able to properly communicate your thoughts and ideas. Here's a couple of extra reasons to share audio:

  • Presenting video content: Whether it’s a YouTube clip, a training video, or a recorded webinar, being able to share audio means participants can hear as well as see.
  • Playing music: Why not throw some music into the meeting as an icebreaker.
  • Collaborative discussions: Sharing audio directly from your system can help improve clarity during presentations and demonstrations, or just generally on virtual calls.

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How to Share Audio on Google Meet (Desktop)

Using the Chrome Tab Option

The easiest and most effective way to share audio on Google Meet is through the Chrome tab feature. Follow these steps to do so:

  1. Open Google Meet:
    • Start or join a Google Meet call through your browser.
    • Make sure you are logged into your Google account as normal.
  2. Select “Present now”:
    • In the meeting toolbar, click on the “Present now” button.
  3. Choose the Chrome Tab Option:
    • From the dropdown menu, select “A Chrome tab.”
    • A pop-up window will display all open Chrome tabs.
  4. Enable Audio Sharing:
    • Select the tab containing the audio or video content you want to share.
    • Check the “Share audio” box that you will find in the bottom-left corner of the pop-up.
  5. Start Presenting:
    • Click the “Share” button.
    • Your selected tab’s audio and video will now be shared with all participants and you'll be all set with sharing audio.

Tips for Optimal Audio Sharing:

  • Use the Chrome browser: Again, Google Meet’s audio-sharing feature is optimized for Chrome, so this is your best option.
  • Mute your microphone if necessary: Cut out any background noise by muting your mic when playing content.
  • Have stable internet connectivity: A strong connection will boost your chances of presenting with high-quality audio and video.

Using Bubbles for Google Meet Recording and Transcription

Managing and sharing audio effectively during Google Meet calls is crucial, but recording and storing these meetings can be just as important. That’s where Bubbles, an AI-powered meeting assistant, can simplify the process.

Why Use Bubbles?

Bubbles changes your Google Meet experience by:

  • Automating Meeting Recording: Connect your calendar to let Bubbles automatically join and record your Google Meet meetings.
  • Providing Detailed Summaries: After each meeting, you’ll receive a transcript, key takeaways, and AI action items, personalized to your needs. This will come to you via a follow-up email, but will also be available in the Bubbles app.
  • Effortless Storage and Access: Google Meet recordings are stored in your Bubbles workspace. You can access, organize, and download them with ease.

Getting Started with Bubbles

  1. Sign Up:
    • Visit the Bubbles app and sign up for a free account.
    • Connect your calendar to sync your upcoming Google Meet meetings.
  2. Record Your Meetings:
    • Bubbles will automatically join your meetings, capturing audio and video.
  3. Access and Download:
    • After the meeting, check your Bubbles workspace for the recording, transcription, and summary.
    • Download and share files directly from Bubbles if needed, or invite teammates to comment and view your new recording.

Sharing Audio on Google Meet (Mobile)

While the desktop version offers robust features, sharing audio directly through mobile devices can have some limitations that you'll need to navigate. Here's a quick step-by-step:

  1. Open Google Meet App:
    • Download and install the Google Meet app from Google Play or the App Store.
    • Sign in with your Google account as normal.
  2. Join or Start a Meeting:
    • Access the meeting link or create a new meeting from the app.
  3. Share Your Screen:
    • Tap the “More” button (three dots) in the meeting controls.
    • Select “Share screen” from the menu.
  4. Play Audio or Video:
    • Navigate to the app or file you want to share.
    • While sharing your screen, audio will stream if supported by your device.

Limitations:

  • Mobile audio sharing does not support advanced features like tab-specific sharing.
  • You'll need to make sure that your device’s speakers and microphone are properly configured for optimal sound quality and good presentation/virtual meeting etiquette.

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Sharing Audio for Specific Scenarios

Playing YouTube Videos

  • Open the YouTube video in a Chrome tab.
  • Follow the steps above to present the Chrome tab and your YouTube video.
  • To reiterate, you need to make sure that “Share audio” is selected before sharing.

Presenting From Google Drive

  • Open the video or audio file stored in Google Drive.
  • Use the Chrome browser to play the file.
  • Present the tab via Google Meet with the “Share audio” option enabled.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  1. Audio Not Playing:
    • Double check that the “Share audio” box is checked when selecting the tab.
    • Also, double check that your system sound is not muted. Obvious, I know, but we've all been there.
  2. Participants Can’t Hear the Audio:
    • Check your internet connection.
    • Make sure the tab is not paused or muted.
  3. Poor Audio Quality:
    • Close unnecessary applications to free up system resources and stop the video/audio from lagging.
    • Use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi for a stable network and for the same reasons as above.

Conclusion

Sharing audio on Google Meet is a great way to improve collaboration, presentations, and virtual meetings, but understanding the correct process is essential to not land yourself in an awkward position mid-meeting.

With this guide, you’ll have no trouble sharing audio across all devices. Also, for those looking for an efficient way to record and store these Google Meet meetings, Bubbles is the perfect solution to simplify and improve your workflow. For these reasons, Bubbles is our number one pick for AI note-taking apps.

⚡️ Supercharge your meeting productivity
Learn how in under 2 mins:

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Get your point across using screen, video, and audio messages. Bubbles is free, and offers unlimited recordings with a click of a button.

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