How To Create A Group In Hangouts

Up to 150 people can participate in a Google Hangout, though a video call is limited to 25 participants.
The 10 participants who are currently most active on a group Hangout will be displayed at the bottom of the Hangout screen.
People can join a Hangouts session via Gmail, the Hangouts mobile app, the Hangouts site directly, and with a Chrome extension.
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With Google Hangouts, a large group of people can be connected despite distance and different types of hardware.

A Hangouts session can consist of chatting, audio calls, live video, or a blend of all these options.

Video Hangouts calls can be shared by up to 25 people, while as many as 150 participants can come together for a text-based meeting.

To start a Hangouts session with a group of people from your computer, follow these steps.

How to start a Google Hangout

1. Go to https://hangouts.google.com on your Mac or PC.

2. Click on the Contacts icon at the left side of your screen.

You can save a group you create in Google Hangouts for quick access later.

3. Click "New conversation," then click "New group."

4. Add each contact you want included, then click the checkmark icon to create the group.

You will now have a text Hangouts window created. At the top of that window is a camera icon which can be used to initiate a video call with the group.

During a Hangouts call, you can add new participants by sending an invite via the icon of a plus symbol (+) beside a person.

On mobile, you can start a Hangout by tapping the plus symbol in the green circle at the bottom right of the app, and then reach out to a single contact or create a group. The plus symbol person icon can also be used to add people to the session in real time when using the app.

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

How to use Google Hangouts on your iPhone to start calls and messages, including group conversations
How to share your screen on Google Hangouts, and make your next meeting more efficient
How to record a Google Hangouts session to watch it later or share it with others
How to block someone on Google Hangouts on your computer or mobile device
How to set up and use Google Hangouts, Google's free phone call and video chat service, on desktop or mobile

Steven John

Freelance Writer

Steven John is a freelance writer living near New York City by way of 12 years in Los Angeles, four in Boston, and the first 18 near DC. When not writing or spending time with his wife and kids, he can occasionally be found climbing mountains. His writing is spread across the web, and his books can be found at www.stevenjohnbooks.com.