Microsoft Teams is adding an update that could help asynchronous workers: Employees using the service can now record quick video messages and send them to coworkers.
The ability offers a simple way to talk someone through a process that might otherwise be tough to explain. And unlike a typical Teams meeting, it doesn’t requiring the participants all be present at the same time.
Here’s what to know about the new messaging ability and how it might be able to help remote and cross-time zone workforces.
How Team’s Video Messages Work
According to Microsoft’s public roadmap, the new feature is called “video clip.” It’ll be available on desktop as well as mobile, though the feature announcement hasn’t confirmed how long the clips can be. Here’s all they had to say:
“Video clip is a new feature in Microsoft Teams that enables the user to record, review, send and view short, lightweight video message in Teams chat from desktop and mobile.”
It will be generally available worldwide to applicable customers across all major platforms including desktop, web, iOS, Mac, and Android.
The release date is currently set for September, so we can expect the video clips feature to roll out some time next month.
On-the-Job Video Messaging
Shortform videos are a popular messaging ability in plenty of settings, from TikTok to informal messaging apps.
But when it comes to workplace software, there’s a clear precedent for Teams’ new feature: Slack, which last year introduced the ability to record both audio and video clips within its business messaging program. Even the names are the same, with Slack’s “Slack Clips” comparable to Team’s “Video Clips.”
With either service, users can quickly explain a short process or how coworkers can approach a new software. It’s an easy way to reduce the friction that can add up to a lot of wasted time across an entire company’s workforce.
Plus, it’s particularly relevant for a remote-friendly world, since different time zones can all be brought together with a format that’s easy to communicate within while not tying all users to a set time.
Is Microsoft Teams for You?
Any modern business could benefit from a web conferencing software, thanks to the rising tide of remote workers who’ll still need to be kept in the loop, from meetings to daily messages.
Microsoft Teams certainly an option worth considering for your own business, thanks to perks like Microsoft 365 app integrations, paired with sturdy security features to help user data remain secure amid growing cyberattacks like ransomware and phishers.
It’s not the only video conferencing option, though, with other top services like GoTo Meeting, Zoom, and RingCentral topping our list of all the highest quality conferencing software to choose.
But don’t take our word for it. Just wait until September, when we can send you a short video about it over Teams.