Summary: A few weeks ago we shared that Google announced a change to Google Hangouts which is what WebinarJam uses. We have made the necessary program changes which SHOULD mean a SEAMLESS transition between the current system to the new system.
HOWEVER – While this is what we expect, Google has been known to roll out UNANNOUNCED changes. So please use extreme caution and test before any Webinars given on the day of the change (The 12th).
Please continue reading this message to see the full scope of what will happen, and WHAT YOU NEED TO DO.
Here’s the full story:
Google announced last month that they are replacing their Hangouts on Air system with YouTube Live, effective September 12, 2016. However this change is more akin to a branding decision then a real change in their service.
What does this mean for my WebinarJam account?
Our developers have been researching and testing the changes. We’re pleased to let you know that little, if any, programmatic changes will be needed for your webinars to run smoothly. We’ve already tested running webinars through YouTube live, and anticipate that September 12th’s transition will be seamless for WebinarJam users.
Is there anything I need to do?
Be sure you have your YouTube channel linked to AdSense (if your country permits), and you have turned on Monetization. We sent out an email a month ago, but you can read our previous blog post here.
If you haven’t already, the next time you login to WebinarJam or EverWebinar you’ll see a popup, which we added to ensure that users are aware of and make the changes to their account.
We recommend taking just a few minutes to change the configuration of the YouTube channel(s) you use for your webinars now, because changes can take 48 hours to take effect.
Can I do a webinar on September 12th?
While we don’t anticipate even a minute of service interruption, because Google’s switch on the 12th may include last minute minor code changes that we don’t anticipate, we recommend avoiding webinars on that date. We’ll be running test webinars all day long on the 12th to be certain that things are working perfectly for our users.
What will happen to webinars after September 12th?
Google has provided limited information to us about their change, including a developer’s environment that we can use to test our system. In fact, we’ve done several webinars, and we think you’ll be pleased with the changes that are in store for you.
As of now, we are currently expecting just one additional step in your webinar going live… and that step is quite literally push a button simple. However, if it changes we’ll have an email, blog post, and Facebook group message to update you on the process.
Step by Step
Below is a list of the steps, however if you want to see the step-by-step instructions with images read Start Your Webinar Right.
- Close out of everything, especially all things Google.
- Log into the Webinar Owner “LIVE ROOM” link.
- Review the checklist page, to help prepare yourself and your home for a webinar, then click Log into the room.
- PRESS THE NEW “Start HOA” button
- Log into Google. Be sure to use the correct gmail address for your channel.
- You may be asked to Join a Hangout on Air
- Be sure to click that you have read and understand the terms, and press okay got it.
- Then press Join.
- You may be asked to Join a Hangout on Air
- Name your Hangout on Air (remember this is the name that goes on YouTube)
- Wait for the Start Broadcast Button to fully load.
- Follow the “Enter Room Steps”
- Confirm this is the correct webinar.
- Select your schedule.
- Press Enter Room.
- If you have co-presenters or moderators using the control panel, they can load their links now.
- Confirm all microphones and cameras are working
- At webinar time, click start Broadcast.
Will there be further updates?
We don’t anticipate having further updates on this issue, however, if new information comes to light we’ll be sure to update you.
While we email our users as soon as we have substantial news to share, the fastest way to get updates on WebinarJam is by participating in our community on Facebook. There’s a post in the group that completely explains this update. If you have questions or concerns, please add them to this thread for fast response from our team.
