A Free Video Meeting Platform is a digital tool or service that enables users to conduct interactive meetings or conferences remotely through audio and video communication. These platforms often include features such as screen sharing, instant messaging, and recording capabilities. Examples include Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet. They are usually accessible from various devices, including computers, tablets, and mobile phones. Some free versions might come with certain limitations like time restrictions or participant limit, but they offer a cost-effective solution for businesses, educators, and individuals to collaborate interactively across vast distances.
The Best Products
Free Video Meeting Platform: Our Recommendations
Pick #1
Zoom
Zoom is a cloud-based video communication service that allows individuals and businesses to conduct virtual meetings, webinars, and collaborative sessions. With its user-friendly interface, Zoom offers high-quality video and audio conferencing, screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, live chats, and other interactive tools. The free version of Zoom allows meetings of up to 100 participants with a 40-minute limit, while the dedicated breakout rooms, recording functions, and additional participant capacity are available in its paid versions. As a result of its extensive features and scalability, Zoom has become an essential tool in remote work and online learning environments.
Screen Sharing - Zoom allows participants to share their screens efficiently, which is an excellent tool for presenting, demonstrating, or sharing specific content live in a meeting. Virtual Backgrounds - Zoom has a feature that allows users to change their backgrounds. This can be beneficial in maintaining privacy or adding an element of fun to the meeting. Breakout Rooms - Zoom's "Breakout Room" feature divides participants into smaller groups, ideal for team discussions or projects. Waiting Room - The Waiting Room feature helps control who's allowed into the meeting. It works as a virtual staging area that prevents people from joining until the host is ready. Built-in Polling - This feature can engage participants in real-time and helps the host collect information quickly. It's handy for surveys, quizzes, or getting feedback.
Time Limit on Meetings - One of the significant drawbacks of Zoom's free version is the 40-minute limit on group meetings. If you want to chat longer, you'll have to start a new meeting which is interruptive and inconvenient. Lack of Recording Features - Zoom’s free version does not have the ability to record meetings, which means that users who wish to review meetings or share meetings with those who could not attend will be unable to do so. Limited Video Quality - The free version of Zoom doesn't support HD video. The video quality is adequate but not exceptional which might lead to a lesser quality experience. Limited Number of Participants - The free version of Zoom is limited to 100 participants. Organizations or groups that need to conduct larger meetings or webinars may find this limit restrictive. Absence of Customer Support - Free users can only get support through the website's help center, the community, or video tutorials. The free version does not come with direct phone support or dedicated customer support, which could affect problem resolution time.Pick #2
Google Meet
Google Meet, originally known as Google Hangouts Meet, is a free video-communication service developed by Google. It is designed to enable professional, high-definition, secure video meetings and conferences with ease, catering to both individuals and businesses. Participants can join the online meetings either through their Google account, a meeting link, or a dial-in by phone, with various features like screen sharing, live captions, and adjustable layouts included. This free software is part of Google Workspace, working in sync with other Google applications, making it a go-to platform for remote collaborative work, academic instruction, and personal communication.
Easy Integration with Google Suite - Google Meet fully integrates with other Google services such as Google Calendar and Google Mail, making it easy to schedule, join or start a meeting straight from these platforms. Live Captioning - Google Meet offers live captioning during meetings. This feature is useful for individuals who might have trouble hearing or for meetings held in a noisy environment. Adjustable Video Layouts - On Google Meet, you can choose how to display your participants: in a grid, spotlight or sidebar, allowing you to focus on the speaker or see everyone at once. Presentation Mode - Google Meet allows users to share their screen with others in the meeting, showing presentations, documents or other visuals effectively facilitating project collaboration and discussion. Automatic Noise Cancellation - Google Meet has an AI feature that helps to minimize background noise during meetings, making conversations clearer and more professional regardless of your environment. Limited Meeting Duration: In the free version, Google Meet limits the length of the meetings. Meetings can only last up to 60 minutes, after which you'll be required to start a new meeting. Limited Participants: Google Meet free version only allows up to 100 participants in one meeting. This might be inconvenient for organizations with a larger number of team members. No Phone Dial-in: The free version of Google Meet doesn't provide dial-in phone numbers for meetings. This could create problems for users who want to join the meeting over the phone. No Meeting Recordings: Google Meet's recording feature is not available in the free version. So, if the meeting's going to be lengthy and you'd like a reference for later, this might be a significant drawback. Limited Advanced Features: Several advanced features like noise cancellation, attendance tracking, hand raising, and breakout rooms are missing in the free version of Google Meet, which can make the meeting experience less dynamic and interactive.Pick #3
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a free video meeting platform offered by Microsoft as part of its Office 365 suite of productivity tools. It provides robust communication tools for businesses, including video meetings, chat messaging, file sharing, and collaborative work. With features such as screen sharing, meeting scheduling, and recording, it facilitates seamless remote collaboration. Its integrated approach means it can seamlessly link with other Microsoft services like SharePoint, OneDrive, and the broader Office Suite. While premium versions are available, the essential features are free to use, making it a popular choice for businesses and educators around the world.
Integrated Office 365 Applications - Microsoft Teams is part of the Office 365 suite, so it integrates seamlessly with other Office applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. This allows for real-time collaboration and sharing during video meetings, aiding productivity. In-Meeting Chat Feature - Microsoft Teams includes a chat feature that allows participants to message each other during a meeting without disrupting the overall flow. This is especially useful when individuals have a question or comment but don't want to interrupt the speaker. Advanced Screen Sharing - Microsoft Teams offers advanced screen sharing options. You can decide to share your entire screen, a specific window, a PowerPoint presentation, or even a part of your screen. This offers flexibility depending on what you need to present or discuss. Attendance Report - Microsoft Teams provides detailed attendance reports of meetings which can be highly beneficial for educators, team leaders, and managers who need to keep track of participants' engagement. Background Blur and Virtual Backgrounds - Microsoft Teams offers the ability to blur or change your background during a video call, a feature that can come in handy when participants are in a messy or distracting environment. This promotes a more professional appearance and minimizes distractions. The free version of Microsoft Teams limits the video meetings to 60 minutes and caps the maximum number of participants to 100, which might not be sufficient for large corporations or extended meetings. Microsoft Teams does not offer full video conferencing features in the free version, such as meeting recording or scheduling, which can limit the usability for professional settings. The free version of Microsoft Teams does not give users full access to Microsoft support. Instead, they have to rely on the Teams community for help, which can lead to delays in resolving issues. The free version of Microsoft Teams can be complex for first-time users. Its multitude user interface and features can present a steep learning curve for people used to more straightforward platforms. Without an Office 365 account, the free version of Teams lacks integration with other Microsoft applications (like Word, Excel, PowerPoint), limiting collaboration and productivity during meetings.Pick #4
Skype
Skype is a free video meeting platform that provides high-quality voice, video, and text-based communication services over the internet. This versatile tool, developed by Microsoft, allows users to conduct one-to-one or group meetings with up to 100 participants for free, offering features like screen sharing, instant messaging, and file sharing. Though it’s free for basic video calls, premium services like increased participants limit, international calls or business-specific features require a subscription. Skype works cross-platform, meaning it is available on several devices and operating systems such as PCs, smartphones, tablets, and even smart TVs.
Skype Translator: One unique feature of Skype meeting is the 'Skype Translator'. It removes language barriers by providing real-time translation, making communication more accessible at international meetings. Record and Playback functionality: Skype allows you to record the entire meeting session, including voice, video, and shared screen parts. This feature helps in keeping detailed records of meetings or presentations, which can later be reviewed or shared with absent team members. Background Blur: Skype offers the feature to blur out users' backgrounds during a video call. This feature provides a much-needed sense of privacy when conducting a video meeting from somewhere with a potentially distracting or unprofessional backdrop. Interactive Video Tools: Skype offers interactive video features such as live reactions, in-call chat, and the ability to share your screen during a call. These tools can lead to more engaging and collaborative meetings. Integration with Microsoft Tools: Skype seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft applications such as Outlook, Office 365, and Teams. This makes it easier to schedule Skype meetings directly from your calendar app and to share and collaborate on Office documents during the meetings. Limited Participants - Skype, as a free video meeting platform, can only host a meeting with up to 50 participants, which can prove to be insufficient for large scale meetings or webinars. Lack of Advanced Meeting Features - Compared to other platforms, Skype lacks a few advanced meeting features, such as break-out rooms, advanced meeting scheduling, and webinar functionalities, which limits its utility for organized business meetings. Poor Quality on Low-Bandwidth Networks - Skype's performance drastically degrades on low-bandwidth networks. Video and audio can become choppy, and this can disrupt smooth communication during a meeting. Compatibility Issues - Skype often faces compatibility issues with certain devices and operating systems, which can cause issues for some users trying to join a meeting. The Interface - Some users find Skype's user interface harder to navigate and less intuitive compared to other video meeting platforms. The platform also lacks customization options.Pick #5
Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex is a comprehensive and secure cloud-based platform that provides a suite of productivity-enhancing tools for seamless collaboration and communication, notable among them being its free video meeting feature. As a leading solution in the field of remote and hybrid working models, the platform lets users host or participate in HD video conferences, audio conferences, and screen sharing sessions, facilitating effective teamwork across diverse geographical locations. Webex’s advanced features such as recording, live transcripts, and meeting analytics come with a highly robust security mechanism, ensuring a combination of efficiency and secure communication for businesses of all sizes.
Extended End-User Capacity: Cisco Webex, in its free version, allows up to 100 participants in one meeting simultaneously, catering to small to medium-sized gatherings without requiring a premium subscription. No Time Restrictions: Unlike other free video conferencing platforms that limit meeting duration, Cisco Webex offers unlimited meeting time, allowing long meetings without interruptions or the need to restart sessions. Calendar Integration: Webex provides sleek synchronization with popular Calendar applications like Google Calendar or Outlook. This lets users schedule, start, and join meetings directly from their calendars, improving scheduling efficiency. Screen Sharing Capabilities: Cisco Webex allows users to share their screen with others during the call. This feature is particularly beneficial for presentations, collaborative sessions, or troubleshooting issues. Call-in Feature: Apart from video meetings, users also have the option to join meetings through phone call-ins. This is beneficial for those with internet connectivity issues, are on the move, or prefer audio-only participation. Limited Meeting Duration: The free version of Cisco Webex only allows meetings to run for a maximum of 50 minutes. After this, the call is automatically ended. Limited Features: Compared to the paid version, the free version of Cisco Webex lacks certain advanced features. This includes advanced meeting controls, integration with other software, and support for larger meetings. Restricted Number of Participants: The free version of Cisco Webex allows only up to 100 participants per meeting, which might not be sufficient for larger businesses or organizations. Lacks Recording Capabilities: The free version of Cisco Webex does not have a built-in facility to record meetings. This feature is crucial for keeping meeting minutes or for those who missed the meeting. No Toll-Free Dial-in: The free version of Cisco Webex doesn't offer any toll-free dial-in numbers for joining meetings. This could potentially lead to additional charges for users joining from a landline or mobile phone, especially those joining from abroad.Pick #6
Jitsi Meet
Jitsi Meet is a fully encrypted, 100% open source video conferencing solution that you can use all day, every day, for free — with no account needed. This platform allows for high quality, scalable video conferences, screen sharing, recording and live streaming directly from your browser or through mobile apps. Jitsi Meet makes online communication easy and accessible, offering essential features such as chat function, speaker stats, and multi-platform availability, among others. This makes it a viable alternative to other popular video conferencing tools, especially for those concerned about privacy and prefer open-source platforms.
Full Ownership of Data: Unlike other platforms, Jitsi Meet allows you to self-host your meetings on your own secure servers, providing full control and ownership of your data and privacy. High Quality Video Conferencing: Jitsi Meet can support HD audio quality and high frame-rate sharing of computer screens, perfect for presentations and detailed visual aids, providing a seamless and professional conferencing experience. No User Limit: Jitsi Meet doesn’t have a limit on the number of users who can join a single meeting. This is a unique feature compared to other platforms that often require paid subscriptions for groups of size greater than a particular limit. No Need for Account Creation: Users can start a meeting without the need to create an account. This makes it very efficient for guests and saves time during the process of setting up a meeting. Livestream Capabilities: Jitsi Meet offers the ability to livestream to external services. This is particularly beneficial for webinars, lectures or any event where you expect a large online audience. Limited Advanced Features: Unlike other paid platforms, Jitsi Meet doesn't provide advanced features like breakout rooms, polling, and advanced meeting analytics.
No Dedicated Customer Support: Being a free and open-source software, Jitsi Meet does not provide dedicated customer support which can be a challenge for some users when they run into issues or need help understanding functionalities.
No Built-in Calendar: Unlike several other meeting platforms, Jitsi Meet doesn’t have an integrated calendar for scheduling and managing meetings. Users need to manually set reminders for their meetings.
Lack of Personalization Options: Jitsi Meet has limited options for personalization or theme customization. People who want to tailor the appearance to specific branding might find this limiting.
Reduced Performance on Low-Bandwidth Networks: Jitsi Meet's performance tends to decrease in low-bandwidth situations and can cause video/audio delays, which can disrupt the flow of virtual meetings.Pick #7
Slack
Slack is a digital hub that connects teams with the apps, information, and resources they need to get work done. While originally known for its robust messaging and collaborative capabilities, Slack has broadened its scope to include free video meeting capabilities. Users can make voice or video calls directly from within the platform, providing seamless, integrated communication for teams. Slack’s free version allows for one-on-one video calls, while the paid versions extend this feature to include group meetings. Furthermore, Slack also features screen sharing capabilities, providing an all-inclusive platform for remote communication, collaboration, and productivity.
Integrated Workspace: Slack allows you to centralize all your notifications, from sales to tech support, social media and more, into one place, making it perfect for comprehensive team communication and collaboration. Screen Sharing Feature: During video meetings, participants can share their screens, including drawing and annotation tools, to point at specific items on the screen, enhancing communication clarity. Slack Connect: This feature enables you to collaborate not only with your team, but also with vendors, partners, and other companies, hence allowing cross-company communication through video meetings. Customizable and Rich-Featured Chat: Slack provides the ability to create channels for different topics, send direct messages, and use a suite of business apps and services that can be integrated to provide real-time interaction during the video meetings. Searchable History: Slack provides a powerful search feature that allows you to find key information from past video meetings, including video content, shared files, messages, and more, that can be a valuable reference for your team. Limited Number of Participants - Slack's free version only allows one-on-one voice and video calls. For multiple participants, you will need to upgrade to a paid version.
No Screen Sharing - The free version of Slack also does not support screen sharing during video calls, which can be a limitation for teams wanting to collaborate or present information.
Quality of Video Call - Users have reported occasional glitches and latency issues while on video calls using Slack. Compared to dedicated video calling platforms, Slack's focus is primarily business communication and organization, not solely video conferencing.
Lack of Advanced Meeting Features - Slack does not offer features such as breakout rooms, meeting scheduling, or recording that other platforms used specifically for meetings might have.
Learning Curve and Complexity - Slack has many features and tools, such as channels and bots, which can overwhelm new users trying to simply set up a video meeting. It could be less intuitive and straightforward than platforms designed primarily for video meetings.Pick #8
GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting is a highly robust and user-friendly digital platform that supports free video conferencing and virtual meetings. It allows individuals and businesses to connect with their teams, partners, or clients regardless of their geographic locations. It offers HD video quality, screen sharing, meeting recording, and it also supports multiple participants. The free version provides basic services, while the premium versions come with advanced features and capabilities that enable more productive interactions including larger participant capacity, longer meeting durations, and administrative controls.
Personal Meeting Room: With GoToMeeting, users get a custom personal meeting room that they can use for recurring meetings. This meeting room has a unique URL, making it easy to share and remember. HD Video Quality: GoToMeeting provides high video quality for meetings. Even when using the free version, users can enjoy clear images, minimizing communication barriers. Seamless Integration: GoToMeeting integrates well with other software such as Microsoft Office and Google Calendar. This allows users to schedule meetings directly from these applications, increasing productivity. Screen Sharing: This platform allows for easy screen sharing among participants, making it a good tool for presentations, demos, or troubleshooting sessions. Mobility: GoToMeeting has a robust mobile app, enabling users to attend or host meetings on the go. It supports video meetings, voice calls, and text chats, ensuring no communication interruption even when people are on the move. Limited participants - The free version of GoToMeeting only allows up to 3 participants in a video conference at a time. This significantly restricts its usability for larger group meetings. Limited meeting duration - In GoToMeeting free version, the duration per meeting is limited to 40 minutes. For extended meetings, users have to restart after each 40-minute block, which can be disruptive. Limited Features - Many useful features such as recording the meetings, drawing tools for presentations, schedule meetings, and more are only available in the paid version, limiting the functionality of the free version. Absence of integrated chat feature - The free version of GoToMeeting lacks an integrated chat feature, rendering in-meeting text dialogue more complicated than necessary in a virtual meeting setting. Connectivity issues - Some users have reported connectivity issues and lag time with GoToMeeting, particularly when many users attempt to join a meeting at once.Pick #9
Zoho Meeting
Zoho Meeting is a robust online video conferencing solution geared towards businesses. It offers intuitive and free video meeting capabilities for teams to collaborate, share ideas, and hold important discussions remotely. The software boasts various features such as screen sharing, recording meetings, scheduling, in-meeting chat, and more. It facilitates seamless, high-quality video and audio exchanges while ensuring secure and private communication channels. It’s particularly known for easy setup and user-friendly interfaces, making virtual meetings highly accessible for all participants.
Screen Sharing: Zoho Meeting allows users to share their entire screen or specific application windows with their meeting attendees. This feature aids in demonstrations, presentations, or explaining concepts in a visual manner. Record and Replay: The platform has a recording feature that captures the entire session, including audio, video, and shared screens, which can be replayed later for reference or shared with those who were unable to attend the meeting. Embeddable Meeting Links: Zoho Meeting allows users to embed links to their conference rooms on their website or emails. This makes it easier for participants to join meetings without manually entering meeting codes. Integration with Zoho Suite: If a business already uses other Zoho applications, Zoho Meeting integrates seamlessly with the Zoho ecosystem. It works smoothly alongside Zoho Calendar, Zoho CRM, and Zoho Projects for better team collaboration. Dial-in Access: Zoho Meeting provides dial-in numbers across multiple countries. This is particularly useful for team members or stakeholders who are unable to join by video and prefer joining the meeting by phone. Limited Participants: The free version of Zoho Meeting only allows up to 2 meeting participants, which could be a disadvantage for teams that wish to have more people in a single meeting. Limited Duration: There's a limit on meeting duration, with a cap of 45 minutes per meeting. This could interrupt longer discussions and requires users to start a new meeting after reaching the limit. No Recording: In the free version of Zoho Meeting, there is no option for meeting recording. This is a disadvantage for those who want to review meetings afterwards. Limited Support: While Zoho Meeting provides customer support, priority support is only available for its premium users. Free users may experience delayed responses. No Integration with other Zoho apps: Despite being a product of Zoho corporation, the free version of Zoho Meeting does not offer integration with other Zoho apps, falling short in terms of cohesiveness within the Zoho ecosystem.Pick #10
Whereby
Whereby is a user-friendly, browser-based video meeting platform suitable for small to large-sized video calls without the need for downloads or installations. It’s designed to provide a virtual meeting room for individuals or businesses, enabling them to host and join online meetings effortlessly. The platform is characterized by its simplicity, security and scalability. In its free version, it offers features like screen sharing, recording, and chat messaging. High-definition audiovisual quality, and secure, encrypted data transfer are some key advantages reinforcing its robust performance as a free video meeting tool.
User-friendly Interface: Whereby's platform is highly intuitive and easy to use. Even people unfamiliar with video conferencing technology can join a meeting with minimal guidance. No Software Installation Required: Participants don't need to download any software or apps to attend meetings on Whereby. They only need a compatible web browser which makes it absolutely hassle-free. Personalized Meeting Rooms: Users can create their own named meeting rooms. This not only adds a personal touch, but also makes them easier to remember and share. Screen Sharing: Whereby offers an easy-to-use screen sharing option. This makes presentations, demonstrations, or collaborative work easier during video meetings. Embed Functionality: Whereby provides an option to embed your meeting room in your website, allowing clients or colleagues to join the meeting directly from your site. Limited Number of Participants - Whereby only allows up to 4 participants in a video meeting on the free version, which might not be suitable for larger meetings or group collaborations. Limited Features - The free version has very limited features compared to the paid version. For instance, it does not include recording features, host controls, or ability to schedule meetings. Lack of Phone Dial-In - Whereby doesn't offer a dial-in option for their meetings. This can be a disadvantage if internet connectivity is an issue or if participants prefer to join via phone. No Mobile Application for Older Androids - Although Whereby runs smoothly on modern devices, it does not work as effectively on older Android devices. This could be a disadvantage for users with older technology. Overly Simplistic - While its simplicity is often seen as a positive, for some users this can be a disadvantage as there isn't a multitude of features and options to customize the video conferencing experience. It may lack the capacity to handle more complex meeting requirements.Free Video Meeting Platform: Key Features
One of the fundamental features of a free video meeting platform is its ability to host multiple participants simultaneously without compromising video or audio quality. This inclusivity enables users from various geographical locations to connect instantaneously, fostering seamless collaboration and engagement. Additionally, the platform usually offers screen sharing capabilities, allowing presenters to share their screens in real-time. This feature is essential for educational sessions, business presentations, and collaborative projects, as it makes the sharing of data and visuals effortless and more impactful.
Another key feature of these platforms is the integration of chat functionalities, both for the group and for private messaging. This allows participants to communicate effectively without disrupting the ongoing conversation, facilitating a multi-layered interaction that enhances the meeting’s productivity. Security measures, such as end-to-end encryption and password-protected meetings, ensure that conversations remain confidential and secure. The user-friendly interface of these platforms, coupled with the ability to join meetings through a simple click, significantly lowers the barrier for tech-savvy and less technically inclined users alike, making digital meetings accessible to a wider audience.
Buying Criteria
Choosing the right free video meeting platform requires considering several key factors to ensure streamlined communication and collaboration. Firstly, assess the platform’s user capacity and video/audio quality, as these elements are essential for clear, uninterrupted meetings. Consider the maximum number of participants it can support and whether it fulfills the requirements of your team or personal use. Additionally, good video and audio quality are paramount to maintaining professional and effective communication. Ease of use and access are also critical; a platform that allows participants to join meetings without needing to download software or create accounts promotes inclusivity and convenience.
Furthermore, look for a platform that offers a robust set of features to enhance your virtual meeting experience. Tools for screen sharing, real-time messaging, and file sharing can greatly increase productivity and collaboration during meetings. Security features are equally important; ensure the platform provides end-to-end encryption and options for password-protected meetings to safeguard your information. Lastly, consider the platform’s reliability and customer support. A platform with a reputation for minimal downtime and responsive support can provide peace of mind and continuity in your professional or personal engagements.
Benefits
Investing in a free video meeting platform makes eminent sense for startups and small businesses aiming to economize while ensuring effective online collaboration. Such platforms can drastically cut down on travel and infrastructure costs, fostering real-time interaction among team members regardless of geographical boundaries. Moreover, for organizations that are in their nascent stages, or those piloting remote work setups, these platforms provide an excellent opportunity to test the waters without financial commitments, ensuring that communication remains uninterrupted and productivity, high.
Conversely, it might not be prudent to rely on a free video meeting platform for larger enterprises or for handling sensitive information. As organizations scale, the need for advanced security features, integration capabilities, and superior technical support becomes critical – aspects that free platforms might not sufficiently provide. Furthermore, with the increased demand for bespoke solutions to accommodate extensive team sizes and specific business needs, investing in a specialized, paid service becomes essential to ensure seamless, secure, and efficient communication across the board.
Popular Questions
What is a 'Free Video Meeting Platform'?Is it secure to use free video meeting platforms?How many participants can join a meeting on a free video meeting platform?Can I record sessions on a free video meeting platform?Are there time limitations for meetings on free video meeting platforms?
A Free Video Meeting platform is a service that allows you to conduct real-time meetings, presentations, lectures, or social gatherings with multiple participants using video, audio and text communication over the internet at no cost.
While most free video meeting platforms have security measures in place, the level of security can vary depending on the platform. It is best to review the platform’s privacy policies and security features before use.
The number of participants who can join a meeting on a free platform can differ based on the platform. Some platforms allow as many as 100 participants, while others may limit the number to 10 or less.
Some free video meeting platforms do offer recording features. However, certain platforms may only provide this feature to paid users. It is recommended to check the platform’s feature listings before starting a meeting.
Yes, some free video meeting platforms impose time limits on meetings, especially for larger groups. For instance, free users might only be able to host meetings with a maximum duration of 40-60 minutes. Check the platform’s policies for more specifics.
