Video conferencing has become a cornerstone of modern communication, especially since the rise of remote work and virtual meetings. While many platforms dominate this space, one name that often emerges among open-source enthusiasts and privacy-conscious users is Jitsi Meet. But what is Jitsi Meet, and how exactly does it work? This article dives into everything you need to know about this powerful and flexible video conferencing solution.
TL;DR
Jitsi Meet is a free, open-source video conferencing app that doesn’t require users to sign up or install software. It runs directly in your browser, offering high-quality video chats with advanced features like screen sharing and encryption. Ideal for privacy-conscious users, Jitsi Meet allows self-hosting and customization. Whether you’re hosting a virtual class, a business meeting, or a family catch-up, Jitsi Meet offers an alternative to commercial platforms like Zoom and Google Meet.
What Is Jitsi Meet?
Jitsi Meet is a part of the Jitsi suite—a collection of open-source projects that offer free video conferencing solutions. Jitsi Meet is the web application that enables users to quickly create or join a video meeting room via their browser without any downloaded software or user account. The project is maintained by 8×8, a cloud communications company that supports and hosts it on its infrastructure as a free service.
What sets Jitsi Meet apart from many other conferencing platforms is its emphasis on openness, privacy, and customization. Since it’s open-source, anyone can inspect the code, contribute to the project, or even host their own server instance for full control over the app’s configuration and data.
How Does Jitsi Meet Work?
At its core, Jitsi Meet operates using peer-to-peer (P2P) and WebRTC technology, allowing for real-time audio, video, and screen-sharing capabilities directly through a web browser. Let’s break down the essential components and how they interact:
1. WebRTC Technology
WebRTC stands for Web Real-Time Communication. It’s a set of browser-based APIs that enables two or more users to connect and share audio, video, and data streams in real time. Jitsi Meet relies heavily on this to eliminate the need for plugins or third-party software installations.
2. The Client Interface
This is the web-based app that users interact with. When you visit meet.jit.si, you’re taken to the default hosted version of Jitsi Meet. You can simply enter a meeting name, click “Start meeting,” grant permission to use your microphone and camera, and begin your call.
3. The Jitsi Video Bridge (JVB)
Instead of handling all data exchange through a central server, Jitsi Meet uses the Jitsi Video Bridge to route video and audio streams efficiently. It connects all participants together while preserving bandwidth and minimizing latency. For smaller meetings, Jitsi may use P2P directly without needing the bridge.
4. Encryption
Security is a core feature. While not end-to-end encrypted by default (due to the presence of a central video bridge), all data transmitted through Jitsi is encrypted in transit using industry-standard protocols like DTLS/SRTP. For those managing their own servers, there are options to configure additional layers of encryption and authentication.
Top Features of Jitsi Meet
Jitsi Meet isn’t just about simple video calls—it has a rich set of features that make it usable for individuals, teams, and even large schools or organizations. Here’s what makes it so compelling:
- One-click meetings: No account needed; just create or join a room instantly.
- Screen sharing: Present slides, documents, or your entire desktop.
- Integrated chat: Text chat available for all participants within the meeting room.
- Moderator controls: Mute, remove users, or add passwords for room security.
- Recording integration: Record meetings using Jibri (a separate open-source tool).
- Live streaming: Integration with YouTube for broadcasting content.
- Low-latency performance: Minimal lag, even on low-bandwidth connections.
Jitsi Meet vs. Other Platforms
When considering whether to use Jitsi Meet, it’s helpful to compare it with mainstream video conferencing platforms:
| Feature | Jitsi Meet | Zoom | Google Meet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free / Paid Tiers | Free / Paid Tiers |
| Account Required | No | Yes | Yes |
| Open Source | Yes | No | No |
| Self-Hosting | Yes | No | No |
| Custom Branding | Yes (if self-hosted) | No | No |
Looking at the comparisons, it’s clear that Jitsi Meet excels for users who prefer flexibility, privacy, and freedom over using proprietary solutions.
Getting Started with Jitsi Meet
One of Jitsi Meet’s main appeals is how easy it is to start using the app:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Go to meet.jit.si.
- Type a name for your meeting (e.g., “TeamSyncMonday”).
- Click “Start meeting.”
- Allow browser permissions for microphone and camera.
- Invite participants by sharing the meeting link.
You can also install native apps for Android and iOS, which offer similar functionality designed for mobile devices.
Setting Up Your Own Jitsi Server
For organizations or tech-savvy users, Jitsi Meet’s true power lies in the ability to self-host. Running your own instance means complete control over security, appearance, and integrations.
Why Self-Host?
- Enhanced privacy: Protect user data from third parties.
- Custom branding: Add your company logo and colors to the interface.
- Controlled access: Integrate with LDAP, SSO, or other user management systems.
Setting up your server involves installing dependencies like Nginx, Prosody (XMPP server), and JVB. While it might sound complex, Jitsi provides well-documented guides to walk users through every step.
Limitations and Considerations
No software is perfect, and Jitsi Meet does have some limitations:
- Lack of end-to-end encryption (by default): Although data is encrypted in transit, end-to-end encryption is only available in Beta and has limited support.
- Scaling challenges: Hosting large meetings may require additional configuration and computing resources.
- No built-in calendar integration: Unlike Zoom or Google Meet, calendar support needs manual setup or third-party tools.
However, for many use cases—especially small to medium-sized meetings—Jitsi Meet provides more than enough functionality at no cost.
Final Thoughts
Jitsi Meet is a truly unique offering in the world of video conferencing. With its open-source nature, transparent operation, and ease of use, it’s an excellent choice for both individuals and organizations that value flexibility and privacy. Whether you’re hosting a quick check-in call or running a secure team meeting on your own infrastructure, Jitsi Meet delivers the tools you need—without strings attached.