Google Meet users planning meetings in May face potential costs for sessions exceeding one hour, a shift from the platform’s previous policy of free access to extended meeting durations. The change, impacting those requiring longer collaborative sessions, necessitates careful planning and budgeting for organizations and individuals alike.
Previously, Google Meet offered the ability to host group calls for up to 24 hours with a Google Workspace or Google One Premium plan. However, the introduction of Gemini in Meet, and associated premium features, has altered the cost structure. Even as Google Meet remains free for basic use – including video calls with anyone, anywhere – extended features, including longer meeting durations, now fall under paid subscription tiers.
According to Google’s documentation, premium features like meeting recordings, transcripts, and the ability to host up to 1,000 participants are available through Google Workspace and Google One Premium plans. The specific plans offering these features, and therefore the extended meeting durations, include Google Workspace Business, Google Workspace Enterprise, and certain Google One subscriptions. A 1.5-hour meeting scheduled for May, would require a paid subscription to avoid interruption.
The change comes as Google continues to integrate artificial intelligence into its Workspace suite. Gemini in Meet, a premium feature, aims to enhance collaboration through AI-powered note-taking and other functionalities. The pricing structure reflects a move towards monetizing these advanced capabilities.
Users can still join meetings using a unique code, as previously offered, but the host will need to ensure they have the appropriate subscription to maintain the meeting beyond the one-hour limit for non-premium accounts. Google provides options to schedule meetings through Google Meet, Gmail, or Google Calendar, directing users to Google Calendar for scheduling purposes. The platform as well offers the option to add encryption for enhanced security.
Google Meet’s mobile app, available on Android, offers similar functionality, allowing users to start or join video meetings on the go. The platform supports a variety of hardware from leading manufacturers, providing options for video conferencing in meeting rooms of all sizes, according to Google.
As of Monday, March 9, 2026, Google’s official status page, StatusGator, indicates no current outages or incidents affecting Google Meet’s functionality. However, the platform’s pricing structure for extended meeting durations remains in effect, requiring users to consider subscription options for longer sessions scheduled in May.
