Screen Sharing
The WebSocket version supports screen sharing during any call — 1-on-1 audio, 1-on-1 video, group audio, group video. Share your entire screen or just one application window with other participants. WebRTC-based, no browser plugins required, works in all modern desktop browsers.
Screen sharing is a WebSocket-version feature, only available during an active call.
What it adds#
- Share entire screen or specific application window during a call
- Available in all call types — 1-on-1 audio/video and group audio/video
- WebRTC-based — no extension or browser plugin needed
- Other participants see the shared screen as a high-quality video feed
- Switch between screen sharing and camera during a call
- Audio sharing optional (share system audio along with the screen)
How it works#
When a user clicks Share Screen during an active call, the browser shows the standard screen-share permission prompt — they choose what to share:
| Sharing option | What participants see |
|---|---|
| Entire screen | Everything on the chosen monitor |
| Application window | Just one app (Slack, browser, IDE, etc.) |
| Browser tab | Just one tab — privacy-respectful for browser-based demos |
The shared content streams to other participants via WebRTC. The user's camera feed pauses (replaced by the screen feed) but voice continues unchanged.
When screen sharing is essential#
| Use case | Pattern |
|---|---|
| Customer support troubleshooting | "Show me what you're seeing" — visual debugging |
| Coaching / consulting | Walk through documents, designs, code on screen |
| Sales demo | Show the product working live during a call |
| LMS office hours | Instructor shares slides or code editor for explanation |
| Marketplace vendor support | Vendor walks buyer through product setup |
Requirements#
- Website must use HTTPS (browsers require secure context for screen capture)
- Supported on desktop browsers — Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari
- Initiated from inside an active call (audio, video, group)
- Browser screen-share permission granted by the user
Mobile browsers don't support screen sharing (a browser limitation). Mobile-app users can view shared screens but can't share their own.
Frequently asked questions#
Does screen sharing work on mobile?#
Receivers (viewing a shared screen) — yes, works fine. Sharers — no, mobile browsers don't expose the screen-capture API. The native iOS / Android app may support sharing in future versions.
Can multiple participants share at once?#
Typically one sharer at a time. The new sharer replaces the current one. Group conversations support sequential sharing, not simultaneous.
Is the shared screen recorded?#
No — screen-share streams are real-time only. Better Messages doesn't include screen recording. To record, participants use their own recording tools (with consent).
What about audio from the shared application?#
Optional — the browser asks whether to share system audio along with the screen. If you say yes, the audio from the shared app/tab is streamed too. Useful for sharing videos with sound.
Does screen sharing work in group calls with many participants?#
Yes — the shared screen flows through the media server (SFU) like any other video stream. Quality scales — participants on slower connections get a lower-resolution version automatically.
See also#
- Video calls (1-on-1) — primary context for screen sharing
- Audio calls (1-on-1) — voice + screen, no video
- Group video chat — share screen with up to 32
- Group audio chat — voice group + screen sharing
- Mini chats — calls embedded in mini popups