Other/External Links
The "Other" streaming option allows you to link to any external streaming or conferencing platform. Use this when you need to connect to platforms that Atria doesn't directly integrate, such as Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, self-hosted solutions, or any other HTTPS-accessible service.
When to Use Other
Use the "Other" option when:
- Your organization uses MS Teams, Google Meet, or other platforms
- You have a self-hosted Jitsi instance (non-JaaS)
- You need to link to a custom or niche streaming solution
- The external platform has features Atria doesn't directly support
- You want flexibility to link to any HTTPS URL
Best for: MS Teams meetings, Google Meet, self-hosted conferencing, custom streaming platforms
How It Works
The "Other" option is intentionally simple:
- You enter an HTTPS URL to your external platform
- Attendees see a styled card with the link
- Clicking "Open Stream" opens the URL in a new browser tab
- The external platform handles everything from there
Important: Unlike Vimeo, Mux, or Jitsi, the external platform is NOT embedded in Atria. It opens in a new window, similar to Zoom.
Prerequisites
To use external links:
- HTTPS URL - The link must be HTTPS (not HTTP)
- Valid URL - Must be a properly formatted URL with domain
- Accessible Platform - Attendees must be able to access the linked platform
No organization credentials or special setup required.
Adding External Links to a Session
Step 1: Get Your External URL
Copy the URL to your external streaming or meeting platform:
- MS Teams meeting link
- Google Meet URL
- Self-hosted Jitsi room URL
- Any other HTTPS streaming service
Step 2: Configure Your Session
- Go to Event Admin > Sessions
- Create a new session or edit an existing one
- Find the Streaming Platform dropdown
- Select Other
- In the Stream URL field, paste your HTTPS URL
- Save the session
Attendees will see a card with a button to open the external platform.
URL Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Protocol | Must be HTTPS (not HTTP) |
| Format | Valid URL with domain and TLD |
| Length | Displayed truncated after 60 characters |
| Accessibility | Platform must be accessible to attendees |
Valid examples:
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/...https://meet.google.com/abc-defg-hijhttps://your-jitsi.company.com/room-namehttps://custom-streaming.example.com/live/session
Invalid examples:
http://insecure-site.com/meeting(HTTP not allowed)teams.microsoft.com/meeting(missing protocol)ftp://files.example.com(wrong protocol)
What Attendees See
When attendees view a session with "Other" streaming:
- Styled card with external link icon
- URL preview (first 60 characters, truncated if longer)
- Disclaimer alerting them it opens an external platform
- "Open Stream" button to launch the external link
The button opens in a new tab with security attributes (noopener, noreferrer) to protect your event platform.
Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Goal: Link to a corporate MS Teams meeting
Steps:
- Create your Teams meeting and copy the join link
- Edit your session in Atria
- Select "Other" as streaming platform
- Paste the Teams URL
- Save - attendees click to join Teams
Scenario 2: Google Meet
Goal: Use Google Meet for a session
Steps:
- Create a Google Meet and copy the link
- Edit your session in Atria
- Select "Other" as streaming platform
- Paste the Google Meet URL
- Save - attendees click to join Google Meet
Scenario 3: Self-Hosted Jitsi
Goal: Use your own Jitsi server instead of JaaS
Steps:
- Get your self-hosted Jitsi room URL (e.g.,
https://meet.yourcompany.com/room-name) - Edit your session in Atria
- Select "Other" as streaming platform
- Paste your Jitsi URL
- Save - attendees click to join your Jitsi instance
If you use JaaS (Jitsi as a Service), use the "Jitsi" platform option for embedded conferencing with per-user authentication. Use "Other" only for self-hosted Jitsi instances without JaaS integration.
Scenario 4: Department Breakouts
Goal: Different departments use different platforms
Steps:
- Create separate sessions for each department
- Engineering breakout: Link to their Slack huddle
- Sales breakout: Link to their Zoom room
- Support breakout: Link to their MS Teams channel
- Each team uses their preferred platform
Troubleshooting
Link Not Saving
Problem: URL doesn't save when you submit the form
Solutions:
- Verify URL starts with
https:// - Check URL is properly formatted
- Ensure no extra spaces before/after URL
- Try copying URL fresh from your browser
"Invalid URL" Error
Problem: Form rejects your URL
Solutions:
- Ensure protocol is HTTPS (not HTTP)
- Check for typos in the URL
- Verify URL has a valid domain (e.g.,
.com,.org,.io) - Remove any trailing spaces or special characters
Button Not Working
Problem: "Open Stream" button doesn't open anything
Solutions:
- Check browser popup blocker settings
- Try opening in a different browser
- Verify the URL is still valid/active
- Check if the external platform requires authentication
External Platform Issues
Problem: Platform loads but doesn't work properly
Solutions:
- This is an issue with the external platform, not Atria
- Check the external platform's requirements (browser, plugins, etc.)
- Ensure attendees have necessary accounts/permissions
- Contact the external platform's support
Best Practices
URL Management
- Test links - Verify URLs work before your event
- Use permanent links - Avoid links that expire quickly
- Keep links updated - If URLs change, update the session
- Consider shortened URLs - If the full URL is very long, consider a URL shortener for cleaner display
Communication
- Inform attendees - Let them know they'll leave Atria for this session
- Provide instructions - Include any special requirements (apps, accounts)
- Mention platform - In session description, note which platform they'll join
- Include backup - Provide alternative contact if link issues occur
Security
- HTTPS only - Never use HTTP links (Atria blocks them anyway)
- Trusted platforms - Only link to reputable services
- Access control - Use the external platform's security features
- Privacy notice - Remind attendees they're leaving Atria
Limitations
Current Limitations
- Does not embed external platforms (opens in new tab)
- No integration with external platform features
- No analytics or tracking through Atria
- URL validation is basic (format only, not accessibility)
By Design
- Simple link - Intentionally minimal to support any platform
- External control - Security/features managed by external platform
- No authentication - Atria doesn't authenticate with external platforms
Comparison with Other Platforms
| Feature | Other/External | Zoom | Jitsi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opens In | New tab | New window/app | Embedded |
| Setup | Just paste URL | Paste URL + passcode | Room name + credentials |
| Credentials | Not needed | Not needed | Required |
| Any Platform | Yes | Zoom only | JaaS only |
| Atria Features | Chat (if enabled) | Chat (if enabled) | Chat + embedded video |
Related Topics
- Video Platforms Overview - Compare all platforms
- Zoom Meetings - Alternative external meeting option
- Jitsi Meetings (JaaS) - Embedded conferencing
- Creating Sessions - Session management guide
The "Other" option gives you complete flexibility to link to any platform. Use it when Atria's direct integrations don't cover your needs, or when different sessions require different external tools.