FAQ
What you probably want to know before trying it.
If your question isn't answered here, contact us — a person replies.
Getting started
Do guests need to install an app?
No. They scan a QR code or tap a link and use it in their mobile browser. No account either.
Do I need to install anything?
No. The presenter page runs in the browser too. Chrome or Edge are recommended, because the floating caption window relies on a feature specific to those browsers.
How long from signing up to starting?
About two minutes: sign in with Google, create an event, choose a language, test your microphone, press start.
How many guests can join one event?
Up to 250 listeners.
Platforms and audio
Is tlive a Zoom plugin?
No. It takes audio from the presenter computer's sound input, so the same workflow covers Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, YouTube Live, Facebook Live and in-person events.
Can it translate remote speakers?
Yes. Set the audio source to "meeting audio" or "both" and anything playing out of your computer is translated. Microphone-only translates just you.
What's the limitation on a Mac?
On macOS, Chrome captures browser tab audio but not the audio of the Zoom desktop app. Either join the meeting in a browser tab, or present from Windows.
How do I capture audio at an in-person event?
A line out from the mixing desk into the computer is best. A room microphone works, but echo and audience noise reduce accuracy noticeably.
Time and billing
Does the free trial reset monthly?
No. One 30-minute trial per Google account, to be used within 14 days of signing up.
How is time counted?
Only while the translation connection is actually running. Creating events, testing your mic and waiting for guests are all free.
What happens when I run out?
You get a warning with five minutes left. At zero, translation ends cleanly and guests see that the session has finished.
Can I run two events at once?
Not currently. One live session per account at a time.
Translation quality
How accurate is it?
It depends on audio quality, how fast people speak, and how specialised the material is. Clean audio makes the biggest difference by far. Use the trial on your own real content rather than trusting a headline accuracy figure — including ours.
Does it support Cantonese?
Yes, and it is one of the languages we care most about. The same advice applies: test it with your own material during the trial.
Can I add names and industry terms?
Not yet. A custom dictionary is on the roadmap, but don't evaluate tlive today as though it exists.
Does it identify different speakers?
Not yet. Transcripts are continuous and not labelled by speaker.
Don't take our word for it — run one yourself.
Sign up and a test event is ready immediately. Use your own voice and your own material to judge the translation quality. Thirty minutes is enough for a full rehearsal.