Not only does Amazon have one of the largest retail inventories, but it’s at the forefront of digital technology, offering a variety of tech products and services designed to make life easier.
If you’re into new technology and ways to keep in touch, you may be wondering what Amazon Chime is. I was interested in learning more, too, so I did some research, and here’s what I found about Amazon Chime!
What Is Amazon Chime In 2024?
Amazon Chime is Amazon’s pay-as-you-go communications platform with phone and video chat functions to keep organizations connected as of 2024. Amazon Chime supports productive remote work with online meetings, video conferences, live chats, calls, and more as an alternative to Zoom, Skype, and Microsoft Teams. There are Basic and Pro plans available for Amazon Chime to offer businesses flexibility.
If you want to know more about Amazon Chime, including how it works and how much it costs, check out the rest of my guide!
What Does Amazon Chime Do?
Amazon Chime launched in February 2017 as part of Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS).
That said, the Amazon company unveiled Chime as a unified communications platform that supports remote workforces and global connections through easier, more efficient meetings.
Since its inception, Amazon Chime has offered a streamlined approach to business communications using a single application for internal and external business calls.
Also, Amazon Chime’s Voice Connector allows inbound and outbound calls in addition to live chat and video meetings.
Essentially, anyone with an AWS account can sign up for Amazon Chime, either a Basic or Pro account and begin using the secure comms platform for important business meetings and collaborative work.
Moreover, one of the best things about Amazon Chime is how it offers seamless transitions from chat to call, helping companies stay in touch with their employees and clients worldwide.
Additionally, Amazon Chime makes it easy to share screens and invite more meeting attendees.
Finally, it keeps track of your meeting schedule and calls on all devices to minimize delay and get meetings started on time.
How Does Amazon Chime Work?
As a top e-retailer and technology company, Amazon prides itself on making life and work easier with its technology, and Amazon Chime is no exception.
For example, Amazon Chime works similarly to other leading communications service platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, as it supports chat, phone, and video conference features to keep companies connected.
First, users need an Amazon Chime account, which can be made online or through the Chime app.
Also, it’s best for business managers to use their work email to establish a Chime account separate from their personal Amazon shopping account.
Once logged in, there’s a detailed Amazon Chime user guide published by Amazon that goes over the ins and outs of using different Chime features so you can set up meetings and workspaces effectively.
Still, you can keep it simple with Amazon Chime meetings, which is great because only the meeting host needs an account.
So, anyone who is invited can just click the invite link for access in a web browser, even if they don’t have Chime.
Of course, you may want to embrace all the high-tech features Amazon Chime has to offer, such as business calling or integration with Slack, another business communication platform specializing in direct messaging.
Finally, it pairs with Alexa for Business, so you can use Alexa to start Chime video meetings in conference rooms and automatically join online meetings.
How Much Does Amazon Chime Cost?
The good news about Amazon Chime is there’s a free 30-day trial with no credit card required.
That said, you can sign up to use the Chime Pro features for a full month, and after 30 days, you can pay to continue with Pro or use Chime Basic for free.
As a pay-as-you-go service, Amazon Chime has no long-term contracts or upfront fees.
Therefore, you don’t have to commit to a full year or even six months of Chime, as you are only charged for the features you use.
Further, Chime Basic features are free, and Chime Pro features come with different charges, although only on the days your team accesses them.
With that, there’s a $3 charge per user per day with a maximum of $15 in usage fees per month.
According to the official Amazon Crime pricing page, the Basic license includes free dial-in meetings and remote desktop control features.
However, you don’t have to pay for unlimited person-to-person meetings using VoIP audio, video, remote control, and screen share.
Also, business functions support calling and texting through an affordable public switched telephone network (PSTN).
So, this is available for enterprise customers via the Chima web, mobile, and desktop apps with set rates for each type of comms and the country.
For example, currently, Amazon lists $0.002216 as the inbound calling rate per minute for the US, while it costs $1.00 per month for a US phone number rented through Chime.
Right now, there’s no cost to receive text messages in the US, but there’s a small fee for every message sent.
Lastly, keep in mind calls to other Chime customers are free of charge, so if you notice some of your clients using Chime, it may be a good time to look more into this service and if it’s right for you.
To find out more, you can also see our posts on what is Amazon, what is Amazon photos, and if Amazon owns Twitch.
Conclusion
Amazon Chime is an innovative communications platform available through Amazon Web Services.
That said, it offers secure online meetings, chats, and phone calls with people around the world, both within your organization and beyond.
Since 2017, Amazon Chime has served as a valuable resource for businesses that want safe and easy online meetings and remote workflows, as the technology pairs with Alexa, Slack, and other popular programs.
Further, with a free 30-day trial for Chime Pro features and a pay-as-you-go structure, Amazon Chime has gained recognition for its affordable cost, flexibility, and reliable integration with the latest tech advancements.