MC1069555 – (Updated) Microsoft Teams: Send messages to attendees in the meeting lobby with Lobby chat (archived)

Product:

Microsoft 365 admin center, Teams, Windows

Platform:

Android, iOS, Mac, Online, US Instances, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Feature Rollout Status Not Supported

Change type:

Admin impact, Feature update, Updated message, User impact

Links:

480716

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft Teams will soon allow meeting organizers to send one-way messages to attendees in the meeting lobby via Lobby chat, improving communication before meetings start. This feature is on by default, controllable by admins in the Teams admin center, and will roll out from June to September 2025.

Details:
Updated September 3, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
Coming soon for Microsoft Teams: Meeting organizers will be able to send one-way messages to attendees in the meeting lobby using the Lobby chat. The Lobby chat is intended to optimize the lobby experience for all participants, ensuring that organizers are better equipped to run external meetings and external attendees are well informed about the meeting when it begins. This feature is on by default and admins can choose to disable it in the Teams admin center (TAC).
This message applies to Teams on Desktop, Mac, Web
iOS and Android will be released shortly
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 480716.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out mid-June 2025 and expect to complete by late June 2025.
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out late June 2025 and expect to complete by late September 2025.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Standard Release

Created:
2025-05-08

updated:
2025-09-04

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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linked item details

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Pictures

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Confusion
Users may be confused about the new Lobby chat feature and its purpose, leading to misunderstandings about meeting protocols.
   - roles: Meeting Organizers, Attendees
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=480716

Increased Meeting Delays
If users are not aware of the Lobby chat, they may miss important messages, causing delays in starting meetings as attendees may not be prepared.
   - roles: Meeting Organizers, Attendees
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=480716

Overwhelmed Organizers
Meeting organizers may feel overwhelmed by the need to manage additional communication through Lobby chat without prior preparation.
   - roles: Meeting Organizers, IT Support
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=480716

Policy Misalignment
Existing meeting policies may not align with the new feature, leading to potential security or compliance issues if not reviewed.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=480716

Technical Issues
Unexpected technical issues may arise from the automatic rollout of the feature, affecting user experience and meeting functionality.
   - roles: IT Support, End Users
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=480716

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced Pre-Meeting Communication
The introduction of Lobby chat allows meeting organizers to communicate important information to attendees while they wait in the lobby. This can reduce confusion and set clear expectations for the meeting, improving overall user experience.
   - next-steps: Evaluate the types of messages that can be sent to attendees and create guidelines for effective communication in the lobby. Train meeting organizers on best practices for using this feature.
   - roles: Meeting Organizers, Project Managers, Team Leaders
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=480716

Streamlined Meeting Management
With the ability to send messages to lobby attendees, meeting organizers can better manage their meetings, ensuring that all participants are informed and ready when the meeting starts. This can lead to more productive meetings and better time management.
   - next-steps: Conduct a workshop for meeting organizers to demonstrate the new feature and discuss strategies for effective meeting management. Gather feedback to refine processes.
   - roles: Meeting Organizers, Administrative Assistants, HR Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=480716

Improved User Engagement
The Lobby chat feature can enhance user engagement by allowing organizers to share agenda items, meeting protocols, or other relevant information while attendees are waiting. This can lead to a more engaged and informed participant base.
   - next-steps: Develop a communication plan that includes how to effectively use Lobby chat to enhance user engagement. Monitor engagement levels before and after implementation to assess impact.
   - roles: Marketing Teams, Sales Teams, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=480716

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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