> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.dscout.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.dscout.com/interview-studies/conduct-an-interview-session/chat-during-an-interview-session.md).

# Chat during an interview session

The bulk of an interview session takes place using the built-in video conferencing functionality. However, there may be some cases in which it’s useful to exchange text chats with your participants or collaborators. For that, Dscout offers an in-session chat for live interviews.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** In-session chats are not saved and therefore are not accessible after the session.
{% endhint %}

## Chat with participants

Once the participant has joined the session and you’ve started the call, you’re able to communicate with them using the in-session chat. This is useful for sharing links or troubleshooting if issues arise during the call.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** Only session moderators can chat with participants, and the chat is only available on desktop studies. It is not possible to chat with participants during mobile interview sessions.
{% endhint %}

**To chat with the participant during an interview session:**

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
During the session, click **Chat** in the right sidebar. The chat window is displayed in the sidebar.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select the participant’s name at the top of the chat window.

![](/files/daafe02ba5881879bb686c4e9a9809bf413a8aad)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Type your message in the text box at the bottom of the chat window.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Press **Return/Enter** or click the **Send** button.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

Now, your chat is sent to the participant. Responses from the participant will be displayed in the chat window. If the session has multiple moderators, messages sent to the participant by the other moderator will be displayed here as well. Keep in mind that chats are not accessible after a session has ended.

## Chat with collaborators

If you’ve invited observers to a session—or if you’re an observer yourself—you can chat with your collaborators (the moderator and other observers) during the session. Chats sent to collaborators are not visible to the participant.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** Only moderators and observers have access to the in-session chat. Guests can’t send chats or see chats sent by other users.
{% endhint %}

**To chat with collaborators during an interview session:**

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
During the session, click **Chat** in the right sidebar. The chat window is displayed in the sidebar.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select **Collaborators** at the top of the chat window.

![](/files/c6225dfe5260e4efef0c94f36879e66216da5dbe)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Type your message in the text box at the bottom of the chat window.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Press **Return/Enter** or click the **Send** button.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

Now, your chat is sent to any collaborators currently in the call. Responses will be displayed in the chat window. Keep in mind that chats are not accessible after a session has ended.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** Collaborators will only see chats sent after they join a session. They will not see chats sent by collaborators before they joined.
{% endhint %}


---

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