Google+ hangouts is undoubtedly the most popular feature on Google+ and it’s been used in many ways; right from meeting friends, virtual town hall style meetings, office hours, class rooms, etc..

Due to it’s popularity, it has got special attention from Google+ team. They have added 4 unique ways to start and use a Google+ hangouts across various Google products (as of this writing).

Four ways to start a Google+ hangout

Hangout from Google+ stream

This was the first method introduced that allowed to start / join a hangout. You’ll find this section just right of your Google+ stream. It also helps to find current live hangouts from your circle limited to a maximum of 3 live hangouts.

Hangout from YouTube

Hanging out from YouTube is a cool feature that allows to start a hangout right from any YouTube video and watch the video live with your friends or circles irrespective of wherever you are. You are basically on a virtual cinema theatre.

Really simple to use, goto YouTube, search for a video you are interested, click on the Share button and bottom right of the popup you’ll find a link to Start a Google+ Hangout (You must be logged in using your Google+ and YouTube account)

Hangout from Google+ Post

Hangout from a Google+ post was added just yesterday. It is a simple and easy way to connect with the post author through a 1:1 video discussion. You’ll be only able to start an hangout with the author only if you both exist in each others circle (mutual circles that is similar for Google+ chat).

Hangout from Google Chat

Hanging out right from Google chat in Gmail has been rolled out today. When you chat with someone in Gmail previously you use to see a Video icon. Now the Video icon is replaced with a Hangout icon and it allows to immediately start an hangout right from your Gmail.

Enjoy hanging out from Google+, YouTube or Gmail and have fun!