A New Asynchronous Video Platform Emerges in Russia
Russia’s telecom sector has introduced a new asynchronous video‑sharing service designed to cut meeting time, streamline workflows, and support distributed teams
Rethinking Collaboration Beyond Real‑Time Calls
For years, enterprises have relied heavily on video conferencing to coordinate across distances. While convenient, it often consumes far more time than necessary. MTS Web Services, a subsidiary of the Russian operator MTS, has launched MWS TeamStream — a free asynchronous video platform that aims to shift teams away from hours‑long calls and toward more efficient, flexible communication.
Unlike traditional video meetings, asynchronous clips do not require participants to be online at the same moment. Users record messages, walkthroughs, or demonstrations and share them via link for later viewing. According to developers, the tool is not limited to corporate environments; freelancers and independent professionals may find it equally useful.
MTS estimates the platform can save up to 35 percent of working time compared to live‑call platforms. Beyond simple recording, TeamStream includes built‑in editing tools and AI‑powered transcription. It supports simultaneous screen and camera capture and allows instant sharing through the browser.
A Universal Tool for Distributed Teams
MWS TeamStream is positioned as an all‑purpose solution for hybrid and distributed teams in software development, training, design, customer success, and product operations. It can support bug reporting, feature demos, incident analysis, design reviews, video documentation, instructions, and status updates for projects and deals.
Although currently operating in test mode, the service provides its core functionality: up to three shared spaces with five users each, recording up to 20 videos of up to five minutes each, AI transcription, and automated summaries.
A Strategic Fit for Russia’s IT Market
The release of MWS TeamStream aligns with Russia’s broader shift toward domestic digital services as companies replace foreign platforms. As Western vendors exited or scaled back operations, demand for local collaborative‑communication tools surged.
“Asynchronous video is used by more than 100,000 Western companies and roughly 10 million users worldwide,” said Pavel Voronin, CEO of MTS Web Services. “In Russia, its value is still underestimated. Yet about 47 percent of companies work in hybrid or fully remote formats. As a big‑tech provider, we see how much time teams spend on calls and messaging. Our service can save each employee up to 32 hours per month and suits a wide range of specialists — developers, testers, analysts, sales teams, and recruiters.”
A Global Trend Accelerated by the Pandemic
Interest in asynchronous video tools surged during the 2020–2021 pandemic as organizations sought ways to reduce meeting load. Loom became one of the sector’s breakout successes, later acquired by Atlassian in 2023 for an estimated $975m.
By 2024–2025, numerous Loom‑like services entered the market, offering alternative interaction models. Russia also saw domestic offerings, including IVA MCU from IVA Technologies, accessible via web browsers and the IVA Connect client for mobile and desktop — including systems running Russian operating systems.
MTS plans to expand MWS TeamStream’s capabilities further. If the platform gains traction in Russia, it could be promoted to international markets where similar needs are emerging.
