In today's world where we are used to everything happening instantly, it's is very important for us to be able to communicate with each other effectively, without necessarily being in the same room. This is just as important when it comes to conferences, meetings, and presentations. Many of you will have used a popular video conferencing tools but as an employer, you may not perhaps be completely aware of the difference between a webcast and a webinar. Let us explain.
What is Webinar?
A webinar is an online event that usually contains video, slides, or a visual demonstration. Typically, they are presented by one presenter or more, and a moderator helps with the introductions and also the question and answer sessions at the end of the event. To conduct their presentations, presenters use computers and they call in using a VoIP or telephone to speak through their presentation, and viewers use their computers or mobile device to tune in and watch the presentation. Webinars help in reaching a small-to-medium group of audience with a simple audio style and PowerPoint presentation.
An example of a webinar found on YouTube.
Some important features of a Webinar:
• Content is generally presentation or slide-based; • Presenters can either be in one place or different presenters may be in different parts of the world; • Viewers can use their computer or mobile device and an internet connection to view the presentation; • Viewers can participate in the question and answer session and enjoy real-time polling.
What is a Webcast?
A webcast is a live online video event that generally is filmed just like a TV programme using one to many cameras, and at times it also uses some type of slide contents. Presenters are present in the location, right in front of the camera, and the event then happens just like a TV interview that is recorded to be broadcasted later or is broadcasted live. Viewers can tune in through their computers or mobile device to view this kind of presentation. Webcasts help reach a large group of audience. This is also known as "live streaming".
An example of a webcast we produced for a client.
Some important features of a Webcast:
• Usually, offers high-quality HD video; • Webcasts are more like a TV interview; • Presenters are usually present on location; • Content is filmed using many cameras and can be combined with animations and pre-recorded videos; • Viewers from all over the world can watch the webcast online, though there can also be a live audience present in the location.
• These can be broadcast to Facebook Live, YouTube or your preferred location.
What Is the Difference between A Webcast and A Webinar?
Both webcasts and webinars are about capturing and streaming video and audio through an online infrastructure but there are some differences between them.
The Presence of Presenters - Webinars are comparatively simpler to plan with presenters logging in/dialing and presenting from any remote location without necessarily having to be present there. But as far as a webcast is concerned, presenters have to be present on the location and will be captured on cameras.
The Content - The content of a webcast and a webinar is also different. Usually, a webinar comprises of slides. In the case of a webcast, however, the presenters themselves are the focal point and slides can be used as well.
Ease of Setting Up - A webinar is easy to set up compared to a webcast. While a webinar may just be set up within an hour or two before the session begins, a webcast usually takes a bit more planning before the event takes place.
The Audience - A webcast involves a larger audience than a webinar. While a webinar is just available online, a webcast together with being shown online also has a live audience. The live video of a webcast is more attractive than just the slide presentations offered by a webinar. A webcast also is more likely to be able to hold the attention of the audience for a longer time and thus is a great option for creating brand awareness.
What's best for us?
Both webinars and webcasts are good in their own ways. It actually depends more on your requirements which one you should opt for. If you want to speak directly to your audience and conversation is important then webcasting will be more suitable for you and you should give us a call.
If you have more of a visual content rich presentation to give to your audience, which can be pre-recorded, then a webinar might be better for you. Once you have decided which will be more suitable, the next thing you need to do is find the right tool to fulfil your requirements effectively and seamlessly. We can produce both for you. Just get in touch.
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