Webcasting, which dates back to the mid-1990s, is a growing application of online technologies that benefit both businesses and consumers. But, exactly, what is a webcast? Indeed, webcasting has become so common that you might not recognise some of the programs you consume online as one. Understanding the meaning of a webcast, the benefits of webcasting, and how webcasts function is critical to using this technology to make communication within your company cheaper, faster, and more accessible than ever before!

What is a Webcast?

A webcast delivers live streams of meetings, presentations, or events over the internet, often airing and capturing simultaneously using streaming media technology. The recorded content can be replayed later for new or original audiences. In the entertainment sector, television and radio stations frequently utilize webcasting to simulcast live content online, including concerts. Traditional firms, especially those with dispersed teams, utilize webcasting for meetings and training.

Webinars, on the other hand, are interactive online events held via videoconferencing software, emphasizing audience interaction through tools like Breakout Sessions, Whiteboards, and Polls. They are designed for smaller groups, often live-streamed for wider viewership.

Webcasts target larger audiences, usually one-to-many or few-to-many broadcasts, akin to watching a news show. They serve various purposes, from delivering training courses to large workforces to showcasing products online or streaming corporate board meetings to the public.

What’s the point of a webcast?

Webcasts expand your event’s audience reach by allowing people to watch your meeting, seminar, or presentation online from anywhere. With webcasting, you can broadcast your event to coworkers, clients, and stakeholders globally, eliminating the need for physical presence.

Anyone with an Internet-connected device can access your webcast, whether using a cellphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop, reducing logistical challenges and costs associated with on-site attendance. There’s no need to cover expenses for regional office visits or conference guest speaker accommodations.

Additionally, webcast recordings enable those unable to attend the live event to view it later. You can share the recording with absent colleagues or repurpose it for other uses.

What Is a Webcast and How Do I Make One?

To get started with your webcast, you’ll need a few things. Of course, you’ll need content, which may be one or more presenters, audio or video recordings, or other resources. You should start working on your presentation before you worry about the technological aspects, especially since webcasts are quite easy to set up with today’s tools. You’ll need to decide which device you’ll be streaming from as you start to nail down your material.

A desktop or laptop computer may suffice if your webcast consists of your CEO addressing the workers. If you want to record several speakers and activities, you’ll almost certainly need multiple cameras and microphones, as well as an encoder. An encoder is a piece of software or hardware that can convert video files from one format to another suited for streaming.

You’ll also want a simple live-streaming provider, such as AVIANET, with built-in encoding software. Look for services that offer different on-camera presenters and video layouts, interaction with social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, vast audience sizes, and safe access management when evaluating choices.

Do you need to speak to a large group of people soon? To quickly and easily stream your webcast anywhere in the world, try AVIANET Events for free.

What may a webcast be used for?

If you’ve ever wondered what a webcast is and how it works, you now know. Any organization’s capacity to reach a larger audience is enhanced via webcasting. The technology removes barriers that previously made quickly engaging a wide audience difficult. The only remaining question is what we can do with these webcasts.

Many companies utilise webcasting to connect with out-of-state employees, offer training sessions, and display products internally. Webcasts may boost the value of your firm, whether you’re a nonprofit, a sales-driven company, or one that focuses on customer service.

The following are some of the most prevalent webcasting applications for internal communications:

• Webcasts allow a trainer to simultaneously broadcast a training video to a large and scattered audience, maintaining uniformity.
• Meetings and Conferences: Companies with a national presence can still hold frequent meetings without incurring the costs of travel.
• Connecting with your corporate office to communicate visual information necessitates the use of a service like webcasting.
• Product Launches: Businesses will be able to show off new products and services to sales prospects, as well as send out company-wide product announcements.

Webcasting allows you to interact with consumers all over the country, talk to a larger audience, and listen to and reply to their questions in real time. For sustaining external ties, a range of webcasting applications are available, including:

• Webcasts can be used to promote new products and provide sales updates in general.
• Check-in with clients: It’s critical to maintain goodwill by checking in regularly.
• Customers and clients may perceive you as a subject matter expert if you educate them about your products or services.
• Q&A Sessions: Most webcasts include a chat function that allows corporations to connect with their viewers and respond to their questions.
• Special Events: Any special events or conferences that out-of-state residents are unable to attend can be televised effortlessly.
• Customer Service and Support: Excellent customer service that necessitates long-distance communication as well as visual content.
• News Conferences: For interactive and far-reaching press conferences, webcasts are ideal.

Conclusion

All of these webcasting tools can help your business in several ways. It can be challenging to communicate with clients, customers, and staff who are located all over the world. Webcasts can reduce that distance to the point where you don’t even have to leave your desk. This will lower corporate travel costs and produce more rapid outcomes with less time and effort, as well as a smaller carbon imprint.