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 programmings 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, exactly?

A webcast is a live stream of your meeting, presentation, or other events over the internet. It is frequently aired live and simultaneously captured utilising streaming media technology. The recording can be replayed for new audiences at a later time or shared with the original audience for reference. In the entertainment sector, webcasting is frequently utilised by television and radio stations that concurrently broadcast (simulcast) their live content online. Simulcasting live concerts is becoming more prevalent. Webcasting is frequently used by traditional firms, particularly those with multisite teams, satellite workers, and remote workers, for meetings, conferences, and training.

Webcasts are frequently confused with webinars. That is why it is critical to comprehend the concept of a webcast. Webinars are online organisational events with a strong emphasis on interaction. They are frequently held using videoconferencing software, with the presenter or presenters utilising interactive tools such as Breakout Sessions, Whiteboards, and Polls to great effect. As a result, webinars are designed for groups of a few dozen to a few hundred people. Webinars may be live-streamed online (webcast) to allow more people to watch the event.

Webcasts, on the other hand, are online gatherings primarily intended for audiences in the thousands or tens of thousands. Furthermore, webcasts are usually planned and meant to be one-to-many or few-to-many broadcasts. Consider a television news show where the anchors are speaking directly to you with no opportunity for you to respond. Webcasts can be used for a variety of purposes, including broadcasting conventional training courses to a big workforce, displaying corporate Board meetings to the public, and showcasing a new product to consumers online.

 

What’s the point of a webcast?

Webcasts allow you to expand the number of your event’s audience. People don’t have to be in the same room with you to watch your meeting, learn from your seminar, or witness your presentation when you broadcast it online. Webcasts give you the ability to broadcast your event with coworkers, clients, and other essential stakeholders all around the country and the world.

Anyone with an Internet-connected device can watch your webcast because it is streamed online. Viewers can connect from anywhere using their cellphones, tablets, laptops, or desktops, removing the logistical challenges and costs of on-site attendance. You won’t have to cover the expenditures of workers going to a regional office for a regional sales presentation or the housing charges of conference guest speakers.

Finally, because webcasts are recorded, anyone who was unable to attend your event can watch it at a later time. When a coworker who was out sick on the day of the broadcast returns to work, you can send them the tape. Webcast recordings can potentially be repurposed for other purposes.

 

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.

 

Conclusion

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 on a regular basis.
• 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.

All of these webcasting tools can help your business in a number of 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.