Online events constitute a vast industry, spanning from traditional webinars to multi-session virtual events. While webinars and virtual events often receive significant attention, webcasting, a crucial aspect of the online event landscape, is sometimes overlooked.

Webcasts, similar to webinars and virtual events, represent relatively new technology. Initially, webcasts consisted of still images captured by web cameras at intervals, which were then broadcast over the internet. Over time, webcasts have evolved beyond their original purpose and are now utilized for a wide array of projects and events.

To effectively incorporate webcasts into your online event repertoire, it’s essential to grasp the fundamentals. Therefore, we’ve compiled all the essential information you need to know about webcasting.

What is webcasting, and how is it used?

We at AVIANET use the term “webcast” about a live stream of a conference or event. In essence, webcasts are well-crafted, high-quality videos which bring your event to life online.

Are you aware of those TED talks which are live-streamed around the globe? They are webcasts. The combination of broadcast and web is called Webcast. It’s that simple.

The webcast can stream live or on-demand and requires your viewers to watch the webcast’s video stream and then engage by responding to questions and taking part in polls.

Webcasts work by using broadcasting equipment (this could be a single device or a group of servers) to process the information that is being broadcast.

Then, a software or platform, such as AVIANET will ensure that the viewers can access the webcast.

The software and hardware combine to create participants a virtual channel that they can access through the internet on the device they prefer.

What’s the point of webcasting?

• Scalability

One of the reasons companies and marketers favour webcasts is their ability to cater to large audiences, often numbering in the thousands. Unlike physical events, webcasts are not constrained by physical space, allowing them to scale based on demand as long as the system can handle the capacity.

• Professional Quality

Webcasts are ideal for elevating the online presence of your event. They offer a professional and polished appearance akin to TV or studio productions, bringing your live event to life. Whether it’s a virtual town hall conference, a product launch, or an annual stakeholder review, webcasts add a level of professionalism to your online events.

• Engagement

Despite the lack of face-to-face interaction, webcasts provide an excellent opportunity to engage with your audience. While most webcasts don’t offer two-way communication in real-time, they can still foster engagement through polls, chat-based questions, surveys, and post-event follow-ups. These interactive features enhance participant engagement and ensure a dynamic online experience.

• Data and Reporting

Hosting a webcast allows you to gather valuable insights into attendees behaviour, such as who attended the event, how long they stayed, which content segments they engaged with, and whether they submitted questions. This data enables you to identify areas for improvement and refine your content strategy.

• Accessibility

Accessibility is increasingly important for many companies, and webcasts help overcome barriers commonly associated with physical events. By broadcasting events online, webcasts enable anyone with an internet connection and a smartphone to participate, regardless of physical limitations, financial constraints, or travel limitations.

Webcasts for Corporate Communications

As businesses expand as they expand, the communication requirements of their employees increase. The challenge for larger companies is to communicate in a manner that inspires employees. Webcasting can be a fantastic way to bring leaders in front of employees effectively and in an efficient method.

Have you seen organizations hosting their AGM on the Internet? It’s an online broadcast. It lets organizations communicate important information quickly and on a large scale.

Webcasts for Product Launches

Do you want to launch a product? What about showcasing its USPs and advantages? Webcasts are a great method to accomplish this.

Software AG is enterprise software that is relied upon by thousands of businesses all over the world. Webcasting was an element of their virtual event to help in the launch of their product. The event consisted of:

• Panel discussions
• Multiple keynote speakers
• Rooms for educational breakouts
• Event resources available for download
• Public opinion polls

How do you manage live webcasts?

If you are considering webcasting live, or for any other occasion some tested and tried-and-true best practices can assist you in bringing the best from your panel, guest audience, and speakers.

We have compiled our Top 10 recommendations for anyone who hosts or presents a webcast:

1. Be Passionate & Energetic
2. Share Personal Experiences
3. Encourage Audience Engagement
4. Meet Audience Expectations
5. Present to a Global Audience
6. Keep Cool, Calm, and Collected
7. Create Engaging Slides
8. Be Punctual
9. Think Outside the Box
10. Practice Practice, Practice

We’ve got a wealth of details about how to become the best presenter learn from the Ten Tips for Presenters to Know for Webinar Presenters Need to be aware of blog. Yes, it’s “webinars”, but the guidelines are identical.

Webcast 101: QUIZ

Can webcasts be recorded?

Yes, you can record webcasts. When using AVIANET, for example, we ensure that the platform records all customer webcasts during their broadcast. Later, you can convert these recordings into on-demand events or download them for future use.

What is the difference between a live stream and a webcast?

Live streams are exactly what it sounds like. It is a broadcast that broadcasts live, and not recorded for an audience on the internet. Although a webcast may be an actual live stream it could also be recorded.

Do you have the ability to host an online broadcast on YouTube?

Yes. YouTube has a feature known as YouTube Live which allows live streaming of videos to YouTube. You can also create a live stream and make it available on YouTube but it won’t offer the same advantages that a traditional webcast does i.e., you won’t have the same analysis and engagement.

Do you have the ability to create a webcast that you can stream on demand?

Yes, you can create webcasts “on-demand”. The only thing you need to do is pre-record the video and then broadcast it via any webcasting system. You could also, based on the platform you choose, create a webcast in an event simulative that you record the content and broadcast it live. This will boost engagement since you can participate in polls, questions and more.