Online Events are a vast business. They range from traditional webinars that you have come to love up to the multi-session events that are virtual. A crucial aspect of the online event scene which isn’t always given the same attention is webcasting.

Webcasts similar to webinars and virtual events are relatively new technology. The first webcasts weren’t in fact streamed videos but still images captured by web cameras every couple of minutes. These were later broadcast on the internet.

Webcasts have grown beyond their initial purpose and are now used for numerous projects and events.

However, to successfully integrate them into your online event list, it’s essential to understand the basics. Hence, we’ve compiled all you should know about webcasting.

 

What is webcasting, and how is it used?

 

We at AVIANET We use the term “webcast” in reference to 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 is able to 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?

1. Scalability

One reason that companies and marketers prefer webcasts is because they’re made to appeal to large numbers of people. we’re talking about attendance numbers in the thousands.

Webcasts don’t have to be limited by physical space, so they can be scaled upon the demand of your event so long as your system can handle the capacity.

2. Professional Quality

Webcasts can be utilized in situations where you need to raise the level of your event online. Webcasts offer a professional, polished appearance to your event that resembles a TV or studio Webcasts let you bring your live event to life.

It could be a virtual town hall conference or panel discussion, the launch of a new product, or an annual review for stakeholder.

3. Engagement

They also give you a wonderful opportunity to engage with your guests. The majority of webcasts don’t offer that 2-way communication that you might have in physical events which means that you won’t view your guests on video or listen to them through the audio stream.

However, for a massive online event controlled two-way communication is far more efficient and engaging for participants. Webcasts are a great way to ensure that your attendees online are engaged with polls or submit questions through chat using text. It is also possible to use surveys as well as post-event follow up to bring the involvement to another stage.

4. Data and Reporting

When you host a webcast, you can determine the people who attended your event, duration, what portions of content they were engaged with as well as if they had submitted questions, and many other things. This allows you to spot any content areas that are ripe for improvement.

5. Accessibility

The issue is now a more important concern for a variety of companies. Webcasts can remove the barriers which are typically a problem for the physical event.

There are many people who aren’t in a position to attend these occasions in person – due to a physical handicap, personal cost of attending or simply lack of means to travel. Webcasting allows your event to be broadcast to everyone with an internet connection and a smartphone.

 

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 a 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 in 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 a an element of their virtual event in order 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 there are some tested and tried-and-true best practices that can assist you in bringing the best from your panel, guests the 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?

Absolutely. By using AVIANET for an illustration we ensure that all of our customer webcasts are recorded as they are broadcast via the platform. They can be later turned into an event on demand or you can download them to use later.

What is the difference between 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 but 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.