There is often some confusion between the terms Webcasting & Web Conferencing.
While both are quite similar in function, the features of Webcasting & Web Conferencing & the purpose they actually serve, are somewhat different…
A Web Conference (i.e. also known as a Videoconference) is an event during which multiple attendees are all on the ‘call‘ at the same time and communicate with each other simultaneously over the internet, generally with webcams and/or just audio. While there are options for them to share their screens to present slides, basically audio is usually transmitted via VoIP.
Web Conferencing is best suited for holding small and collaborative meetings (usually well under 50 individuals) where there will be a lot of back and forth between all the participants.
A Webcast on the other hand, is a Live (sometimes also an On-demand) presentation by speakers and panels, that is streamed Live over the Internet. It’s main purpose is to reach larger audiences of 50 or more (or even hundreds or thousands) and use a variety of interactive features like Q&A via Interactive Chat screens, surveys and polls.is a much higher quality broadcast.
Live streamed Webcasts are very much like a sort of TV show, with multiple camera shots, title overlays & more, but one in which viewers can also participate interactively with Chat screens.
