What is a webcast?
A webcast is a live broadcast of audio or video presentation over the Internet/Intranet. Operators of a webcast use webcast streaming technology to distribute the broadcast to a large number of simultaneous listeners/viewers who can access the webcast through any device.
How does a webcast work?
As mentioned above, a webcast makes use of special technology to distribute a single stream to many concurrent viewers. This technology consists of hardware components— responsible for processing media in real-time—as well as software components—responsible for individual user transmissions. Learn more about live streaming components. The resulting combination provides users with gated access to the webcast on any device and operators with real-time data about the stream and viewers.
Can a live webcast be recorded?
You can record your webcast, depending on your webcasting solution/webcast platform. Some software, such as movingimage Enterprise Video Platform, allows you to record your webcast and upload it for on-demand viewing. If your webcasting solution does not offer recording capabilities, you will need to use third-party software.
Webcast or Webinar: What’s the difference?
Though both a webcast and a webinar are designed for knowledge sharing via an internet/intranet connection, they differ in function and audience size. A live video webcast is typically a live, one-to-many presentation that resembles a traditional TV broadcast, whereas a webinar is smaller and more interactive.
Webcast best practices
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Pick a topic and a clear concept
A webcast is your opportunity to demonstrate authority by educating your viewers. Do your research and pick a topic that addresses your viewers’ concerns and queries. You can do so by polling your audience, asking other team members, or searching Google Analytics
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Create a registration page
Create a registration page a month or so ahead of time and promote it on multiple platforms. This will allow you to know your audience in advance and prepare better.
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Choose the right webcast platform
Choose a webcasting solution that meets your event’s objectives. For example, in terms of scalability, sharing options, compatibility with all devices and browsers, and webcast tools and features.
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Upload the webcast for on-demand viewing
Recording your webcasts is a recommended strategy that allows you to engage with a broader audience as well as apply post-live features on your webcast (e,g., add subtitles, divide into chapters, etc.)
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Use professional help
Hosting a webcast yourself, though possible, is significantly more complicated than with a professional assistant. Ask a video expert to help you before and during your live stream, regardless of its purpose! Contact us to take your live stream up a notch!
Webcast Use Cases
Though webcasting can be used for all business communication purposes, some use cases are more prevalent than others. Mainly:
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Townhall events
Webcasting allows companies to virtualize their otherwise on-site Townhall events. Using a webcast, organizers must not limit on the number of participants. Rather, they can scale up or down depending on the number of attendees at any given moment.
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Company announcements
Webcasting is the ultimate transparency enhancer: it allows organizations to share important information with all employees while maintaining a two-way interaction channel for feedback and questions.
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Corporate learning and training
Webcasting is a great way to facilitate learning or training for remote viewers. Instructors can share slides and videos with multiple participants at a time and enable Q&A for any questions that may arise. They can also leverage the recordings and create an on-demand training series.
