Did you know that 92% of B2B marketers switched to web conferencing in 2020? Well, due to the rapid development of such technology and the increasing adoption of remote work, the concept is becoming a major player in how businesses, like yours, communicate and make decisions. But the critical question here is: what is web conferencing?

In this article, we’d take you through everything you need to know from the definition to the secret components that make it effective, all the way to the different types of web conferencing available right now. 

Therefore, by the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of web conferencing tools (such as TelebuJoin) or apps, the basics of the technology behind them, types of web conferencing, key features, and how to choose the right solutions for your business. 

So let’s dive in! 

What is web conferencing?

Let’s begin with the single most-prevalent misconception: that web conferencing is the same as video conferencing.

But that’s exactly where you might be getting it wrong.

Web conferencing is not just about video calls, as we’ll explain below. It is far bigger and more encompassing than that.

Web conferencing is an online service that allows two or more people to connect via an application or an online link to talk, chat, and converse in real-time. 

That is to say, a web conferencing platform allows you to do more than just regular video meetings. You can live stream events, conduct training, and host large webinar audiences with a reliable internet connection. 

Web conferencing caters to different solutions for virtual meetings or events that connect via VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol). 

You may have experienced this while going live on Facebook/ Instagram or joining an online business meeting or product launch.

More importantly, it’s worth noting that there are special types of web conferencing solutions that are app-less, thanks to webRTC technology. Such platforms allow you and the participants to host or join such virtual meetings or events without a downloaded app.

Web conferencing vs. video conferencing: What’s the difference?

Many people often think that web and video conferencing mean the same thing, but they don’t.

There is a difference between them, and understanding this will help you optimise how you use your web conferencing software. 

Web conferencing is the technology that enables sharing of any form of web-based content. 

Video conferencing, on the other hand, is just one of the various web conferencing solutions and allows you to share real-time audio and video. it is especially useful for remote teams.

How does web conferencing work?

WebRTC is the technology behind web conferencing. It enables web applications to stream audio, video, and other data on your browser without the need for an app, plugin, or third-party software.

WebRTC technology is a secure encrypted software that powers applications across various industries that need it for their daily communication. These industries include telehealth, surveillance and security, and hybrid work setups, to mention a few. 

The technology features real-time text, photo, video, and audio exchange, without an app.

And as a result, webRTC is highly preferable for instant communication.

Several protocols and APIs (written in JavaScript), as well as Hypertext Markup Language, work together to make it all possible.

So, that means two or more people located in different geographical regions can easily connect via their browsers. The use of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) helps ensure that all media content, including text, audio, and video is compatible across web browsers. 

In addition, businesses can add the above-mentioned functionalities to their existing ecosystems. 

Developers can create P2P (peer-to-peer) communication between different internet browsers and customise features as per organisational needs thanks to programmable video or video conferencing APIs and SDKs. 

The different functions of WebRTC API include:

• Accessing and recording audio, video, and text from devices 
• Monitoring P2P communication between devices and browsers
• Enabling data transfer between two or multiple channels 

What are the different types of web conferencing?

With web conferencing, you can experience business communication in many formats and with many features and functionalities, at a go. You can do everything from starting a live event to making a product presentation on a slide show to collaborating with international stakeholders on video. 

Here are some different types of web conferences.

Video conferencing

Video conferencing is an online meeting service where two people connect on an audio or video call. Considered a luxury years ago, it is now widely used and has even become erroneously synonymous with web conferencing.

Thanks to better internet speeds globally, video meetings have become popular for both personal and business communications. 

The benefits of video conferencing to the business world, especially over the pandemic, cannot be denied.

In order to host or join one, you need a camera, microphone, an internet connection, and web conferencing software.

With features like file share, screen share, chat, and recording, video conferencing finds its applications in many areas:

• Online classes 
• Regular business meetings 
• Training, seminars and workshops 
• Job interviews
• Doctor appointments
• Event launches/demos

Webinars

A webinar is a live and usually educational presentation where the host presents and shares the screen, followed by a Q&A session with dozens or hundreds of participants. 

Webinars are useful as video presentations, seminars, workshops, all-hands meetings or online classes.

Although happening live, they can be recorded to become webcasts for later use. 

They can generally have several business advantages, including educating target audiences about your product/ services, onboarding new customers, training staff, or even generating high-quality leads. 

So, whether you are hosting a product launch or a masterclass session, webinars are a great way to connect with a large audience. 

Their power lies in allowing you to: 

• Make flawless presentations using screen share 
• Host surveys 
• Interact with the audience using the hand raise and polling feature 
• Clear all doubts with a Q&A session 

Webcasts

Businesses can host a live or pre-recorded session thanks to web conferencing. 

For example, let’s assume you are opening a new office or hosting an anniversary party, and you also want your external stakeholders to participate virtually. 

All of this is possible with a webcast. 

Unlike a webinar, webcasting is distinguished by the fact that you, as a single host, can simply broadcast your presentation from your office to anyone with an internet connection. That means a much larger audience can access that webcast online from virtually any device.

You can also host live Q&A sessions, conduct polls, and ask questions.

Webcasts are a perfect solution for: 

• Hosting live shows and educational programs 
• Increasing your event base by hosting a large audience across distances 
• Running interactive events 

What is web conferencing software?

Web conferencing software is an application that uses webRTC technology to build the kind of user interface that will enable you to live stream events, host webinars, create webcasts, or collaborate on a video conference. 

Such solutions help us meet professional business communication needs even when the audience is spread across distances.

With web conferencing software, you can share presentations, use chat features, exchange files, and record entire sessions. 

Every distinct solution offers similar and/or differentiated features.

So, the question is: what should you look out for when choosing one from the other for your business?

Factors to consider when choosing web conferencing software

If you’re relatively new to web conferencing, it might seem like all solutions offer the exact same features. 

While this may be true, to some extent, what distinguishes one solution from another is the value-add.

With that said, here are five factors to consider when choosing from the long list of web conferencing software:

• Reliable – Have you tested the platform with a free trial and checked if the audio and video output is consistent?
• Secure – Have you read its reviews to ensure there is no breach of your data privacy and security?
• Easy to use – Are you able to easily toggle between different features? The best software should be easy to use for all kinds of users
• Scalable – Can you add only 1-20 people per call, or does the software allow you to scale as per your requirements? 
• Customisable – Does it offer the best features tailored to your requirements – such as integration or customisations using APIs or SDKs?

Free web conferencing software vs. paid: which one should you choose?

Imagine you are on a business call, using a free web conferencing service. 

Just when you are about to explain the benefits of your service and ready to close the deal, you receive a notification that your minutes are up and the call gets disconnected. 

As a result, you have to create a new link again and share it with the same potential customer you got disconnected from. 

Without a doubt, this creates an unprofessional impression about you and your company, especially if your customers are busy or expect such calls to happen flawlessly. 

While free conferencing solutions are great to start with, they aren’t ideal. It is always better to go for paid services long-term.

Services that you pay for are more reliable and offer you a lot more useful capabilities. 

Features such as unlimited call time/sessions, more participants, access to 24/7 customer care, and so much more will help you offer more value as an organisation.

What makes web conferencing effective?

There are several features of web conferencing that you need to explore before opting for a paid version. From the audio quality to the user interface, we always recommend that you first test a platform before deciding to pay for it. 

Here are some key things to look out for.

The technical aspects

It can be easy to overlook the technical aspects of any software. However, these factors are bound to determine your entire web conferencing experience. Get your tech and IT team involved to ensure everything is working as advertised or as intended. 

1. Video quality 

This is one of the most important features of any web/ video conferencing solution. Effective web conferencing means that all of your participants have a clear video output while presenting on a screen or while showing themselves on video.

2. Browser compatibility 

Some of the best web conferencing software stand out thanks to their ability to run on browsers without an app. The best conferencing solutions should be compatible with all web browsers, be it Safari, Firefox, Chrome, etc.

3. Sound quality 

Are some of the participants facing challenges with listening or being audible during the meeting? Are the minimum and maximum sound outputs balanced? Test this feature on different systems to ensure you are getting the best sound.

4. The user interface

The user interface or the layout of the web conferencing system is also very important. It should be easy to use for a first-time user, a 15-year-old student, or a 60-year-old doctor.

Can the audience raise their hand, navigate through the screens, and unmute themselves easily? Consider these aspects as checkpoints to measure the effectiveness of the web conferencing solution depending on use: online classroom, training, team collaboration, or external meetings with stakeholders.

---

Discover why you might want to consider using video conferencing APIs or SDKs

---

The usability aspect

When it comes to web conferencing software, usually, all that matters is an app that is fully functional. 

However, its usability cannot and should not be ignored. 

Check that:

It has all the features you need 

Once you subscribe for a free trial, you will be able to test all the features and how effectively they function. Ask various departments in your organisation to do a full trial run and explore the different features they might need. 

It is easy to use 

Check on the feedback from your team; did they enjoy the experience, were the features easy to use, and how easy were they able to optimise the experience? A simple user interface backed by all the necessary features means you are selecting the right web conferencing solution for your business. 

It is secure and allows end-to-end encryption

Above all, a good video conferencing solution should ensure secure communication without breaching your privacy. 

Remember that your audience may share some sensitive information during the meeting, and the last thing they need is to have the conversation or their details leaked and misused. Always ask questions about the security features before opting for a full-time subscription. 

Why choose TelebuJoin as your web conferencing solution?

With so many apps and services out there, you might be confused about which one to choose, and the process of shortlisting one might prove to be time-consuming. 

Considering the effectiveness and benefits expected from any web conferencing platform, here is why you should consider TelebuJoin. 

• Go app-free: Whether you are on a webinar or a video call, TelebuJoin lets you and your audience connect simply via a link. This is one of the main tenets of seamless and hassle-free meetings. 

• Adjust call quality: On TelebuJoin participants can also choose their call quality – from high to low or even audio-only. This is beneficial when you have several people on the call and the internet is unstable. That means no compromises in your meeting quality and minimal call drops.

• Host unlimited video calls and webinars: TelebuJoin offers distinct features for hosting video meetings and webinars. Collaborate with screen share, record meetings, host calls on mobile, and schedule meetings. Additionally, on a webinar, get access to unique meeting links, improve engagement on group chat, and manage live Q&As

• Customise your video experience with APIs: TelebuJoin also lets you build your own video experience into already existing platforms. With a highly effective WebRTC-based solution, you will be able to run the meetings the way you like it, wherever you like. But you should also be mindful of the factors to consider before settling on any video conferencing API provider.

---

You should also read:

• 5 Best Zoom Alternatives, Free and Paid, From India
• Video Conferencing App: 5 Best Zero-Download Choices For You
• 5 Of The Best Video Conferencing Apps For Online Classes Right Now
• 5 Top Video Conferencing Apps For Small Businesses
• 10 Best Video Conferencing Platforms That Allow Recording

Optimise your web conferencing starting today

Here you are! You are not fully aware of what web conferencing is, and how it works – from features to the various types of online conferencing solutions available for your business.

With the right WebRTC conference call platform, you can host meetings or webinars instantly without an app. In addition to that, you can customise your own web meeting experience per your brand standards with API solutions. 

There are not many web conferencing solutions that can give you all of that, and more, like TelebuJoin. So, you might want to learn more about this conferencing solution or request a demo. When you are ready, sign up for your free trial and make the most of this platform that’s designed to build relationships on the go and scale business communication like never before. 

---

Related articles:

• Video Conferencing Etiquette: 7 Simple Rules To Follow
• Webinars For Beginners: How To Host A Webinar People Will Love
• 4 Survival Techniques For People That Despise Video Calls
• Webinars: How to Get In On The Trend & Succeed While At It