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What is a webcast? Use cases and advantages

Webcast definition: What exactly is it? The following article will give you the best possible overview.

Table of contents

Visual perception is of particular importance to people and shapes their sensory impression of the environment.

At events and trade fairs, visual stimuli consist of shapes and colors as well as the prevailing lighting.

It is therefore particularly important for organizers to deal with the psychological and biological aspects of human visual perception and to use these for the design of an exhibition stand or event.

One of these formats is webcasts, which not only offer the possibility of communicating certain content efficiently via the Internet in an auditive manner, but also visually. Secure video hosting not only ensures smooth transmission, but also protects the confidentiality and integrity of the content presented.

Webcast definition: What exactly is it?

A webcast is a live broadcast of a meeting, online or hybrid event from the speakers or an on-site presentation to a much larger online audience via the internet. It is essentially a one-way broadcast with little to no interaction between the online viewers and the host.


How are webcasts used to convey targeted information to your own target group?

Give your audience an immersive virtual experience that's available anywhere, live and on-demand on a Mac, PC, smartphone or tablet - at a fraction of the cost.

By recording your web or broadcast, you ensure that your content can be reused and accessed long after the broadcast (for example, as valuable marketing material across other channels or for innovative new hires).

The direct connection of the transmission software to the video content management system (Video CMS) facilitates the further use and management of your video assets. The following table provides an overview.

An overview of the different webcast, webinar and livestream formats

Webcast vs. webinar/conferences

Conferences and live webinars tend to be designed for small groups of up to 250 participants. With large numbers of participants, the possibility of using a camera or microphone can quickly lead to chaos. This means that online broadcasts are primarily without interaction compared to webinars/conferences.

Essentially, an online broadcast follows the motto that a presentation is followed by a livestream with any number of participants (so-called one-to-many communication).

This distinguishes a webcast, for example, from a video conference, in which all participants take part in a conversation and the interactivity is naturally much higher in this way.

In addition, a fixed transmission follows a well-structured procedure in advance. The course of a webinar/conference can depend on the behavior and wishes of the participants. Both formats can be made available afterwards as video on demand via a video platform.

Webinar software can help to automate manual processes.

Difference between webcast and webinar.

Webcast vs. livestream

For influencers in particular, live streaming has become an attractive format in recent years. Both individuals and brands use social media platforms such as YouTube or Instagram to reach their audience and usually stream live video from a smartphone camera with ease. Audience engagement with the audience is often at the forefront.

Special feature of live streaming: broadcasts are publicly accessible to everyone via the corresponding live streaming platform.

Online broadcasts are ideal for broadcasting events such as specialist conferences or business events in order to reach the widest possible audience. The webcast can then be streamed simultaneously on one or more websites, platforms such as social media or YouTube with a multi-channel strategy.

Customized webinar software

What application scenarios are there?

The scenarios are diverse and go far beyond simple content streaming. Online broadcasts are therefore becoming increasingly popular and offer a cost-effective and efficient communication tool.

The format is also suitable as a tool for internal or external corporate communication.

However, online broadcasts can not only effectively increase the reach of events or meetings, but also reduce accommodation and travel costs in the long term. Audience members and participants no longer have to travel to an (expensive) location on site, they can simply follow the event live - live and digitally via PC or smartphone.

Possible application scenarios for webcasts are:

  • Live events and conference software
  • Technical interviews
  • Exhibition films/ product demos
  • Lectures and videos
  • Product launch/ company updates
  • User Group Meeting
  • Training courses

Tips for a successful webcast

- Make sure you have good technical equipment

- Create a high-quality presentation

- Define clear goals and strategy before the event

- Suitable production equipment such as microphones and a camera (but not as extensive as for a livestream

- Preparation is the be-all and end-all

- Follow-up mail after the event

- Variety increases the interest of participants and reduces drop-out rates, e.g. through specialist interviews and trade fair films

Advantages of a webcast

- High reach through digital broadcasting / possibility to access content from any location

- Integration options for the corporate design

- Long-term use

- Easy access

- Ideal for remote workers

- Low costs, as the location and extensive direction are not necessary

- Qualitative content despite "small" effort

- Environmental impact is low

- Saves resources as there are no travel costs, catering etc.

- Can support event marketing

- Generate leads and awareness

- Explaining complex topics for a specific target group

Pro Tip: Look out for web-based platforms, as these can be used by anyone

Features between free and paid hosting.

Conclusion

With online broadcasts, you can cover the whole world live. If an interested party is unable to watch your live streaming, it can also be accessed later at any time on request.

With webcasts, there are no long travel times and high transportation costs. This means that each of your key target groups can attend your event easily and cost-effectively. And with less travel, your carbon footprint is also reduced.

Online broadcasts are a good way of making events available on demand to participants all over the world and in different languages, whether as an online archive or video platform.

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