How Does a Webcast Work

In recent years, webcasts have become a tried and tested resource for businesses across many industries. The incredible reach and power of webcasts make them an excellent tool for communicating and establishing business relations with thousands at a time. Webcasts can also be an invaluable tool if you want your product launches or events heard by large numbers of people around the world.

With that said, how does a webcast work, and how can you put it to good use for the interests of your business? Read on to learn more.

What is a webcast?

A webcast is a broadcast of a live event of any kind using the internet. The words “web” and “broadcast” come together to create the word “webcast.” Webcasts are different from webinars as the focus is less on actual interaction and more on reaching the largest audience possible. Webcasts are, for the most part, one-way events where the audience can see and hear the actual event playing out.

However, you can make webcasts interactive using relevant tools. You can produce webcasts for many different use cases. Businesses have used webcasts for product launches, marketing events, corporate or stakeholder meetings, training, and other critical business processes.
Apart from taking an event to the masses, webcasts can also provide detailed information and insight about demographics, performance, and engagement of attendees. This data is invaluable if you want to keep tailoring the experience you provide over time.

How do webcast platforms work?

The operating principle of webcasts is simple. All you need is a real-time audio and video capture of an event. The webcast platform of your choice then processes this feed and makes it available over the internet, where your audience can access it anywhere in the world. Your webcast should be accessible using a variety of devices irrespective of screen size, operating system, display resolution, and internet speed.

An essential setup for webcasts consists of the appropriate audio and video capture devices, such as microphones and cameras. This feed goes into your webcasting device, which can range from a laptop or desktop computer to a large server array. The webcast software does the heavy lifting, transcoding the audio-video stream and making it available over the internet.

The webcast software then creates an interface for the audience to join in. You can throw your webcast open to all or create a pre-registered list of attendees. The audience members receive a virtual channel link from the webcast software, which they can use to join the event. Usually, the webcast platform also helps you with other processes like sending out registration links and reminders, tracking registration data, and detailed analytics of the event itself.

A Few use Cases for Your Inspiration

Once you understand how a webcast works, you can turn your attention to practical applications. It is possible to use webcasts in a various ways to aid your business interests. Here are a few examples of use cases.

1. Tradeshows and conferences
   
   Webcasts are a versatile choice for tradeshows and conferences. You can use a webcast to create an online audience for an existing physical event or go web-only by using a webcast as a virtual event. In fact, many large organizations go the webcast route to host important conferences and tradeshows to gain a wider client base.
2. Product launches
   
   Looking to find the largest possible audience for your product launch? The solution is to create a virtual product launch event using a webcast. This way, you can present a highly produced and polished product showcase of your product to your target audience. Webcast-based product launches can be highly versatile, engaging events with elements like keynote speakers, panel discussions, and breakout rooms.
3. Thought leadership
   
   Being a thought leader goes beyond selling. It involves establishing, building, and maintaining your credentials as a trusted, expert source of information and insight that can add value to customers. You can set yourself up as a thought leader easily using tailored webcasts. With high-quality content and useful information, you can position yourself as a thought leader, drive engagement, and create new and exciting business collaboration opportunities.
4. Corporate communications
   
   Webcasts can be a poignant avenue for corporate communications, especially for growing companies spread across multiple locations. Keeping your employees cohesive while avoiding prohibitive travel costs can be a challenge that webcasts can help surmount with ease. You can record webcast meetings for later reference, and webcast-based employee training can help standardize the process.

One Format, Multiple Uses

Correlating with this, how does a webcast work, and what can you do with it? With the information provided here, it’s easy to see that the opportunities are limitless. You can go in multiple directions with stellar results once you understand the basics of webcasts and their incredible potential.