What is Webcasting?

Webcasting

Webcasting is an event streamed live (over the internet) to an audience in real-time. Whether broadcasting to a small audience or a large one, broadcasting a live stream of audio, video, or presentation is covered under the broad scope of webcasting.

It allows corporations to stream one virtual event to audiences from all regions, rather than hosting multiple local events at different times. Webcasting lends itself to company town halls, product launches, highly anticipated lectures, and all-hands meetings.

Embracing webcasting as a marketing initiative for your company is beneficial in that it is a popular, new trend, allows for direct communication with your audience. And can portray to your digital customers that you are a subject matter expert.

Is There a Difference Between Webcast vs Webinar?

Webcasting is the term most often used when referring to digital live-streamed virtual events. But you may also hear the term webinar. Many people often confuse these terms. So, what’s the difference between a webcast vs. webinar? While they are different, you should think about webinars as one type of webcast. Webinars are usually intended for smaller audiences, while webcasts are for high profile events, digital broadcasting to thousands of people.

How to create a high-quality webcast

• Scheduling: Based on research, the best time to host a webinar or webcast is on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. during the week. These times are statistically high for attendance rates and engagement.
• Length: Studies show that 60 minutes is the best average length for a webinar or webcast, with most viewers tuning in for 56 minutes. It’s key to have a clear stopping point about 50 minutes into the digital program so people won’t tune out before the end if they think the presentation is going on too long.
• Announcements: Always have a pre-roll for your webcast that showcases information about your company. You can include a bio about the presenter, information about the company. And all of your relevant websites and social media.
• Recording: It’s important to follow up your webcast with a recording of the presentation and a call to action (CTA) that asks leads to engage with your brand or convert to customers.

Advantages of using it

1. Ability to reach a large number of recipients. By organizing, you can speak to thousands of viewers. Internet transmissions aren’t limited to the physical space where events take place. And the form of webcasting doesn’t force the participants to be present at a specific time. You can scale your webcasting depending on the demand for the event, as long as the platform you choose can handle the traffic.
2. High quality of communication. Just because the audience cannot interact with the speaker, it doesn’t mean that the level of engagement will be low. During and after webcasting, the participant can reach you through your customer application, website or social media profile. It is a good idea if you want to professionally refine the broadcast, achieving a quality comparable to TV or studio. This way, you improve your image and offer high-quality material to your audience.
3. Audience-related statistics. These platforms allow you to see who was at your event, for how long, what content they were interested in. So, you can better plan presentations and other marketing activities in the future.
4. Availability. Many people may not be able to attend live events in person due to work, school or other commitments. It allows you to share the event with anyone and at any time.