Video Conferencing vs Live Streaming: What's the Difference?

With the rapid development of remote communications, many people began to find their advantages in various solutions. But with such a variety, there is some confusion in technology. Some for business, others for personal use, others are universal. But how to distinguish them correctly?

What is a video conference?

Videoconferencing involves a live connection that provides communication through video, audio and chat. This technology is effective for regular online meetings, organizing one-time events and other purposes. The functionality of modern solutions allows you to quickly and securely exchange information through screen sharing, file sharing, interactive whiteboard, etc.

What does live broadcast mean?

Compared to videoconferencing, streaming has a more one-way flow of information. On the part of the broadcaster, the information goes through video and audio channels. Viewers use only written means of communication through comments. In this way, live conferences are like a cross between a webinar and a webcast: they can provide some audience engagement, but are not as interactive as webinars.

Similarities Between Video Conferencing and Live Streaming

By comparing live streaming and video conferencing, we can identify some similarities. These include:

• participation in the video;
• sound transmission;
• possibility of written communication;
• opportunities to present something;
• some level of involvement;
• conducting in real time.

Depending on the purpose for which both types of communication via video are used, they can be more or less similar to each other.

Control as the main difference

With live meetings, you control everything that happens during the event. Only you determine the themes, themes and events - and none of the participants can change this. In the case of live video conferencing, participants have more opportunities to speak and participate. So the last solution is for a more egalitarian experience.

Which one to use?

If you are in doubt which one is best for your case, let's look at two examples:

• party - team building or with friends, parties require active interaction and high involvement, so video conferencing is better;
• live concert - the program does not depend on the participants, and only the organizers manage the entire event, so live broadcasting is the best option.

Unlike live broadcasting, video conferencing is more versatile for many events. Scientific conferences, family meetings, and occasional project discussions are more conveniently conducted via video calls.

How to combine the best of both experiences?

If you want to take advantage of both approaches, consider integrating the use of one solution into the other. This helps to better organize the program of the event, but creating a hybrid concept is always problematic. You have to consider several issues to make it effective, and the first one is potentially high prices for the technical organization.

Live streaming and video conferencing are practical solutions. You can use them individually or combine as you see fit, but for the best result, seek the help of a professional. As far as video conferencing is concerned, you can take advantage of iMind's features for both private and professional use. Try it now and enjoy impressive performance!