Webinar vs Webcast
What is the difference between a webinar and a webcast?
A webinar is a live online session built around interaction: attendees can ask questions, answer polls and chat. A webcast is a one-to-many broadcast, where the audience mostly watches. Both are online and both can be recorded. The difference is how much the audience takes part.
The terms overlap in everyday use, so check what a provider means by each.
Updated by the Eventdex team
4.7/5 from 39 reviews on each
Webinar meaning and the other terms
The word webinar joins web and seminar. These four terms are often mixed up.
Webinar
A live online talk, demo or workshop where attendees can interact through chat, Q&A or polls.
What is a webinar?Webcast
A broadcast of a live or recorded session to a large audience, with little or no two-way interaction.
Virtual meeting
A live online conversation among a group, where most people can speak, share and discuss.
Virtual event
A larger online gathering, often with several sessions, networking and exhibits.
What is a virtual event?
Webinar vs webcast: a comparison
The lines are not strict, since tools and providers use the words differently. This table shows the usual split.
| Webinar | Webcast | Virtual meeting | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direction | Mostly one to many, with audience input | One to many | Many to many |
| Audience role | Watch, ask, vote, chat | Watch | Speak, share, discuss |
| Typical size | A small group to a large one | Often large | Small to medium |
| Registration | Usually required | Often open or required | Invitation |
| Main purpose | Teach, demo, generate leads | Reach many, announce, broadcast | Decide and collaborate |
| Recording | Common, shared afterwards | Common | Optional |
When to use which
Choose by what you need the audience to do.
Use a webinar when
You want questions, polls and a way to qualify interest. Training, product demos and expert talks fit.
Use a webcast when
You need to reach many people with one message, such as a keynote, an announcement or a town hall, and two-way talk is not the goal.
Use a virtual meeting when
The group needs to discuss and decide. A webinar is the wrong tool for a working session.
Use a virtual event when
You need several sessions, networking or exhibitors in one place.
How to host a virtual event
Where Eventdex fits
Eventdex's pages describe a virtual meeting app for workshops, panel discussions and webinars, with live streaming, audio, video, chat, Q&A and recording, plus virtual conferences. Eventdex's pages do not define a webcast product, so check how your own plan maps to these terms.
To start one, see how to host a webinar.
Virtual conference platform guide
What to look for when choosing a platform.
Virtual conference platform
The Eventdex platform
Tools for online sessions and events
- Virtual meeting appHow Eventdex describes live sessions, chat, Q&A and recording.Learn more about Virtual meeting app
- Virtual event managementServices for running online events from start to finish.Learn more about Virtual event management
- Registration and ticketingRegistration pages with free, paid or donation-based tickets.Learn more about Registration and ticketing
- Event analyticsReports to judge what worked.Learn more about Event analytics
“It's easy to use and interfaces very well with our needs. The scheduling function is awesome. It allows our companies and partners to schedule their meetings with no assistance thus reducing time and resources. In addition, if there are any snags in scheduling, the Eventdex staff takes care of your needs immediately.”
University at Buffalo
Eversource Energy
Georgia Tech
Influence Communications
FAQ
Webinar vs Webcast: common questions
What is the main difference between a webinar and a webcast?
A webinar invites audience participation, such as questions, polls and chat. A webcast is mainly a broadcast to viewers. Both can be live or recorded.
What does webinar mean?
It is short for web seminar: a talk, demo or workshop delivered live online, usually with ways for the audience to ask questions.
Is a webinar the same as a virtual meeting?
No. A webinar is led by the presenters, and most attendees listen and send questions. A virtual meeting lets most people speak and share.
Can one session be both?
Yes. Many providers use the words loosely. A broadcast with a Q&A at the end sits between the two. What matters is what the audience can do.
Does Eventdex support webinars or webcasts?
Eventdex's pages describe a virtual meeting app that can run webinars, with live streaming, chat and Q&A. They do not describe a separate webcast product.
See how Eventdex handles virtual sessions
Start with a free interactive floor plan, or talk to an event specialist on +1 (866) 434-5088.