In the latest podcast episode of Webinars Unfiltered, we took a deep dive into one of the biggest questions marketers and event professionals face today: Are webinars still worth it? With the rise of AI, shifting work habits, and endless alternative content formats, it’s a debate that’s more relevant than ever. So, we decided to tackle some of the most controversial statements about webinars—pulled straight from the depths of Reddit and the internet at large.
Spoiler alert: Webinars are far from dead. But let’s break down why.
1. Are webinars redundant if the same content could be sent in a slide deck?
It’s a fair question. If you can just email a deck, why bother with a webinar? The answer lies in how people engage with content. Everyone absorbs information differently—some prefer reading, others thrive on discussion and interaction. Webinars offer a multi-dimensional experience that a static document simply can’t replicate.
- Real-time engagement: Unlike a slide deck, a webinar allows for live Q&A, polls, and discussions.
- Content depth: Presenters often go beyond the slides, providing additional insights and answering audience questions on the spot.
- Repurposing potential: A webinar can be turned into a podcast, blog, or transcript, extending its reach and value.
So, while a slide deck has its place, it’s not a replacement for the dynamic, interactive experience a webinar delivers.
2. Are most webinars just long sales pitches?
No. (And if they are, they shouldn’t be.)
Nothing makes an audience tune out faster than a 45-minute sales pitch disguised as a webinar. The best webinars provide value—whether it’s industry insights, expert discussions, or problem-solving content.
That being said, webinars can (and do) play a role in sales, but they need to be done right:
- Educational first, sales second: Thought leadership and problem-solving should be the core focus.
- Segmented for the right audience: If a webinar is product-focused, make sure attendees want to see a demo—don’t sneak it in.
- Data-driven approach: Webinars generate high-intent leads when done correctly, helping sales teams engage meaningfully instead of cold pitching.
If you want people to keep coming back, your webinars should leave them informed, not feeling like they sat through an advert.
3. Has remote work led to lower production value and engagment in webinars?
It’s true that at the height of remote work during the pandemic, webcam-quality presentations and unbranded Zoom meetings became the norm. It was a very quick pivot everyone had to make to move their comms online and into webinar formats. But now? Audiences expect more.
Webinar production has evolved massively, and companies are stepping up their game by:
- Improving visuals: Branded webinar platforms, high-quality cameras, and professional layouts are raising the bar.
- Diversifying content: Mixing live and pre-recorded elements, using interactive features, and adding video snippets to create a more engaging experience.
- Focusing on accessibility: With closed captions, transcripts, and alternative formats, webinars are more inclusive than ever.
Far from decreasing quality, the shift to remote work has made webinar hosts rethink their approach—moving from basic talking-head sessions to polished, engaging experiences.
The Verdict: Webinars Are Evolving, Not Disappearing
Webinars aren’t going anywhere. They’re just shifting from one-size-fits-all presentations to more strategic, value-driven experiences. Whether they’re used for education, lead generation, or internal training, the key is adapting to what audiences expect today—engagement, authenticity, and relevance.
If your webinars feel stale, it’s not the format that’s the problem—it’s how they’re being delivered. So, ask yourself: Is your webinar providing real value? If the answer is yes, then yes, webinars are still worth it.
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