Webinar vs Webcast: What is a webinar?

Webinars and webcasts are both online events that are designed to connect presenters with audiences and are considered essential tools in any marketer's toolkit.

What's the difference between webinars and webcasts?

The main difference between webinars and webcasts is that a webinar is an interactive seminar that is presented to audiences of fewer than 1,000 people, whereas a webcast is more like a traditional TV broadcast and is streamed to larger audiences of up to 50,000.

Many people don't understand the key differences between webinars and webcasts, which is why we have outlined some of the key differences in more detail. That way, you can make more informed business decisions and choose the ideal online event to meet your goals.

What is a webinar?

I know we’ve gone over this before, but it’s important to get back to basics and ensure you understand the definition of webinars.

In the most basic sense, a webinar is a web seminar (web + seminar = webinar). It normally takes the form of an online presentation - whether that be a PowerPoint, webcam, screenshare, pre-recorded mp4 (or a mixture!) - with accompanying audio via a phone or mic, to accommodate panel discussions, etc.

Webinars are useful for knowledge sharing, thought leadership, and professional development. Audience sizes can vary, but we’ve found most WorkCast webinars are presented to audiences of fewer than 1,000 people.

One of the main features of a webinar is the interactivity and audience engagement they facilitate. Webinars are all about controlled two-way communication: attendees listen to your broadcast via their laptop, PC or device speakers and have the opportunity to contribute with live polling, Q&A, surveys and resource downloads.

Discover the difference between webcasts and podcasts online today >>

What is a webcast?

Think of webcasts more like a television show than a seminar. You know those TED talks that are live streamed across the world? Those are webcasts.

Like a webinar, webcasts can either be live or pre-recorded, but there are a few more major differences between the two formats.

One reason why marketers and businesses choose webcasts rather than webinars is that they’re designed to reach large audiences - we’re talking attendee numbers up to 50,000.

Essentially, webcasts are if you want to up the ante on your online event. Providing a professional, polished finish to your broadcast, with a TV/studio-like quality, webcasts allow you to bring your physical event to life - whether it be a virtual town hall, conference, panel discussion, product launch or stakeholder/annual review.

Is your physical event limited on space for attendees? No problem! Stream it live online, so you're not limiting the exposure of your content to just those who can attend in person and reduce your environmental impact. Your online attendees are still able to engage with polls & submit questions with the hope of the speaker or host answering it live for them to see & hear.

Where do virtual events fit in?

This is where it gets interesting. Virtual events are where it all comes together.

Virtual events are large, multi-session events that can feature both webinars and webcasts. Want to host your industry conference online? That’s where a virtual event would come in. There is everything from a virtual lobby to small breakout sessions, where webinars can be handy, to keynote addresses, where a webcasts would be more suitable.

Because both webinars and webcasts each have their own strengths and purposes, you can run a comprehensive, multifaceted event that demonstrates your industry knowledge, while ensuring you reach a truly global audience.

Want more useful tips on how to create amazing webinars? Download our free eBook, The Ultimate Webinar Handbook, today.