Webinar Marketing Pro

Webinar vs. Webcast - What's the Real Difference?

Here's the formal answer from Webopedia:

Webinar:

A Short for Web-based seminar, a presentation, lecture, workshop or seminar that is transmitted over the Web. A key feature of a Webinar is its interactive elements -- the ability to give, receive and discuss information. Contrast with Webcast, in which the data transmission is one way and does not allow interaction between the presenter and the audience.

Webcast:

v.) (1) To use the Internet to broadcast live or delayed audio and/or video transmissions, much like traditional television and radio broadcasts. For example, a university may offer on-line courses in which the instructor Webcasts a pre-recorded or live lecture, or an enterprise may Webcast a press conference in lieu of or in addition to a conference call. Users typically must have the appropriate multimedia application (computer) in order to view a Webcast.

(2) To use push technology, to send Web-based information to an Internet user.


There are some similarities but the real difference is that a Webinar is intended to solicit interaction from your audience. Often this is accomplished by using tools included with most solution providers such as Polling, Q&A, Surveys and other in-meeting tools you'll find inherent in some providers software.

On Demand Webcasting:

Let's not overlook "On-Demand" Webcasting which simply means taking a recorded web-seminar and making it available "on-demand," allowing users to view your presentation in a self-paced format, streamed over their computer.

Each has its proper place in your marketing funnel. Interaction with your audience is always encouraged for maximum impact during live events.

In my next post, we'll look at how to leverage Webcasts and "On-Demand" Webcasts.