Video conferencing is mainly used for live, face-to-face meetings between people in different locations, using cameras, microphones and an internet connection. It is an example of synchronous (real-time) communication and of unified communications technology. Common uses include team meetings, client calls, job interviews, remote classes, telehealth visits and remote court hearings.
What video conferencing is an example of
| Category | Why |
|---|---|
| Synchronous communication | Everyone takes part at the same time, unlike email |
| Rich media communication | It carries voice, facial expression and shared content together |
| Unified communications (UC) | It's usually part of a platform that also does chat, calling and file sharing |
| Collaboration technology | Teams share screens, whiteboards and documents live |
More background in what is video conferencing and how video conferencing works.
Examples of video conferencing systems
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Meeting platforms (software) | Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, Cisco Webex |
| Room systems | Microsoft Teams Rooms, Zoom Rooms, Google Meet hardware |
| Room hardware | Video bars, PTZ cameras, speakerphones, touch controllers, interactive boards |
| Personal devices | Laptops, webcams, desktop video devices like Neat Frame |
See video conferencing platforms compared and the video conferencing equipment list.
Business uses
In business communication, video conferencing replaces many in-person meetings and phone calls with visual, real-time conversation.
- Team meetings and stand-ups for hybrid and remote staff
- Client and sales calls, including product demos with screen sharing
- Job interviews and onboarding (conference room setup for video interviews)
- Board meetings with remote directors (boardroom video conferencing)
- Training and all-hands sessions, often recorded for later viewing
- Vendor and partner meetings across time zones
- Support where a technician sees the problem on camera
See small business video conferencing and enterprise video conferencing.
Education
- Remote and hybrid classes, with a classroom camera showing the teacher and board
- Guest speakers and virtual field trips
- Parent-teacher conferences
- Faculty meetings across campuses
- Recorded lectures for review
See classroom video conferencing.
Healthcare
- Telehealth visits between patients and providers
- Specialist consults between hospitals
- Remote interpreter services
- Case reviews and tumor boards across sites
See healthcare video conferencing and telehealth equipment.
Legal and government
- Remote court hearings and arraignments
- Depositions with remote attorneys or witnesses
- Attorney-client meetings
- Public meetings that allow remote attendance
See video conferencing for courtrooms.
Houses of worship and events
- Live streaming services to remote congregants
- Hybrid committee and board meetings
- Large events with remote presenters
See church live stream camera setup and auditorium video conferencing.
Why organizations use it
- Less travel time and cost
- Faster decisions, since meetings are easier to schedule
- Includes remote and hybrid staff equally
- Visual cues improve understanding compared with audio-only calls
- Meetings can be recorded and transcribed
There are downsides too, such as meeting fatigue and dependence on network quality. See advantages and disadvantages of video conferencing.
Planning rooms for any of these uses? Tell us how the room will be used and we'll suggest equipment.
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