Webinar is a single-track event format that can last up to 8 hours. Compared with the multi-track event formats, webinars offer limited features and settings, ensuring quick and easy setup. This guide explains the differences between two webinar styles, Stage and Session, and explains how to set them up.
Note: The webinar event format is now available on all plans. As this event type operates on the attendee-based model, webinar registrations will not contribute to your registration count if you're on one of the legacy plans. To learn more about this, please reach out to our Support team.
Tip: To explore the difference between webinar and other event formats, refer to the guide: Choosing the right event format: Webinar, Virtual, Hybrid and Onsite
Webinar style
When creating a webinar, there are two styles available: a Stage for a professional stream powered by our backstage studio or a Session to bring your attendees on screen for a live interactive experience.
Navigate to Setup > Basics in your Event Dashboard to access and adjust the fundamental Session settings, including the webinar style and areas. You have the flexibility to change it later at any time without losing any associated data.
Stage setup
Stage is powered by the StreamYard backstage. When selecting this option, you will find the backstage link available.
Alternatively, when using other broadcast software, you have the option to set up an RTMP stream. Navigate to the RTMP tab and click Generate RTMP setup. This action will provide both Preferred and Backup RTMP URLs and Stream Keys. For more information on configuring an RTMP stream, refer to our guide on Required RTMP streaming encoder settings.
Session setup
In a Session-style setup, you can specify the maximum number of participants visible on screen simultaneously and whether the session is moderated.
Unmoderated Session will allow attendees to freely join the screen. Enabling the Moderated Session option grants Organizers and assigned Moderators control over granting permission for attendees to participate with Video/Audio on screen.
Tip. Organizers and assigned Moderators have access to various engagement tools, including Breakout rooms, Session banners, Layouts, Sharing screen only, highlighting chat messages, polls, questions, and more. Explore each tool in detail in our guide: Speaking in and Moderating Sessions
How do I record my webinar?
You can also select if you'd like to record your Session broadcast. This option is enabled by default. Navigate to the Event Dashboard > Setup > Basics to disable it if needed. See our guide Accessing recordings for additional information.
Enabling/disabling webinar areas
Click Show webinar areas next to the selected Session style to enable or disable additional areas and set where your attendees will land first when entering the virtual venue. Depending on the goals and nature of your event, you can choose any combination of these areas or all of them. Stage or Session will be enabled by default based on the selected Session style.
- Reception can be used as a lobby where people learn about the event and get oriented. It will show the event schedule and speakers added to your event. Additionally, you can add a welcome message and sponsors in the Event Dashboard > Setup > Reception page.
- Replay allows you to show event recordings to attendees during and after the event for up to 12 months. You will need to go to the Event Dashboard > Recordings to publish your existing recordings to the Replay area.
- Custom Area adds an additional icon to your event navigation and links to an external page of your choice.