This guide explains the differences between the StreamYard Backstage and RingCentral Events Studio that can be used to produce a stream on a Stage.
StreamYard Backstage
StreamYard is a browser-based streaming production tool. Historically, StreamYard and RingCentral Events (formally Hopin) were under one company. As a result, StreamYard studio was integrated into RingCentral Events as the Backstage area on a Stage allowing event hosts to create a polished and professional stage experience.
Note: Backstage powered by StreamYard is a free tool that does not require a StreamYard account. However, it does not include all the features offered on a paid StreamYard subscription. For a detailed comparison, refer to our article Backstage powered by StreamYard vs. StreamYard Business.
RingCentral Events Studio
RingCentral Events Studio is a built-in streaming production tool that can be utilized in both a Stage and a Session. Currently, it offers most of the features available in StreamYard Backstage. Our Product team has complete control over the Studio, enabling us to add new features and enhance the moderation and speaker experience in the future.
Features overview
| StreamYard Backstage | RingCentral Events Studio | |
| Stream delay | 15-20 seconds | 15-20 seconds on Stage No delay in a Session room |
| Studio participants | Up to 10 participants | Up to 25 participants |
| Stream quality | 720p default resolution | 1080p default resolution, no settings needed |
|
Customization |
||
| Brand color | ✔ | ✔ |
| Custom background | ✔ | ✔ |
| Font customization | ✔ | ✘ |
| Edges style | ✔ | ✔ |
| Screen layouts | ✔ Fixed & custom |
✔ Only fixed |
|
Sharing content |
||
| Sharing videos | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sharing slides | ✔ Also supports Google Slides |
✔ Speakers can control their slides |
| Playing background music | ✔ Pre-defined & custom |
✔ Pre-defined & custom |
| Adding banners | ✔ Text only banners |
✔ Clickable call-to-action banners (with click tracking) |
| Adding overlays | ✔ Static image overlays |
✔ Size adjustable image overlays and screen placement |
| Sharing extra camera | ✔ | ✔ |
| Moderation | ||
| Direct link for speakers | ✔ | ✔ |
| Private backstage chat | ✔ | ✔ |
| Integrated chat & displaying chat messages on screen | ✔ | ✔ |
| Integrated polls & displaying polls on screen | ✘ | ✔ |
| Integrated Q&A & displaying questions on screen | ✘ | ✔ |
| Multi-selecting speakers & content | ✘ | ✔ |
| Searching speakers & content | ✘ | ✔ |
|
Speaker controls |
||
| Virtual background & blur effect | ✔ | ✔ |
| Engagement features | ✘ | ✔ Confetti, emoji reactions, raise hand |