Zoom Meeting vs Webinar

Overview

This article explains the differences between Zoom meeting and Zoom webinar. 

 

Details

Major differences
  • Meeting: Every participant can chat via audio and video.
  • Webinar: Attendees, except the host and panellsts, are view-only, but can be unmuted if the host gives permission. 

 

ZOOM MEETING 

Available to
All students, faculty, and staff for collaborative meetings ≤ 300 participants
 
Recommended for

When all participants (≤ 300) are encouraged to chat via audio and video, and share their screens, for example:

  • Brainstorming meetings
  • Tutorials, where group discussions is encouraged
  • Student project team meetings

 

ZOOM WEBINAR 

Limited to

Faculty, and staff upon request for large classes or events with up to 1000 participants

 
Recommended for

Events or classes with more than 300 participants, where the host and panellists prefer more control over the audience. It allows view-only attendees to minimize interruptions. Attendees can interact via Q&A, chat and polling.

  • Classes or events < 1000 participants
  • Large virtual activities with view-only attendees
  • Events involving panellists

 

Exceeding the participant capacity?

Large Zoom Meeting (up to 500 participants), or large Zoom Webinar (up to 1000 participants) can be enabled upon request.

 

FEATURE COMPARISON

 

Zoom Meeting

Zoom Webinar

Available to Faculty, Staff
& Students
Faculty & Staff
(Request needed)
Audience Capacity < 300 < 1000
Screen-sharing

Chat Message

Online Teaching

Video Recording

Host & Co-Host option

Polling 

Downloading videos

Q & A
X

Breakout rooms

X
Waiting rooms

X

 

 

Print Article

Related Articles (3)

This article describes the Zoom features available to faculty, staff, and students.
This article is related to the technical requirements for Zoom.

Related Services / Offerings (1)

Video conferencing provides faculty, staff, and students with the ability to hold or attend live meetings, lectures, and presentations with colleagues from remote locations.