What is video conferencing?

What is video conferencing? Basically, it uses the web to connect people — from one-on-one conversations to large-scale group events — via a live video and audio feed. Video conferences are conducted with the help of software and video conferencing services like Vonage Video API, Google Meet, and others.

Although initially driven by the pandemic, web conferencing online doesn’t appear to be losing steam. Today, 58% of companies use video conferencing in their day-to-day operations, and the video conferencing market is expected to  grow from $7.45 billion in 2024 to $8.02 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%.

The growth of web conferencing is reflected largely in the growth of remote or hybrid workforces. According to a Gallup study, more than four in five of these employees have some degree of remote flexibility with 55% working hybrid; 26% exclusively remote; and 19% exclusively on-site.

How video conferencing works

Video conferencing allows people to connect remotely via audio and video over the internet, simulating a face-to-face meeting. Using specialized software, participants’ video and audio are captured, compressed, and transmitted in real-time, enabling features like screen sharing and file exchange. Video conferencing relies on webcams, microphones, and internet connectivity for smooth communication.

The technology uses protocols like WebRTC or SIP to establish communication channels, which enable real-time interactions. Video conferencing supports both one-on-one and group calls, with features such as virtual backgrounds, breakout rooms, and recording, making it an essential tool for remote work and collaboration.

What equipment do you need for video conferencing?

To set up a video conference, you'll need the following equipment:

• Camera: A webcam or integrated camera on your computer or mobile device to capture video.

• Microphone: A built-in or external microphone to capture clear audio from participants.

• Speakers or headset: To hear the audio from other participants; a headset is often preferred to reduce background noise.

• Computer or mobile device: A desktop, laptop, or smartphone with the necessary software or app for the video conference.

• Stable internet connection: A reliable internet connection with enough bandwidth for smooth video and audio transmission.

• Software or app: A video conferencing platform, like Vonage, which allows you to host and join meetings.

Additional equipment like external cameras, microphones, and a higher-quality monitor for better audio/video clarity may also be used for more professional setups.

Types of video conferencing systems

There are many types of video conferencing systems, each suited to different needs and environments. Here are the main ones:

• Personal video conferencing systems: These are usually used for one-on-one or small group meetings. They work on devices like laptops, desktops, tablets, or smartphones using video conferencing software such as Vonage. Ideal for remote workers, freelancers, and small businesses.

• Room-based video conferencing systems: Designed for larger meetings or conferences in dedicated rooms with multiple participants. These systems include high-quality cameras, microphones, and screens for clear, professional video calls. Common in corporate offices, boardrooms, and conference rooms.

• Mobile video conferencing systems: Used for video meetings while on the go, typically through smartphones or tablets. These systems are versatile and can connect to video conferencing platforms via mobile apps. Perfect for people who need to join meetings remotely or when traveling.

• Web conferencing systems: Focused on meetings that combine video with other elements, such as document sharing, screen sharing, and collaboration tools. Platforms like Vonage fall under this category. Ideal for team meetings, webinars, and online presentations.

• Enterprise video conferencing systems: Large-scale systems used by businesses with high-quality video and audio capabilities. They often support multiple rooms or locations and have advanced features like centralized control, cloud storage, and integration with other enterprise tools. Used by large companies for global collaboration, webinars, and training sessions.

Uses of video conferencing

Regardless of the type of video conferencing system you choose, there are countless ways it can be used, allowing you to connect with colleagues, clients, and potential employees. Here are some top uses of video conferencing for businesses:

Business Meetings

• Enables teams to communicate effectively, especially in remote or hybrid work environments.

• Facilitates real-time collaboration and decision-making without the need for travel, saving time and costs.

Client and customer interactions

• Companies use video conferencing to meet with clients or customers, offering personalized service and support.

• It allows businesses to conduct product demos, consultations, and troubleshooting sessions.

Job interviews and recruitment

• Video conferencing enables remote hiring processes, allowing interviews to be conducted without geographical constraints.

• It helps companies save on travel expenses while reaching a global talent pool.

Webinars and online events

• Businesses and organizations use video conferencing for hosting webinars, conferences, and workshops.

• It allows broad audience engagement with interactive elements like Q&A and live polls.

Project management and collaboration

• Teams can use video conferencing to discuss project progress, share updates, and brainstorm ideas.

• Integrated features like screen sharing and document collaboration tools enhance team efficiency and communication.

Why video conferencing?

With remote work or “working from anywhere” firmly established, it just makes sense for businesses to explore — or continue to invest in — secure video conferencing. This collaboration tool offers a range of benefits for both employers and employees.

The importance of video conferencing for employees

Remote work is an important part of the modern workforce. But remote doesn’t mean disconnected. Video conferencing technology brings a human element to remote work that an audio-only meeting can’t match, making it possible for employees to meet face to face even when they’re miles or countries apart.

You can see facial expressions and body language while listening to what participants say — whether they’re using a laptop, mobile device, or conference room meeting webcam.

And employees save their own money and time — there are no long commutes, which reduces fuel expenses and wear and tear on their cars.

This results in deeper collaboration, better teamwork, higher morale, improved productivity, and other benefits.

The importance of video conferencing for businesses

Video conferencing benefits are numerous for businesses, starting with cost savings. If your workforce is fully remote, or a hybrid of remote and on-site, you might be able to downsize your office space, along with related reductions in utilities, equipment, maintenance, IT, and other expenses.

If members of your team travel regularly, scheduling meetings can be a challenge. But with video conferencing programs, they can join in from practically anywhere, including taxis, hotel rooms, airports, their home offices, and more.

Software for video conferencing also provides a face-to-face meeting experience for geographically dispersed teams, so they can collaborate from anywhere. And it allows your company to hire the best and brightest talent, regardless of location. 

Everyone stays informed and aligned, employees are more productive, and operations are more efficient.

What are the benefits of video conferencing?

With the power to bring people together, simplify collaboration, improve efficiency, and save money, video conferencing tools provide advantages for businesses of any size.

Here are 11 critical benefits of video conferencing for employees and employers.

1. Meet anytime, anywhere

2. Communicate more freely

3. Collaborate more easily

4. Boost productivity

5. Increase efficiency

6. Record meetings

7. Connect visually

8. Reduce travel

9. Save time

10. Save money

11. Keep ahead of the curve

Let’s take a closer look at each one.

1. Meet anytime, anywhere

Employees, managers, and other business colleagues can quickly start a video meeting, no matter where each participant is based, as long as they have an internet-connected device. Video conferencing can be a convenient option even for businesses that aren’t dispersed geographically. For example, if your business has several office spaces in one facility or location, it can often be easier and faster to initiate a video meeting than to make the long walk to meet face to face.

2. Communicate more fully

Humans are visual creatures. In fact, research has shown that we tend to process visual information more quickly and accurately than text and audio. As a result, attendees at a meeting via video conferencing will often retain more information and comprehend it more effectively than in a meeting via audio.

3. Collaborate more easily

Brainstorm ideas. Flesh out concepts. Share and work on documents in real time. Incorporate feedback. Video conferencing makes it easy to collaborate as a group in real-time, giving everyone a voice and ensuring that everyone is on the same page moving forward on any project.

4. Boost productivity

Say goodbye to long email chains, lost messages, confusing in-document comments, and other potential time-wasters. Video conferencing can eliminate confusion, misunderstandings, and delays. And if you need a quick answer to a question, just connect for a quick web video conference conversation with a colleague and use a screen-share function to push your project down the road — no more sending an email and hoping to get an answer tomorrow.

5. Increase efficiency

The various benefits of video conferencing — verbal and non-verbal cues, screen sharing, real-time collaboration, and the ability to join from virtually anywhere — represent a more efficient use of everyone’s time. Ending meetings at established times also helps keep people on time and on topic. What’s more, video conferencing is as flexible as you want, from spontaneous virtual huddles to regular check-ins.

6. Record meetings

Video conferencing platforms allow you to record meetings for later review, to share with people who couldn’t attend, or to clear up any misunderstandings. You get a consistent, accurate record of all interactions. 

7. Connect visually

Humans are visual creatures. In fact, research has shown that we tend to process visual information more quickly and accurately than text and audio. As a result, attendees at a meeting via video conferencing will often retain more information and comprehend it more effectively than in a meeting via audio.

8. Reduce travel

Video conferences eliminate the need to travel. Your team can devote more time to more important work demands, or to maintaining a work/life balance, even on days when they have meetings.

9. Save time

Cutting down on commuting time is an obvious benefit of video conferencing. Beyond that, in-person meetings with suppliers, clients, satellite offices, and more can eat up valuable time — a one-hour meeting can easily stretch to an entire morning when you add in travel time. With web conferencing platforms, an hour is an hour.

10. Save money

When you factor in such things as car maintenance, lunches, and daycare, remote workers — enabled by video conferencing — can save an average of $7,000 a year. Similarly, businesses can realize savings of $2,000 a year per employee through fewer on-site employees, the reduced need for office space, lower facility maintenance and insurance, and other eliminated costs.

11. Keep ahead of the curve

With work from home and hybrid work models firmly entrenched, having a reliable video conferencing solution in place has become a must-have. The immediate, face-to-face quality of video interactions can enhance teamwork, boost morale, and drive efficiency. And the combined advantages of video communication can give you a competitive edge.

Video conferencing best practices

The rise of video conferencing has brought with it a new set of rules — not to mention spoken and unspoken etiquette — many of which center on the environment from which you're calling. Here are a few things to consider when setting up a conferencing area.

Test your set-up before the call

Microphones, cameras, phones, tablets, PCs, and even video conferencing apps itself are all potential gotchas — you definitely don't want to have to reschedule a call when your camera fails two minutes before showtime. Make sure all the equipment works and that your video conferencing software is up to date.

Nail down your lighting

If you want to look good during a group video conference call, ditch the overhead lighting. Instead, use a natural light source behind your camera to provide the right atmosphere. Also, make sure your camera angle is on point — unusual camera views can be distracting during a video conference.

Avoid unexpected background guests

Other people — particularly those who might walk through in their pajamas or in a T-shirt proclaiming their love of pizza — are just as big a no-no on a video call as they would be in a real office setting. If you're calling from home, be sure to have a chat with your co-dwellers about the importance of steering clear of your calling area.

Ambient noise is the enemy

Conversations in the next room or even kids playing quietly are almost certainly audible to your calling partners. The same thing goes for your cubicle mate's atrocious talk radio and or team member chatter about the latest grocery store finds. Whatever your ambient noise challenges, make sure you squelch them when video conferencing. One good rule of thumb is to mute your microphone while you're not speaking.

The background is bigger than you think

Is cleaning your calling area a key part of your pre-conference ritual? If so, make sure you give the camera a wide berth. More of the area may be visible than you think, and the last thing you want are piles of papers or assorted boxes cluttering up the edge of your co-worker's or client's screen.

Smarter, more productive meetings start now with video conferencing

So, there you have it. Your complete 2025 guide to video conferencing. The advantages of video conferencing are undeniable, especially in today’s remote and hybrid work environments. It boosts productivity, improves collaboration, offers flexibility, and helps save time and costs for both employers and employees.

Discover today how Vonage Video API can power your business with smart, reliable video conferencing solutions.