What’s the Difference Between a Video Call and a Video Conference?
Introduction
In today’s digital communication landscape, video-based interactions have become essential. Whether for remote work, online classes, or connecting with friends and family, video technology plays a central role.
However, not everyone understands the distinction between a video call and a video conference. While both allow real-time visual and audio communication, they differ in scale, purpose, and functionality. Knowing these differences helps you choose the right tool for your needs and ensures smoother, more productive meetings. At Seattle Conference Room AV Techs, we provide professional solutions to optimize every video conferencing setup for clarity and performance.
What Is a Video Call?
A video call is a one-on-one or small-group visual conversation conducted through a device such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Key Features of a Video Call:
- Typically 1:1 or up to 4–10 participants
- Focused on personal or small-scale professional communication
- Real-time video and audio
- Often mobile-friendly (e.g., WhatsApp, FaceTime)
- Minimal setup and no complex infrastructure
Best Use Cases:
- Quick check-ins with colleagues
- Catching up with friends or family
- Simple client discussions
- Private consultations
Video calls are designed to be simple, immediate, and informal.
What Is a Video Conference?
A video conference is a larger-scale virtual meeting designed to connect multiple participants, often in a professional or educational setting.
Key Features of a Video Conference:
- Supports larger groups (from 10 to hundreds of participants)
- Often includes advanced features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, recording, and meeting moderation
- Used for formal presentations, webinars, or team collaboration
- Typically requires a stable internet connection and dedicated software (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex)
- Can integrate chat, polls, Q&A, and collaborative tools
Best Use Cases:
- Business team meetings
- Corporate webinars and training
- Online classes or virtual workshops
- Multi-location client presentations
Video conferences are designed to accommodate structured, interactive, and professional group communication.
Key Differences Between Video Calls and Video Conferences
| Feature | Video Call | Video Conference |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | 1–10 people | 10–500+ people |
| Purpose | Casual or quick communication | Formal meetings, presentations, workshops |
| Features | Basic video and audio | Advanced tools: screen share, recording, breakout rooms, polls |
| Platform Examples | FaceTime, WhatsApp, Skype | Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex |
| Setup Complexity | Minimal setup | Requires scheduling, software, and sometimes IT support |
| Interaction Style | Informal, direct | Structured, moderated, multi-speaker |
Why Understanding the Difference Matters
Knowing the difference helps you:
- Choose the right platform for your needs
- Prepare properly (agenda, tools, participants)
- Set expectations for meeting format and participation
- Optimize communication for engagement and productivity
For example, a quick 1:1 check-in may not require Zoom; a large team presentation will. Understanding the difference also involves knowing what equipment you need for video conferencing to ensure seamless communication.
Tips for Choosing Between a Video Call and Video Conference
- Check the number of participants
Small group → Video call | Large group → Video conference - Determine the purpose of the meeting
Informal chat → Call | Formal presentation → Conference - Consider required features
Only audio/video → Call | Screen sharing, recording, polls → Conference - Assess device and internet availability
Mobile-friendly → Call | Stable high-speed internet recommended → Conference
Conclusion
While video calls and video conferences may seem similar, they serve very different purposes. Video calls are ideal for informal, quick interactions, while video conferences are designed for structured, professional, or educational group communication. Understanding the distinction ensures you use the right platform, maximize efficiency, and create more productive interactions for all participants. Before hosting a video conference, it’s helpful to know the minimum requirements for video conferencing to guarantee a smooth and professional session.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can a video call become a video conference?
Yes, many platforms allow you to add participants and transition from a call to a conference.
2. Which is better for remote team meetings?
Video conferences are preferred for larger, structured team meetings, while calls are suitable for small or quick discussions.
3. Do video calls require special software?
Not always. Many video call apps are mobile-friendly and browser-based, like FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Skype.
4. Are video conferences more secure than video calls?
Professional video conferencing platforms often offer advanced security features like encryption, meeting passwords, and waiting rooms.
5. Can students use video conferences for online classes?
Absolutely. Platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams are widely used for virtual learning.