“Video SDKs act as the chief access keys for unlocking improved user engagement and app retention.”
In today’s tech-savvy world, where healthcare, education, and business meetings are happening virtually, delivering a crystal-clear video is the need of the hour.
To make that happen, developers are using video SDKs to integrate top-notch video communication features into any website or app, apply AR masks and filters to apps, stream live and VOD content, and more to enhance app usage and user experiences.
Therefore, in this blog, we will see the A to Z of video SDK, its use cases, types, framework, tech stack, and much more.
Table of Contents
What Is A Video SDK?
A video SDK is a set of software codes, libraries, pre-built components, APIs, and debugging tools, allowing developers to add video calling capability to any application with minimal or low coding effort.
What Are The Frameworks Video SDKs Built On?
Video chat SDKs can be built on different frameworks, depending on what feature they are going to add and on which platform. Some of the frameworks include:
- WebRTC: WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) makes use of Javascript APIs to facilitate real-time audio and video communication across mobile and web apps. Besides providing the platform to build video chat apps, it is also used to deploy video conferencing solutions.
- DirectShow: As DirectShow is created by Microsoft, this framework or API is used to add video operations like live streaming and playback into Windows apps.
- GStreamer: GStreamer comes as a multimedia framework using video APIs to connect media processing systems in Linux OS.
- AVFoundation: This framework offers a feature-rich video API for fostering time-based audiovisual media in iOS and macOS systems. Its API’s primary features include video editing, playback, encoding audio and video, capturing, and MIDI data.
- MediaCodec: As it goes with the name, MediaCodec assists developers in providing access to hardware encoders and decoders for real-time communication.
- FFmpeg: It is yet another open-source framework that provides a set of software tools and libraries to manage audio and video streams in various formats.
So, these were some of the frameworks that can be used to build engaging video streaming, video calling, and collaboration attributes into any app.
What Are The Different Types Of Video SDKs?
For adding video communication features like editing, playback, group video calls, push notifications, and live streaming, there exist different types of video SDKs for each category or use case.
We will explore its types in the section below.
Editor’s Tip: Imagine the stress a developer would have to face using different SDKs for adding different functionalities. However, using MirrorFly’s video SDK can help developers add 500+ call and chat features to any chat app.
Want to give it a try?
1. Video Conferencing SDK
Video conferencing SDK is a set of tools that allows developers to add video conferencing capabilities into any software application or service for handling large conference calls or small group meetings.
Plus, this type of SDK can help add features like group video calling, screen sharing, real-time chats, and collaboration attributes.
Use Cases:
- E-learning platform where the teacher engages with students of the class virtually.
- Doctors discuss with patients on a diagnosis.
2. Live Streaming SDK
Live streaming SDK enables developers to integrate live streaming capabilities into apps. Plus, it offers features like capturing, encoding/decoding, and transmitting real-time video content over the internet.
Use Cases:
- It can be used for building gaming apps, social media platforms, online education apps, and even in broadcasting.
3. Video Recording SDK
This type of video SDK is used by mobile and web developers to add video recording capabilities to software platforms or apps. By integrating video recording SDK, users can capture their video content and save it for future usage.
Use Cases:
- It can be used in video messaging apps, video hosting platforms, commercial apps, and for remote collaboration.
4. Voice Calling SDK
Voice calling SDK is used to add 1-to-1 and group voice chat features into any web or mobile app seamlessly. Plus, a voice chat SDK can be used to enhance customer support experiences with the help of additional voice-calling features like call forwarding, call recording, and call queuing.
Use Cases:
- It can be used for handling internal business communication, customer support engagements, and platforms that need programmable voice IVRs.
5. Video Editing SDK
A video editing SDK can be used to integrate video editing functionalities into apps. With this SDK, it becomes easy to add features like trimming, cropping, adding effects and overlays, and more.
Use Cases:
- It can be used in video hosting platforms, live streaming platforms, video editing apps, and other tools.
6. Video Player SDK
Video player SDK allows users to experience video playback functionality in their apps. By integrating this SDK, features like format support, resolutions, and streaming protocols can be set.
Use Cases:
- Video player SDKs are used to implement playback features in VOD platforms, video streaming apps, e-learning apps, and monitoring tools.
So, these were the different types of video SDK available with which various functionalities can be added.
What Are The Use Cases Of A Video SDK?
Video calling API comes as a powerful tool for adding in-app calling functionality into any use case. Whether it is to host global events, boost gaming experiences, or promote smoother doctor-patient interactions, video sdk simply does more.
Therefore, let us see where all video SDKs can be used.
- Telehealth: One of the best use cases of video API is in this domain which allows developers to create a highly functional and secure telemedicine app for conducting virtual doctor-patient communication. Plus, it is useful for patients living in underserved areas to virtually engage in face-to-face video calls with doctors and discuss diagnoses.
- Gaming: With the help of a real-time video calling capability, gamers can up their games, create communities, and enhance their gaming experiences. Thus making every level a spectacle!
- Education: e-learning video APIs do wonders by promoting exceptional real-time 1-to-1 and 1-to-many video interactions between teachers and students. Plus, students can engage in real-time chats and give feedback immediately during an ongoing conference call.
- Fitness: Fitness APIs help trainers carry out live workout sessions for users and guide clients on their progress as well. Additionally, fitness trainers can send on-demand videos to users and set subscriptions to earn revenue.
- HR Services: Especially after the pandemic, video interviews and virtual onboarding started to boom. And by integrating video API, HRs can easily conduct the interview process and onboard the right candidate.
- Live Events: Video SDK helps developers to build a video hosting platform that allows content creators to engage in live events with audiences and stream on-demand content as well. Plus, features like real-time chats, polls, likes, captioning, and more can be added.
Therefore to conclude, video SDK is transforming every industry we seek in the best way possible.
Video SDK’s Support For Tech Platform
Enhance your video experiences with the best video SDK & APIs that offer rich features across different tech platforms like:
- iOS – Swift
- iOS, Web, Android – Flutter
- Android – Kotlin/Java
- Web apps – React
- Mobile apps – React Native
Why Should You Use MirrorFly’s Video SDK?
MirrorFly is the #1 video calling API provider for building custom video chat apps across web and mobile platforms. With our highly scalable video SDKs, you can add video functionalities to your apps in just 10 minutes, and drive crystal-clear face-to-face live video chat interactions.
Plus, we have got everything you need to build a secure video calling experience like:
- Unlimited 1-to-1 and group video calls without any restrictions.
- Add highly responsive UI elements to your video chat app.
- Exchange files of any size with peers.
- Give your users the ability to record ongoing calls and add sessions.
- Allow users to join their group family calls or professional meetups via links.
- Deliver lag-free and low-latent calling experiences to users.
Along with these, you can avail benefits like
- 100% customization on 500+ call and chat features.
- On-premise /on-cloud hosting
- Complete source code control
- Hire a dedicated team for integration, and end-to-end support with our self-hosted video SDKs.
Wrapping Up!
To conclude, we cannot deny the fact that video SDK is indeed revolutionizing online communication by improving user experiences and app engagements.
Therefore, it is mandated that you choose the right video SDK provider for integrating high-quality, real-time video calling features to your apps, and give integration support and complete source code control too.
Well, I know a name that offers customization, security, branding, and so much more on their video SDK. If you are curious, then it is MirrorFly.
Interested in learning more about us? Take a tour of our video SDKs.
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